| Author | Message | ||
     Pigseye |
I'm really impressed with the XB-based Uly. I WILL get one or an improved version of it one day. It seems (as expected) that there are those who are not as impressed with the Uly as I am (or we are). I read a thread on another website about the X1's exhaust causing its rider to crash because its mounting system caused the bike to auger in and pitch its rider. According to assumed subjective opinions, all X1 Buells are trash, and should be bought back by Buell. Some even go so far as say that ALL Buells are trash. Is this story true? Anyways.... But seriously, if this is true, do the XB bikes have the same engine/exhaust mounting system the X1 bikes?...and are the XB bikes prone to the same exhaust problems as the X1 bikes? This inquiring mind wants to know. (Message edited by pigseye on May 17, 2006) | ||
| Maximum |
14 years ago I highsided a CBR1000, I wonder if that was because all CBR's were prone to highside??? Naaa, I was just young and stupid.  | ||
| Whodom |
Pigseye, You won't have any trouble finding Buell-haters around the net. I don't know what it is about the brand, but it seems to generate more nay-sayers (many of whom have never so much as ridden a Buell, much less owned one) than any other brand. SACBorg (where you likely saw that post) is a group of some former Buell enthusiasts. There are some fairly objective guys there, but by and large a lot of them really get off on trying to out-do one another in expressing their hatred for all things Buell. The pre-2001 tube framed Buells had a front muffler mount that was problem prone. On the 2001 and 2002 models this mount was replaced by an improved design that fixed the problem. This mount was offered as a "good will" fix on many tubers but I don't believe it was ever a formal recall. It really wasn't that big a deal, and there are still tubers running with the old mount. Some aftermarket mufflers are particularly prone to breakage; the X-1 Files site (http://www.saintjohn.nbcc.nb.ca/Marriott/x1/) gives a good overview of the various aftermarket mufflers that were produced for tubers. The XB's use a COMPLETELY different mounting system and have never had similar problems. That said, there has been at least one case posted here of an XB rider that had his aftermarket muffler fall off, causing a crash. This wasn't due to any inherent defect in the bike or muffler mounting system, the rider (IIRC) just re-used a "one use only" clamp or something similar when he installed a new muffler and it eventually failed, allowing the muffler to fall. Keep reading here for a while and I think you'll see that the XB muffler mounts are pretty darn well bullet-proof as long as they're installed by the factory shop manual. (Message edited by whodom on May 18, 2006) | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
I re-clamped my muffler with Walmart Tie wraps. When they melt off I just stop traffic and replace them. Can't beat the price. | ||
| Chadhargis |
Seriously....have X1 owners ever heard of safety wire? The XB bikes are a totally different beast from the old tube frame X1. | ||
| Pigseye |
Thanks, Whodom...that's what I thought. Of course I understand that this type of blanket product bashing is typical when people don't do their research or are just fed up with the manufacturer. I still believe in the Ulysses concept and I hope improvements are forthcoming in future models of this concept ie. longer wheelbase, better hi-speed on-road stability, more fuel capacity, steering dampner, more steering sweep, stronger alternator for the accessory freaks amongst, stronger headlights, LED turn-sigs, stainless steel muffler/attachment bolts, etc...call it the XB12X Atlas or something for world terrain conquering capabilities as good or better than its competition. Its nice to fantasize  (Message edited by pigseye on May 18, 2006) | ||
| Chadhargis |
I'll agree, it does need better headlights. The rest is fine. | ||
| Chrisb |
Please no feeding of the Trolls | ||
| Aeholton |
Pigseye - Being an actual Uly owner, I can't agree with all your "improvements". 1. Leave the wheelbase alone - handling is awesome! 2. Better high speed on-road stability - never had a problem...Don't know where you are getting this from as it cruises all day at 80-90mph. Blasts up to 110mph feel extremely stable. 3. More fuel capacity - 150+ miles on the highway and I'm ready for a little break. Not a problem for me. 4. Steering Damper - Goes along with your stability non-issue. 5. More steering sweep - Bothered me a little at first, but you get used to it and become a better rider through practice. 6. Stronger alternator - Haven't had a problem myself. Have run with GPS, Delphi XM radio, heated vest and cellphone charging all at the same time w/o any problems. 7. Stronger headlights - I agree. 8. LED turn signals - Would be slick, but I don't need it. 9. Stainless Steel Muffler - I have the Race can and it is stainless. | ||
| Stevenknapp |
I'll agree, it does need better headlights. Really? I'm really happy with mine. I did swap the bulbs for euro-spec silverstars (www.powerbulbs.co.uk) and aimed it to suit my weight/taste. $100ish gets you HID if you're interested. Would free a few watts (40W) up for other things too. | ||
| Pigseye |
To each his own...carry on! | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
How about Carbide lamps. All you need is water, carbide and a match. | ||
| Aeholton |
To each his own...carry on! That's just it...you don't have your own. Get one...then see what you would like to improve.  | ||
| Pigseye |
Soon, I hope...verrrry soon  There's a fall trip up through the PNW that I'd like to enjoy and it'd be best that I have the bike broken in and sorted out to taste by then. The low seat or Corbin is a MUST for sure. (Message edited by pigseye on May 18, 2006) | ||
| Aeholton |
One last thing forget that slow black version you have your pigseye on...get the faster orange type.  | ||
| Pigseye |
I guess I should go with the slower Barricade Orange since I'm always running sweep in a group of three or more anyways | ||
| Johnplank |
One is faster then the other. Your joking right? | ||
| Aeholton |
Your joking right? Absolutely not, It's been proven by someone here.  | ||
| Crusty |
I don't know for sure that orange is faster than that other colorless option, but it's definately been proven that it's sexier. | ||
| Anonymous |
Actually the inside factory scoop is that the orange bikes do have blueprinted engines, knowing as we do that this color is sexier, and therefore orange Ulysses riders will be too busy with, ahem, different kind of servicing, and will not have time to be working in their garage. | ||
| Soloyosh |
I thought the Orange ones were all originally destined for the highway dept? | ||
| Coolice |
Thats why I have a ORANGE one! Thanks anon for the info on that. How come DaveS didn't show us at the factory a couple weeks ago? | ||
| Ka5ysy |
Somebody let us know if the other service department is open at the "Homecoming". Hmmmmm.... That would give a new definition of that term I might want to come and check out.  Oops... sorry for the bad pun.  | ||
| M2nc |
Anon - You are killing me.  Pigseye - I do not understand why people want to put Steering Dampeners on XBs. You know Buell went though a lot of trouble getting that quick steering geometry. Those that want to put SD on XBs usually have scared themselves on a XB because they have been riding conventional sport bikes and are not use to a bike that reacts so fast to so little steering inputs from the rider. On the Uly, I can change lanes at highway speeds using only my knees against the frame. Not even my M2 is so willing to change directions on command. My advice, ride an XB a few hundred miles before you buy the SD. The idea of a steering dampener will be gone by then. But I do caution you, if you jump back on a conventional sport bike you may miss the first curve if you not careful. Head Lights - Agreed. Fuel Range - I have to agree to some extent here. I was riding back to eastern North Carolina from Indiana and the bike was so comfortable that after 180 miles I did not want to pull over for fuel. On the other hand, 180 to 205 miles (furthest I have gone on a tank of gas) is more distance than most would want to travel non-stop. Swimming feeling is caused by the D616 tires, great in mud and water, but swim a bit at speeds faster than 70mph. I have changed to Pirellis and the swimming is gone all the way up to 115mph (fastest I have gone on the new tires). Even in heavy crosswinds, the Uly is rock stead. | ||
| Chasespeed |
Seriously....have X1 owners ever heard of safety wire? Come on now, I am surprised, that NO ONE has mentioned that 99-02 ruber exhuasts ARE ALL THE SAME.. Yes, there was a mount issue, but, ti was dealt with as mentioned above... I know what i have to watch on the bike... Steering damper..only thing I know that they are any good for, is helping keep the front wheel going straight, when it comes back to earth at speeds(wheelies and such), only time I have felt my X1 get funny, or even an Xb for that matter... LITER bikers come stock with them, as they can loft the front wheel pretty easy under HARD acceleration.. Chase} | ||
| Bigmeansumbiatch |
Sounds like Hiway 36 a few years ago! | ||
| Pigseye |
Hey, I know you. Heh heh heh. Have you test-ridden one yet? |
