| Author | Message | ||
     Tnash71 |
I am new to the board and glad to see such a well informed passionate community of Buell riders. My '06 VStar 1100 has been sitting in the garage since I bought my new '06 Ulysses last week (I think it may be jealous). I am very impressed by its capabilities and looking forward to getting my new exhaust so I can actually hear the wonderful V-Twin. I am balancing my excitement and wonder of the engineering marvels with my reoccurring doubt that I have purchased the wrong bike…but I so badly want it to be the right bike. I have the Low Seat and am 5’7” in height. I have to slide my ass over to the side to touch the ground on my tip toes. It’s a light bike so it’s not to unnerving or uncomfortable waiting at a light like that. I can barely flip up the kick stand because I can only touch on one side at a time. I feel like a kick boxer performing a roundhouse kick getting on and off the bike due to the high leg swing. I know there must Ulysses riders that are 5’7” and I want to know how they have managed. Should I lower the front and back? How much should I lower? Is americansportbike.com the recommended place to order parts and accessories (lowering kits)? Any advice is greatly appreciated. | ||
| Motomickey |
I have the 06 low seat and just put on the 07 stock seat. It is much better than the 06 low. Easier to touch down. I could not toe both feet with the 06 low and I can with the 07 stock. Plus it is much more comfortable. Best $$$$ (about $110) I have spent on the bike. | ||
| Tnash71 |
Thanks Mickey. I just bought the darn seat too...I'll wait for my dealer to get an '07 Uly or seat and give it a try. How tall are you by the way? | ||
| Debueller |
I am only 5'9" and have a 30" inseam. Dirt bikes have been "too tall" for me for over 20 years. However, I have adapted and gotten used to the fact that I will not be able to touch flat footed on any bike I care to ride. (including many sport and naked bikes). Tall bikes no longer bother me. I am always aware of where I stop and prepair myself accordenly. I do not need to be able to touch both feet on the ground to be comfortable. I have found I do these things usually automatically without even thinking about it. Like many skills involving motorcycling, practice will make it so easy that eveuantally you do things automatically. I gave myself time to adjust. You may choose not to, many Uly owners feel they will never get used to it. I have learned to live with it. Different seats and lowering the suspension can compromise comfort and suspension travel. I am not willing to give up either so I can "touch the ground with both feet" like I'm riding a cruiser. | ||
| Chinook |
5'8" here with 30" inseam. I am using the 2006 low seat (with gel insert) and don't particularly like it for extended rides...I tend to get a little sore after just two hours. I was thinking about going back to the 2006 stock seat, but perhaps for $110 I'll try the 2007 stock seat. I am used to the height. Coming from my BMW RT, it's much easier to tip toe because the Uly is so much lighter. Oh, and I bought some sheeot-kicking boots with a big sole at the local HD dealer. Managed to find a pair w/o all the HD bling. So what am I going to do with 3 seats? Anyone want to by a stock 2006 and low 2006? MotoMickey -- where did you find the 07 for $110? :> (Message edited by chinook on September 05, 2006) | ||
| Teeps |
Any Buell dealer can order you one. I bought a black on black seat from Calif/HD-Buell for $109 plus CA tax. Orange/black slightly higher, or so I've heard. | ||
| Javadog |
I had my stock seat lowered about an inch by a custom seat shop(wanted it "as low as possible" and that's how it was shipped back to me). It is about the same height as the Corbin. The seat is now too close to the footpegs and causes extreme leg joint pain. I need to have the whole bike lowered about 2 inches and I dream of adjustable footpeg mounts.I don't do peg scraping turns and don't drive through boulder fields and rock quarries so I don't need 7 inches of ground clearance. | ||
| Rhinowerx |
While looking for available suspension options for my Uly, I noticed on Wilbers site that they offer a progressive spring for XB12X Ulysses with height lowering 50 mm/bushing included. Didn't see anything about a lowered rear shock listed, but I guess you could ask http://tipp-69.com/usa/fork_springs_buell.htm Cheers -Jack | ||
| Motomickey |
I'm 5'8".....29 inch inseam. I wish I could figure out what to do with the old low seat....maybe mod it for something, who knows...there's always ebay....I would think the word is out here and selling one on the site would be a waste of time. | ||
| Para504 |
I'm working with Ed from Trackside Engineering to lower the suspension. The price is reasonable, and it drops front and rear (balanced approach which I want) about 1.5". As to the mounting, etc. I agree with one of the above posts. You can carefully mount the bike with the kickstand down, by stepping up on the peg (kickstand recalls not withstanding), keeping your weight over the centerline of bike, like you're getting on a tall dirt bike. Also, try the butt scoot to one side when you come to stops, so you can flat foot one side; also a dirtbike technique... | ||
| Javadog |
Para- Let me know what it takes to lower the beast.You sound like you are on to a good solution.I have tried to get ahold of buelldualsport at Blackcatracing with no success. The trip to the pro suspension shop in Atlanta will cost at least $1500 all said and done.THERE HAS TO BE AN EASIER WAY. Otherwise can you get Mr.Ed's phone number for me?  | ||
| M2nc |
5'7" and 29" inseam. I can put toes on both sides down, or flat foot one side without much problems. The height of the bike is not an issue for me anymore. I am just use to it after 13,000 miles. I too am going to try out the 07 seat. Can not wait. | ||
| Sound_uly |
I have a 31" inseam and ride with the low seat. Don't know if I'm just lucky and got a comfortable low seat or my butt is just more easy to please... or maybe it's just all the miles I have put on a tiny bicycle seat.  I just did 4 days and 1500 miles on the low seat and feel none the worse for wear. I can barely touch both tippy toes on the ground at once and, originally, had lots of trouble with the kickstand. It really didn't take long to get used to the Uly's height and I can now flip the kickstand up with no trouble. I did get a chance to sit on the '07 seat while up in Canada and think I may order one of those too. At just over a hundred bucks I'm willing to see how it feels on a long ride... who knows, maybe I'm more uncomfortable than I think.  Ron Ulysses in Seattle | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
Song: FOLLOW THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD Lyrics Munchkins We represent the Lullaby League, The Lullaby League, The Lullaby League And in the name of the Lullaby League, We wish to welcome you to Munchkinland. We represent the Lollypop Guild, The Lollypop Guild, The Lollypop Guild And in the name of the Lollypop Guild, We wish to welcome you to Muchkinland. We welcome you to Munchkinland, Tra la la la la la la From now on you'll be history. You'll be history, you'll be history, you'll be history. And we will glorify your name. You will be a bust, be a bust, be a bust In the Hall of Fame! Dorothy I thought you said she was dead. Glinda That was her sister - the Wicked Witch of the East. This is the Wicked Witch of the West. And she's worse than the other one was. Wicked Witch Who killed my sister? Who killed the Witch of the East? Was it you? Dorothy No, no. It was an accident. I didn't mean to kill anybody. Wicked Witch Well, my little pretty, I can cause accidents too! Glinda Oh, rubbish! You have no power here. Be gone before somebody drops a house on you, too! Wicked Witch Very well, I'll bide my time - but just try to stay out of my way - just try! I'll get you, my pretty, and your little dog, too! Glinda Pooh - what a smell of sulphur! I'm afraid you've made rather a bad enemy of the Wicked Witch of the West. The sooner you get out of Oz altogether, the safer you'll sleep, my dear. Dorothy Oh, I'd give anything to get of Oz altogether, but - which is the way back to Kansas? I can't go the way I came. Glinda No, that's true. The only person who might know would be the great and wonderful Wizard of Oz himself. Dorothy The Wizard of Oz? Is he good or is he wicked? Glinda Oh, very good, but very mysterious. He lives in the Emerald City and that's a long journey from here. Did you bring your broomstick with you? Dorothy No, I'm afraid I didn't. Glinda Well, then, you'll have to walk. The Munchkins will see you safely to the border of Munchkinland. Dorothy But - how do I start for the Emerald City? , | ||
| Ka5ysy |
Doesn't the Munchkin lyric belong over on ADVrider in GSpot ?  | ||
| Para504 |
Mmmm... Munchkins... Makes me want to head over to Dunkin Donuts and pick up a box. (West coasters probably have no clue what I'm talking about! Your loss!  ) Java, sent you a PM... Cost is about $350, not including shipping. Here's the contact info: Ed Kwaterski Trackside Engineering, LLC (262) 366-0591 | ||
| Half_buell |
I"m 5'6",have a corbin seat,hard as hell so for long trips I use a saddleman med gel pad,, butt likes much. I'm still upset that I have a USELESS stock seat. I just have to be careful in parking,no problem stopping I can flat foot 1 side with just a fraction of leaning. Have a 29" inseam and love the ULY. | ||
| Javadog |
Para- Thanks for the info.I'm going to send my parts to him for the mods this winter.He says the bike keeps the stock parts but gets lowered 35mm. Sweet. | ||
| Motomickey |
Just saw the question about where I got my seat-Daves from Appleton (shameless plug). I really try to buy from the guys that are on this site. | ||
| Chinook |
yep, ordered mine from DaveS earlier this week! | ||
| Alatriste |
Hi sorry if the question has been answered but I have a 06 Uly ( manufact. date sept 05). Does the 07 stock seat fit the model? Thanks Gracias y saludos | ||
| Edc |
Having a 29" inseam, height was an issue for me too, tried the 07 seat but actually like the low better. I purchased a top clamp, added some spacers and used it as a riser and then slid the forks up 1" and now it's manageable. The 07 seat is out for rework to the drivers section too get about 1 more inch so we'll see how it goes. The bike is awesome to ride and the suspension works great so I'm reluctant to changes springs or rework them to make it lower. Thanks, Ed | ||
| M2nc |
Manuel, Mi espańol no es tan bueno, per voy a tratar. Si puede poner el asiento del el '07 en un '06. Tienes que boner un parte que protegerse el ECM. Este parte creo que es el mismo que la parte que vienes con el opcional aseinto bajo para '06. Aquí es la parte.  Salude (Message edited by M2nc on September 10, 2006) | ||
| Para504 |
Thanks M2nc... ----Original msg---- Manuel, My Spanish is not so good, to per I go to treat. If it can put the seat of the ' 07 in ' 06. You must boner a part that to protect the electronic counter measures. This part I believe that it is same that the part that you come with optional aseinto low for ' 06. Here it is the part. | ||
| M2nc |
Ah, No! Okay my spanish is not that good, but its not that bad either. Here! Manuel, My spanish is not that good but I will try. Yes you can put an '07 seat on an '06. You have to put on a part that protects the ECM. I think this is the same part that comes with the optional '06 low seat. Here is the part.  Salutations.   (Message edited by M2nc on September 11, 2006) (Message edited by M2nc on September 11, 2006) | ||
| Alatriste |
JA JA thanks very much both Carlos your Spanish is pretty good je je | ||
| Chinook |
just got my '07 seat yesterday. it snaps in and fits perfectly on my '06 Uly. no wrestling it down to lock like my '06 low seat. the duck bill platform rests perfectly on the seat, where the '06 low was a tight fit. rode about an hour on it last night....initial comments are it is good. better for me than the '06 stock as it is lower and i sit down in the bike like the '06 low. However, it is "different" than the '06 low seat. I think I will like it better after it breaks in. I just notice the side cuts more as you slide forward. I think someone said it's a pretty good design, given what they are trying to do with one seat. I think that sums it up. The fabric seems a little cheaper than the '06 low. The pans are identical. The cushioning is softer than the '06 low (which i would describe the as hard). My butt seams to like it. At 5'8" with 30" inseam, the Uly height w/ '07 seat doesn't bother me one iota. Of course I am used to BMW RT height. windscreen sidebar comment, i put on the Uly tall windscreen (with recall bolts) and it seems fine given my ergos & '07 seat. a "little" head buffeting most noticeable at 80-90mph (couldn't really open it up last night), but below that speed it seems fine to me. what's most noticeable in the cold mountain air is less blast to the chest. at roughly $100 for the seat and $100 for the tall windscreen, i feel it is good value. by comparison, i'm betting you couldn't get ONE of the BMW items for under $300! | ||
| Gotj |
Edc, You describe lowering your triple clamps about 1" but there is no mention of dropping the rear the same amount. That would seem to make the steering really quick. Did you do anything to the rear? Also, the shop manual shows a circlip that apparently acts as a stop to prevent the fork tubes from going any further up. Did you have to remove it? I have an XB12S rear shock that I hope to install on the Uly along with Edc's front mods. Has anyone out there already done the rear shock exchange? How did it work? | ||
| Tnash71 |
Hi Gotj, I have NOT and will NOT lower my Uly. I have just stuck with it. I am 5'7" and have a 31" inseam with my boots on. Unless you're Gary Coleman, I would recognize the learning curve and give it a chance. The Ulies are engineered to be high to allow for longer suspension travel. That's why it's a "dual sport". If you want a shorter bike then save yourself the expense and trouble of modifying the Uly and get a Lightning Long or a CityX. NOTE: The 2007 stock seat is supposed to be lower than the "low seat". I use the "Low Seat". I plan on borrowing a stock 2007 seat from my local HD dealer and seeing if it works better for me. I'll reply back to this thread after I test it out. Rock on you short Uly riders...don't take any shit either for trying. I'm proud to say my nickname in my riding club (Boise Valley Riders) is "Tippy". Little do they know that the reason I'm even on my tip toes is because I'm sitting on the BIG BALLS it takes for someone my height to ride a Uly. Tippy | ||
| Gotj |
Tippy, Where in my post did I ask for what you prefer to do? I asked Edc for some information. Nor did I express any interest in the size of your testicles. Behind your back, I'll bet Tippy refers to your "tip-overs". GOTJ | ||
| Tnash71 |
Dear George, Now I know what GOTJ stands for: GODDAMN OBNOXIOUS TENNESSEE JACKASS First of all, I started/opened this thread back at the beginning of September. That entitles me to reply to this thread every once and a while regardless of who you may be addressing? Secondly, the tone of my post was friendly and your reply was off base and rude. Yes, I have tipped my Uly over two times within the first three weeks I owned it. That’s the learning curve thing I referred to. Also, I have since put about 3000 miles on my Uly…not normally achieved in the Fall and Winter months. Prior to that, I put about 6500 miles on my VStar 1100 in about 8 months. So, I think it’s safe to say that any advice I may have to offer is not coming from some weekend warrior yuppie •••••••. I am also sure that “Tippy” has a dual meaning because I have tipped it over in front of my crew…so what, I’m out to have fun not prove how much of a bad ass one percenter I am. Anyway, They’re my friends and we always poke fun at each other. Finally, back to the original point of this discussion. Unless your inseam is less than 30 inches with boots on, I don’t see why you’d want to be a bonehead and rebuild the bike into something it’s not at great expense while forfeiting the overall integrity of the Uly’s design. There’s a new Buell out this year that may be a good choice for folks that have issues with the Uly seat height. It’s the LIGHTNING XB12STT . CHECK IT OUT AND BUY ONE IF THE ULY IS TOO TALL FOR YOU! http://www.buell.com/en_us/bikes/lightning/xb12stt /features.asp If you reply with another "troll" don't count on me continuing this discussion with you. Have a nice day George! Regards, TIPPY P.S. - The information about my testicles was a freebie…consider yourself privileged. |
