| Author | Message | ||
     Diablobrian |
If it was a bad batch it would be scattered throughout the different models. I haven't heard of many going out on the other XBs. Where is the BAS on the lightnings? Like I said on the firebolts it is located behind the front fairing in front of the gages. There isn't much heat up there (other than solar) | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Granted, a bad batch if large enough would be spread across several models. Let's say that they got 50 or 150. Based upon what I have heard about the plant, it would be easy for those bad ones to be in the pile for the Uly line but not get into others. Just a theory. I have just not heard of a single person have a BAS fail twice. | ||
| Diablobrian |
It's only 2 lines. One for Blasts, and one for all models of XBs. The different XB models come down the line mixed together based computerized build sheets. which model is next down the line is based on demand. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Interesting. I don't know then. It just doesn't seem to be happening else where on other models, and it doesn't seem to be happening on a repeat basis in Ulys. Are the replacements the same as the originals? | ||
| Larryboy |
diablobrian,i'd love to have that sensor! shoot me an e-mail,i don't see yours? herreraiii@aol.com az-rider,i was looking for the sensor today and figured that was it near the ecm. thanks for the confirmation!! the bike shut off once on the way back from the dealer after it got the new pump. it sure does run good with a new pump. man, i love this bike when things are going right!! i'm determined to get things ironed out on this bike and NOT end up a buell hater. thanks for all the input..i wish i had ft bstrd's dealer. that would be great!!! | ||
| Ulywife |
Larryboy - keep hangin' at BadWeb. There's so much more knowledge and hands on here than at most dealerships. We've learned things we should be careful about or watching for because of the folks here on BadWeb. I hope the new sensor takes care of your problems. | ||
| Irelage |
Larryboy, my demo ride yesterday on the Uly the bike cut out twice during the ride. My first ride on a Uly and I had problems. Love the bike but...I want you input on purchasing. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Larryboy, I can't brag about them enough. I think that is one of the problems here. If you have a good dealer, you don't tend to say very much. If you have a bad one, no one hears otherwise. I think we, as owners, need to brag loud and often about the good dealers with which we work. We need to brag here on BadWeb and to home office. That does two things. First: It rewards them for a job well done. No one likes to toil in obscurity. Recognize them for what they do and they will do more of it. Second: It alerts BMC to dealers that are doing a good job. More support, resources, and attention is therefore devoted to these dealers. They are also able to glean expertise from these dealers. "So Steve, we are getting several reports that you guys are doing a great job. What are you doing differently than other dealerships??" WE must help them in this. All dealerships look alike unless we "change the shading". | ||
| Red_chili |
OK, I'll step up. I am quite happy with Rocky Mountain H-D. The non-Buell techs don't know a lot about Buells, but they have no attitude about them and think they are cool. They are willing to learn. The Buell tech is a former factory guy who is sharp. He doesn't keep up on BadWeb but is interested. Dave, in parts, and Tom in Sales are Buell fanatics, and Dave is personally working on getting the service department outfitted for custom ECM maps and dyno time for Buells. No complaints, and I never feel like I should be wearing a do-rag when I visit. Oh, and Irelage, it was a fluke, and rare. Remember a tech website for a relatively close-knit community of fairly technical riders is going to let you know about EVERY kind of failure. But not about the NON-failures! Buy one, you'll like it. You will especially like Buell customer service. And get to know DaveS on this forum! | ||
| Lowflyer |
Irelage, It would suck for you to miss out on this bike because of a few bad apples. The only thing that has been wrong with my bike, aside from a minor electrical connector issue, has been technician error during scheduled service intervals. I won't buy Buell again unless another dealership is opened in my area, or this one somehow pulls its head from its virtual rectum. That does not mean that I would not recommend the brand, however. Just know who you will be dealing with IF you are to depend on them for service. I was an idiot and thought I would save money, and more importantly time, with their prepaid service plan. It would have been a good deal if I didn't have to make an average of 1.5 return trips to the dealer for every service interval. I paid for their oil changes, but now hate the thought of them wrenching my bike for any reason so I change it myself. I realize that I am just one angry, bitter little pimple on the ass of a still angrier and more bitter little man floating in a virtual sea of elated and satisfied customers who work on their own bikes, or who have dealers that know and care about how to work on Buells. So, disregard my rants.  (Message edited by lowflyer on October 30, 2006) | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
Dillon Brother's HD/Buell is pretty good in getting me answers to my questions regarding the ULY. When I ask a question they usually investigat and then get back to me by phone. Like I said in another post, they actually put a Buell on their dyno to see how that exhaust valve worked and then they phoned me their findings. Warranty work with the rusty muffler and sidestand was no problem with them. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Thanks Chili. | ||
| Larryboy |
what's funny is that i know irelage..he has been on what 4 buells now? counting my uly 2/5's of buells that gene has experience with have problems. not very confidence inspiring. like i was telling you by e-mail gene,buy the 2007. thanks ulywife!! | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Yeah butt, he's ridden two of the same year same model with the same issue. | ||
| Red_chili |
Lowflyer, I decided long ago that I would work on my own bikes. For many of the reasons you outline. That is at least a small part of the reason I like 'antique' engine designs. Sure, the firebreathing multies are awe inspiring, engineering exercises. But they aren't much fun to work on, nor (after the initial rush) to ride IMHO. I will say the Ducati was a very interesting bike to work on, and it was user-friendly if extreme (pull the head and rocker shafts to adjust the valves??? But hey, you wanted to lap them anyway, right?). I had a dealer almost ruin that bike too, doing a 1K mile check, adjusting the valves in a hurry, and getting the cam belt 180* out on the vertical cylinder, and starting the bike. And then not telling me.  I 'found out' when I was next in there. That sealed the decision. If I own a bike, I have to be able to work on it. And I have to enjoy it too. The Uly complies. | ||
| Larryboy |
mine is an early '06 and the fleet bike that had problems was a 2007 if i read that right. | ||
| Lowflyer |
Yeah Chili, I learned that lesson the hard way. I only have three more years of warranty, a brake job, and three service intervals left. I plan to blow through the service intervals and the brake jobs in the next year or so.  I think most dealership techs and unarmed security officers have a lot in common.  | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Help needed please. http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/327 77/237853.html?1162240456 | ||
| Diablobrian |
Larryboy: I emailed you just now. | ||
| Cyclonedon |
I purchased a 2006 XB12X Ulysses on May 25th and have ridden it 7200 miles with-out a single problem! The only thing I'm upset about is the fact that I didn't purchase one last year when they first came out! | ||
| Larryboy |
thanks for sending the sensor,brian!! don,you might not be so happy with an early '06. glad your bike is working out for you!! i've gotten a 2 mpg increase with the new fuel pump. normally get 42 mpg commuting and got 44 mpg after the pump was replaced. | ||
| Crusty |
don,you might not be so happy with an early '06 Bull. My '06 was built in Sept, '05. This afternoon, it'll hit 17,500 on the way home from work. My ECM works fine, my BAS is fine, I got the recalled sidestand, but my original worked fine. The worst problem I had was a burned out headlight. If this trend continues, it will be the most reliable bike I've ever owned in 38 years of riding. | ||
| Lowflyer |
I have number 650. It was built in August 2005. I have nearly 12k miles and the only complaint I have had was a pin fitting issue on the VR connector which was a very easy fix. My original side stand was also no problem for me. I have had no BAS or ECM issues. My fan developed a rattle at 8k that lasted for about 2k and then seemed to subside. I have had no component failures. I go through about 2 oz. of oil every 1500 miles. I get a solid 50mpg in just about any mode of travel. My light bulbs are even all original. I don't think there is any validity to the notion that early units are having more problems than later ones. Ask Dr_Greg. He has one of the earliest and he's put over 22k(?) on his. I will say that my dealer sucks though. | ||
| Larryboy |
why don't you two go hijack some other thread? my bike sucks and that is what this thread is about. don't say "bull" to me about what i've experienced nor question the "validity of my notions". | ||
| Stevem123 |
Larryboy, I'll agree that to say bull to someone's post is rude but to say that all 2006 model Ulys are bad is definitely untrue. Mine is one of the earliest and is the earliest in CA. Number 333. Only problem was a chaffed fuel pump wire and the bad kickstand. All fixed under warranty. Hope you get yours sorted out. BC Steve | ||
| Jim_sb |
Larryboy, This is "our" community, these are "our" threads. You can't prevent someone from disagreeing with you by claiming "hijack". Disagree with them if you like and state your case. Stifling the free flow of info. helps no one. My 2006 Ulysses purchased Sep. 2005 (does that make it early?) has been great. Does that mean you're wrong? No, it's just a different data point. It's my 2nd Buell. I've got over 30k miles on Buells, do all the maintenance myself and am very pleased with the bikes (my first Buell was an S2). My Uly is not perfect, no bike is. But right after I bought my Ulysses one of my best friends bought a new GS1200. Guess which bike has spent more time in the shop? By a factor of say 30 days to one? (I had to take it in for 1k service because I don't have a TPS reset thingy yet). Again, just another data point. Enjoy your bike. Or sell it. Whatever makes you happy. But please don't try to stifle the free exchange of info. between Ulysses owners. Regards, Jim in Santa Barbara | ||
| Lowflyer |
I'm not hijacking anybody. I don't give a damn what the thread is about. I just call it like I see it. The idea that early Ulys are problematic is statistically unproven. Advising someone that they "may not be happy with an early '06 model" is wrong enough in my book to be classified as bullshit. I was just being nice and didn't call you on it directly like my co-defendant did. Oh, and my early '06 Uly works flawlessly. I couldn't have asked for better quality. Sucks to be you.  | ||
| Crusty |
don't say "bull" to me about what i've experienced nor question the "validity of my notions". I'm having an internal debate as to whether I should be civil and patiently explain the fallacy of your blanket statement, or whether I should just call it the way I see it. The latter side wins. "Blow it out your ass, Howard!" | ||
| Lowflyer |
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| Ft_bstrd |
My bike is completely not perfect. I've had a pretty good list of things that have gone wrong: BAS Fuel Pump Hot Spotted front rotor and brakes Fan I would rather these items not go bad. I bought a first year model. Statistically, first year models have more problems than subsequent models. Don't believe me? Check Consumer Reports. Almost every first year model has higher percentages of issue than later models. In that area, Larryboy is completely accurate. I have had a first year Toyota 4Runner, a first year VW Passat, a first year Toyota Sequoia, and a first year Acura TL. I ALWAYS buy used. With all of the models I have bought, they have been very dependable while I had them. ALL of them has post production issues that were sorted out by the dealer prior to my purchase. The Uly I bought new because there were no used models available. Had I bought a Uly with 5,000 miles, my guess would be that the issues I have had would have been sorted out by the prior owner. I do not expect to lose another fuel pump, BAS, Rotor/Brakes, or Fan for the rest of my ownership. It could be, but I doubt it. Does this qualify as "the Uly Sucks"? I don't think so. I just see us 06 model owners as the last layer of beta testers. Could be worse. I could own an 03 XB. |
