| Author | Message | ||
     Boughan |
Let me give you a little background on my riding history. After a 15 years of hiatus, I got back into riding motorcycles two and a half years ago. My first new bike was a Suzuki DL 650 (VeeStrom). It is a great bike (a bit tall, but that is not really a problem for me), that is fun to ride and a blast around town. Unfortunately, I have been struck by a severe case of new bike lust. It began when i saw a guy riding an orange, rumbling beast a couple months ago. He was riding a tall, but compact bike, and it sounded OH SO SWEET. Fast forward to the present. I am at the local Harley / Buell dealership (Bumpus Harley Memphis) asking for a test ride. I must have been lucky because: a.) the dealership guys were actually nice and knowledgable about the Buells and b.) hooked me up with a test ride in short order. First impression: It is TALL. Now I thought that my VeeStrom was a tall bike. The orange 06 that the guys rolled out for me was REALLY tall. I mean, I can flat foot the Vee no problem (6'3" with a 32/34 inseam) but I actually had to stretch my legs a little bit. I do not think this will be a problem, but I definately will look into the (lower) 07 seat. Quality and Fit & Finish: The Uly looks solid. Every part seemed to be well engineered and had a substantial feel to it (the one exception was the turn signal switch in my opinion). Overall, a very nice package. Ergonomics: The bike fit me well. I did not feel cramped or inconvenienced in any way by any part of the bike. Break pedal and shifter were well positioned and i was impressed with how solid it shifted (compared to my Vee). Even the mirrors worked well even though I was expecting to get only marginal use from them due to vibration. Once the bike got moving vibrations became a non issue. Clutch action was smooth and I felt I could control it well. Front break was very, um grippy. Compared to the Vee I felt it had significantly more power (this, as all other observations, my be highly subjective). I felt very much at home with the controlls, everything was easy to reach. My only gripe (as mentioned earlier) is the turn signal switch is a bit too small. With winter gloves it may be a bit difficult to engage it (we'll see). The Ride: SMOOOOTH. Now, at idle the thing shakes like Carmen Electra's ass, but once you get going, things smooth out quickly. While I was always aware of a nice big twin between my legs, I never experienced any stutter or sputter. Nothing but sweet, sweet torque pulling from the nether regions of the RPM. I think around town, you may never need any other gear then 2nd... I was very much aware of the additional power (compared to the Vee) and, as I hang my head in shame in front of the collective, I am HOOKED. It took my wife not one, not two, but three stern "don't you be thinking about buying this thing" looks to wipe the smile off my face afterwards. (just kidding honey). Overall, i think I found my next bike. It has everything I like in bikes, and is different enough to not be cookie cutter. The fan (which came on during the ride) did not bother me (I know some may faint by what i am about to say, but to me the fan just adds character to the bike, similar to what some quirks do to a Duc). In 77 degree, humid Memphis weather, heat on my right leg was also not an issue (I was worried about that). Boughan (Message edited by boughan on May 10, 2007) | ||
| Etennuly |
YEP! | ||
| Froggy |
Sounds great. I have had no issue using ultra think winter gloves with the turn signal switch, and that was back in near freezing temps in upstate New York. As for the mirrors, just swap them out with the Aprilia mirrors everyone just bought, they are much better in visibility and handle the vibrations later. You can actually tell the difference between a police car and a schoolbus behind you at speed  I love the fan on mine. After about like 2000 miles and everything is broken in, it vibrates less, runs cooler, fans less, and is an overall stronger bike. The only thing I hate with the bike is that its only 5 speed and not a 6  I love the fan on mine. After about like 2000 miles and everything is broken in, it vibrates less, runs cooler, fans less, and is an overall stronger bike. The only thing i hate with the bike is that its only 5 speed and not a 6 | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Froggy, I hear an echo.  Boughan, Welcome to The Dispersive! (Eventually) It's only a matter of time. Every time you straddle your soulless sewing machine, the syren call of different will carry you away to thoughts of the ULY. Seven of Nine that! | ||
| Boughan |
DAMN YOU Ft_bstrd, DAMN YOU! Unfortunately, you are soo correct with your prediction. My DL hates me now. She knows I lust after another... And you are right, it is just a matter of time. Boughan | ||
| Ponti1 |
...at idle the thing shakes like Carmen Electra's ass... I knew there was something I liked about the Ulysses! | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
I never really thought of the Uly as "badonkadonk", but ok!  | ||
| Adrian_8 |
I have almost 24K on my 06 and I have not noticed the bike running any cooler, less vibration, less fan operation, so don"t count on it turning into an Inline 4 at X number of miles...I like it just the way it is and it does not need a 6 speed...that would be just one more gear to shift into...my friends Bmw1200gs have 6 speeds and the ULY turns less rpms than they do in high gear. I think, if I remember right that I turn the same rpm at 80 as they do at 70 both being in top gear. |
