| Author | Message | ||
     Longdog_cymru |
......... a Buell Ulysses. Don't get me wrong, I love my GS, but I have a hankering to a vee twin. I like the so-called adventure bike concept, but I do my riding on tarmac and I don't really want the hassle of a drive chain if I can help it. So, the Ulysses beckons! It appeals to my love of bikes that are quirky and are not mainstream and it has a belt drive too. I want pillion comfort for my g/f and good luggage carrying ability. I want to be able to do the 500 mile days that I have become accustomed to without worrying if the bike is going to break down too. I have read and re-read the Ulysses threads on here and I know the Ulysses has been criticised for poor quality in some areas, (the BMW ain't so hot either!), so I am asking for no-holds-barred honest opinions from you guys, the experts, the owners, the riders who have moved from BMW to Buell or jumped the other way too. So give it to me straight! Thanks in anticipation! | ||
| Etennuly |
I just did a write up on exactly that on the XB board for Itchy, the thread is titled "lightning long versus". Check that out.  | ||
| Teeps |
Never owned a beemer, so can't give an A/B comparison. But, from what you wrote about quirky and out of the mainstream, you will love and hate the Ulysses for what it is... A bike you can, ride, park, check oil, refuel, ride and repeat. Best part NO BLING to clean!!!!!!!!! I've got over 7k on mine, so far it's blown a fuse (yesterday) and ate through a rear tire. Oh yea, it pings a little; but I am hoping that Buell will fix it with an ECM mapping update. And mine surges and bucks a little below 40mph, in higher gears. Other than that, it's #1 on my list of all time best bikes that I've owned. Oh Yea, did I mention NO BLING to clean!!!!! | ||
| Cityxslicker |
Eight months 10K miles, only tires, oil, brake pad and one ECM (but I earned that one) XB is the most trouble free fun bike that I have ever owned. I have taken two BMW GS's in on trade for the ULY. I think that speaks to the bike the best. | ||
| Dr_greg |
Longdog, I recall your query on ADV. I can only comment on my own situation with Uly reliability. I have 30,000 miles on my 2006 Uly; here are my problems during that time: 1. Low-beam headlamp bulb failed. 2. Front crankcase oil fitting began to weep; needed tightening. 3. Front brake is pulsing; re-bedding of pads will likely cure it. I usually ride solo and New Mexico USA is a big and desolate place. Never had to call Mrs. Greg to come rescue me. All maintenance done by me. Never owned a BMW but testrode a 12GS; nice bike but didn't appeal to me. And, yes, no BLING but I do wash my Uly periodically as a matter of "safety". Don't like dirty equipment. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
I have not ridden a BMW either. Nice bikes. I simply wanted to go to the other end of the spectrum (and price point). Where the BMW is more complex (CANBUS, ABS, etc.) the Uly is simple. Belts are cheap in comparison to a final drive. Valves not needing adjustment are simpler than those needing adjustment. Parts are cheaper. Routine maintenance can be completed by owners rather than BMW specialists. Dealer support is similar. On the other hand, the Buell pushes the envelope in engineering (ZTL Brakes, Fuel and oil in frame, etc.). The overall package works. | ||
| Pso |
I traded up from an 01 Goldwing 1800. I like the Uly alot better, I am 6' even and find the ergos better on the Uly for me. I agree that it is a minimum of maintenance and what there is can easily be done. My fiance' had a F650GS until I told her (after I did her 3,000 maintenance)that from now on she was going to take it to a BMW dealer for service. It was a nightmare to do routine stuff on. She test rode a xb12Scg and felt that it was designed for her so she purchased it. She found the comfort as a passenger on the Uly better than on the Wing. Some folks say that the back seat of the newer wings are not as comfortable as the older wings. I find that the side bags on the Uly are larger than the wings were but the tail trunk is maybe about the same size. I have no regrets and I am looking forward to a nice long trip on the bikes. | ||
| Maximum |
The Uly is fun to ride (more fun than can be expressed with words), easy to maintain (which you can do yourself), and offers inexpensive replacement parts (you won't go broke owning this bike). One good test ride will answer most of your questions. The more I ride, the more I fall in love with my Uly!  | ||
| Erz |
I just made the jump from a BMW R 1150 R to a new 07 Uly. Here are my impressions. The Uly is a LOT !!!! more fun to ride. The power curve seems to fit everyday riding a lot better than the R1150 R. The feel of torque makes a real difference in this bike versus the R1150R. The Uly handles a LOT!!! better. The BMW felt heavy compared to this bike. As for quality, its too early to tell. My new Uly has had a few warranty issues but nothing that was not fixed without hassle. The BMW had ABS, wish I had it on the ULY So far, my ULy is the most fun bike I have ever ridden and that is a bunch of bikes. | ||
| Firstbatch |
I've given the R12GS a thorough test ride at Morton's in Fredericksburg, before I got the Uly; owned and rode a R1100s for 2 years and then another year or so with a K1200GT BMW.....they are all great bikes in their own way, but would not trade my Uly for any of them. Despite the fact that I very much love BMW brakes and their execution of ABS. As others have said simple is good and the BMW's are just not simple to maintain or work on......with the exception of my '68 R69S....that bike is real simple ( no oil filter just a screen and cable brakes) and fun to ride. And for the 6' crowd the Uly ergos are just plain sweet.....some days riding it I just feel lucky that Buell made a bike that fit me because I always wanted the XB but the "glove would not fit". If you have the opportunity to have a Uly in your stable at some point in your moto life I would strongly suggest you make room for her and it will surely become a favorite. The simple yet brilliant engineering that is so very affordable will keep you happy for quite some time. In fact think it's time to check out of work and go for an evening ride...  Gotta share a pic of my real simple bike....  (Message edited by firstbatch on June 11, 2007) | ||
| Sweatmark |
Longdog- Interesting dilemma! If you've hung out at the GSpot or other Beemer boards, then you know of the R1150 weak spots: eg. fuel line quick disconnects, potential spline failures, expensive ABS service if your dealer does the work. Wife and I both ride R1150Rs (roadster + rockster); great bikes that we'll keep forever, 'cause the DIY maintenance is simple, and the R1150 generation drivetrain (same for your GS and our Rs) is decidedly overbuilt... probably 100k mile bikes. Also have a Buell XB-S that's perfect for short rides to fetch milk & bread, or blasting up local mountin roads, or occasional trackday. My bike's too small for road trips, but the Ulysses looks adequate for bags and pillion. If you're a one-bike-guy, then perhaps the Buell's the ticket, insofar as the GS ranks have made the LongWayRound moto-star a bit commonplace. Otherwise, get yourself a cheap XB-S as 2nd moto and Dare-to-be-Differentiator. | ||
| Lorazepam |
Sweet bike Firstbatch! Those are the bikes that BMW earned their reputation with. Too bad they build over priced, over engineered machines today. | ||
| Old_mil |
>so I am asking for no-holds-barred honest >opinions from you guys, the experts, the >owners, the riders who have moved from BMW to >Buell or jumped the other way too. So give it >to me straight! I made the change and haven't looked back. As you say, the BMWs of today aren't the same bikes that built the brand's reputation...and the shrinking dealer network at a time when BMWs are becoming less reliable and more difficult to work on yourself is a burden. The Ulyssess is, in my opinion, the best all around motorcycle on the market today if you can handle the seat height. Absolutely love it. However I would strongly recommend getting a 2007 over an 2006, as there have been enough incremental positive changes (including the head compression and seat) to make it worthwhile. | ||
| Iugradmark |
Switching over to the Buell was probably one of the more difficult changes I have made. I have ridden every generation of BMW's going back to the early 1970's. In my opinion, the new BMW bikes have become focused on marketing and no longer engineer products to the same standards. Currently BMW is trying to support 4 different lines of bikes from singles through K engines. There are pretty significant problems with each line. I know that many people over on the ADV board are chomping at the bit to get a new F800 GS but I would suggest they go over to the F800 board and read about all the problems the platform is having. The current F800's are going for over $15K out the door and I suspect the GS models will be more. BMW is loading them up with things like $250 computer to tell you if you have air in your tires, but having difficulty keeping paint on the engine cases or getting transmissions to work properly. Buell has a chance to become what BMW was if they focus on engineering, proven technoligies, customer service, and evolutionary changes to models. The old airhead BMW's were basically the same for decades with improvements coming in materials, fuel management, suspension, etc. This made for a fantastic after market and large pool of knowledgeable riders. I think Buell has a similar opportunity if they can sort out the H.D. dealer issues. | ||
| Ridetherejk |
I own a R 1150 GS Adventure and love it. Maintenance is easy to do yourself and the handling is great. I feel more planted, and can go faster than on my Honda 919.I can tear down to a turn, grab the front brake lever, twist the bars, grab the gas, and go. I don't own a Buell but I have ridden 2 of them. And I can say this, BUELLS KICK A$$!  The fun factor is so high when you get on one that you'll never be able to get the smile off your face. I test rode a Uly about a month ago and still haven't stopped thinking about it. The bike is just plain fun. I'm planning on getting one within the next year. Just go ride one, you'll see. To all that think that BMW dealers are hard to find, I say the same about Buell. I'm in Baltimore, MD and have 3 large BMW dealers to go to. I have only 1 Buell dealer any where near me. Of course, there are 6 H-D dealers in the same area (mileage wise) as the Buell and BMW dealers. | ||
| Longdog_cymru |
Old_mil, can you, (or anyone else), enlighten me as to what exactly are the '07 improvements over the '06 model? Are there any a Buell newbie might spot and are they significant enough to make me forego the discounts that UK dealers are offering? Cheers! | ||
| Old_mil |
Longdog, I think the most significant improvement that can't be easily retrofitted to an 06 would be the change in compression on the heads. Other things (relocated bank angle sensor, sturdy kickstand, better seat, and perhaps a couple of other things I've seen mentioned) are easy, cheap, or free. | ||
| Old_mil |
I'm in Baltimore, MD and have 3 large BMW dealers to go to. That's sort of the problem with the BMW dealer network. An abnormally high percentage of BMW dealers are located in the Northeast and California. If you subtract those two areas and start looking at roughly 40 of the 52 states, the situation changes dramatically...and in many places you simply have nowhere to go. The Buell dealer network, on the other hand, is more evenly distributed. While it's nice to have multiple shops close to home, at least for me it's important to have someone who can help you out in most places that I tour to.} | ||
| Lorazepam |
I have 6 bmw stealerships within two hours of me. I am in Ohio. I think it is the same for Buell dealers as well. | ||
| Ridetherejk |
I do consider myself lucky for having both BMW and Buell in my area. It seems that I have pretty much any manufacturer to choose from ( KTM, Moto Guzzi, Ducati, Aprilia, Husqvarna, Ural, Triumph, as well as the standard Jap bikes) within a reasonable distance. It's nice to have choices, even if all I want is a Uly. It just seems to me that with all the H-D dealers out there, there should be a lot more Buell dealers also. I would love to see them in other dealers selling sport bikes. They would sell more. But does Harley really want that? | ||
| Fast_eddie_1956 |
Here in SW Ohio we lost our BMW dealership and it doesn't look like we're getting one anytime soon. I've been riding BMW's for 15 years and love the bikes. Although I've noticed in the past 10 years the quality has gone way down. I've had issues with dealers doing warranty work, but I have to say I wasn't happy when the HD tech dropped my brand new sportster after a test ride. Then he didn't want me to tell anyone. I think as far as dealers go the pretty much the same, although HD treats Buell like the ugly stepchild. I do most of the wrenching myself anymore. My BMW R1200GS is a great touring bike but doesn't have the smile and fun factor my Uly has. I think if I has to choose between the two the BMW would go. I may change my mind once I do a couple Iron Butt rides but we'll see. | ||
| Dynasport |
I have been to four HD in my area and all of them carry Buell as well. I guess I thought all HD dealers carried Buell, but from what I have read here I guess I was wrong. I will also say that when I have gone over to look at the Buells the sales people have actually been helpful and interested for the most part and have not tried to steer me away from them. Of course they only have a handful of Buells and tons of HDs and the crowds at the dealerships are definitely 95%+ Harley folks. We have one BMW dealer in our area and it is between 20 and 30 miles from me. On top of that it is pretty small. Dan | ||
| Longdog_cymru |
Old_mil, Thanks for that. Is the compression higher or lower on '07 models? I don't think the "improvements" from '06 to '07 are worth the $2,250 reduction that I can get an '06 model for right now!!! | ||
| Longdog_cymru |
Is the compression on the '07 model higher or lower than the '06 model? What difference, if any, does it make to the power/torque and overall rideability? | ||
| Sanjuro |
I'll chime in a bit here; I've purchased the 07 recently and did a little research on the differences; they've modified the front fork for less dive, a higher capacity oil pump, and lowered the seat a bit. Performance-wise, I am not sure what else they've done - but there are plenty on this topic on these them boards. For me, I decided it was worth it and I'm not looking back. I hope this helps. |
