| Author | Message | ||
     Dynasport |
OK, I don't want this post to be weird or anything, but I just wanted to let you guys know that I really like and appreciate the people and the attitude displayed on this board. I ride a HD Dyna Sport, hence the name, but my interest in the Uly brought me here. I just read posts for a long time, and have asked a few questions over the last few weeks. I am sure some of my questions have been asked before and may have been old or tiring or stupid or all three. Yet, for the most part the answers have been friendly and helpful. I don't know if I'll end up buying a Uly or not. If I keep my Dyna, I sure wish I could find a board like this for it. Unfortunately, the HD boards I have been to (and there have been several) seem more concerned with macho stupidity than actually helping each other learn about their bikes. I honestly don't feel like I fit in with them. I am more concerned about enjoying my riding experience than any attitude I can put out. I do like many things about my Dyna and may keep it for the time being. I have also thought about getting a HD bagger as I am liking longer and longer rides. The Uly just looks like a very fun bike. There are some things holding me back though. In no particular order they are: the height of the bike (I can't flat foot the ones I have sat on); the dealer network (I don't know that the HD dealerships are the best place for Buells to be sold. My local dealer is only mildly interested in them.); the looks (I am just so used to the chrome/cruiser look, but the Uly is growing on me); the comfort of my wife on the bike (I have a BIG Mustang seat on my Dyna with a large backrest for her); and even her ability to get on the bike (she is not very tall and will have to stand on one peg to get on while I balance the bike on the balls of my feet). ANY bike purchase is a major decision for me as I am not a wealthy man. So, I may be coming off as indecisive. Sorry about that, I just want to be sure before I do anything. Anyway, back to the original purpose of this post. You guys have been a pleasure to interact with on this board. Even though I don't have a Buell, I'd love riding with any of you if you ever get near the Tampa, Florida area. Dan | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
 "Slay the Harley Rider"  We are so glad you are here. There are several non-owners who frequent this board. It's one of the things that makes this place special. Please post often. We'd like to hear impressions from the "outside" as well as nuggets of knowledge from different pools of experience. You will own a Uly. It's only a matter of time. We suck everyone in. | ||
| Jackbequick |
Dan, I got here when I bought a Buell M2 a couple of years ago. I only kept the M2 about 18 months but loved the bike. I just couldn't stay comfortable on it for more than an hour. I'm a one bike at a time guy so I finally decided to act my age and got a Dyna FXD about a year ago. And I have no regrets. I simply could not bring myself to go away from the BadWeb. I couldn't face losing the temperate tone of the social and technical discussions here and the enjoymnent I take from it. We have occasional threads here about things relating to cruisers and even baggers. And there are quite a few of them owned by regulars here. Some of the "youngsters" mock our geezer-glides, some of the mature folks enjoy the qualities of a ride on a Dyna, and we even have a few dyed in the wool bagger riders. But the common thread through it all is that we are all like the V-Twins, we all like to *ride* our bikes, and none of us are into the offensive tone and silly posturing that is found the H-D forums. So enjoy it here and good luck with the agonizing and decision making on all the choices. Jack | ||
| Oldnotbold |
In no particular order they are: the height of the bike (I can't flat foot the ones I have sat on) With the 07b seat on my 06 Uly, I have one pair of boots that I can flat foot (Justin work boot). I don't wear these in the summer so I can't flat foot either. the comfort of my wife on the bike (I have a BIG Mustang seat on my Dyna with a large backrest for her); and even her ability to get on the bike (she is not very tall and will have to stand on one peg to get on while I balance the bike on the balls of my feet) My wife is also small (~5'2" maybe). I have the bags on my bike and we tried everything to get her on the bike after I was on. One of the first outings with her, she ended up falling while dismounting. I figured that there was no way with her size to attempt that. Now she gets on first with right foot on riders left peg, left foot on passenger peg, scoot back on pillion and swing right foot over the top (don't scrape your heel on the airbox cover); then I mount by swinging my right foot over the seat (sometimes with the assistance of my hand to get over the hight). This procedure works and she thinks the Uly is by far the most comfortable bike she has been on. Dennis | ||
| Gtmg |
On the flat foot as well. I moved from a cruiser to the Uly and have a 30" inseam. It took a couple days of riding to getting used to stopping with one foot on the ground ie leaning the bike but now it is second nature. It does ride great. Glad you are here. Never spent any time on a harley board though. Sounds tough. | ||
| Andrejs2112 |
Dynasport, I bought an 06 Uly last Winter. There are many things I love about the bike. The one small thing that I really love is the fact that after washing it you hit it lightly with a chamois cloth and then ride. There is no chrome to polish. Just spray and go. I used to spend two hours washing my cruisers. NO MORE! Just my 2 cents. | ||
| Gotj |
Dynasport, There are a host of ways to lower the Uly about 1.5" which, combined with the 07 seat or 06/07 low seat, could get you to at least near flat-footing. If you are handy with tools and creative with problem-solving, the lowering can be rather inexpensive. Of course, the sky's the limit if you choose to have it done for you with custom aftermarket products. Don't get off course into the TT or Scg mode because they have different footpeg mounts that put a lot sharper bend in your knees. Trying to get the Uly cockpit with them is a much bigger deal than lowering the Uly. George | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Dyna, There are very, very few people here who can flat foot the Uly. Most here ride with passengers in spite of not being able to flat foot the bike. Almost ALL passengers require standing on the passenger pegs to load and unload. It's something you get used to. PM Ulywife. Carlos, her husband, has a 30" inseam. She rides with him two up regularly with absolutely no issues. She can also comment on the passenger comfort. The Uly has a very low center of gravity. Balancing on the balls of your feet, even with a passenger, isn't a big deal because you are controlling less weight than bikes with a much higher center of gravity. I would find a dealer who IS excited about Buells. Take as many test rides as you can. I think in the end, it's just a matter of time. | ||
| Dynasport |
That's for the nice welcome guys. Buell or not you all are stuck with me. I will continue to lurk and contribute when I can. What I would really like is a bagger and a Uly. So far the lotto numbers haven't hit yet, though. I have reserved an Electra Glide rental in a couple of weeks for my wife and I to ride around on for a day. I kind of hope we don't fall in love with it, because I don't think I can afford it right now anyway without a great trade. My Dyna is blue, I am partial to blue, and now the Uly comes in blue. Could this be a sign? I tried to do a test ride on a Uly a couple of weeks ago, but I made the mistake of going on a Saturday. The dealer had girls washing bikes in bikinis. The dealership was packed and the manager said it would be a while before they could free up a salesman to go with me. They don't let you just take them at that dealership. I'll try again soon. There really isn't any pressure on me right now. I do enjoy my bike. I just did an Iron Butt ride on it a few weeks ago. A few friends and I are going to NC the last week in September. We will ride the parkway and slay the dragon. If any of you are around up there then send me a PM and maybe we can all get together for a day of riding while we are there. I just wish it wasn't 2 1/2 months away. We were going sooner but work got in the way. Anyway, I'll be looking for you all on the road. Dan | ||
| Etennuly |
Dyna, Uh...did you say for longer rides? The Uly will probably win, even two up. My wife is of a shorter stature, with the bike on the side stand, she gets on the front as if she were to ride it, and then scoots back onto the pilon. I help by holding the center of the bars from the front. That is where you have to be careful, if the bike is pointed up hill it can lift the front tire if you have the bags loaded too. I have heard several statements that the Ulysses passenger seat is one of the most comfortable on the market. I have a 31" inseam and cannot flat foot it unless I have my low seat on and a passenger, but that is quick and easy to get used to. My boots with a 1" thick sole helps too. Don't be overly worried about the dealer network, get a service manual and follow the BadWeb. It has really worked for many of us, even if we do have a good dealer. | ||
| Orangeulius |
Dynasport, Gotj, Etennuly and I are within a short distance of the Dragon. PM one of us when you head this way. | ||
| Ulywife |
PM Ulywife. Carlos, her husband, has a 30" inseam. She rides with him two up regularly with absolutely no issues. She can also comment on the passenger comfort. As F_b has stated, we have an 06 Uly with 20,000 miles. Carlos (M2nc) actually has a 29" inseam. We've had all three seats (06 stock, 06 low and 07 stock) and the 07 stock works best for us. The comfort of the 07 seat has been the best by far in my opinion. The only thing you have to get used to riding two up is there is so much room between the two of us, I have to grab the grab bars when he brakes, or I'm sliding into the back of him and we're hitting helmets. Carlos gets on the Uly and gets comfortable and then I get on. At 5'2" with maybe a 26" inseam, there is NO WAY I can reach that seat without stepping on the pegs to get on. Once you've had a chance to test ride a Uly, take your wife and then test ride it again. Our friend Mark (Webethumpin) had Carlos' Uly for a week. Shortly after that, he traded his Dyna in and now rides an 07 Uly and loves it. When you're heading to the Dragon, post a message on Carolina Corner Carvers. Someone might just join you! Best of luck on your decision and find a dealer who is supportive of Buells. It will make your life a lot easier. The best thing you've done so far is find BadWeB. The amount of information you'll find here is incredible. The great thing is that the info here is from people riding the same bike you are day in and day out. The dealer cannot possibly experience and give details or symptoms like the owners can. | ||
| Old_mil |
Hey Dyna, Welcome...I'm 5'8'' with a 29 inch inseam and can ride an 07 (06, no chance). Used to have a Dyna, and sold it when I got to the point where I was scraping pegs regularly. The Uly is a great bike, but don't forget the XB12ss ... | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Carlos (M2nc) actually has a 29" inseam. I was giving him the benefit of the doubt. He seems so much taller with the platform shoes. | ||
| Cyclonedon |
I can see how the height might be an issue, but don't let it!!! Before I purchased my 2006 Ulysses, I must have sit on different ones about a 100 times because I didn't feel comfortable climbing on such a tall motorcycle. I actually purchased a 2006 low seat for my bike but after riding it for a year, I went and replaced the seat with the standard 2006 regular seat and now the height is no longer a issue. I love my Uly! btw, I'm 6'-0 tall and have a 32" inseam. | ||
| Dfishman |
You will not need a bagger & a Uly.The Uly does everything thing the bagger does plus a bunch more.I had a RoadKing around 2000 & the Uly is MORE comfotable than it was.The passenger seat is way more comfortable & I had a hard time getting the front wheel up on the RK,no problem on the Uly. My wife has a Dyna & it is a great bike but if I had a choice the Uly would win out. | ||
| Etennuly |
I was giving him the benefit of the doubt. He seems so much taller with the platform shoes. ------OR-------- he was standing on the higher side of the ditch!  | ||
| Teeps |
One of the key features (for Me) of the Ulysses is NO BLING TO CLEAN! Can you say more riding time... | ||
| Dynasport |
Wow, you guys are sure convincing me the height may not be as big an issue as I thought. One more question though, is it difficult to walk the bike backwards? For example, I normally back into parking spots with my Dyna. I would think that would be hard on the Uly. I also want to thank you guys for the ideas on getting my wife on and off the bike. And I'll definitely PM some of you when we head to the Dragon or post on the link mentioned, or both. I'm sure I won't be able to keep up with a bunch of sport riding Ulys, but we can still have a good time. I have been riding for years, but never on a sport bike and while I consider myself very safe, I don't consider myself fast at all. I've got to get in to test the Uly now. Dan | ||
| Crusty |
One more question though, is it difficult to walk the bike backwards? Yes, if you're sitting on the bike. I get off my Uly to back it up. I'm 5'8" with a 30" inseam. The Uly took a little getting used to, but it's such a sweet bike to ride that I've adapted to it. Take one for a Demo ride, and make your own opinions. (Try not to pull an unintentional wheelie like I did on my first Demo ride) If you find yourself thinking about the Uly a lot after the ride, then just give in and get one. Then you'll be walking around with the silly grin most Uly owners seem afflicted with.  | ||
| Aeholton |
Anyway, back to the original purpose of this post. You guys have been a pleasure to interact with on this board. Even though I don't have a Buell, I'd love riding with any of you if you ever get near the Tampa, Florida area. Welcome Dan. I live in Palm Harbor. I'm always looking to go riding. Let me know when and where. | ||
| Xbimmer |
I have the advantage of a 34" inseam and '07 seat for my '06, solo riding with partially loaded bags I can't flatfoot it unless I scrunch waaaay too far forward for comfort. The Uly is so well balanced for its height backing around is pretty easy for me. The only time I have a stability problem is when I plant a foot in something weird and that's only been a couple of times with no disaster. My wife is 5'3" and short-legged also, with me on the saddle she left-foots it onto the left rider's peg then swings up and over like getting on a horse. Works well for us, having her get on the bike first would make me nervous personally. Like Ulywife says smaller gals have almost too much room back there, although that's a plus on the superslab. Welcome to the board and you're right this is a great bunch! | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
Dynasport, This would be just plain crazy talk a couple of years ago but here's the deal, I own a 97 Electraglide and put 42,000 smiles on it but then I went and bought my 06' ULY in Oct of 05'. Since then I've put over 7000 smiles on my ULY and the Harley pretty much takes up garage space. Once you get on a ULY and experience the unbelievable handling and fun every other bike you own becomes a dust collector. No kidding at all. I just can't make the decision to part with the Electraglide because I've owned it for 10 years and it is an old friend. I just might go completely nuts and trade it in on an 08' ULY and give my son the 06'. I'll be able to make a better informed decision when I test ride the 08' at Sturgis in a couple of weeks. | ||
| Adrian_8 |
OK...my turn..I too own a Dyna Sport and a ULY...MY wife likes to ride on the ULY.. when she goes on a ride.. She said it is easier on her back and it does not vibrate as much as the Dyna....The ULY handles better, stops better, rides better, is faster (not by much), gets better gas mileage..BUT...my favorite bike is the Dyna...sorry.. I just love that black beast. Simple solution... you need both... | ||
| Froggy |
Chrome don't get you home  | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Dyna, The only time I really had a hard time backing up was at March Badness in the gravel parking lot at TWO. The gravel made it very difficult to roll it backwards uphill. Luckily, it was only in front of 350 fellow Buellers and a couple of guys riding Dynas making sure I didn't hit their bikes.  | ||
| Adrian_8 |
My Dyna has almost no chrome ...all black powder coat...and it will get me home ...no defective fuel pump to worry about.. I have 32K on the Uly but... the Dyna FXDX is Ms. Special..sort of like the Jeep slogan..."If I Have to explain it..... | ||
| Arcticktm |
Dan, Have you tried Ocala HD/Buell for a test ride? I bought my used '06 Uly there, and they let me take it on my own before I bought it. I lived in Sarasota briefly, before moving to W NC in January. I am always up for a ride, and am trying to learn as many backroads as I can this first season in NC. The Dragon is a fun circus, but there are much better places to actually do some riding in the area. I find more every weekend, it seems. My wife is 5'2", and she usually used the driver pegs to get on. It is challenging if the sidebags are on. Once on, she says it is more comfortable than my Duc ST2 was, and better than my cruiser (BMW R1200C) is. The ride quality will blow away any cruiser (or other sportbike/standard for that matter). I am one of those rare folks (36" inseam)that can flat foot on the stock '06 seat, so I am not much help there. The only issue I would check out (being in FL) is the heat that can build up in the seat and on your right leg. I bought the Special Ops heat blankets to help with that. You definitely need a test ride. Send me a PM if you want, when you are ready to come up here and ride. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
I would also like to get in on the PM list for your trip to the Dragon. I only need an excuse. If I can secure the porch pass, I'm there. Would love to meet you. | ||
| Bertotti |
I'm about 5'7.5" with around a 30 inch inseam and I can back it up on level ground and even on a slight grade but it better be pavement, on gravel or other surface I push it around by hand. |
