| Author | Message | ||
     Ronmold |
I can get a NEW '06 for around $8300 but are the improvements on the '08 worth 3 grand? | ||
| Longdog_cymru |
No | ||
| Froggy |
This question has come up several times in the last few months. In fact I was asking myself the same question in the last few months. Personally, I wouldn't bother with a 06, as the 07 is more reliable. The lack of steering is something that bothered me when off reading in tight areas, but in normal situations it was pretty much non issue. 06 models seemed to have the highest rate of failures, mainly with fans, wheel bearings, and stators. The 07s seem to be significantly less affected, but I don’t know if it’s because of something like they made 10x the 06 than 07. 08s seem to be trouble free, but it’s too early to tell. A few have had some issues with the new fuel injection system but I feel that they are just odd balls. If you do get a 06 and want to get the steering of a 08, you can do a simple mod that was recently discussed. Little things like standard heated grips, standard lower seat, better fork springs, new FI system, better tires, and a dozen other little changes make the 08 worth it to me. Shame I didn’t have enough cash to buy one, ended up getting a used 06 XB12SS instead. | ||
| Chris_socal |
I love my 08. I have had some minor issues with the bike but only one is a problem that carried over from previous models (clutch cable clamp). I am chalking my other issues up to being odd ball as froggy mentioned. Both my brother and I live in warm/hot climates and the additional engine cooling features seemed like a good idea, plus you get a higher red line on the 08. The seat is a bit lower (from the factory) which is nice since I have a 30" inseam. The best part of it all is that you get the 2 year warranty with unlimited miles. You get to break in the bike and you know the history of its care. In my opinion worth the extra 3K if you can afford it. -Chris | ||
| Prowler |
I've got an '07 and have no plans to upgrade to an '08 (and I can get a really good discount on an '08 if I actually wanted to get one). I guess things to consider would be seat height, fork springs, better tires, steering lock, grip heaters, etc...... are you willing to pay the difference for these things vs. an '06? Either way, it's a great bike and if you're buying new, you get a warranty with both. | ||
| Rwcfrank |
Be sure to consider depreciation upon resale when deciding if its worth it. The o6 is worth considerably less used than an 08. Money in money out, it depends on your plans for the bike | ||
| Kuuud |
NO! | ||
| Adrian_8 |
Not to me either...just be sure the recalls have been done..kickstand bolt, and BAS move. You should still get the 2 year unlimited mileage warranty if it is new..3 grand will buy a... nice set of bags, a Zumo 550, and 4 sets of tires. The ULY loves to eat tires. My .02s worth... | ||
| Ulynut |
I would buy a 2006 Ulysses for $8300 any day.  | ||
| Uly1080 |
Buy the '06, plan on riding it until it turns to dust or blows up (which ever comes first), and use the 3K for a vacation. Remember...wise-man said "THINGS will eventually disappoint you, MEMORIES will last forever." Ok, not sure if anyone wise ever said that, but there ya go.  | ||
| Dentguy |
Maybe, Do you have an extra 3 grand to spend? As a previous owner of a early 2006 Uly that had a serious pinging problem among other things, I would say spend the extra. I was happy when they totaled mine after hitting the deer, but there are plenty who have had no problems and are very happy. I think I just had a bad one and the constant pinging made some would be great riding days not so great. People with 06 models please don't be offended it's just my experience. It was a good bike with some bad problems. | ||
| Cyclonedon |
as much as I like the new 2008 XB12XT, I will NEVER get rid of my 2006 Uly!!! It is by far the best motorcycle I've ever ridden. 16,000+ miles of trouble-free riding and still runs like new, actually better than it did when I bought it, it's now broke in. Last summer I went to a Buell demo day event and rode all of the new 2007 models. I was the happiest when I jumped on my 2006 and rode it home, it just felt better. Possibly the tall seat height was the difference. I may add a new motorcycle in the future, but I won't ever trade my 2006 Uly. I traded my 1998 M2 Cyclone in and wish I had kept it now. It was a fun bike with a lot of great memories but not half the bike that the Uly is. | ||
| Danger_dave |
No. No TPS resets and the warranty are the only things I value over the '06. I would also have to re-install the tall seat. | ||
| Firstbatch |
No | ||
| Crusty |
Yes. Bigger crank pin, better oiling system, better ignition system, bigger diameter fork legs, more steering lock. | ||
| Nipsey |
Not to me - and (not braggin here) but I had the $$ for the 2008.I created a spreadsheet with pros and cons, plus costs and then evaluated on my realistic riding tendencies. In the end I bought a good 2006 bike at a good price and am making it mine including a few changes that make the most to me. First on the list is the 08 triple clamps - turning radius is a big deal...to me. And that is the key, I think - to each his own. Per my eval I see a few thousand extra dineros to get just what I want ( bike plus accessories) without sacrificing. BUT that is just me - Your mileage might vary. | ||
| Wrongway2 |
I agree with Kuuud; NO! I love my 07. They made some great changes on the 08, but like I said I love my 07! | ||
| Thunderbox |
No. If I could trade my 06 for an 08 for $3000 I wouldn't. | ||
| Treadmarks |
With 08 trees, forged 1250 pistons and a bumped up rev limiter I can't think of any advantage that an 08 would have over my 06....other than bigger payments. | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
I didn't TPS reset until over 10,000 miles and not because it was running bad, it was running great. Only because I thought I should because of the miles. I reset using ECMSpy and it runs the same as always. | ||
| Treadmarks |
ECMSpy is the bomb. BTW: Thanks for the temp dipstick, EG. Put it in last night and works great.  | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
Treadmarks, Appreciate that. Enjoy.  I'm hoping to see some of them on bikes at this years homecoming. I only wish that Buell and Harley could have coinsided their festivities because I wanted to visit that new Harley Museum. I guess I can ride over and look but it won't be open yet during Homecoming. (Message edited by electraglider_1997 on February 21, 2008) | ||
| Baggermike |
I think that the 08 is so much better but would wait till one is for sale on ebay I did see one a few weeks ago for sale as people buy these they will find that it is to tall and want to sell it, I also do think the 08 is so much better with the new motor and bigger forks with more turning radias but the motor is redesigned and can handel more power and has a new oil pump and my ulysses oil pump broke with only 6000 miles on it, I think the motor has allot in common with the xbrr, I will be buying on down the road and build it up or I could find a wiped out bike with the 08 motor and do a 88" motor kit and more, so I think anyone looking for the uly the 08 is the bike to get and just be patiant they will be on ebay. Mike | ||
| Ronmold |
The dealer just brought an '06 over from their other store (they have 3 new '06's left). I sat on it and it felt GOOD, I could flat foot it even with the stock higher seat. It seemed to have a smaller feel than my '08 KLR. Now the price went up to $9100 which is still a good price. The $8300 price was given me by a parts guy on the opening day of the new dealership, now it's 3 weeks closer to Spring and the prices are going up with the temps. Anyone know what the dealer invoice was on an '06? | ||
| Dentguy |
If you mean list price it was 11495.00 | ||
| Crusty |
Kelly Blue Book Retail for an '06 Ulysses is $8695. If your dealer wants more, he's trying to stick it to you. | ||
| Loucksgl |
I'd go for the 08 Uly. ECM, steering, updates, not so jerkey at lower rpms, comes with low seat, heated grips, heat shields at edge of seat and lots more; even great tires, as opposed to the Dunflops that used to come on em. Unless a guy likes to refabricate what is already there, its probably even more cost efficient to go 08. I've had my problems for sure. My 08 appears to have settled down. (11,000 miles).. But if yer going to buy one and willing to pay 8K. I think it's worth it to shell out the rest for 08. Just my opinion. And don't follow any torque info for drain Plugs no matter what year ya get!!!!!!!!!! | ||
| Old_mil |
$9100 is too high for an 06. I'll sell you my 3000 mile barricade orange, never been down 2007 with hardbags, windshield, heated grips, radar detector, fuseblock, and GPS for $10,500.  | ||
| M_singer |
Ronmold, I have a friend who works at a local Buell dealer who told me that invoice on an '06 Uly was over 8k but, he wouldn't give me an exact no. Keep us up to date on your negotiations. I think you should be able to buy an '06 for no more then $8500 plus TTT | ||
| Ronmold |
I've decided to wait for an '08. I was told they're hard to get because the factory is putting their efforts into the 1125's now. I would also like to see a few miles on the '08 revamped engine because they made some changes to the oiling system. The sales manager told me most of the changes were to make the engine more economical to produce and for racing, not to re-engineer shortcomings in the old design. | ||
| Froggy |
Danbury Harley / Buell in Danbury, CT has a 08 in black sitting on the floor, incase if you want to make a journey out of it. The only 08 i have ridden was a Firebolt, and i was too busy trying to ignore the pain in my back from leaning over so much. I can't comment much on the engine, other than it felt smooth, but it wasn't like i had an 06 bone stock bike to ride and give a apples to apples comparison. |
