| Author | Message | ||
     Driven |
Soooo...I'm trying to decide between a few bikes. I know, I know - sorry! I just really need to make the right decision as I'm tired of trading in every year, can only afford one machine, and need a 'semi-do it all' bike. I've had a modded DRZ400SM that I enjoyed, but it just wasn't enough bike. The seat was a plank, carrying a passenger was very difficult, and I didn't like the high revs of the single at 70-80mph. After going back to a sportbike for a season I'm certain that I want another SM type bike. I have been looking at the KTM 950sm, the KTM 690sm, and the Ulysses. The 950 is probably the best bike for me but I can't find one in my price range ($8k or less). The best I've found is an '07 holdover for a little over $11k otd. All the good used ones are far far away from me (Central Maine). I can get an '07 Ulysses with a few thousand miles and about $1500 in accessories (hard bags and top box) for $8k otd which I believe is a very good price. I will be test riding one next week. Do they have any SM traits at all? I'm afraid it will lack the dirtbike 'flickability' I'm looking for. It does have a some great features, can accommodate a passenger nicely, and I think they look killer. Is there much hooligan potential? Lastly, I've located an '07 holdover 690SM for $7600 otd (also a really great deal). I know for the back roads, city, and general squid antics it's the hands down winner with 65hp at just over 300 pounds. But if I want to take a 2 hour spin down the freeway or take my wife to the coast the Uly easily wins. The short test ride I will take won't tell me all I need to know but should give me a good idea. Do you guys think it sounds like a good fit? Thanx in advance for your responses! | ||
| Mike_dinger |
I ride with 'tards every weekend here in the abundance of SF Bay Area twisties! Other than running the hell out of my Uly in 1st and 2nd gears, I have no problem staying with the pack, or leading for that matter! The SM's are a lot lighter and a little smoother in the tighter turns, but it only keeps me trying harder to run a nice smooth line. I love my Uly, and aside from a little heat from the engine, I can't see a replacement until i blow it up. I have heard the term SM on steroids, but really it's in a class by itself. Take another demo ride, but ride the piss out of it. Lay it over in your turns, and whack the throttle out of them. Oh, maintenance is practically nil compared to the oil change frequencies of thumpers. | ||
| Ejiii |
I came off a very trick KTM Duke II. It did everything great except the 1+ hour rides to the good stuff. The ULY is very Supermoto! It is amazing how flickable it is. I ride hardcore twisties in CA (Malibu Canyons-very technical, Angeles Crest/Forest Hwy, etc.), you will not be disappointed with the ULY. Also, parts and maintenance are way cheaper with the Buell than any KTM. My Duke was expensive to keep in primo condition. | ||
| Birdmanrh |
The Uly is possibly the best 2up big on earth. It not only has a comfortable seat, but excellent leg position, because it allows your passenger to not have cramped legs. Also because of the torsional rigidity of the frame, any passenger movement is easy to deal with. (That's my theory at least.) | ||
| Rider_mclean |
I have a modded DRZ400SM as well and a '06 Uly...and it love the Uly as much as my 'tard. If you like supermoto this bike is great...i have backed it in a few times running around town. It is WAY more nimble then it looks. Get the Uly man!!!! | ||
| Dentguy |
I have raced Supermoto and had an 06 Uly. I just don't think they compare. I would say the Uly is more of a upright/comfortable sportbike that can handle two up. It's just too big and heavy to be considered Supermoto. Just my opinion. | ||
| Danger_dave |
Yep - I consider my Uly a 'sort of' supermoto for a 6'5" 260lb man - and I ride it like one. I stunt it - wheelie it everywhere - back the bum out and tip it in remorselessly. | ||
| Danger_dave |
Oh - and then of course you can do long distance tours on it. | ||
| Uly_kiwi |
Here,here,Dave I agree. | ||
| 08uly |
All this "backing it in"... is reverse between 1 & N or N & 2 ?   | ||
| Rider_mclean |
Of course it doesn't compare to a 450 single in even the lightest of race trim. But the Uly is supermoto'ish in the way you can ride it if you allow yourself to get a little aggressive on it. I can push the bike a lot farther then I thought it would go when I first got it 3 years ago. It is kinda like the KTM 950 Supermoto, but heavier and taller. | ||
| Driven |
My local dealer has made me an incredible offer on a leftover '07, but I still need to ride the bike before I decide. If I was sure I'd be doing more 2-up touring than backroad bombing I would rule out the 950SM. But the truth is most of the time it will be solo rides after work in the 50 mile range. I think the 950SM is a better choice for me as the above post indicated the Uly is a little more *ahem* portly than the KTM. We'll see what happens after a test ride...which will happen if the snow ever goes away! | ||
| Driven |
Have a test ride set up for Tuesday. I really hope I like the bike. On paper it's everything I want. Took the wife by the dealer today so she could sit on the back and she gave an enthusiastic thumbs up. Anything is an improvement over the torturous R6 plank! Best of all the guys there all ride Buells. The service manager goes to all the tech schools and was very passionate about his product. Seemed excited to have another 'family member'. That means a lot to me. They even have a large stock of Buell apparel, which I've heard is uncommon. I'm not looking for a Grandpa bike, I want a bike that has hooligan potential, will hang with my sportike pals (maybe even embarass them), and will be comfortable for my wife so she'll come along more often. Plus I want something different. According to my research the Uly ticks all the right boxes. I have high hopes! I haven't been this excited about a bike since I bought my first brand new bike 16 years ago. That was a '92 Katana 600. Will post my thoughts on Tuesday... | ||
| Rotorhead |
don't worry you'll still be able to keep up with the sport biker's even 2 up in the twisties on the ULY. it was amazing how it performs 2 up when you set the suspention up properly. You can do some great off road (if you willing) with this bike. With the right riding skills single track can be done in dry conditions. try to talk them into riding 2 up test ride also. if you get the wife knod the sales man knows it is all good. |
