| Author | Message | ||
     Electraglider_1997 |
Just got my latest issue of Cycle World and they were not kind to Buell in regard to the 1125R. Bad stators, surging at low speed, noisy engine. I believe I'll wait for year 2 of the watercooled ULY. They need to quit thinking that a new model is good enough and that they will sort it out as they get the complaints. How embarrassing. | ||
| Thunderbox |
Flash just in!!!!! There is no water cooled Uly engine to wait for. I think you may have dreamed about such a beast. I don't think they will put one in the Uly as price is already a problem with selling the Uly in comparison to bikes like the Strom. That engine would add a lot of cost to making them. Besides the Uly is already a perfect bike isn't it? | ||
| Driven |
Why would a water cooled version be any more money? Isn't the MSRP on the 1125R the same as the Uly ($11495)? | ||
| Thunderbox |
Yes they are the same price right now, so adding the more expensive engine will increase cost. But in reality the whole Uly platform would have to be changed because the 1125R engine won't fit in there. That would add even more cost. If you are hoping to get a 1125R Uly for the same cost as the present model I don't believe that will happen, but good luck just the same. (Message edited by Thunderbox on May 06, 2008) | ||
| Rwven |
Why are you assuming that the Helicon is more expensive to produce than the Thunderstorm is? I don't see why. Also the frame for the Helicon Uly already exists, it's being used on the 1125R now. | ||
| Bross |
Just don't "get it". The Uly already wheelie's at will, and with it's tall first gear and ample torque I'm sure isn't that hard to break the rear loose on a gravel road, what the heck are you going to do with 146hp and 82ft-lbs of torque? I guess anyone who has ever ridden a high horsepower 4 cylinder will never be happy short shifting a bike with torque. Goes away mumbling and scratching head. | ||
| Chadhargis |
I can give you countless reasons why I want the 1125 motor in a Uly chassis. 1) My fillings won't rattle out at idle 2) Smoother low RPM throttle control 3) Stays cool even when not moving 4) More power = wider gear spacing and less banging the limiter 5) Don't have to spin the engine up near redline to make it go. Less stress on the power plant. 6) No dying rear cylinder cooling fans (noise doesn't bother me...just the reliability of the fan) 7) Love the rush of a big 4-valve twin! God, there are so many others...but you get the point I hope. The "new" Ulysses can use the same frame as the 1125r with different triple trees and swingarm. It can have a little longer wheelbase for better stability and longer travel suspension for soaking up potholes and rough pavement. It would be a really easy bike to make. They need to recoup the R&D costs of the 1125 motor, and they will have more success doing that if they use the engine in more bikes. We haven't even mentioned the fact that our friends at the EPA are cracking down on air cooled engines. Even mighty Harley Davidson can't fight that one off. It's not a pollution thing, it's a noise thing. Water jackets quiet down the engine quite a bit. | ||
| Ulyranger |
I for one am happy with what I have. It is as I thought it would be........and more.  | ||
| Bross |
Good points Chad but if I remember correctly, you tend to push a bike a wee bit more than your typical rider (I've seen pics of you leaning *way* over). Personally, I've had it with liquid cooled motors. My Kawasaki Meanstreak had a coolant leak when I sold it, I just helped a friend do his valves on his Suzuki V-Strom and that too has a coolant leak that is going to be expensive to fix and is a known issue with the V-Stroms. He's going to buy a Honda ST and was checking with the service manager for any issues. The service manager said nope the motors a tank and will run forever, BUT coolant leaks will drive you crazy. Now none of these leaks has been serious or caused the bike to loose so much coolant that it over heated but it's just one of those things that bugs you smelling coolant frying on a hot motor. I'm just thankful that companies like BMW, Buell and Triumph, can still make air cooled motors that make me smile. If I lived in Nevada or Texas I might change my tune, and in fact I am moving to Canada's only arid desert this summer and it gets bloody hot, but we rode our air cooled DRs all around last summer with 0 issues. (Message edited by bross on May 06, 2008) | ||
| Danger_dave |
I've had decent saddle time with both engines now. I wouldn't change, the air cooled suits me great. From the conversation I had with Erik about it didn't appear to be on the agenda anyway. I think Chad would be better served by a new Triumph Tiger with the tall seat atchally. Then he could stop telling me 'it's not a dirt bike' even though I have no trouble riding it like one. ;-P | ||
| Danger_dave |
Also - my shop has an 1125r demo that has fueling issues. But the one I tested at the launch was fine. Did a good 500 miles on it I guess. It was a bit 'stumbly' dropping back to 35mph after doing 100+ - but it sorted itself out pretty quickly. | ||
| Ratbuell |
The only "problem" I have with my Uly is feeling it get a little squirrelly on gravel when I'm riding through the watershed. Then I look down and realize I'm doing about 50. Heheh...whoops. | ||
| Skullym1 |
Not the first bike with teething problems. Ever read about the Yamaha FJR problems when they arrived? | ||
| Johnboy777 |
Personally, I think its just a matter of time until the water-cooled injun makes it into all of Erik's products. Makes perfect sense, really. No more massaged HD products polluting his vision ... just pure Buell stem to stern. The 1125 just needs sorted like any new product does. Now he has the time to do it, one step at a time. w/ EPA regs, etc., ever tightening, yup, its gotta be H2O - I have seen the future, and its water-cooled. Just my $0.02 . | ||
| Danger_dave |
>>until the water-cooled injun makes it into all of Erik's products. Makes perfect sense, really. << H-D paying another engine manufacturer's profit margin? I could be completely on the wrong track - but here's what I got: Melbourne airport. Erik sat next to me. After pleasantries were exchanged at Court's expense and discussion of my Ulysses the first question was: 'When are we going to see the 1125r engine in the Ulysses?' ‘I ride my Ulysses a lot too,’ he grinned. ‘We know how sweet that engine and package is, but there is a whole lot of riders out there that want a liquid cooled engine. Our air cooled engines are meeting all the pollution standards and all that, and the 1125R doesn’t replace anything in the XB range - it's just that the only way we can get some guys on to our fabulous handling and cornering bikes is with this high powered, liquid cooled engine. And this engine is a…well, you just wait till you ride it' and left it hanging there as our flight was called.’ He didn't say 'it wasn't going to happen' either. From my press release: 'In 2003 Harley-Davidson acquired the final 2% of the Buell Motorcycle Company.' I got the feeling that the Rotax is a means to an end - to get sportsbikers on board the Trilogy of Technology. Until H-D can make the engines I can't see it being the mainstay. | ||
| Driven |
I certainly wasn't saying I'm disappointed with the 1203, but I know I'd like the Rotax better, especially if it's anything like my Superhawk was. The Uly chassis is absolutely everything I have ever wanted in a motorcycle. Perhaps I'm in the minority, but my Uly is likely to spend 99% of its life on the pavement. I concur that you don't need 146hp on gravel! I really don't need it on the tarmac either. But a smoother motor than can rev out a bit more would be a welcome addition. Until then I am happy with the Thunderstorm. I also believe a Uly derivative of the new 1125r chassis doesn't seem that far fetched... | ||
| Danger_dave |
>>Not the first bike with teething problems. << Initial teething problems with the EFI Killed (Like, destroyed any chance of selling well) the TT600 Triumph. | ||
| Tipsymcstagger |
The Uly chassis is absolutely everything I have ever wanted in a motorcycle. I'd like greater fuel capacity. Tipsy | ||
| Miamiuly |
"I guess anyone who has ever ridden a high horsepower 4 cylinder will never be happy short shifting a bike with torque." It does take a little mind shift but I love the ulysses and it is the perfect complement to my literbike. Except that I ride the sportbike less now that I have the uly. Torque at low speeds is nice around town. Short shifting as compared to an I4 is definitely part of it. Less heat would be nice but I also love the simplicity of the air/oil/fan cooling. Funny thing is now I understand the, "you know the engine is running" comments and harley riders calling inline 4 "sewing machines." The vibes at idle don't bother me at all and now when I'm on my zx10r, I find myself almost wondering if it's on when I'm stopped at a light. Sometimes I walk away from the 10r and have to remember that the fan isn't supposed to be running and that all is okay. (Message edited by miamiuly on May 06, 2008) | ||
| Danger_dave |
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| Danger_dave |
I had a Triumph Trophy 1200 that I had turned into a sports bike for a big guy. Jacked it up so it cornered, Ohlins, cartridge forks, Daytona engine - 135hp - and I had no intention of selling it - a month before I met the Ulysses I spent a few grand having it custom painted. Test rode the Uly, bought it the same week and sold the Trophy 2 months later because I was never going to ride it instead of the Uly. | ||
| Snowscum |
We also love the 06 Uly because were tall. | ||
| Crusty |
No more massaged HD products polluting his vision ... just pure Buell stem to stern. My Uly is pure Buell. It will be a sad day when the air cooled motor is discontinued. I'm going to buy a new Buell; an XB12XT. I am not going to buy an 1125R. The engine in each has a lot to do with my decision. | ||
| Thunderbox |
I really get a charge out of some of the conversations that take place here. Some of the biggest complaints about the Uly are: 1) Engine power or lack of, 2) Price, 3) Fuel range. 4) Two up ease of frt wheel lift. The new engine would only solve one of those problems. It would only make the other three a lot worse. I am sure Buell has looked at this from every angle and have concluded that the helicon engine is for sport bikes. The Uly is clearly the best selling bike Buell makes. Do you really think they will to change it anytime soon. I doubt it. If your waiting for a big change in the Uly I think you will be waiting a while. If it ain't broke don't fix it. There are many many people who like the Uly the way it is and it will probably stay that way for some time. I could be wrong but then I'm already a happy camper. | ||
| Adrian_8 |
I like the simplicity of the pushrod motor.. it has all the power I need...I just wish the fuel injection was spot on like the V twin in my Aprilia Tuono...I predicted the 1125r's fuel injection would not be right..it amazes me how a company can offer up demo bikes to the press that are screwed up...especially on the initial launch...those bikes should have been checked and rechecked for perfection...Like I said many posts ago.. if you want a great running water cooled V-twin that has all the bugs worked out...buy and Aprilia. | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
Adrian, I agree with you about offering the press bikes that have problems. How in the he.ll does Buell think that is going to sell bikes. Do they expect the press to look the other way while Buell works out the teething problems. Maybe Erik needs to fire his payrolled "YES" men who must be telling him everything he "wants" to hear ( "Erik, the bike is just perfect" ). Maybe he needs some independent riders, and by that I mean non-Buell folks that will not pull any punches because it can't be used against them at job appraisal time. There is no excuse for how those 1125R bikes were (non) performing when going against the Ducati in that Cycle World comparo. I for one am sickened by the reports of low speed off idle surging, and bad stator (excuses). Pretty lame. Hasn't Buell listened and learned at all from us about parking lot speed jerkiness of the ULY. Why design another bike with that annoying trait. Bad press like that will turn people away. | ||
| Johnboy777 |
"I for one am sickened by the reports of low speed off idle surging, and bad stator (excuses). Pretty lame. Hasn't Buell listened and learned at all from us about parking lot speed jerkiness of the ULY. Why design another bike with that annoying trait. Bad press like that will turn people away." Hey EG, Maybe bad press will drive home the inherent problems in their fuel delivery sys. One would hope. What is the most important aspect of a motorcycle ... IMHO, the engine and ridability. I for one feel there is no excuse to deliver a bike like my '07 Uly in the p*ss poor running condition it was in when I took possession of it. And the dealer(s) could care less, sayin' "well, its just the character of the bike"....pure BS. To be honest, it totally 'sucked' ... damn near unridable. The bottom line is I had to learn to program my fuel sys. via ECMspy (thanks Gunter), to get it where I can ride it. Yeah, i love the bike now ... but I didn't realized there was some assembly required! Did I mention it's the beautiful black colour...Mmmmmmm! John | ||
| Iugradmark |
As far as a replacement motor for the Uly, I wouldn't be surprised if Buell works with Rotax on a different engine better suited weight wise and fuel management wise for an all-arounder. I wish Buell had been able to get the 800cc motor that BMW is using in their fleet of 800 Rotax bikes. It has plenty of power and gas mileage of over 50 MPG with a lower weight. Buell is eventually going to need a bike that moves them out of the small sales niche space they reside in or they will struggle to survive. It doesn't help to have poor reviews on most of their fleet as it does impact sales. | ||
| Dick_stilton |
Personally, I think its just a matter of time until the water-cooled injun makes it into all of Erik's products. Makes perfect sense, really. Johnboy 777 - I, reluctantly agree with you, but the day that happens is the day I walk away from Buell.  | ||
| Chadhargis |
I experienced no fueling, heat, or other issues on this ride (I'm in the white helmet):  I just kept thinking how WONDERFUL that engine would be in the Ulysses. For those who are having issues with wheelies....what is your body position like? You might want to seek out some lower bars like Fatty B and I have. They shift your weight forward and put more bias on the front wheel. I have no issues with "unintentional" wheelies (LOL!  ) even with a passenger. I have looked at the Tiger, and I don't like the riding position ("in it" versus "on it"...very V-Strom like). I don't like the gargantuan wheelbase. I don't care for the weight of it either. I do love the triple engine, but the bike doesn't impress me. The Multistrada and Hypermotard do, but those are both cost prohibitive for me unless I buy used, and I really want a liquid cooled bike. I have no issues with coolant leaks. My Gixxer never leaks. Neither did my FJR or my Goldwing (god...I hated the wing...don't ask!). I LOVED my FJR, but the thing was SOOOO heavy and once I started dragging the mufflers through the turns, I got scared I was going to crash, so it had to go. |
