| Author | Message | ||
     Onemanclan |
Hard to read the long term wrap-up of the Uly in the Sept. 2008 edition of Motorcyclist magazine. It starts out saying, "There's a lot to love about America's only adventure-tourer". It ends up saying, "...but in final analysis the Thunderstorm powertrain exhibits an unacceptable lack of sophistication that brings the rest of the package down. Especially compared to other bikes like the Triumph Tiger 1050, for example, which offer similar all-road attitude with a vastly more satisfying powerplant (and brakes). When you realize the Tiger sells for $500 less then the Ulysses...well, that argument is settled-just like this long-term test." | ||
| Packdog |
Ironically it is that same lack of sophistication that makes the Uly so acceptable to me! I genuinely like the simplicity and resultant low maintenance of the powerplant. Not just with bikes, I sometimes wonder if the complexity of many systems exists just for the bragging rights of how sophisticated/complex the system *can* be made (and still function) and therefore create the argument that it is "better" simply because it is more complex. To each their own. | ||
| Red_chili |
He should buy a Tiger then. Oh yeah, he doesn't have to. Obviously he started out the test with a bias toward "modern" powerplants. I would also bet he is not an old thumper rider, or he would have closed out the article with "when you realize the Ulysses sells for only $500 more than the Tiger, and feels more like some of our favorite classic dirt-oriented thumpers... well, that argument is settled - just like this long-term test." I REALLY hate it when motojournalists cannot recognize and do not disclosed their predilection for certain kinds of motorcycles and powertrains over others. And sell their private opinions as demonstrable fact. (Message edited by Red_Chili on August 22, 2008) | ||
| Rwcfrank |
I think part of the issue with test riders is that they ride so many different bikes they have totally lost their ability to enjoy the "ride" and they focus on just the bike. Every time I ride my Uly, even if it's the measly 6 miles to work, I really enjoy the bike. It is simply fun. If I wanted to ride a technological wonder I would take BART (the train). Good thing reviews are subjective, I choose to add Motorcyclist to my list of magazines that are clueless. | ||
| Svh |
I read that a few weeks ago when mine came and was disappointed because Aaron Fank had praised the bike pretty heavily before this in the update articles. Mostly hated the fan and a few other little things and I do believe at one point he praised being able to do routine maintenance himself for the first time in years. I will have to try and dig that issue up when I get home. Its really like cars or anything else. Any time there is a reviewer 90% of them are biased towards one thing or another. To each their own you know. Great that we have all these choices besides we don't all want everybody to like every bike that would be boring. 80's Japanese Standard Bikes anyone? | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
I'd like to see a maintenance cost comparo. Just looking at photos, you can bet that when the Tiger crashes, the parts that break will costs multiples of what would break on a ULY. Plastic doesn't survive hitting the pavement real well. Triumphs are nice bikes but the ULY looks better, to me at least. The ULY is 10 lbs lighter and also has 10 more ft-lbs of torque and Triumphs performance numbers are at a much higher rpm. I also notice that Triumph http://www.triumph.co.uk/usa/Tiger_Specifications% 20Tiger.aspx doesn't even show mpg specs on the Tiger. The thing that makes the ULY an attractive adventure bike is that it is built "Buell Tough". Just looking at it, you can tell it is a survivor. Not so much with that Tiger. One last observation ; The front suspension is cheap looking. Can't say that about Buell suspensions. | ||
| Seanp |
Who really cares what he says? I've got my Uly, and I love it. I spread the word as much as I can. I don't have thousands, tens of thousands, or hundreds of thousands of people to spread the word to, but if all of us tell a hundred people over time that we love these bikes, then we can have a better positive impact than this review will have a negative one. And besides, it's not just the bike. It's the whole experience. The experience of March Badness, of Homecoming, of the BadWeb. It's way more than a bike... | ||
| Sprintex |
He liked it on the open road but hated it on the hour commute to get there. I could see where the fan and heat would get to you driving an hour in stop and go traffic. I don't have to so it is not an issue for me. The simplicity is what got me interested in Buells from the start. I sold a 97 Triumph Sprint and a Ducati Paso to buy my 06 Uly. The Triumph is a great bike, wonderful motor, fast comfortable 6.5 gallon gas tank ,but I just hated working on it, everything was a chore to do. If the Buell doesn't work out for me I'm going back to old Guzzis ,they take a licking and keep on ticking. | ||
| Xbimmer |
Motorcyclist failed in my personal long term test long ago... I wonder how much a valve adjustment and chain/sprocket replacement costs on a Tiger? Betcha it's more than $500. | ||
| Reepicheep |
IMHO, both the Tiger and the Uly are very nice, and very different bikes, even if they do end up in the same niche. Kind of like comparing a bat to a sparrow, and declaring one "better". Seems dumb to me. | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
I taught a MSF BRC at Offutt this Mon-Wed and bragged up the ULY. It was a class mostly of people with zero to little motorcycle experience. I told them that cruisers are fine bikes but a superb handling bike like a Buell will let you avoid accidents that a cruiser might not. When they graduated I actually had 2 of the guys say they were very interested in Buells. One of them was going to the dealer to check out a ULY because I had told him that wives were known to love riding backseat on the ULY . This interest in Buells was a first and I think it had to do with my various safety oriented comments about my ULY. Another thing that I consistently hear is how wives are all pissed off because their husband wants to get a motorcycle, as if it is an instant death warrant. I usually get a couple gals per class and they normally have never ridden. If they are young they pick up riding nicely but I've noticed that older women ( 50+ ) struggle. | ||
| Svh |
I just took my MSF BRC with Riders Edge 2 weekends ago. We had a 53yr old lady in the class that was so nervous. We got her riding pretty well by the end of the weekend. She struggled with the U-turn box and anything low speed. She passed though and she was far from being the most scary rider out there. | ||
| Jlnance |
When they graduated I actually had 2 of the guys say they were very interested in Buells. I've owned 3 Buells exactly and only because the Riders Edge course was taught on Blasts, and the instructors used it as an example of a good first bike. | ||
| Edgydrifter |
I was also very disappointed with that long-term wrapup. It seems to me that his major criticisms boil down to the Uly not fitting his riding style and preferences, which is as much about him as it is the bike--yet nowhere in his piece does he offer such a disclaimer. I will agree with his and others' criticisms of the meager steering sweep from lock to lock. Especially if you're used to riding other bikes where this isn't an issue (most of them), hitting that lock when you're trying to back into or out of a parking space is very annoying, and I'll bet it's caused more than one Uly rider to needlessly drop his or her bike. That and the tricky neutral position. Still, I was thinking to myself as I rode to work this morning, this bike was not made to sit still, it was made to GO, and it does do that very, very well. That more than makes up for the above two criticisms. | ||
| Chadhargis |
To each his own. I have to agree, that the engine does rain on the otherwise sunny parade. Sure..it's low maintenance. I can appreciate that. But I've had other bikes that required valve adjustments and chain replacement, and I can honestly tell you...it's not that big a deal. You measure the clearance, get the proper shims (or buy a shim kit), zip tie the cam chain to the cam sprocket so it doesn't jump time, remove the buckets, and swap the shims. Typically, shim under bucket engines stay in spec for tens of thousands of miles. Chain replacement is about 1000 times easier than getting a belt on a Buell. You cut the chain. Put the new chain on. Press the master link. You're done. You can even change gearing if you like when you change sprockets. I can tell you that I've messed with my Thunderstorm engine more trying to get it to run right than I have ever messed with any engine in any bike I've ever owned. Which includes a engine swap in my Gixxer when I developed a transmission issue. By the way, I replaced the entire engine for $400. eBay is the bomb!  But..all that said. I do love my Ulysses. But I look forward to the day the 1125 engine makes it's debut in the Ulysses. By then, the new engine glitches should be solved, and the Ulysses will be a sweet ride. Hope the ZTL2 brake makes it to the 1125 Uly as well. | ||
| Hooliken |
Isn't Aaron Frank the same guy who pissed off the IBA guys for his write up of riding an R1 from Cali and bragging about the triple digit speeds! Do not care about others opinions. I recently wrecked my 06 Uly (Hit a deer) and am patiently waiting for Shenandoah HD to do the estimate to find out if it is repairable or a total loss. If it is not repairable I see an 09 in my future. Fact is, a Buell is not a bike for everyone. Are the FI issues a pain in the ass....of course. Have some had issues from day one of ownership....yep. But once it is sorted there is not another bike on the planet that provides so many smiles per mile. I think that working on my Uly and finding out first hand whats works and what does not is part of what keeps me stoked on the Brand. If you want an appliance...go to Lowes. | ||
| Chadhargis |
Or buy a Honda. | ||
| Red_chili |
Fact is, a Buell is not a bike for everyone. Are the FI issues a pain in the ass....of course. Actually, for me at least, the FI went from something expensive to change - and therefore something I would have to live with - to a fiddler's dream, and cheap as dirt to deal with. Easier than a carb. Thanks to some enterprising Germans and a guy from Florida. So it went from a ding to a bonus. Next issue? LOL  (You can imagine my grin when my wife decided she wanted a Buell too. That XB9 should sing here pretty shortly. And of course, require LOTS of test rides... ) (Message edited by Red_Chili on August 22, 2008) | ||
| Cityxslicker |
What I hate is that then uninitiated will take their word as gospel. I have never subscribed to a motorcycle magazine, because every time I pick one up, its bikes I cant afford, dont ride that style, dont race, ridden by riders that are too tall for me to get a decent assessment, and have an axe to grind. So despite the 7-10 subscription fliers and tearouts that they put in every edition, the can keep their rag. Now if I could just get Kiwi Rider, I think I would subscribe to that  | ||
| Tstone |
Many riders, and writers, can't warm up to a Ulysses because its engine is of a primitive design. I would urge those who think this way to consider that sharks, too, are of a primitive design. | ||
| Nutsosane |
If it's a subscription you desire, might I suggest T.W.O. Yeah, I know it's like $75 per year and by the time we get it it's two months late but... I do love that mag. Niall McKenzie(Trout) has used Thunderstorm engined Buells on trackdays and liked the Buell experience. Spend the $9 at B&N and see for yourself.  At the moment I have a bevy of bikes in my garage as I am preparing for a longish tour with my Father and two brothers.  I have a 08 Versys, I owned for 9 months and 9k miles; a GS1200 BMW, I rode from Virginia to Florida for my Pop; a R1150r BMW I have ridden quite a bit, My second Ulysses (an 08) and a DRZ400. I rode them all two days ago and I can say with certainty... My Uly is the king! Though the DRZ ain't far behind.  The Uly has the superior ergonomic package. The other bikes, regardless of build quality(actual or implied) just have no chance against the mighty tall beast. I have the 06 seat w/sheepskin for added height too. Bottom line: if the bike works for you then you're in the right place. Should you find yourself in need of published HP numbers and ad campaign fluff, there is ample opportunity to satiate that thirst. It's a great time to be a motorcyclist and my choice is Buell.  If you find yourself at odds with your Buell make a point to attend one of the gatherings( March Badness, Buelltoberfest, Homecoming, WVBuell Rally) and evaluate the character of Buell ownership. Second to none; Thank You Badweb and Buell. NUTS | ||
| Chadhargis |
Here here! Yes...Buells have warts...but somehow the flaws give the bike a persona that most bikes don't have. I've been a critic of the engine from time to time, but in the end, I've owned my Ulysses longer than any bike I've ever had. | ||
| Florida_lime |
When I read the long term wrap-up, I was also a little disappointed. There are some factual origins to his objections or problems, but from what I read -- some of his issues could have been resolved by having a different servicing dealer. He writes for a magazine, and many people might take his views as facts. But in the end, they are still just his opinions. You've all heard the expression about opinions. Some just people have 'bigger' opinions.  | ||
| Danger_dave |
It's just opinions, hey. When I bought my Uly it essentially cost me the marketing contract for Triumph here. I used to do their ads and run all the new press bikes in. General roustabout for the brand. I could have even bought a new Tiger wholesale. Great bikes - but I didn't even consider it. I just don't like them anywhere near as much as the Uly. | ||
| Danger_dave |
Oh and I'm back riding mine after 6 weeks of a rich vein of fabulous and varied new test bikes. The Uly and its unsophisticated engine is still my favorite ride. | ||
| Edgydrifter |
I personally enjoy RoadRunner the most--they like every bike they ride and have great tour route suggestions. Ride magazine from the UK is one that I pick up from time to time just for the eye-popping photos. And, of course, I subscribe to Cycle World just for Kevin Cameron's column each month. | ||
| Jaybirdxb12x |
One more that was disappointed by motor cyclist. I defiantly miss Mitch bowman’s editing. He and peter Egan have helped shape my views on motorcycling. It is funny 2 years ago I was ready to cancel my subscription to cycle world because it was becoming chopper world. And the right-ups seemed to be full of fluff. How ever it is quickly becoming my favorite of the two rags. I do think Buell gets the short end of the stick from both mags. I would love to see the uly in a fair in a shootout on dirt roads, the track, long halls, two up, and in town. Ride it like most people would. (Multistrada, V-Strom, new Tiger, Versys, standard GS1200) or better yet a supersport, sport touring and cruiser. We don't even have to include dirt. But most important the mags seem to be like a bunch of bean counter you read about which is most practical, has the best numbers, most likely to get you arrested, or is the best deal. How about which one is the most fun to ride. Buells would win hands down. | ||
| Hooper |
Actually, as far as magazines go, I get the feeling that if a bike vibrates somewhat vigorously and it's NOT a cruiser, it's immediately denigrated. Also, anything that purports to be a sportbike that also has a V-shaped engine that is related to that Neanderthal monster Harley-Davidson (the root of all Buell's PR problems) is probably screwed in the press. A nice 90-degree Ducati V is no big deal, because it's DUUUUCATTTTIIIII. Here's what the subliminal thought process among moto writers is: "But a Buell is a Harley. It's one of those Harleys. It's another Harley, owned by Harley. Harley riders suck. Harley riders are yahoos. Harley riders are Hells Angels. Buell is Harley. Harley is Buell. Buells are unruly and unrefined and imperfect, just like a Harley. Harleys vibrate like crazy. Man, this Buell vibrates...it's just like one of those insanely vibrating Harleys." I could go on and on, but I really do believe this. I am a proud and slightly reluctant owner of a Harley...I wanted the coolest and most affordable bobber/cruiser, but didn't think I'd find it as a production bike, or especially as a Harley. What's more, I found that new bobber Harley had a massive engine (96 cubic inches). I wanted that. So, I grew the relationship with the dealership that sold me my Buell (Battley in Gaithersburg). Anyhoo, I'm essentially convinced that Buells are discriminated against, often in the same way that Harleys are. Very few mags will let a H-D win a shootout. Very few mags will let a Buell win one either. | ||
| Onemanclan |
I *must* mention that I absolutely love my Uly and wouldn't trade it for anything...I'm just pointing out the article in case people missed it.. | ||
| Ratbuell |
I have to say...I didn't "need" my Uly when I bought it, what with an S1W and S2 in the garage alongside (then) the FLHP. Got the Uly, love it ("don't hate on Big Bird" is a common comment to co-workers, LOL), wife loves it, sold the FLHP and now the Uly is the 2-up bike of choice. Although, she did enjoy the "parade lap" at Homecoming on the S2... |
