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Buell Motorcycle Forum » Big, Bad & Dirty (Buell XB12X Ulysses Adventure Board) » BB&D Archives » Archive through October 11, 2008 » I Test drove a VStrom... and I liked it! « Previous Next »

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Adamd
Posted on Saturday, September 27, 2008 - 11:36 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Yes it's true! My friend bought the V last week and I was meaning to get over and swap my ULY for his V. Well Fridays he finished @ 12 and I decided I was going to be sick, so off to test drive it.

The Seat and riding position are amazing, I have an 07 uly and I cant stand my seat. I get s sweaty ass and get serious monkey butt on my ULY, it's much better on the V. The riding position is almost perfect for me on the V.

The engine is nice, but feels too refined and stressed.

The handling is weird, but decent, it holds a line well and is not as flickable as the Uly.

My friend likes the ULY, he was power wheeling over bumps @ highway speed/ He said "I wish I had this engine in my bike"

anyways, I'm not going to sell the Uly but I'm definitly going to get a better seat and rox risers.
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Harleywern
Posted on Saturday, September 27, 2008 - 11:57 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

The grass is always greener on the other side off the fence. You own the better bike.
Ride safe Werner
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Hughlysses
Posted on Saturday, September 27, 2008 - 12:16 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Some folks greatly prefer the 06 "low" seat; it's only slightly lower but it has a gel insert. I like the 07 seat OK but would like to try one.
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Reepicheep
Posted on Saturday, September 27, 2008 - 03:42 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I rode a buddy's VStrom. Decent bike, I wouldn't hesitate to borrow or rent one and ride it anywhere.

I wouldn't buy one though. Nothing wrong with them, just nothing that excites me about them either.

The owner has been talking lately about selling it and getting an XT. I think I will advise him to keep the strom and get a cheap dirt bike.
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Chrisxt
Posted on Saturday, September 27, 2008 - 04:31 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I had a V-Strom with all the farkles that you could imagine. VERY comfortable, kick myself everyday for selling it. Also bought another one, until I test drove the XT. Both are fantastic bike, but both have different personalities. I rode the V-Strom cross country and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. One thing that I do miss is ABS!!! i want the ABS!
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Danger_dave
Posted on Saturday, September 27, 2008 - 07:41 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Only thing wrong with a Strom is standing back and looking at it.
The noise and buffeting from the windscreen and bodywork are hard going too.

(Message edited by danger_dave on September 27, 2008)
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Panhead_dan
Posted on Saturday, September 27, 2008 - 07:45 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

and the sound it makes
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Ft_bstrd
Posted on Saturday, September 27, 2008 - 09:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

There was not a single thing about the VStrom that I liked. The engine had zero character, the handling was ok, but I felt like I was looking over a flight deck with miles of bike between me and the road. I hated the seating position. It tended to lock my hips into permanent "tank hump" position (you almost NEVER see a VStrom rider hanging off the bike). I COULDN'T get positioned off the bike in turns. It was weird. The peg position was much shorter butt to leg than the Uly. Many VStrom folks are actually installing Uly pegs to gain an additional inch in leg room. I even HATED the VStrom pegs.

People who love them, LOVE them. That's ok, though. There are thousands of folks who hate Buells.
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Rubysdaddy
Posted on Saturday, September 27, 2008 - 09:57 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I had a 650 and thought is was a really good bike. A great bike, for the price. I even had great rides on that bike, but the bike was never great. The bike was merely fine. And nothing it ever did made me giggle.
I test rode my Uly and traded the 650 in on it within days.

Now I look forward to riding this bike, not just riding.
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Armymedic
Posted on Sunday, September 28, 2008 - 01:48 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I just sold my V-strom for an 06 Uly. Nothing wrong with the Strom, til you get ANY gusty wind, then it's friggin' scary. All that fairing up front causes the front to be blown all about, worse than any other bike I've owned. That's really the only thing I didn't like about it though. A very reliable bike with a strong engine.
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Chadhargis
Posted on Sunday, September 28, 2008 - 11:28 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Before considering a Uly, I had all but settled on a V-Strom. I rode my friends several times, and no matter what I did, I just never really liked the bike. But for the money, it looked really good on paper, but never really gave me that "oh, I gotta have this bike" feeling.

Luckily, I just SAT on a Ulysses and it clicked. THIS is the bike for me, and I've had her ever since.

Now I just need to get her out and ride. I've been so busy lately, my bikes have sat parked. I did complete the Ed Bargy Racing School on Friday, but took my Gixxer for that event. Holy cow, that was a great class. Especially enjoyed the mock race at the end. I've got race fever now.
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Edgydrifter
Posted on Sunday, September 28, 2008 - 01:34 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I'm with Chadhargis on this one. The V-Strom had long been on my "next bike" short list, and if Buell hadn't come out with the XT I almost certainly would have picked up a DL1000. I think it's a great package for the price, and (IMO) very badass looking.
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Ft_bstrd
Posted on Sunday, September 28, 2008 - 02:41 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

very badass looking

Dayum!
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Skidog
Posted on Sunday, September 28, 2008 - 07:24 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

The big advantage in my neck of the woods for the V is price. A 2008 Uly will still cost me $12,500. I can get a 08 V-strom for $7500. Both are new, Suzuki will deal were Buell / HD its a privilege thing walking into the showroom. I wish I liked the V better as you can see we are talking a huge price difference. I must say the V is fugly, too bad.
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Edgydrifter
Posted on Sunday, September 28, 2008 - 10:42 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I know, I know. I didn't say I had good taste or a refined appreciation for visual aesthetics.
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Ft_bstrd
Posted on Monday, September 29, 2008 - 12:48 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I know, I know. I didn't say I had good taste or a refined appreciation for visual aesthetics.

That's ok. I have odd tastes in women too.
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Treadmarks
Posted on Monday, September 29, 2008 - 08:32 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

2500 miles into our alaska trip on a uly, we were provided with a 650 36,000 mile v-strom after the uly died with tire, bad wheel bearing and warped front rotor issues. It took a few miles to get the hang of the strom. Light on power and didn't handle as well as the uly. I liked the wind protection tho. Kinda like a mad stad braket. Mileage was about the same.

If I ever have to choose between a 4000 mile 08 uly and 36,000 mile strom again, I would probably go with the strom.
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Florida_lime
Posted on Monday, September 29, 2008 - 08:36 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

If I ever have to choose between a 4000 mile 08 uly and 36,000 mile strom again, I would probably go with the strom.

OUCH !
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M_singer
Posted on Tuesday, September 30, 2008 - 06:02 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

>>>>>If I ever have to choose between a 4000 mile 08 uly and 36,000 mile strom again, I would probably go with the strom.

Court should post up here soon to insult your education and bring up some issue that Porches or Mercedes are having.

Drink the coolaid and, repeat the mantra....Uly's are just as reliable as any other bike made!
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Treadmarks
Posted on Tuesday, September 30, 2008 - 06:48 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Uly's are just as reliable as any other bike made

Yeah, you're right. I probably just had a lemon.

I still love my 06 Uly, big difference between it and an 08 tho.

I am a little pizzed that Buell (the manufacturer) allowed the known issues with the uly to persist for 3 years.

Funny, the things that go through your head when your near new uly is broke down in Alaska, and you finish your vacation on a thirty six thousand mile strom...without a problem.

Probably just a lemon.
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Barker
Posted on Tuesday, September 30, 2008 - 07:23 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

decent bike for the price point, but you get what you pay for.

for me:
to much plastic, not enuf soul.
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M_singer
Posted on Tuesday, September 30, 2008 - 07:42 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

>>>>to much plastic, not enuf soul.

I agree with that. Stroms are very appliance like.
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Etennuly
Posted on Tuesday, September 30, 2008 - 09:19 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

>>>>to much plastic, not enuf soul.

I agree with that. Stroms are very appliance like.


+1 to that and I went to the Zuki dealer after I had test ridden a Buell. I sat on the 1000 Strom and asked if I could test ride one. They said we don't do that.
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Lightstick
Posted on Tuesday, September 30, 2008 - 12:34 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

"I Test drove a VStrom... and I liked it! "



Kinda like dating an ugly partner; it feels pretty good until somebody you know sees you.
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Barker
Posted on Tuesday, September 30, 2008 - 07:11 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

This was never the way I planned
Not my intention
I got so brave, drink in hand
Lost my discretion
It's not what, I'm used to
Just wanna try you on
I'm curious for you
Caught my attention

I tested a V-strom and I liked it.
The taste of her cheap plastic.
I rode a Vstrom just to try it.
I hope my Uly don't mind it.
It felt so wrong.
It felt so right.
Don't mean I'm in love tonight.

No, I don't even know your name
It doesn't matter,
You're my experimental game
Just human nature,
It's not what,
Good Buellers do
Not how they should behave
My head gets so confused
Hard to obey

I tested a V-strom and I liked it.
The taste of her cheap plastic.
I rode a Vstrom just to try it.
I hope my Uly don't mind it.
It felt so wrong.
It felt so right.
Don't mean I'm in love tonight.

Those Vstroms so tempting
Soft springs, no soul, so cheap.
Hard to resist so affordable
Too good to deny it
Ain't no big deal, it's innocent

I tested a V-strom and I liked it.
The taste of her cheap plastic.
I rode a Vstrom just to try it.
I hope my Uly don't mind it.
It felt so wrong.
It felt so right.
Don't mean I'm in love tonight.
I tested a V-strom and I liked it.
I liked it




(Message edited by barker on September 30, 2008)
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Ft_bstrd
Posted on Tuesday, September 30, 2008 - 07:58 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Oh Snap! : D
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Etennuly
Posted on Tuesday, September 30, 2008 - 08:46 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

What he said!
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Longdog_cymru
Posted on Wednesday, October 01, 2008 - 04:35 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Barker, Hilarious!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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M_singer
Posted on Saturday, October 04, 2008 - 03:46 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

>>>>>I am a little pizzed that Buell (the manufacturer) allowed the known issues with the uly to persist for 3 years.

Actually the wheel bearing problem has been here since the first XB's came out in late '02. It was "supposed" to be fixed years ago
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Royintulsa
Posted on Saturday, October 04, 2008 - 04:53 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

The only thing about Japanese bikes shipped to the U.S. is just a little bit of residual radiation from August of 1945. It gets less and less each year though, should not be a problem in another 10,000 years.
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Rubysdaddy
Posted on Sunday, October 05, 2008 - 10:51 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

My Uly was approached by a guy on a 650 Strom yesterday. He had never seen a Uly before.....Hmmm.

I had forgotten just how much real estate is up front on the Stroms. And when he pulled away, I couldn't really hear anything. Well, maybe a sound like a blender on low speed. And a lot of chain noise.

I was reminded of just how underwhemling some bikes are. Oh well, no regrets with the Uly!
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