| Author | Message | ||
     Seans |
Hello, all Sorry in advance if this is a bit long... First of all, I have to be up-front in telling everyone that I do not own a Buell. However, I have been in love with the Ulysses since it first came out. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to afford one. The reason I joined this forum is because I am taking a trip to Alaska from July 1 - August 1 of next year, 2009. I own a 2008 KLR 650, and it is a nice bike, but I find myself attempting to make it more suitable (rack, cases, resized front/rear sprocket, road pegs, etc) for such a long, primarily-highway trip. Frankly, I am tired of messing with it and many of the changes I have made aren't all that effective and I don't feel like I am getting anywhere. I want this trip to be enjoyable, and part of making that happen means having a motorcycle that I enjoy riding. A dealer near me has a 2006 Ulysses for sale complete with a set of hard cases (side and tail). Asking price is $8998. I am calling tomorrow to check on mileage. So, my questions... 1. Assuming the mileage is reasonably low, what mods would I need to make for my AK trip if I were to buy the bike? 2. Are there any maintenance issues specific to this bike that I Would need to address before going on the trip? 3. I have seen a number of posts that talk about uncomfortably high heat coming off the engine...any truth to this? 4. How comfy is the seat during prolonged periods of riding? 5. Does the price seem fair? My hope is that if I were to trade in my KLR and purchase this Uly I would have a bike that is ready to carry me to AK with no necessary mods except maybe a larger windscreen. You guys are the experts on this one, so I REALLY appreciate any info you can provide. Thanks in advance | ||
| Nipsey |
I will jump in on prioce...too high. You can get very low mileage bikes with warranty for less. That being said, you can always find something cheaper than a particular deal, ultimately you are the best judge on what you are willing to pay. Seat is awesome - especially the 2006 stock (tall). Heat is fine for non-desert living folks who don't ride in hot pants (although that is a smokin hot look. Smarter people than I can pipe off on the accessories - but I think fitting a disco ball is a good start. | ||
| Froggy |
$8998 out the door IF it was new! Hell no to a used one! Check the classifieds here, plenty of good deals. 1, mods tend to be subjective, and only added based on your preferences. I say GPS, also a voltage meter mod, the 06 models have a higher rate of charging issues than the other years, so it is a good preventative mod. Saved my ass from getting stuck  2, The bikes are low maintenance. My biggest issue is that I eat tires too fast. Wheel bearings are also a concern, Buell recently switched to different seals but the jury is still out on them. 3. Depends on your egronomics and gear. Full gear = less heat, jeans your more likely to experience heat. I almost never feel heat. There are various fixes if it affects you. 4. Again, depends on you and your ass. There are 3 different seats available right from Buell, so get them all and figure out which you like best. 5. **** no. If possible, don't get rid of the KLR, it owns the Uly off road, you will miss it! | ||
| Froggy |
Oh yea another mod, Dark Horse Moto sliders, they do wonders to protect the bike. Cheap insurance for if you do meet the pavement. | ||
| Greenman44 |
I agree on the price being way to high. I picked my 06 Uly up with bags, drummer exhaust, and Race ECM, and 8800 miles (it has alot more now) for 7K in June. Oh and it had all carbon fiber plastics. I would check around. There are deals out there just look. By the way the Uly is more fun than I had ever thought a bike could be. Hope this helps. Greenman   | ||
| Seans |
Thanks, guys, for all the great info. Unfortunately, I could not come to an agreement with the dealer on the price, and the trade in amount he offered was just way too low, but I guess I expected that. The hunt is officially on, however, and as soon as the circumstances are right, there will be a Uly in my garage. Thanks again | ||
| Froggy |
Wait 2 months, they will be more willing to deal in the middle of the winter, assuming you don't find something else in the mean time. Also try and test ride a few. A 06 is a bit different than a 09, but should give you an idea. | ||
| Bienhoabob |
I see that you live in Racine. Did you check the Racine HD dealer? www.racinehd.com they have a NEW 2008 Model XB12XT BuellŪ UlyssesŪ XB12XT- Stock #4613 Red $11,995 Freight and setup included. Ukes in Kenosha has the same bike for $14,007. Freight and setup included. | ||
| Supertoon |
FWIW, you can rent a Uly out of Anchorage, do your trip, then really decide if it is the bike for you. I will really try to live with a bike for longer than the typical parade lap demo rides before buying.... That being said, my 06 has been trouble free and easily the most comfortable bike I have ever owned. For me, mods were a Zumo (can't live with out it now), plugs for heated vests (very good idea for AK) and the Palmer brackets. (3 windscreens for the price of one) | ||
| Ejc |
You won't have the fuel range of the KLR with the Uly. You may need a gas can as an accessory, depending on how remote you get. | ||
| Skinstains |
What's a Palmer bracket ? | ||
| Skinstains |
Hey Seans, check out a thread in "Storm Fronts" it seems that you are not alone in your destination AK. | ||
| Supertoon |
Skin, it is adjustable windshield mount produced in the UK by a fellow Bueller. www.palmer-products.co.uk/windshield.html Fantastic thing! | ||
| Jphish |
Seans - I've got an 06 650KLR - great for bashing around Baja. However... you can spend TON$ and still NOT improve performance any appreciable amount. Its a tough and reliable little machine but save your money trying to improve HP or TQ. The ULY: KLR is no comparison. Uly not quite as dirt worthy, but compensates in almost every other area. Compare the 08 to earlier models - you may/maynot want to avail yourself to the changes - many other threads already posted the list of differences. The Uly is certainly Alaska worthy - but if you take the Dempster or Dalton Hwy (or similiar road that goes to Deadhorse or Inuvik) you will want some offroad tires. Check with cityxslicker - he's the tire guru on best options for the kind of riding you'll be doing. You can ship them up north for the change BEFORE you take either of those roads. If you're staying ON the beaten path - the Syncs or Distanzias are fine. The Palmer brackets, new or modified foot pegs, oiler cooler protector & 'foot' for kickstand (Touratech)are nice to have. Spare belt and rear bearings are a must. Fun trip! | ||
| Seans |
Another big thanks to all of you for the info and advice. Obviously a great rider community to become a part of. Bienhoabob, I am actually calling Milwaukee HD tomorrow to talk to them about their bikes. They had an '06 Uly listed on their site as well. | ||
| 4_pete_sake |
Seans- Racine HD....??? a 2008 xt for 11995 and then 2007 x for 12995.... I think the 12995 for the x might not be what you could get it for.... I would would go for 10500 to 11000 out the door on the 2007.. out the door... maybe less especially at this time of the year... if you have good credit and need financing they might do even better. The KLR isn't going to do you any favors at trade-in... good memories maybe, but they will fade quick once on the ULY. good luck and be as patient as you can .... and I know how hard that is .... Cheers=pete ps- the big down to this bike-I don't look at other bikes much anymore.... only as stable mates that I can stare at in the garage maybe... but miles they won't get.... and that is why the stable has only one horse right now... I'll go back to a light weight supermoto some day for around town, but the ULY covers everything else and around town too.... | ||
| Svh |
Wausau HD had a 07 X with bags for 9995. I do not see it on their website any more but may be worth the call. Appleton HD has 09's in too I guess. Fifth post down states the out the door price for the XT. Good luck. http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/171 43/389130.html?1222355725 |
