| Author | Message | ||
     Hemibee |
I'm looking to purchase a bike to set up as an Adventure Bike in 2009. I've about decided it will either be a Buell XB12X or a KTM Adventure. What I'm looking for are pictures, or a link to websites of the Buell set up for adventure riding and anything I need to modify on the bike (2008 or 2009) to address any issues it may have. My son's and I have KTM's we race in Hare Scrambles so I'm pretty well versed in what the KTM will need, just trying to find out more about the Uly. To be perfectly honest, I would rather buy the Uly for this project. Thanks in advance.... Tony | ||
| Andrejs2112 |
You are going to get a lot of different opinions here on the capabilities on the Uly. I love my Uly. I usually only keep bikes for 2 years or less. I have no plans to sell it soon. I have never ridden a KTM but they look awesome. If I were in your position I would steer toward the KTM for that purpose. I ride my Uly on two-tracks and gravel roads as much as possible. It does great on gravel and just OK on anything rougher. It has to do with rider ability also, but the ULY IMO is not built for the rough stuff. I was in Quebec this summer touring and saw a lot of dirt roads that I was afraid to go down because I just wasn't confident taking the Uly down them without the support of another rider. Had I been riding a more dirt oriented bike, I would have done it. You could spend a ton on upgrades and get it closer, but I would suspect the KTM stock would be a better choice out of the box. If you want a more street friendly ride, go for the Uly. You won't regret it. Lots of soul in that twin. Good luck. | ||
| Jlnance |
Hey Tony, Welcome to Badweb. Can you be more specific about the type of adventure riding you're planning on doing? Will it all involve some sort of road (paved or not) or are you going to be out in the wilderness? Jim | ||
| Hemibee |
I'm not looking for heavy off-road action as my current bike gives me all I really need in that aspect. I would like maybe to hit a few two track areas but mostly it will be the dirt roads I'm looking for. I have a dream of someday heading to Alaska on a bike. So the bike will be used on camping trips and just exploring the backroads. I want a bike that I can see a forest service road and head down it or an old farm road that is just begging to be explored. I guess the simple answer, my riding plans are for 90 -95% roads, paved or not. | ||
| Jlnance |
The Uly may work for you then. As you can probably gather from the responses here, dirt is not it's Forte. It's long travel suspension allows it to do a reasonable job of dirt roads, but your KTMs are going to be better at it. Not that people don't take Ulys in some fairly rugged terrain. I found a RR on ADVrider with some good pictures of that: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25 6965 There is a story in this month's Fuell magazine written by someone trying to set a record riding from Prodhoe Bay, AK to Key West, FL in 100 hours. It will give you a pretty good idea of what the Uly can do, and probably about what mods you might want to make. If I can't find you a copy online, I'll be glad to mail you mine if you want. Jim | ||
| Ulynut |
It sounds like the mighty Ulysses will be a great bike for what you want to do. As Jlnance says, some guys take their Uly on some really rough terrain, myself included(but only once in a while). It's no dirtbike, but if you are willing to push the limits, it can surprise you where it can go. On the road, a very capable machine. You can do a 500 mile day, and the next day, you can do a track day if you are so inclined, and thats no B.S., you really can. As far as limitations, in the dirt, I have a lot of trouble going up very steep stuff. Partly because of the short wheelbase, mostly because of my very limited dirt riding experience. The tires aren't meant for the really rough stuff, or for the mud, or sand for that matter. But like I said, you can't be afraid to go for it. On the street, the limitation is me. This bike handles great. Tons of torque. Really good in the city because it's so tall, you can see over the cars. The big suspension eats up the potholes, road plates, curbs, whatever. I love this bike in New York City, and in the twisties. Another thing is the bang for your buck factor. You can almost buy two Ulys for the price of that KTM. Maintenance is easy on the Buells, most guys do all their own. I run mine mostly stock. I only changed the footpegs (the stock ones are slippery when wet, although the '09 models are a little more aggressive), and the mirrors. Lots of options and upgrades available, if you care to indulge. I hope this helps. Dan | ||
| Jphish |
For 'Adventure' riding (not the Baja 1000) the Uly is a great choice. Destination Deadhorse no problem, though you may want to retread with suitable tires. I use mine for month long camping/fishing trips - it's a mule. Carries all my gear, and still fun to ride loaded down.(Looks like the Clampets have arrived) KTM probably better for more dirt oriented adventure but 80/20 road to dirt ratio - it's sweet. Use my KLR in Baja due to the deep sand we hit occassionally... Spend much of my time picking the damn thing up. Good luck in your deliberations. | ||
| Strokizator |
My buddy rides a 990 Adventure and we ride everywhere. Neither bike is great as an off-road bike and you already have better suited ones. The purchase price of the 990 is a lot higher than the Uly. Uly gets way better gas mileage. Uly handles better in the twisties. You can crash a Uly and repairs are cheap. Check out the cost of just the fuel tanks on the KTM The KTM is better for hard core off-roading if you have the skill. It is a very good bike and you'll be happy with either. | ||
| Wbrisett |
There is a story in this month's Fuell magazine written by someone trying to set a record riding from Prodhoe Bay, AK to Key West, FL in 100 hours. It will give you a pretty good idea of what the Uly can do, and probably about what mods you might want to make. If I can't find you a copy online, I wonder how long it takes before Fuell is updated online? I was looking to email this issue to somebody for just this article, but didn't see it on Buell's website yet. Wayne | ||
| Jammin_joules |
I've been riding a 2007 Uly (Joules - as in orange Julius, the more adveturous color) for about 15,000 miles. Taken in to Moab, UT, Ouray-Silverton-Engineers Pass, Snowy Range & Medicine Bow mtns, most two-lanes and single tracks in the Rocky Mtns I can get to, Tin Cup & St Elmo. I ride solo. 1) Buell triple tail bag - most usefull accessory I've bought. 2) sturdy saddle bags. I use ammo cans. They become your frame sliders when you adventure too far from pavement. 3) right side air scoop - unless living in Phoenix-like climate, this decreases engine temp and fan run time. 4) GPS - name your flavor 5) handlebar bag - Buell version is fine, sunglasses, map, flashlight. 6) heated gear 7) carry spare clutch & brake levers 8) handlebar ends (see #7) plus ones I bought have an integral throttle lock (see Moab trip) 9) extra lighting - whether its PIAA or adding HIDs to the headlights, Uly lighting sucks, especially off road at night 10) 2006-07, the 2008 Uly triple clamps to gain you ten more degrees of stop-to-stop handle bar swing (see #7) 11) vacation time - you'll soon realize you don't get enough tim eoff work ~jammer | ||
| Ulynut |
Oh, yeah. The turning radius stinks. But I got used to it. | ||
| 99savage |
Jammin_joules, Did you ever post anyplace how your mounted your ammo cans? Did you fabricate the brackets? Do you have sketches? Extended myself far enough buying the scooter have no intention of popping for another K in luggage which will just make me look like the BMW crowd anyway | ||
| Jameslaugesen |
Hi Hemibee, try to get a few good test rides on both bikes. I wont bother mentioning the pros for the Uly since everyone else is and this is an Uly forum after-all haha. I've ridden both bikes in all conditions from smooth twisties to tough single-track, and if money was no object I'd have the KTM every time... that said, I've had an Uly for almost 3 years now and still love it. The KTM with it's long rake, long swingarm and low C.G. is so much more stable than the Uly. Yes the Uly is very ridable (and fun) on loose surfaces at speed, it will happily slide the rear out, but you've gotta be on your toes when you're really pushing it. Being so stubby things happen real quick, and it does not have the geometry to self-correct or "settle" from a slide. Any decent rider can slide the KTM around all day while drinking a coffee and plotting routes. I find the KTM rides like a big fat enduro bike which has been lengthened. And the Uly rides like a sportsbike which has been heightened. PS - With careful suspension setup the Uly's dirt handling can be improved hugely; straighten from slides comfortably without fish-tailing, etc. But even small weight changes like luggage and seating position (ie on long rides) effect things a lot. Be aware of suspension setup when you take an Uly for a test ride, a bad setup will give a crap impression of the bike. | ||
| Cityxslicker |
Be careful who you ask about what 'adventure' riding is. I found out the hard way that an easy day for a DRZ400 is more than a work out for the Bueller. She doesnt like the single track, or rail bed crossings. | ||
| Johnboy777 |
In late '07, the KTM 990 (960?) was on my three bike short list prior to buying the Uly. My thought at the time, was that my riding actually involved very little dirt - so the Uly got the nod, and the v-twin engine, sold me, as well. The KTM was a wonderful bike, though, and I enjoyed riding it. If I had more dirt-oriented riding on my mind at the time, the KTM would have gotten the nod. Turns out I'm leaning more towards sport-touring as time goes on with my Uly, so I guess I made the right choice. To me, a bike's main purpose is that of simply being a tool - which tool is best for your particular job ... rather than, which tool is 'the' best, period. . | ||
| Hemibee |
There is a story in this month's Fuell magazine written by someone trying to set a record riding from Prodhoe Bay, AK to Key West, FL in 100 hours. It will give you a pretty good idea of what the Uly can do, and probably about what mods you might want to make. If I can't find you a copy online, I'll be glad to mail you mine if you want. Jim Jim, I'd really like to read that article if you find it on line. I would hate to have you give up your copy of the magazine. 11) vacation time - you'll soon realize you don't get enough time off work ~jammer I've been reading Dr. Gregg's postings of his deer hunting experience and must say the Uly is one tough bike to have gone thru that and still have some useable parts available. I've seen a couple of the rice burners that had the same run in (no pun intended) with livestock and wildlife at speed and they had very little left afterwards. I've also been reading the archives and have at this time decided that the Uly is going to be my choice for my next bike. My sons and I went down to the nearest dealer last week and I finally had the chance to see and compare the X with XT plus they had an '06 X (used) an '07 X (new) and two '08 (new) XT's. The XT is nice but the lower ground clearance just wasn't my cup of tea. Now all I have to do is find the money. My second job (baseball umpire)} will get started here in just over another month so hopefully the money will be there by at least late summer. | ||
| Ulynut |
You're a wise man. Congratulations. It seems to me, from reading posts on this board, that guys with more dirt riding experience seem to have a tougher time adjusting to the Ulysses. Just remember, its not a dirtbike, its a dual-sport. It wont handle like a dirtbike. Take some time to "make friends" with it and you will love it more and more every day. | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
The 2008 and up bikes have a modified triple clamp that allows for tighter turning. This clamp can be retrofitted to the previous years. | ||
| Jphish |
Jim - Is that the December or January edition of Fuell magazine ? And where does one procure the publication ? Subscription only or...? Thanks Pal. j | ||
| Froggy |
Jphish, its a quarterly mag from Buell, its free, go to the owners section and make an account, put in your vin and wait a few months  The old issues are online there for you to read, the current issue will be online shortly before the next issue is sent out. | ||
| Danger_dave |
If you want to do serious off road riding in all weather conditions the XB12X is not suitable. There are no knobby tyres available. If you want a brilliant all roads bike that tours, sports and stunts - it's the one. | ||
| Jphish |
Thanks Froggy! - How'd I miss a freebie from Buell ?? Not paying attention - ADD must have returned. j | ||
| Hemibee |
If you want to do serious off road riding in all weather conditions the XB12X is not suitable. I think I have that covered.........  | ||
| Tootal |
The Uly may work for you then. As you can probably gather from the responses here, dirt is not it's Forte. It's long travel suspension allows it to do a reasonable job of dirt roads, but your KTMs are going to be better at it. Not that people don't take Ulys in some fairly rugged terrain. I found a RR on ADVrider with some good pictures of that: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25 6965 Jlnance , I clicked on your link and was surprised to see my thread. Glad you liked it. Hemibee, I just finished another thread on the XB9 primary swap which seems to help in some of the problem areas of getting the Uly to perform offroad. I'm looking forward to getting dirty and finding out. As far as riding to Alaska, Treadmarks went there and got a rental and had some problems. His own bike, as farkeled as it is, might have faired better than a stocker. Might PM him or search for his thread to get more info. My experience with traveling with the Uly have been good. Superslab, twisties or jeep trail, it will get you there. You already have dirt experience, as do I, so getting the Uly to go places should not be a big deal for you. It surprised me! Good luck | ||
| Dr_greg |
Hemibee, I've been reading Dr. Gregg's postings of his deer hunting experience... I'm glad to have had a part to play in your choice. I never had the chance to test-ride a KTM, but I've been very happy with my '06 Uly. As witness that I've replaced it with exactly the same thing. I hope your experiences will be as positive a mine have been. --Doc | ||
| Danger_dave |
The only limitation I have for taking it off road is if it is wet. The tyres don't cope. Gearbox is fine. | ||
| Ulendo |
LOL 'wet'?! 'Muddy'?! you guys really need to try the MT60's, and some alternate weather!!  maybe the tires and '9 primary helps more than I thought  sorry - couldnt resist. | ||
| Froggy |
My bald syncs are useless in this, almost busted my ass again yesterday.  | ||
| Dynasport |
That is a lot of sand. Were you in a desert somewhere? | ||
| Cityxslicker |
Ulendo! wb! you were the reason I put that first set of MT60s on the bike. Great off road traction. I wish I could say the same for the Distinzias... But I have a pair of Supermoto Rain tires for the next set. I figure if they are good enough to get to the top of Pikes peak, I will run them for a set. |
