| Author | Message | ||
     Dana |
It's time for a motorcycle change. I was thinking about selling/trading in my 02 Suzuki Vstrom and getting myself a new 09 Ulysses XB12X even though there is really no logical reason to get a new motorcycle. I would like to revisit that visceral feeling that only a Buell (ok, maybe a Ducati) could provide. I just have a couple of questions........ First off, I do have some Buell history, a 1999 Buell X1 Lightening (which was replaced with the Vstrom). The X1 Tuber did need quite a bit of tweaking, some was mandatory other stuff was strictly for fun. The one thing I do remember was the Race ECM. It was a must, if you didn't want to have any problems with detonation or pinging in the summer time, the engine was very, very lean, stock. Is the Uly stock fuel injection all sorted out? I did read that with the 09 model they did away with the throttle position sensor adjustment routine, which is a good thing. Another X1 mod for me was the rear shock. Me being big boned (250lbs with riding gear on) I needed to re-spring the rear shock. There was an issue with stock X1 rear shock (recall) so I just went ahead and replaced it with a Penske (very, very nice). What would you say the Uly springs are rated for now? Am I safely supported? How about if I want to take the misses along once in a while? (she has normal size bones). In my research I saw that many testers preferred the XT to the X for its improved handling (lighter wheels, shorter suspension travel, more flickability). I'm not that concerned about dirt worthiness (99.9% street rider) so I could go either way. But I also read that the XT's steering ratio (lock to lock) is less than the X. That was one thing that bugged me about the X1 so I would want to have as much turning radius as possible. Did I get those facts straight or are both the XT and X the same? Another mod I remember was moving the engine breather tubes or air filter oiler tubes out of the air box, what a mess. Is that still a problem with the newer designed Buell engine? Thanks for any comments. I'm swaying on the fence, which way should I go? I want to make an educated decision here, not one of those emotional ones (those are harder to explain to the wife). Dana | ||
| Froggy |
Depends on who you ask. 08 is when they switched to DDFI3, they changed the programming several times. Most are happy with it.
That was a change on the 08, and a minor one at that. Takes 5 minutes to reset the TPS, you have been out of the loop, there is free software that can do it. 
Fat people.
Yes, one of the main complaints with the X was the steering in parking lots, off road, etc. For 2008 the X got new trees that allow for a better steering ratio. The XT debuted with the older style trees, but it can be retrofitted no problem. Several have done it, I might be doing it too.
You mean a mess to actually move it? Or the mess in the airbox? Reroute is easy. One of the best mods did
Demo Demo Demo. | ||
| Hooper |
Definitely go for a ride somewhere. It'll knock your block off...see you back here when you're asking about where to get the best heated handgrips. Seriously, I think there are reasons you're looking for a new bike, and I think Buell has them. We (well, some men) are always looking for something new and better...I keep wondering about the Triumph Speed Triple and various Ducatis...and some of those younger ladies on TV...but I know what butters my bread. The Buell knocked my block off. (I happen to love the X for it's height, originality, off-road ability, etc., but the XT would be a nice bike too...I can't believe I'd consider it "too refined" for me!) Go ride a couple, and if the dealer won't let you, go to another one. | ||
| Ratbuell |
Demo Demo Demo. : ) More on that particular subject at the end I think I can shed some light. I own a 95 S2, a 98 S1W, and an 06 Uly. I love them all for their own specific reasons. Since you don't currently have a tuber, though...as far as quirks go: forget everything you ever knew. The XB family, and the Uly in particular, are light years away from the tubers. My 06 is (of course) an X. I have never "missed" the steering range; U turns on 2 lane roads without using the shoulders are no problem for me. I've also done singletrack and lots of fire road work, and have been able to negotiate between trees with complete success so far. I'd have to check my owners manual, but I'd say your weight range would be no problem at all. I've had some...uh...substantial fellas get Ulys from me and not have any issues. Main reason is it's a more traditional shock than the tubers - while the tubers used a 'backwards' push/pull arrangement, the XBs use a traditional vertical solo shock. Physics helps a lot here. Adjustability is just as good as the tuber days, and easier to get to than your X1 was. There is still a little 'puke' from the breather hoses on the XB. However, the air filter doesn't sit vertically just in front of your knee anymore, nor does it drip on the case if you do get excessive puke. I haven't (and won't) messed with mine, it works just fine as-is for me. The EFI is very well-sorted, especially now with the DDFI3 that came out in '08. I don't have any driveability issues on my 06, and that's with stock ECM, a Drummer muffler, and homemade open inner airbox. I do have to reset my TPS occasionally...but I can also adjust my idle. For me, it's a tradeoff. I've thought about the race ECM because of the increased airflow I have now, but I still don't get any decel popping except with a very cold engine, in very cold weather. One of these days I'll get a dyno pull with a/f, just to quantify things... Now, for the demos. I definitely recommend it. I have an '08 X and an '09 XT on the showroom floor, ready to ride. I see you're in Severn...not too far away. I work every weekend and would be more than happy to escape the computer with the excuse...er, reason, of going for a demo ride. We're on the sponsor page here, or buelloffrederick.com. My email is jgoetz@hdoffrederick.com - if you want to come by, drop me a note with your in-gear riding weight and I'll have both of them set for you by the time you arrive | ||
| Cajunrph |
We (well, some men) are always looking for something new and better...I keep wondering about the Triumph Speed Triple and various Ducatis...and some of those younger ladies on TV I never heard it quite put that way but that in a nut shell is me. Could show this to my wife (minus the young ladies commit ;^) and she would understand. But I digress, I too just came back to the Buell family. I sold my XB12S last year and got a Ducati S2R1000. Then got the wondering eye every time I brought my Harley in for service or just to bring my son to the only local motorcycle shop. There was all the Buells for me to rekindle my interest for. I always wanted a pack mule for a bike and the Ulysses fit the bill. I just didn't think it would fit my 5"9" frame. But I can touch the ground with both feet, not flat footed but touching none the less. I found a used 2006 for $5800. Go to a Harley/Buell dealership and see if they have any leftover 06 or 07 models. Test ride one and see how you like it. They are really built for larger guys, as I have more room on this bike than I have ever had in a bike. Going from my Duc to the Ulysses is like going from a Compact car to a 4X4 F250 Diesel. You sit way up high and have a comanding view of the road. You will be more than able to have any size passenger you want on the back. My wife also likes the back seat more than my aftermarket Harley seat. So go out and ride one then search for used ones or left over 06, or 07 for a good deal. Any way you go you will have a great time in the future. | ||
| Rotorhead |
If your wife rides with you on the Strom make sure shes rides with you on the ULY. There will be no SPLAIAN TO DO!!! My wife loves the ride on the ULY. If your wife is long legged she may get weary of the peg position after 100 miles or so. | ||
| Nevrenuf |
it's all good, just go for it. | ||
| Mnrider |
I might as well say Welcome Back right now cause when you ride a Uly you'll be hooked. My last bike was an 03 sv650s and I liked it but since I got my 06 X I don't miss it. What I like the most is the fully adjustable suspension,it can take bumps in a corner and not get all washy like my sv did. The better half likes the large pegs, seat and backrest. Welcome Back! | ||
| Itileman |
I took the 09 XT for a test ride and traded my Road King for it on the spot. No issues with anything right out of the box - no mods required. You will love the brakes. | ||
| Dana |
Thanks for all the responses. Now I just have to wait until this winter weather breaks so I can get a test ride. I did think of another question regarding that cooling fan every one talks about. Has any one tried an after market fan? There has to be something that isn't as loud. | ||
| Froggy |
I want to replace my fan with something even louder, like a turbo charger LOUD FANS SAVE LIVES! | ||
| Crusty |
The fan isn't that loud, and it's a great conversation starter. I like hearing it; it's helping my engine live a nice long time. It also gives the bike a little personality. Go take the test ride. If you like the bike, buy it. | ||
| Ulyranger |
I can't believe how the fan is still bitched about. It is not an issue. Mine comes on shutdown and very rarely on hot days in slow riding conditions. I'd much rather have a temperature regulated fan on an air/oil cooled engine than not. I've had air/oil cooled ATVs that used similar systems, never bothered me there either. Go ride one...............you will have one. | ||
| Svh |
+1 to what Crusty said. Everyone who hears it asks what it is and I tell them and so far every time the response is "cool that is a great idea" 1 time I have had it come on and it was 90+ outside and I was sitting in traffic. This is how it goes most of the time I am guessing: Test ride Buy Ride happily ever after There are some quirks and issues but all bikes have issues including heat. My buddies Kawi ZX-10 makes lots of heat on the left side my Uly makes it on the right. We are all biased on here because we own them or owned one at some time. Read some articles on the XT nearly all of them talk of how nice a bike it is and how the suspension change is great for the already good handling. I researched for months and read article after article and came on here and asked questions. The people here in the Uly section all seem nice and willing to help. Then I went and rode it and signed on the line. Good luck and post up a pic when you buy it | ||
| Armymedic |
I sold my fully farkled 02 V strom for an 06 Uly and I'm fully happy. My V-Strom was really nice but my Uly makes me grin. I'm having good fun farkling my Uly now. | ||
| Dana |
Here's another topic for you. I have tried many variants of windshields with the Vstrom and all have resulted in either more wind noise or turbulence. It has driven me crazy. I even tried riding without any windshield. Each time I experienced the buffeting I would always think back to the clean air I got on the X1 Lightning. I still like to experience the wind while I ride so I was never a fan of the barn door windshields. Of course the Ulysses test ride will answer any questions in this area. But is there any feed back on that topic? I'm 6'2" mostly legs (36" inseam). | ||
| Hangetsu |
The stock Uly windscreen offers little protection, but replace it with the Zero Gravity "Touring" screen and problem is solved. You get enough wind to remind you you're on a bike, but the main blast of off the chest. I'm 6'-2, 220lbs. and the ZG suits me just fine. | ||
| Froggy |
Will be hard to say, every person is different. Getting adjustable brackets can help you fine tune the shield. | ||
| Armymedic |
I've had best luck using Laminar Lips on both. | ||
| Hangetsu |
I hear those work great, I'm just not crazy about the way they look. I'll take a little form over function as long as I'm not too uncomfortable. To each his own though. | ||
| Ratbuell |
I'm 6'4", 34" inseam. Tried the tall Buell screen on my Uly to take the body-push out of the wind and got more noise. Cut the 'lip' off the top, and it quieted down quite a bit. Still a little breezy in the 6 degree weather around here, though...so I'm experimenting with an old accident-damaged HD "supersport" windscreen. It's about a +10" to the tall screen and so far I'm liking it...been using it as research to figure out how tall a Cee-Bailey I want to get for winter use. Summertime, I'm fine with the stock X windshield. Nice, clean air - similar to my S1W | ||
| Mnrider |
I'm 5'10 so this doesn't apply but with the low seat,tank bag and tall Buell windshield I can sit very comfy with no buffeting. | ||
| Mnrider |
I'm a shrimp. | ||
| Dynasport |
I'm 5'10" as well with longer legs than torso. Still I find the Uly a bit tall in the test rides I have taken. I can get both feet down, but not as firmly as I would like. I know shorter people ride taller bikes. Maybe I would get more comfortable with time. I do feel totally comfortable on the XT. I rode one in Daytona on a nice test loop and was pleased with the bike very much. The tall windshield it has was fine with me. No buffeting at all. I don't know how it compares noise wise to other bikes, I am used to a fair bit of noise on my Harley and try to wear earplugs for most longer rides. When I can remember them anyway. | ||
| Mnrider |
You sound like the same size as me,I've had tall bikes before so I'm OK with tall seats, but you could try an X with the factory low seat.I like the flatness of the low seat. |
