| Author | Message | ||
     Mtuly |
I've been lurking here for awhile and now have a few questions. First, how did I get here? I've been researching Adventure motorcycles for a couple of years now. Up until 4 months ago, I figured it was just a matter of time before I purchased a good used GS 1200 or GS 1150. But, someone over on ADV posted something about a Uly that peaked my interest. I quickly discovered Uly riders are a rare breed and 9 out of 10 ADV riders don't ride them. The little voice in my head said "Hey, that sounds like me". So, here I am. I've read just about everything recently posted here on BadWeb about the uly and am hot to trot to buy one. Only problem is, drum roll please, lack of money. I have a really nice custom FXST in the garage and it gets ridden on a daily basis back and forth to work. But here in the wilds of Montana, we mostly have dirt roads, and I'm getting pretty darn tired of the same old highways. Before I spend my hard earned cash, I would like to here from some of the Uly owners on the pro's and con's of 2006/2007 vs 2008/2009 model Uly's. I've already picked up on the fact the newer models don't get near the mileage. To me, that's a pretty big deal. The turning radius seems to come up a lot too. I'm not set on any particular year and would much rather buy a good used bike, but I'm open to suggestions. I tend to buy things and never get rid of them. I have lots more questions but don't want to ask all of them on the first post.  | ||
| Jlnance |
Welcome to badweb.  If you're after bang for your buck, it's hard to beat an 06 Uly. There were a few issues that were corrected in later years, but it's mostly retrofittable if you want to do it. | ||
| Staves |
Welcome! I was in a very similar situation recently - limited funds and a strong desire for a Uly. I ended up with a '06 with 28K miles and couldn't be happier. You should be able to find a '06 with some miles on it for around $6K. Just make sure it's a black one  If you haven't already, have a read through the new owner's thread that calls out some specific issues for different model years: http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/142 838/442053.html?1240337118 The Uly is a wonderful bike - you won't regret it (especially in Montana!) | ||
| Panhead_dan |
As far as turning radius goes, it's a non-issue. (in my opinion) Ask anybody I ride with if I have any type of turning handicap. Or you can check the wear pattern on my tire tread. Then there are the footpeg feelers.... I can U turn on a narrow road, no problem. The only time I even notice the '06 turning radius is if I'm moving the bike with the engine OFF. | ||
| Cyclonedon |
9 out of 10 ADV riders don't ride them. Wow!!! I didn't think that the ADV riders were so stupid! Maybe they are just jealous since the XB12X is the BEST motorcycle ever built and it's even made right here in the USA!!! | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Bang for the buck is an 06 or 07. I never found the turning radius a problem for any of the places you would take the Uly. The reason for the 08/09 change was to make the timing more precise to prevent the dreaded "ping". If you are buying an 06/07, you'll just need to make sure that it isn't one of the few that are inclined to ping. The Uly is a lot more capable off road than many of the "adventure" riders give them credit. It isn't designed to be a mud bogger, but then again, neither is a GS, Vstrom, or Tiger. | ||
| M2nc |
All I can add to this discussion is that Webe had a Super Glide Custom when I asked him to ride the Uly because I was down for more than a month due to medical reasons and did not want the bike to just sit. He rode the bike a week and now is a proud owner of a '07 Uly. The bike is really versatile. I have ridden the 08 Ulys and other than the shorter XT (I'm 5'7"), I am not interested in trading in my '06. I plan to ride it for many more years and even though I would love to buy a new bike as soon as economics allow, what ever it is will be a stable mate not a replacement. | ||
| Tootal |
If you only riding dirt roads than an 06/07 would be great. If your going to get into some rougher jeep trails then I would suggest the XB9 primary ratio and the 08 trees. I think the trees are more about balance than turning radius. When riding slow, have more movement in the trees. This allows you to turn far enough to maintain balance. I use to compete in observed trials and taking your feet off the pegs is not an option! Well, unless you like losing! The Fat Bastard is right, they will go further than you might think if you have dirt experience. Good luck! | ||
| Mad_doctor |
I have an 08 XT, I have not been on any other ulys. I think mine is awesome. no TPS reset, the mileage is in the mid 40s. I ride hard, and love my corners. ABSOLUTELY no issues. (of course it's black). Runs circles around my brothers GS. I think IMHO, you will be happy with any Uly, you will get. | ||
| Ronmold |
Buells have a unique personality that doesn't cater to everyone. I lurked over a year here after a test ride and tried to get it out of my head, after all I had just bought a new KLR650 a few months previous. I actually gave up on getting one because of economic reasons until a smoken' deal on a low-mile '06 showed up on Craig's list! There are a few items (and for many none at all) that need addressing on the Uly (or any bike for that matter) but you can pinpoint them and there's fixes for them. It's not like some of the old (and not so old!) Brit & Italian bikes where you never know what will break next. I took the Uly to watch the riding portion of the basic MSF course my son was taking to get his permit. I was interested to see how he was doing knowing his experience on off-road rides we've been on and that he was on a DR200 for the training . They had one exercise where they would weave through cones, and coming back try to go as slow as they could. His youthful balance (and BMX riding) allowed him to creep so slow that many riders had to touch a foot or stop, they weren't too happy but I was entertained. Anyways during a break one of the instructors, an older guy with years of bike knowledge came over and said "nice bike". A simple phrase but there was more depth to it than comments I've heard when riding the '08 KLR, which was a nice looking and decent bike. I nodded and said to myself,"yeah it is!" | ||
| Itileman |
Welcome. Where are you in MT? I took a demo ride on an 09 XT at the end of November and traded my 03 Road King for it. Beartooth H-D in Billings is pretty fair on that type of transaction and they have one X and two XT's on the floor. Both are 09's. I also believe that they may still have an 06 stashed away in the back room. Nate's the guy to see. I'm on Adv a lot and the general consensus about the Buell not being a true dual sport is with the tires and wheels - a 17" 180 on the rear and a 17" front instead of a 19" or 21" are apparently handicaps. You also cannot get a set of knobbies to fit. The way I look at it is that, while it would be great to get a decent set of off road tires for the Uly, do I really want to be changing out tires every few thousand miles? Even less with knobbies? There's also some skepticism about the belt drive, but you can do a chain conversion on the Uly if that's an issue with you. IMHO the Uly is probably the best all around machine out there. I also believe that a better set of tires is just around the corner, but there are some pretty decent ones out there now. (Message edited by itileman on April 26, 2009) | ||
| Babired |
Hi MTyly, don't worry about the turning radius the uly is really stable at low speeds and you can do the U-turn area with the uly with no problem. Try it on an old X1 lightening it has a really limited turing radius. For limited turning radius lean more and throttle control. On the uly I drag the rear brake more in limited space manuvers. My 2007 Uly broke down on me once in Kentucky and my confidence was a little low with it mechanically but since my Georgia trip I'm riding it like crazy and it is such a good bike, good traveling bike. Welcome and enjoy the ride! K | ||
| Mtuly |
Itileman, I'm in Lewistown. Was at Beartooth two weeks ago and spent 30 minutes or so talking with Nate. He knows his stuff for sure. Unfortunately, the wife and daughter were waiting patiently for me in the truck, therefore had to postpone the test ride for another day. I haven't been back to Billings since. Nate said they had already sold the 06. I don't have the money yet so haven't got too eager about test rides or talking to individual sellers. | ||
| Svh |
Good idea to not test ride yet. That would be the end of your $$$! I can't tell you how many Uly owners on here have done just that. Test ride followed by purchase within days. I bought mine the same day and have loved every minute with it. The people on this board are great and very helpful which is an added option that comes with every Uly no charge. Hope to see you at homecoming on your new or new to you Ulysses. Sam | ||
| Jphish |
Yep - That curiosity 'test ride" cost me almost 14K, including 8.9% sales tax. Do NOT under any circumstances test ride one !! | ||
| Ulyranger |
The "test ride" got me too..... though to be honest I was pretty well hooked in the show room. Zero regrets and no buyers remorse.....at all. |
