| Author | Message | ||
     Trevd |
Newbie here. I've been lurking for a few months, but never had a reason to join. Now I do. Just wanted to share my experience with the test ride I took today of a 2009 Ulysses XT. A little background on me for reference. I currently have a 2006 Harley Dyna Super Glide, and previously had a Honda ST1100 for 8 years. Before that I had a Yamaha Virago, a Honda Hawk GT, a Honda XL350, and spent considerable time on my dad's bikes, a mid-'80's Yamaha Venture, and an '82 Honda Gold Wing. Our local dealer just received a demo bike 2 days ago, and I was the first to get to ride the thing. It had 9 kms on it when I got on, and about 98 kms when I got off it, so I was able to get a decent idea of the type of bike it is. First thing I noticed was how much higher I was riding compared to the low stance on my Super Glide. Took a few minutes to get used to, but not long. Second thing I noticed was the high gearing in 1st compared to the Harley. Again, took a few minutes to get used to, but not a big deal. I actually expected more low down thrust like I get on the Harley, but I actually had to slip the clutch at first to get going. Then again, I'm comparing to the harley which I hardly have to give any throttle to get rolling. On the other hand, I had worried that it would be revving too high for me at highway speeds without a sixth gear, but that was far from the case. The bike felt extremely well balanced, and easy to flick from side to side. It was also stable though, which I had worried about. The suspension was set to the defaults I guess, but it was the best suspension I've ever ridden on I think. I found myself actually aiming for the roughest pavement I could find just to feel the bike soak up the bumps. It was amazing - but again, I'm comparing it to my harley. The tires were new, so I didn't overdo it on the corners, but I was able to get a few good leans in, and it was solid as a rock. I loved the way it handled a couple of on-ramps. I think this bike would be a hoot on a few of my favorite roads, and I wouldn't be scraping hard parts like on my Harley. Comfort wise, the riding position took a bit to get used to. At first I felt like I was leaning too far forward, but after about 10 minutes it felt quite natural. The seat seemed a bit hard throughout the ride though. I assume that after a few miles it would soften up a bit. I liked the fact that I could move up and down along the seat to change my riding position a bit. That would be a great benefit on those longer days. The windscreen obviously is made for someone taller than my 5'8". The wind noise coming off the screen was deafening, even with my earplugs on. I do have a 'flip' helmet though, so that might have something to do with it. I did notice however that if I stood up on the pegs a bit to get my helmet about 6-8 inches higher, everything quieted right down. If I was to buy one of these, I'll need a different windscreen solution... The other negative was the heat coming off the right side. I've read about it so I was looking for it. It wasn't too bad today, but I did feel it. It's only about 20C (68F) here though, so I still worry about when it's hotter out. On the same note, the fan went on quite a few times during the ride - even at times when I was going around 50mph. Strange. And of course, it came on when I stopped the bike. It didn't annoy me much like I had worried. I think I call it "character". So all in all, I think I've fallen in love today. The XT is so much better for my type of riding than the HD I'm currently riding. Now I just have to convince my "boss" that it's in our best interests to get one of these puppies! Trevor Ottawa, Ontario, Canada | ||
| Svh |
Good luck. The standard screen may work better for you then. It is about 3" shorter than the XT screen. Right side heat gets less as the bike gets older. My XT has 3500mi and the heat is much less than it was when new. Fan is character and it is doing a job. The only time it bothers me is when we stop to talk and it kicks right in. May need to wire up an over ride switch. Glad you liked it and once again hopefully the boss approves. She will find it more comfortable also. | ||
| Acav80 |
Trevd- Get "the boss" on the back of that XT and it will make the decision easier. My wife was sold on our 12X as soon as she got on and felt how comfortable it is on the back. She can sit there comfortably while we cruise, or she can sit there comfortably while we carve corners. An exciting bike for both passengers. | ||
| Hooper |
I remember the feeling of seemingly hanging out over the front fork (thanks to that short rake)...it freaked me out for a bit, but I'm used to it now and don't mind it. I get the feeling back when I ride the Harley for a few days straight then jump on the Uly. That's also when I realize that it makes you feel like the King of the World. The passengers I've had unanimously love it too. Listen to the voices in your head (do it...do it...get one...). | ||
| Ronmold |
Had to test drive a Buell today to get my free cable lock. Couldn't lose on that deal, drive a bike - get a free lock! I wanted to try the 1125CR but they sold it so I tried the 1125R demo unit they had. WOW, it comes on like a Uly but with no rev limiter. Hit 7 grand and it just keeps going and going. Very hard to keep under 80. Crotch rocket ergos just don't do it for me so the CR w/ the more upright bar option would be a better fit. Engine is great and the ride was fun, especially coming around a cloverleaf and seeing a massive line of cars approaching I thought 'I wonder if I can get ahead of them?'.... What line of cars?  | ||
| Fung |
I have a dyna and the xt. my gal likes the ride on the xt way better than the dyna . I put 30 miles on my dyna last year and 6800 on the xt. Thats pretty much sums it up. You will like it if you get one. | ||
| Dynasport |
I can't seem to get on an XT without kicking the bags. Do you guys experience that as well? | ||
| Svh |
I can't seem to get off the XT without kicking the right bag. | ||
| Hooper |
I have lots of boot scuffs on my X's right bag (from getting off). It's kind of a conversation piece. | ||
| Johnnylunchbox |
When I get less fat and more flexible, I am sure I'll not kick the bags on my X. | ||
| Ourdee |
Bugged me at first, now I just ride and kick it when I'm done. Sometimes I miss it. | ||
| Etennuly |
I don't kick my bags getting on and off. It is more like my boot will drag across the corner of the right one. Wonder what Chuck Norris would do? Seems like the back rest and the right bag would be missing from his Uly!  | ||
| Tginnh |
It's all technique and practice to keep from kicking the bags or hitting anything tall you might have strapped to the seat. You have two options: 1) The straight-legged hop. 2) The mantis roll. I don't recommend option 1. There is a good chance you will kick your bike over if you don't lift your leg high enough. Even if you don't kick your bike over, you will look foolish executing the maneuver. Option 2 is graceful and less prone to bike tip-over when mastered. It's a fluent, 2-step maneuver that will plant your arse firmly in the saddle and you'll look good doing it. You start by lifting your leg as if you were going to perform the straight-legged hop, but instead of shooting your leg forward, you kick it back into your arse. This is the mantis stance. While in the mantis stance, you left your thigh as high as possible and rotate at the same time. If you execute everything just right, you will find your arse in the saddle, your bike upright and your bags unscathed. Be the mantis... | ||
| Edgydrifter |
I didn't know I was a mantis, but that's how I do it, too. I usually leave my topacase at home. When it's on it almost always gets kicked either getting on or off. | ||
| Ourdee |
I use the third option, I stand beside the bike, grab my right ankle with my right hand and lift it over the seat like I'm disabled. Too many getting old aches. | ||
| Supertoon |
Yo Trevor, good to see another canuck on the board! I got my degree in Ottawa. Both you and your wife will enjoy the bike.The strada or mastad bracket will fix the windshield problem and there seems to be all kind of solutions for the right side heat. Just search this site, eh. I am truly enjoying my 06 X it make Quebec's shi!!y roads enjoyable and imagine all the great dirt roads you will be able to do..... If you are ever east of Montreal, drop me a line.  | ||
| Tginnh |
Option 3 - the praying or gimp mantis. I use it often. | ||
| Trevd |
Still want the bike... I've talked to a few dealers and negotiated a couple of deals including my trade for a leftover '08 XT. That was the easy part. The hard part is convincing my wife that we should spend a few thousand extra $'s on my motorcycle habit. Either she has a cruel sense of humor, or she really doesn't want me to do it! Please keep me in your thoughts during this difficult time...  Trevor | ||
| Glen |
i get on and off fairly clean, but my wife kicks the s**t out of the bags getting on and off. what is it with chicks and 6 inch boot heels  | ||
| Rwven |
What helps me get on without kicking the bags is to bend at the waist and lean well over the bars, so your chin almost hits the windscreen. It's a lot easier to get your leg higher that way. Same thing getting off. | ||
| Woodreaux |
The Uly's are awesome fun. Hope you can get one soon. Good luck! | ||
| Hooper |
You gotta' pivot...the foot that's not going over the side should have a pivot point - swivel on it when gettin' on and off, while keeping the other leg out. Works for me. I've seen other tall guys stand on the peg and swing it over, which I just can't bring myself to do...fear of the side-stand. | ||
| Trevd |
Good News! I was able to talk the boss into the purchase of the XT, so I will be picking up my brand new black 2008 XB12XT next Saturday! I'm now starting to feel like I'll miss my Harley, but I suspect that after a week with the Uly, I won't even remember my Super Glide! 7 days... Can't wait!! Trevor | ||
| Hooper |
I've got a Dyna (Street Bob) and a Uly X...I like having them both because they're so different. That said, if I had to choose, the Harley would go. The Uly does it all. Awesome, dude. Ride safe! | ||
| Woodreaux |
Trevd, Good choice. The Uly's are just awesome motorcycles. As much as I like Harley's the Buell's just kick HD's a$$ in performance, handling and especially with braking. No more rear brake lock ups. Say hello to ear to ear corner carving grins. Woodreaux | ||
| Crusty |
A quick word of advice; the pain in your cheeks from wearing that silly grin will subside, over time. Don't use Ben Gay or any other liniment. It will only make things worse. Congratulations on getting one of the neatest motorcycles ever made! you're really in for some fun rides. I suggest that you and the Boss ride out to Homecoming. By the time you get back home, you'll have made new friends, met Erik Buell, had lots of fun and you'll have gotten to ride your XT the way it was meant to be ridden. You'll be hopelessly addicted. Like the rest of us.  | ||
| Tootal |
One more point on the mount and dismount. I put the kickstand down and let it fall into it's locked position then stand up on the pegs and dismount on the right side of the bike like a cop. You don't have to raise your leg as high and you just step off the right peg. The bike leans over far enough on the side stand to keep it from wanting to tip to the right. Well at least it doesn't with me at 200 lbs. | ||
| Ourdee |
Tootal, I like getting on and off the right side. Just one problem so far, I wish the key was on top so I don't have to walk around the bike to lock it. |
