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Buell Motorcycle Forum » Big, Bad & Dirty (Buell XB12X Ulysses Adventure Board) » BB&D Archives » Archive through August 25, 2009 » Considering a used Ulysses...questions « Previous Next »

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Motobuell
Posted on Tuesday, August 25, 2009 - 02:34 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I am looking at two used models:
- An '06 with bags, bar riser, taller windscreen with adjustable bracket, 14k mi listed for $6700

- An '05 with bags, GPS, Remus exhaust with race module; taller windscreen, 14k mi listed for $7200

Overall these prices are higher than what I can seen on Craigslist across the country, but everything seems to be more expensive here in California. I saw another guy near me had an '06 with 3k mi and GPS for $8900...I didn't follow up on that one.

I am leaning towards the '05 model. I was a little concerned about aftermarket exhaust, but from reading posts here it sounds like the Remus is a nice add-on.

A dealer near me has the '09 police model demo bike with about 400mi on it listed for $11k + all the dealer fees...close to $13k out the door...and the top case on it is cracked. I really shouldn't be spending this kind of $$ now, hence looking used. I took it for a test ride - wow I wish I had bought a Ulysses years ago!

Some questions:
- I weigh 235 lbs before all the gear. I figure I'll need new springs front and back as most bikes aren't built for me. Do you agree? Can the rear shock be rebuilt with a new spring, or does the whole unit have to be replaced? I didn't see a new fork valve kit on the race tech site - what should I be looking at for the front other than new springs and oil?

- For the two used models I am considering, do you think they are outrageously overpriced to the point that I should pass on both and see what else comes up?

- That kickstand sure is long - is there an aftermarket one that is shorter?

- How is the maintenance on the Ulysses? I hear they are pretty good (don't need valve jobs, fairly reliable), but on the other hand I understand that I could be really out of luck with a breakdown on a trip because of the sparse dealer network. Thoughts? Maybe carry a bunch of spare parts and tools with me?

- I figure if I get the '06 then I'll need to get the ECM remapped, right? How much does that cost?

- Any other thoughts or concerns?
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Mrmoen
Posted on Tuesday, August 25, 2009 - 02:49 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

i dont think they made a uly in 05, might want to double check that
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Biffdotorg
Posted on Tuesday, August 25, 2009 - 02:55 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

The manufacture date on the neck may read 2005, but is considered a 2006 model. Mrmoen is right, they were released in 2006.
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Electraglider_1997
Posted on Tuesday, August 25, 2009 - 02:59 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I've got one of those antique Oct 05 build models.
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Ratbuell
Posted on Tuesday, August 25, 2009 - 03:00 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

As noted, there is no '05 Uly.

Stock UlyX suspension settings go up to a 290-320 range, so you should be fine. I run one weight range heavier on my front spring preload because the '06 springs aren't progressive - running heavier fights brake dive. No handling difference and at my fork service, I'll put in OEM '07 springs (progressive rate).

Prices are in line. GPS is cheap; bags are pricey. '06-'07 Ulys (and XBs in general) can get a race ECM still, or use ECM spy to adjust it yourself. '08-up, there are no mods as yet.

Shorter kickstand puts the bike at too much of a lean angle; you'll bend the bolts that hold the stand to the engine. Not good. Keep the long stand, it goes with the 6.5" suspension travel.

Don't go by the internet for judging reliability - the only people who post (usually) are the ones with a gripe. My '06 has only had oil and tire changes. Ever. Never even washed it. My clutch cable is starting to get crunchy...so I keep a spare in the top box now.

Don't buy what someone else says is "right". Buy what YOU think is right. Then ride, smile, and ride some more : )
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Black_buelly
Posted on Tuesday, August 25, 2009 - 03:59 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I must have a really old one, mine is July 05.
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Mnrider
Posted on Tuesday, August 25, 2009 - 04:27 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

That first one with the bags sounds like a pretty good deal,test ride it and check the oil and trans fluid.
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Ejc
Posted on Tuesday, August 25, 2009 - 05:01 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Check recall issues, i.e. BA sensor, kick stand, and windshield fasteners.
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Bosh
Posted on Tuesday, August 25, 2009 - 05:19 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I'd go for the one with the bags over the Remus. Loud exhausts can get annoying on longer rides and the bags are indispensable on tours and as noted are not cheep. As far as maintenance you have to change the oil every once in a while.... what else... hmmmm.... that's about it. Oh yea you have to reset the throttle position sensor every 10K or so, takes about 15 minutes tops.
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Motobuell
Posted on Tuesday, August 25, 2009 - 05:24 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Thanks for the info so far!

Yeah I don't base everything on what I read online - that test ride I took sold me on the Uly, whereas online reviews were not so flattering. When I rode the Uly I was thinking to myself...where is all that terrible shaking they are complaining about? It was a blast to ride, and the slow speed maneuverability was amazing. For reference I am on a cruiser now, but past bikes include a VFR 800, V-Strom 1000 and Concours. The Uly is waaaay more fun than the V-Strom. I crashed the VFR, so getting rid of that kind of wasn't my decision, but the Uly is more comfy and easier to work at slow speeds.

Where can I get info on the recall issues? If the work hasn't been done yet, can it still be done?
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Motobuell
Posted on Tuesday, August 25, 2009 - 05:26 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Both of the bikes have bags.
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Bosh
Posted on Tuesday, August 25, 2009 - 05:41 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Both of the bikes have bags

Reading comprehension was never one of my strong points
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Ulynut
Posted on Tuesday, August 25, 2009 - 05:53 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Read this. Lots of good info.

http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/142 838/442053.html?1238017122
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Itileman
Posted on Tuesday, August 25, 2009 - 08:44 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

There's an 09 XP on the Advrider site up for $8,500. Less than 2k miles on it.

http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=498986
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Nipsey
Posted on Tuesday, August 25, 2009 - 08:46 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Go Remus - not too loud and just oh so sweet sounding. With it and the race ecm I have no stumble or rough spots from under 2500 to rev limiter.
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