| Author | Message | ||
     Blk_uly |
I purchased my 08 uly 2years 4months and 20 days ago,[4/10/08] I love being a Buell owner. I liked the questions "what kind of bike is that", "Is that French,or German." Most of you know exactly what I'm talking about. A sense of pride that comes from riding something different. Have to explain to the ignorants who never heard of a Buell or a Ulysess for that matter. But alas, the day has come that I'm forced to trade it!!! [cue the music] dun dun dunn daaaah!!! I've been biting my tongue for far to long. So, here it goes. Exactly 1 day before the factory warrantee expired, I bought a 2 year extended warrantee.[4/9/10]. Three days later it began. The all to familiar, low speed backfiring, stumbling, stalling and surging . Even the occasional flatspots throughout the rev range. The bike has 26,000 miles. It has not been completely trouble free, but nothing so serious. To make a long story short, the first few trip to the dealer. were feeble attempts to fault the rider, me. "Oh well you put those iridium plugs in there." So back home change the plugs; same thing. Back to the dealer. "Oh we found some chafed wires and fixed it its much better now come get it". 100 miles later same thing. back to the dealer." Must be the old ECM flash, its much better now. Come and get it" 100 miles later same thing. back to the dealer. This time they are rolling their sleeves up. Hardley has them throwing parts at it for the next 5 weeks. Idle air controller, throttle position sensor, fuel injectors, O2 sensor, crank position sensor, new spark plugs again, new ECM. they call me. It's running great now come and get it. this time it goes 150 miles, SAME THING AGAIN! Now I'm getting pissed. I call customer service. they send some area rep from Milwaukee all the way here to Ft Myers.Walt was his name . He takes one look at and all the crap they changed and said "this bike needs a fresh set of eyes". That same day the put my Bike on a truck and send it to a dealer in Miami, 100 miles away. They Decided it was the wiring harness. Of course its on back order for 30 days. It's now july 12 or so. I was going out of town for summer vacation with wife and kids for three weeks. Oh well I'll deal With this when I get Back. Fast forward. The Miami tech discover burnt wires to the fuel pump. That was the most likely cause from the start so they say. Replaced the fuel pump too. Might as well right? They send the uly back to Ft Myers they call and say "finaly it's fixed come get it." this time it goes 350 Miles! same dammed thing. Back to the dealer. They say "Oh you re-routed the breather, It's fixed now, no charge, come get it". So I go with my tale between my legs to get the blk-uly once again. 50 miles later same thing  back to the dealer the service manager says "thats it. Were not working on it anymore! Now I'm sooo pissed I lose it completely. I began to curse him up one side and down the other. My friend {a sales man there] comes to his rescue and calms me down the long and short of it is they'll buy the bike back from me at full msrp IF I trade it for something else. The only thing I would even consider is a 2011 XR1200X, black of course. So thats it, $1800 to cover the dealer cost taxes ect. and my beloved blk_uly, and I walk away on a new bike but a ULY, it is not what do you guys think? would ya?  (Message edited by blk_uly on August 31, 2010) | ||
| Blk_uly |
OH YEAH feel free to ask questions I'l try to answer as many as I until this thread dies. | ||
| Buellerxt |
Yes, Blk_uly, I would!  WAY too much garbage to put up with. I fully understand and hope you have great reliability with the XR1200X. It's a cool bike. | ||
| Etennuly |
Wow! you have been through some crap that is for sure! I am impressed they put that much effort into it. Well, at least with your problem it actually showed up and was not an intermittent disappearing problem that was a ghost every time a dealer looked at it. I guess that is a good resolution, you basically rode for free for two years. Couldn't find another Uly they could have done a dealer trade for? Let us know how you like the XR. | ||
| Blk_uly |
No. The only ones they could find were 07s used or demos with no guarantee The next question. Do I go to buelltoberfest 4 on the XR? Will anyone let me ride with if I'm on hardley. Whats even worse IT'S A SPORTSTER! I was going to camp. Were will I put the Tent,sleeping bag and especially the BEER? Still so many questions. Do I have to change my screen name to formerly known as blk_uly? (Message edited by blk_uly on September 01, 2010) | ||
| Cyclonedon |
Jeff, I read about your Uly's problems and if it was me, I would do the trade. As much as I love my 2006 Black Uly, it's never game me any real serious problems, if it started acting up and I was having trouble getting it fixed, I'd trade it. I like the new XR1200X and think it's going to be a great motorcycle if Harley doesn't go and screw it up like they have done on some of their other sport bikes in the past. Once you start having problems with your motorcycle, you loose confidence in it and never feel comfortable riding it again. I have not had that problem with mine but if it ever spent two weeks at the dealer's shop being repaired, it would get a new name on the title. I only want to ride them, not work on them.  | ||
| Redbuell_really_gives_you_wings |
Whats even worse IT'S A SPORTSTER! They are known as girls bikes here in Australia I would take your now new Uly to a dealer who knows what they are doing and fix it once and for all. | ||
| Dynasport |
Love my XT, but if I had that much trouble with it with no solution in sight, I would trade it. I like the XR1200, but it wouldn't be my first choice as a replacement. However, being limited to a HD, it is probably the bike I would choose as well. Good luck. | ||
| Ulykan |
Blk uly, first let me say I'm really sorry to hear about your troubles. Especially since I own a 2008XT. Second, don't be ashamed or feel bad that your new bike is a Sportster. The XR is the ONLY HD I would consider. I owned a 04 and 06 R model and was a very happy and proud Sportster owner. Sportsters are great bikes and I think the XR is a terrific model. May you have many safe and happy miles on your new ride. Happy trails, Bob | ||
| Blk_uly |
Cyclonedon your right, not only have I lost confidence but the romance is gone now too Sorta like when your in the john, brushing your teeth, and the misses come in and starts takin a dump. Yeah, the honeymoon is over right? Redbuell. the dealer in Miami is supposedly the best of the best. Any way the MOCO has put the word out to all area dealers that they've thrown in the towel and put their hands in the air and admitted that they cant fix it. They've put $2000 just in parts on it so far. Not to mention countless hours of labor. they leave me no choice. I'm just glad they Manned up and offered to make me whole again I'm too broad, burly and hairy to be mistaken for a girl so that doesn't bother me too much  (Message edited by blk_uly on September 01, 2010) | ||
| Blk_uly |
thanks Bob I could use all the encouragement I can get. This has been ongoing since April 13th. I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel and for once it's not the train coming the other way.  | ||
| Ulykan |
You're more than welcome. Enjoy the XR. It was going to be my choice but the Uly beckoned like a siren song and I followed it. I am certain that you'll like the XR, HD or not. Don't let anyone spoil your fun or rain on your parade. You have no shame in choosing a Sportster of any model. Heck, they've been around for over 50 years and are still a great bike. I truly think that of all the HD models it is the best looking and best value for the $. If they just had a better seat....Oh well, you can't have everything. Can you? BTW, here's a great Sportster and Buell site that you'll like if you've never tried it: http://xlforum.net/vbportal/modules/Jig/index.php? s=6a51c2d69fe265910f9645c0f6a180ac There are some great folks there and you'll feel right at home with the XR. A few Buellers there too. Best of luck. Bob | ||
| Discochris |
Get the XR. That's a really cool bike, and if they're willing to take your lemon at full MSRP, you'd be foolish not to take the offer. You'd never get that as a private seller or anything else. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
I'd do the trade in a heart beat! If for no other reason than you restart the mileage clock and you restart the depreciation clock. If you decide the sell the XR in a year or so, you'll get more out of it than you would the Uly. The XR is a good bike. It isn't a Uly, but it isn't without its feminine charms. She's a good girl and will provide you with a satisfying experience. Look at it this way, it couldn't run any worse than what you have. If no one else will ride with you, I will.  | ||
| Blk_uly |
Your on Fatty! I may have to strap my camping gear to my helmet but who cares. I'll figure something out. Thats why god made bungees right? | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
I'm sure there's some way to get it all together. That is one up side of the Uly. You can strap a 64 Quart Igloo to the back and still have room for a passenger. | ||
| Motorbike |
Blk_Uly, I guess I would trade it for the XR if I were you. I kind of like that bike anyway but I liked the orange one best. I don't think they are available in that color anymore though. I wonder what the dealer will do with your Uly if you trade it in? Can they legally sell something like that knowing it's history of problems? That is one reason I try to avoid buying used bikes, or anything else for that matter. Thanks and please let us know what you decide to do. | ||
| Itileman |
Had a Sportie a few years ago. You can get hard bags, a detachable sissy bar with rack and a large T-bag to carry most everything. A stage 1 upgrade with a K&N filter and a set of 2 into 1 pipes (the Black Holes if they make them for Sporties) from RB Racing, and the thing will move. | ||
| Blasterd |
Call me different but I'd go after a Vrod muscle.... | ||
| Mnrider |
That's a great deal and I would take it. If you really don't like it you can always sell it,should hold value pretty well. I had soft bags on my last bike for years and they held up well.You should be able to strap stuff to them. I say keep your badweb name and let us know how the XR works out for you. Do they have the XR in stock? | ||
| Itileman |
One drawback with the XR - I don't believe you get a Chrome Consultant assigned to you. | ||
| Prowler |
I personally would trade it for a Harley that would be easy to sell (in case you decide you don't want the Harley life style thing). The XR has very limited H-D customer interest. Possibly a base Dyna model that would be fairly easy to unload should you decide you want to get back on an adventure bike.....will the dealer cut you any kind of deal on a new H-D bike in the process? Just a thought..... | ||
| Blk_uly |
Mnrider they don't have a 2011 in stock just yet but the say they'll get one in a few days. I'm pretty sure I'm gonna go for it. Prowler this is the deal they offered on any hd I wan't. full MSRP towards the trade, which ever bike. THANKS to everyone for all the responses so far. keep them coming. The dealer is supposed to call this afternoon about when they can have the new bike so I'll be sure to post again when I know more. | ||
| Cyclonedon |
One drawback with the XR - I don't believe you get a Chrome Consultant assigned to you.  that would be a good thing! | ||
| 86129squids |
+1, do the trade! Jeremy's right about "resetting the clock", time/depreciation wise. Plus you're getting the "new bike smell" all over again. IMHO, you might do well to look over some of the new Dyna's too- but the XR is closest in spirit and purpose to the Buell. You've got time to get the XR all farkled up- start looking at what's in the catalog now, the aftermarket, and use your imagination- you might be surprised at what you can carry on that thing. (I've surprised myself a few times packing up my CityX for a trip...) (Oh, and go ahead and have the Chrome Consultant help you, 'specially if she's a looker...) | ||
| Itileman |
+1 on the Dyna's. Got a Lowrider after the Sportie and did some big trips on it. Traveled well and carried a load. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
The XR is no handling slouch. I'd be calling Storz and getting rid of that abomination of an exhaust first thing. It'd be the closest thing to a Uly in the HD stable. | ||
| 12x9sl |
I'd go for it! The only other Hd I'd consider would be a Fat Bob. I came from a Lowrider to the Uly club. Did a cross country trip on the Dyna and it handled well with all our crap on it. I understand your position somewhat seeing I have a 2010 X in the shop (and waiting on parts) with only 6600 miles on it.  | ||
| Blk_uly |
UPDATE.._.__..__.[Morse code sound effects] I called The general manager of the dealer this morning to give him the green light he called back tis after noon and said He found the '11 XR1200X at a another dealer in North Tampa. He also said It could be here as early as tomorrow!  But the news comes bitter-sweet as I begin to remove the accessories to be placed in the classified section later. Many fine memories blk and I have had; My first and only trip to the Dragon in oct 08 (I have yet to post the pics sorry), then there's the night I was out goofing around with some friends, and ended up drag racing two guys, one on a souped up thunder mountain the other on a v rod and the uly smoked them both! I'm sure I'll have fun making new memories on th XR at the up coming buelltoberfest 4 there's no way I'm gonna miss that. I don't care what happens. this set back only makes me even more determined than ever to be there!  cue the "rocky" theme music (Message edited by blk_uly on September 01, 2010) | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
They, as a dealership, are definitely stepping up. They are offering what they have and getting you most of the way back to where you want to be. I don't think you'll be disappointed. This might help, though: http://www.xr1200ownersgroup.com/site/showthread.p hp?127-XR1200-Exhaust-options |
