| Author | Message | ||
     Hdxbones |
Hi all, I'm new here, and considering the purchase of a Ulysses. I'm a longtime HD rider, looking to expand my horizons. Started out on dirtbikes nearly 40 years ago, but I've been on HD's since the early 80's. I've been interested in the Uly since it was introduced, but haven't pulled the trigger yet. I'm looking get out on more of New England's unimproved roads than my current RoadGlide allows, the Uly would be a second bike for me. I wrench my own bikes, and I'm very familiar with Harley ECM tuning. I assume the Buell system is similar? Anything I should be looking out for? What would be the optimum model year to look for? I've read a fair bit about heat, but I'm used to big inch, higher compression air cooled twins, not sure how the Uly compares to that? Are parts still easy to obtain? A lot of bikes listed for sale don't have luggage, is that something that can still be sourced? How much? Please chime in and tell me all I need to know- the good, the bad, and everything in between Thanks | ||
| Froggy |
Welcome to the board, I'll take a stab at your questions
Buells use an entirely different fuel injection system. The basic concepts are the same but you will see differences in how the systems work. The good news is, other than the interface cable, there is no cost involved with tuning your own bike. Programs like TunerPro and ECMspy will let you do whatever you want. Erik Buell Racing sells preprogrammed ECMs for most common muffler setups if you want to take the easy way out.
Check out the New Owner FAQ section, it has the most common issues and other questions listed, that can help steer you in the right direction.
2010, but those are pretty rare. Anything 08 or newer would be what I would get.
I don't have an answer to that. Heat is subjective, and varies based on weather, your riding position, ECM programming, and a billion other things.
They are no different than any other Harley. Being that they are no longer in production there may be lead times depending on the part, but my experience has been that it isn't really any worse than an in production bike.
Yep, there are many options available, including the stock luggage and some aftermarket ones.
Depends on the setup, but easily over a grand if the stuff is new. Sometimes you can find a used set on here or ebay. | ||
| Ratbuell |
There's a link at the top of the big bad and dirty board, "New Uly owner information". You'll go into info-overload. No - EFI is totally different. I like my '06 - 06/07 bikes have cam-sensor timing (adjustable) and user-adjustable idle speed. Later bikes have ECM controlled idles and timing. '10 bikes add a second O2 sensor and different fan logic. 07 bikes got progressive rate fork springs. 08 up bikes got fatter forks and decreased turn radius, but I can U on a 2 lane road with no issue on my 06. 10 bikes got a 3 bearing rear wheel that will retrofit. If you want off-road capability, get an X. XT is set up for sport-touring, not adventure - shorter suspension travel, lighter rims, different valving/spring rates. Bags can be had easily. Racks can be tough. Bags are Hepco-Becker products, but racks are Uly-specific. People whine about heat. I have never had an issue. I put on the comfort kit to keep the bike happier (better airflow ducting, esp for the rear cylinder), but my leg doesn't get hot (although I ride ATGATT, which I'm sure helps). Check out the new owner page, and prepare to let the FLT sit and collect dust. Seriously. Let us know what you end up with! | ||
| Ratbuell |
hehe...simul-post with the Frog...lol | ||
| Reepicheep |
08 and up got better oiling system and updated crank, which may turn out to be a big deal. But 07 and before are great bikes, and a great many of them haven't exploded even once.  | ||
| Hdxbones |
Thanks for the replies so far. It'll be nice to just purchase the tuning cables to be able to tune, without having to shell out another $400 or $500 for the dongle and software. Are there any mileage limitations I should concern myself with? I've seen a couple of higher mileage bikes for sale for reasonable prices. Wondering if I save a little up front, am I only buying headaches later? Are there any sources for factory original saddlebags? I'd like to have a clear price to help determine whether to hold out for a bike that already has them. | ||
| Buewulf |
If you find a higher mileage bike from an enthusiastic owner, that might not be a bad deal since he may have already worked out many of the known issues. That said, I'd probably still go for lower mileage. Guess it depends what your definition of "higher mileage" is. | ||
| Tootal |
I also have a Road Glide and a Uly. What I find is I ride the Road Glide when I'm traveling with friends, since none of them want to even look at a gravel road. The Uly makes me a lone wolf, unless I'm at Buelltoberfest or Homecoming. I've taken two trips to Colorado and gotten back in the boondocks and have seen some beautiful places and had a lot of fun getting there. The Uly is a Swiss army knife. It's not the best at anything, except putting a smile on your face, yet it will do so many things amazingly well. Keep an eye out for an X with bags. As mentioned the 08 had some major improvements but my 06 has been a ball! I haven't put this picture up in a while and some are probably tired of seeing it but just to wet your appetite a little:  | ||
| Timberwolf |
How could anyone get tired of seeing that photo? I really hope to be able to get out there some day. | ||
| 7873jake |
I'd love to go get a picture of my Uly with that sign but I fear that anything more than a step or two would result in having to be picked up off of the ground. I'd need ATGATT just walking at nearly 13k elev. I really should get out of Florida more often (says the guy who actively roamed the planet for 10 years up until 2 years ago) | ||
| Danair |
That foto rocks! | ||
| Hdxbones |
That is a great photo, I'd love to get there someday as well. Found an 09 with bags and low miles for a fair price, looks like I may be a Uly owner soon...... | ||
| Hdxbones |
I bought the 09 yesterday, 5600 miles on it. The weather here in CT looks like it will cooperate this weekend, so I hope to get a little saddle time in. It feels much more nimble than the Road Glide's and Softails that I've become accustomed to, I'm really looking forward to riding it in the tight stuff. Pics and impressions to follow... | ||
| Arry |
Congratulations! An '09 with low miles should serve you well. | ||
| Zane |
Congratulations! You're about to find out all about that Buell phenomenon called Permagrin. | ||
| Uly_man |
How anyone can compare a Road Glide over a Uly is hard to believe. To go "off road" on a Glide must be like "taken by the state" for a full "frontal". Or a DC-3 over a SR-71. | ||
| Tootal |
Come on Uly man, it's just an 800 lb. dirt bike!!  | ||
| Nookster |
Just recently sold my 01 Electra Glide. I did'nt feel a need for it anymore after buying the 08 Uly XT. Buell is the rebel bike now after being treated like Harleys bastard child and I love it.  | ||
| Hdxbones |
"Uly_man Posted on Friday, November 23, 2012 - 10:40 am: -------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ How anyone can compare a Road Glide over a Uly is hard to believe. To go "off road" on a Glide must be like "taken by the state" for a full "frontal". Or a DC-3 over a SR-71. " Certainly not comparing one over the other, just noting the difference... It's like comparing a Cadillac to a Jeep Wrangler. Each is better at some things than the other. No, the Road Glide doesn't go 'off road' or carve up the tight stuff as well as the Uly, but on the other hand, my initial impressions are that the Uly doesn't equal the Glide on the highway. I'm looking forward to enjoying both of them... | ||
| Tootal |
Certainly not comparing one over the other, just noting the difference... It's like comparing a Cadillac to a Jeep Wrangler. Each is better at some things than the other. No, the Road Glide doesn't go 'off road' or carve up the tight stuff as well as the Uly, but on the other hand, my initial impressions are that the Uly doesn't equal the Glide on the highway. I'm looking forward to enjoying both of them... That's the truth! I love my Uly but if I'm running nothing but super slab then give me the barcalounger on wheels with cruise control, back rest, highway pegs and a barn door to block the wind! | ||
| Sagehawk |
I need to add that remark as when harley screwed over buell , that was it for me ! Yes, I do love my 96 geezer glide, but when I want to really ride and experience life , I crank up the tweezer glide and we both come alive ! In spite of the shortcomings of the buell , it still rings these bells ! Thanks eric for not being like willie g. ! | ||
| Buelldualsport |
Buell used to have a saying "different in every way" To me it still applies. Enjoy | ||
| Hdxbones |
I was able to put a couple hundred miles on it this weekend. Motorcycling is fun again, what a great bike! | ||
| Eulysses |
This is what I wish my Uly was more like: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fqgwo_WdyRo |
