| Author | Message | ||
     Mhlunsford |
I have m2 and p5 now I want a Ulysses . Are any common problems I should look for ? | ||
| Big_island_rider |
Try this. http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/142 838/442053.html?1238017122 | ||
| Hughlysses |
^ +1. That pretty much sums it up. Probably the most important thing at that link is the 2007 crankshaft failures thread. Unless you find an amazing deal, or one with ~50k miles and no engine problems, another year model is a better choice. | ||
| Reepicheep |
Here is the crank failure running summary: http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/384 2/648773.html?1374261251 There is a problem for sure, but its not inevitable that every pre 08 XB12 will fail either. Remember that somebody with a bad crank is much more likely to self report than somebody with a bike that just works. Personally (and everyone has to make their own decision), it was kind of a wash. My 07 (which hasn't died yet but is in a cluster of VIN's that make it really suspect) was $2000 cheaper than any newer Uly available at the time. So given that crank failure isn't inevitable, and that I could probably rebuild the engine for $3000, it's kind of a "meh" thing. I will say I think the 08 and above crank and oil system should demand a resale value of $1000 to $2000 over the pre 08 models. If you can't emotionally handle an engine failure (and I don't mean that mockingly or as an insult), then buy an 08 or later. If you can live with some mechanical risk, it's hard to imagine a more fun use of $4000 to $5000 than an 06 or 07 Ulysses. That's a stupid good deal. Even if you have to rebuild an engine and it becomes a $7000 to $8000 bike but with a new engine and bigger crank, its still a solid bike for the money (IMHO). If you can't wring $8000 worth of fun out of a Uly over 10 years, there is something wrong with you.  The first immediate problem area you will want to look at are the wire bundle around / under the steering neck (and make sure nothing like a HID ballast or aftermarket horn is jamming that bundle up under the windscreen, I think that may be a common cause of cracked wires). The second I would check is to make sure the seat isn't pressing on the ECM connectors when the seat has weight on it. The third is to get a new set of rear bearings and axle spacer to have on the shelf (because you don't know the history), and then be absolutely "by the book" for the steps and torque values for taking the wheels on and off. I'd also drill out the tensioner mounting bolts. I will say the Uly is a better M2 than an M2. If you know what I mean. Not that I don't miss the M2, I do, but if I had to choose one or the other it would be the Uly in about a third of a nanosecond. And even a bad Uly is probably more reliable in the long run than a good M2. (Message edited by reepicheep on May 29, 2014) (Message edited by reepicheep on May 29, 2014) | ||
| Uly_man |
The only "common" issue, I think, over the year range is the wiring breaks in the steering head Earth loom. I had it in both 06 and 10 bikes. It is a design flaw and only effects lights and such and is an easy fix anyway. There are lots of little things but they are, for the most part, an easy fix as well. Some will say wheel bearings but I think that could be due to many other issues. The Uly, in my opinion, suffers from many stupid pain in ass "little" things like rubbing wires and the like but again they are an easy fix. If you are going to buy one of these bikes you will need to be able to fix things for yourself. If can not do this then do not buy one. If you do then the guys here will let you know what you need to look for when inspecting the bike and how it SHOULD be running. | ||
| Djohnk |
If you are going to buy one of these bikes you will need to be able to fix things for yourself. If can not do this then do not buy one. ^+1 | ||
| Mhlunsford |
I am 5'10 with a 30 inseam what are my options as far as being to at least put the plams of my feet on the ground? The wrenching part is ok - I do my own. | ||
| Froggy |
Buy the XT model, it has a lower suspension. I'm a little smaller than you, I have difficulty managing the X, but the XT is the perfect height for me. | ||
| Gp81 |
Go with the low seat (I believe that it is the standard seat listed 07 and up) I am 5'9" with a 32" inseam and can ALMOST flat foot my 06X now. | ||
| Afsoc_commando |
I am 5'6" with a 29" inseam and ride an XT with both the low and 06 tall seats. No big deal once you get used to it. Off camber slopes can be tricky as well as stopping over a pothole, but you learn to deal. I love the Uly for an all around bike, it is a complete blast. | ||
| Deeds |
Are there any warning signs for a crank that's about to go out? I recently bought an '07 with about 32k miles on it. |
