| Author | Message | ||
     Big_island_rider |
I keep hearing various members bashing 2007 Ulys like they are the cause of a bike-pocalypse. Yes all bikes have their issues and the ‘07s have that pesky crankshaft failure trouble. But not buying a specific bike because in MAY have a problem is like not marrying a woman because she might be crazy. Let me let you in on a little secret – They are ALL crazy, just like all bikes have their problems. Sure, if you can find two Ulysses with the same equipment and mileage for the same price, by all means get the newer bike. That only makes sense. Just like I have always said, when choosing between the lesser of two evils, always choose the one with the biggest boobs. OK I am not as misogynistic as I may seem (Yes my loving wife of 19 years has seen this) but I am trying to make a point about the comparability of our various model years of bikes and the issues. My Uly, Toothless, is an ’07 and I did many hours of research and reading about the known issues in the New Ulysses Owner Information section of BadWeb amongst other places. I went into the purchase with my eyes wide open. I spent about $3,500 and if I get to ride it for many years without a major problem, I will consider myself lucky and will have enjoyed myself immensely. And if Toothless does have a catastrophic breakdown I know I can count on you vultures to pick the carcass clean when I sell off the parts. | ||
| Reepicheep |
Agreed. I'd say a pre 08 is worth $1000 less than an 08 or later due to the crank and oiling system upgrades on the 08 and later bikes. I wouldn't say don't but an 07 or earlier, unless you are super squeamish about possible mechanical problems. | ||
| Phelan |
My understanding is that most of the crank failures were '04 bikes, where the crank was improperly machined for a period of time during production, an issue shared with the '04 Sportsters. My '06 has almost 69,000 miles and not an issue to be found. | ||
| Froggy |
I estimate the value of a bike based on the probability and cost of repairs. Using math, I determined the 06s to be worth $3000, the 07s to be worth -$1000, 08s and 09s are $4000, and the 2010s to be $4500. Buying a 07 is just setting yourself up for financial disaster due to the cost of engine repair/replacement. You would need to get the bike for free to make the risks even potentially worth taking. I'm not even sure if it is worth free, as the bike is crap overall compared to the newer bikes. Getting an 07 is like marrying a woman that wants to cut your favorite appendage off.  | ||
| Reepicheep |
Here is the real data for anyone wanting to think through it themselves. http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/384 2/648773.html?1374261251 I don't just include the cost of repair universally into the risk calcuation. There are 13 confirmed failures across all XB12's made in 2007. Which is clearly a problem, but it's only 13 bikes so far. And since these weren't formal forensic teardowns, there is a chance that number is inflated. Not every crank will fail, and many 07's will run fine with no crank problems until something else goes terminally wrong. So it's kind of an inverse lotto thing... a small number of people will be hurt very badly, most people won't be hurt at all. I got a smoking good deal on my 2007 when I bought it, and I have no regrets. I've already won the lottery, I got the bike with full luggage for $5000 (several years ago), put 20k miles on it. To me, 20k miles on a recreational vehicle is worth $5000. Then the bike was totaled by an insurance company after I was hit. I bought it back and put it back on the road for the settlement from the insurance company, so the bike is "free". I'll be sad if my crank lets go tomorrow, but not because I didn't get my moneys worth out of the bike. Like I said though, if you don't like playing a reverse lotto, spend the extra $ and get an 08 or later. They are much better crank and oiling systems | ||
| Panhead_dan |
"Just like I have always said, when choosing between the lesser of two evils, always choose the one with the biggest boobs." Good stuff man! Imma use this for a sig line over on ADV. | ||
| Zac4mac |
Ross told me about this thread... I agree, big boobs trump a lot of negatives... | ||
| Rayycc1 |
Dibs on the wheels and forks.  | ||
| Sagehawk |
You guys are killing me with dissing the 07's. What did the dude say from darkhorse crankworks? We got your back! Just ride n enjoy your buell! Thats what im doing these days. | ||
| Buellerxt |
Sagehawk, we need to meet one of these days. I ride to Angleton fairly often and about every third time on my Uly. I never see another Uly, though I know there is one in Sweeny. | ||
| Sagehawk |
About damn time Buellerxt! I've seen you on 288b several times if you have the black buell, bags, and black jacket w/ green stripes. Buewulf and I have ridden several times together and are members of a meetup group. Only way we find time to bud up and ride. Sad, but none of us dedicate ourselves to group comraderie of the Buell brand. I would really like for us to get something going in our area. As far as a buell in sweeny, I;ve only seen a yellow 06 in a driveway with a Kawasaki enduro bike on milk crate. That was a long time back. If your serious, give me a shout and we'll drag buewulf into the fray. We can only grow from there. Thanks for the shout out.  | ||
| Buellerxt |
That's me, Sagehawk. I sent you a PM. |
