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Pangalactic
Posted on Sunday, May 21, 2006 - 02:58 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

OK...I'm fast approaching 30K on my second Buell S3. (26.5K and counting on this one.) Time to think about replacements as the everyday ride. I have not decided to sell/trade this one, or keep it and buy a new bike outright- much of that decides on the wiffy and moolah sitch. At any rate, I LOVE my S3, and would LOVE to replace it with another S3, but the selection of available S3s is getting up there in age- and miles.
Up until the Ulysses came out, I had not considered buying an XB, because I am 6'4", and they simply were not comfortable to ride for anything longer than a few minutes. FUN, but not comfy.

So. Bottom line, I am looking for a sport-touring type bike, and if can be dual-purpose, even better. I want good gas mileage above all else. Here's what I'm looking at:

Beemers:
F650s (GS, CS, doesn't matter)
Pro's:
GREAT Gas mileage - 70-80 mpg avg. EPA.
It's a beemer, great rep for reliability.
Pretty cheap! ~$8K, add $1000 for full luggage (but can be had MUCH cheaper via ebay…)
Bottom line: ~ $9K.

Con's:
Single-banger.
Only 650cc.

Neutral:
I haven’t been on one to see how it fits, but they look pretty tall…

R1150R
Pro’s:
Good gas - ~ 50-60 mpg avg EPA.
Again, beemer=reliable
Much more power than the 650- on par with the Buell.
I love the design.

Con’s:
Pricier- $11K starting, ~$12K, w/full luggage.

Suzuki VStrom’s 650, 1000

Pro’s:
good gas mileage, 50-60, and 65-75 mpg.
Cheap: $6700($7500 w/ luggage) for the 650, $9K ($10.2K luggage) for the 1000
Decent power, even for the 650!

Con’s:
I don’t like the idea of burning rice.
Suzuki isn’t exactly know for reliability
I really just don’t care to own a Suzuki

Buell Ulysses:

Pro’s:
It’s a Buell. American frikkin made, Harley owned, Buell.
Surprisingly good gas mileage- epa sez 50-65 mpg city/hwy.
Fits all the criteria I want.
I love the design.
I like to stand out, and Buell still stands out.

Con’s:
It’s the priciest of the bunch. $11.5K, and ~$12.5 with luggage.
I haven’t had the best of luck in dealing with dealerships. They tend to be Harley dealers that couldn’t give a rat’s ass about Buells. That also makes parts hard to come by. (Seriously – I have had to wait weeks for a clutch cable. And brake pads. Seriously.)
It only comes in 1 color. I know this is weak, but yellow or black is really only a choice of yellow or not. Black isn’t visible, and I like a visible bike. The yellow orange is kinda ugly. I would pick black.



In all honesty, it comes down to money. I’m not sure what my financial sitch will be at the end of the summer, and much of that determines trade, or buy, and which way I go. If I have to go cheap, it’ll probably be the BMW F650GS. Stripped down is $7500 pls tx, , and the luggage I can ebay.

If I’m better in the finance dept, I am purely torn between the R1150R and the Buell.

What’d’y’all think?

Pang
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Jlnance
Posted on Sunday, May 21, 2006 - 07:25 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Hey Jim,

I spent this weekend riding my Uly with a guy who just bought a BMW 1200 RS (I think). I got 45 mpg, he got 50, and his tank was larger. His BMW looked like a very nice bike. I don't think it's an inexpensive bike.

From what I can see, Buell likes to change the color of their bikes each year. If you're going to get something at the end of summer, you'll be in next years color. Perhaps it will be something more to your liking.
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Bake
Posted on Sunday, May 21, 2006 - 09:10 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I have ridden a few miles on a GS650, nice bike....I'd have one in a minute if I get to keep the Buell.

Haven't had a chance to ride the Uly but I want one and would trade in my XB9R on that
bike.
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Davo
Posted on Sunday, May 21, 2006 - 10:17 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

The Uly is a great bike for someone 6'4". I have had some minor electrical problems with mine. One of my friends rides a "Wee Strom" (650) and it is a great bike also! When I went to the side of the road his was still running. The Wee Strom is a better bike in the rain. It provides much better protection from the elements. I get soaked on the Uly even in a drizzle. I road the Wee Strom about 60 miles in the rain one day and my jeans were dry from the kneees up! The Wee Strom will not fit you like the Uly will though. For the money, the Wee Srom can't be beat.
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Crusty
Posted on Sunday, May 21, 2006 - 07:10 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Pan, I put 60,000 miles on my S3-t. I still think it's the most beautiful bike ever made. But before you make any decisions, I suggest you take a Ulysses for a long test ride. It's taller than I like, (I have a 30" inseam), but it really does it for me. I use mine for commuting, traveling and Sunday afternoon curve strafing. The H&B luggage is much more durable than the S3-T bags, plus they have enough room to carry damn near everything you'd ever want to bring along.
It's a very addictive bike. The more miles I put on it, the more I like it.
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Fenderbender
Posted on Sunday, May 21, 2006 - 07:46 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Pang - have you considered the lightning long?
Crusty - How do you handle the Uly with a 30" inseam? Mine is the same, and I was on my toes with the city x. I managed alright, but it seems like the uly would really be tall for me.
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Tourguide
Posted on Sunday, May 21, 2006 - 09:32 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Pang - I am 6'4" and the proud owner of an XB12Ss Lightning Long. Today I rode 100 miles and felt very comfortable doing so, in fact, I love the Bike, just my preference for what I wanted. It comes in Black, Blue, or Sunset Orange. Good Luck with Your choice.
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Col_klink
Posted on Sunday, May 21, 2006 - 10:25 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Gotta agree with Fenderbender and Tourguide: go with the XB12Ss. I love mine. Low cost alternative: look at the KTM Supermoto, or a Duke II if you can find one. I have a lot of information on the Duke II (large tanks, carb kits etc) on my website.

Cheers, Klink

http://users.bigpond.net.au/nwarne/index.htm
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Tourguide
Posted on Monday, May 22, 2006 - 11:56 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Nick I just Have to say it, "OPEN THE MAIN GATE IMMEDIATELY"

Did enjoy Your Website, Mine is Sunset Orange as well. Had a lot of laughs watching "Col Klink" But what do I Know ? "I Know Nothing"

(Message edited by tourguide on May 22, 2006)
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Bigj
Posted on Monday, May 22, 2006 - 02:02 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Mr. Pang,

Beemer reliability is not as good as thier rep. However, they do come with a 3 year warranty. I like Beemers, have had two, one of which is my current ride. I will not buy another, mainly because they are too expensive to buy. You do not get enough bang for the buck. Out of all the bikes mentioned above, the Suzuki Strom would be my choice, but in the 1000 version.
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Jhanz
Posted on Monday, May 22, 2006 - 02:06 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Regarding the BMW GS 650: It is not a tall bike at all, I think around 29" seat height. I did a lot of research on that bike before I went with the City X. It's a great all around bike, just not the most powerful for the open road.
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Spike
Posted on Monday, May 22, 2006 - 04:54 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Funny thing, I just realized that if you sorted that list of bikes by price it would perfectly match my preference for them.

Uly tops my list by a good margin- most fun, grunty motor, Buell handling, all-week comfort, locking hard bags. Only strikes against the Uly would be too much passenger room and it's not available used yet.

My next choice would be the 1150R- nice power delivery, nice ergos, locking bags, stable handling. The big strikes against the R would be the lack of focus (jack of all, master of none), weighty feel, and quirky motor. Also, have you heard one of these things? It's a really great bike and one of my favorite BMWs, but it just doesn't push my buttons.

In my head, the V-stroms are like SVs of the adventure bike world- good performers, but generally seem cheap. The 1000 has a nice motor, but for $9k I want a better bike.

I don't know much about the F650, but it seems to offer some nice options and build quality for the price. You get the propeller logo on the tank without the sideways motor. It's probably really capable, I'm just not that interested in having a 650 single as my only street bike.
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Pangalactic
Posted on Monday, May 22, 2006 - 10:58 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

There's a guy that is leaving work the same time I do that drives a F650, I like it, but would be nervous about a single banger. I would really only want to get it if I kept the S3. That way I had the S3 for touring, and the 650 as the daily commute.
I've even thought about switching to the dark side...there's a nice 1200XLC sitting over at Scooter's for under $8K...2000 miles...hrrmmm
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Col_klink
Posted on Tuesday, May 23, 2006 - 12:10 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

One for the fans, Tourguide.






Klink
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Wambo
Posted on Tuesday, May 23, 2006 - 02:29 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Pang,

I think it's best to try and test ride some of your picks before deciding, if you can. You may decide differently after.

Suzuki isn’t exactly know for reliability

I've owned 4 Suzuki's and I couldn't disagree more. I've got over 19,000 miles on my DL650 V-strom so far, without a hiccup. My most fun bike I've ever owned is my City X, but I won't give up my V-strom. Go with what moves you most after trying it.



(Message edited by Wambo on May 23, 2006)
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Pangalactic
Posted on Tuesday, May 23, 2006 - 11:41 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Just when I thought I knew what I was doing...
I stepped into the beemer dealership, to look at the f650 and the r1150r. Turns out they don't sell the r1150r anymore. Bummer. HOWEVER... they sell Triumphs there, and had a couple of '05 Tigers they are willing to deal on. And crap. I like it. under $10k, complete with the luggage, and a 2 year, unlimited mile warranty.

Gonna take the Uly out tomorrow, and prolly the Tiger on Saturday (the beemer/triumph dealer does all demos on Saturday). At this point, it's down to these two- the Tiger or the Uly. I'm underwhelmed by the F650, and no matter how good the strom is, I just wouldn't de happy with it.


Minor advantage to the Tiger- the dealership is literally a quartermile from my house. I could literally put the bike in neutral and roll there if I needed to.

Minor advantage to the Uly- I still would rather have the Buell...
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Wambo
Posted on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 - 01:18 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Pang,

No prob regarding the Strom-It's a love or hate type of bike (until you ride it). The Tiger or Ulysses-Both are good choices. Obviously, I love Buells and I also think Triumphs are great bikes. I think you won't be sorry with either. Believe me, it will come down to the ride.

Let us know what you decide!
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Wvbuelling
Posted on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 - 06:57 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I currently own a 2003 V-Strom and although it has been a trouble free ride for over 12,000 miles, I am still looking to buy a Buell. I like to think of the V-Strom as practical (like a plane Jane car) but it definetly does not stir your soul. Not much pride in ownership but it will get you where you need to go.
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Wambo
Posted on Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 12:59 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Wvbuelling,

That is exactly what I did! I own a '04 DL650 and after riding a Buell, decided I had to have one! I own a '05 City X and love it. My V-Strom is my commuter for long distances and bad weather, the Buell is therapy, pure and simple. The most fun bike I ride. I'm actually thinking of selling my "middle-aged crisis bike", my '04 GSXR 1000. I love the power and the feeling of "jumping into hyperspace" when hitting the throttle, but other than that it doesn't have the same attachment to me at a more personal level. The Buell has done that, especially in the corners. Of course, there a some negatives like the heat output even with Odie's heat shields on a hot day, but the grins outweight it.

I still won't get rid of my V-Strom. I love it for what it is, and I feel more of a connection to it than the GSXR. Of course, the after market exhaust can, K&N filter and re-maping make it more fun and better to listen to, not sounding like a sewing machine and having more umph. It has given even it more personallity.

I can't believe I actually want to sell my Gixxer! Sad but true. It has such a lovely howl (Yoshimura exhaust can) when on the step, and what a rush! Still not the same as my Buell.

Did I mention I love my City X?

(Message edited by Wambo on May 25, 2006)
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Wvbuelling
Posted on Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 09:24 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

My V-strom is a 1000 and although it has more than enough power (changed exhaust and power commander) I am searching for a used Buell to play with. Kind of fond of the looks of the tube Buells and the price will be less as well. Have not made up my mind just what to get though. I need a Buell "fix"!
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