| Author | Message | ||
     Bomber |
All -- I'll be ready to buy another scoot after the next three semesters are paid for (WOO HOO!) I'm lookin for a mile eater that can go anywhere (almost) and do anything (again, almost -- I'm not interested in doing a Nc Nac on the way to work, but some fire-roading would be nice) question is, this new bike would be a Motor Pool Mate to my Y2K MaDeuece (which will not leave) Now, the MaDeuece was a sweet, even tempered do darned near anything bike when I got it -- while I've altered it's nature a bit, and I've converted into a more shrply focus backround scrapper, it's still, at it's heart, an M2, just a little more sharply pointed, if that makes sense the bikes I was considering were Suzuki's Strom Trooper (affrodable), a Duc Multistrada, and, when dreaming of knocking over liquor stores, a GS series Beemer -- so, the question is, s the Uly different enough form the M2 to make them good stable mates, or is the overlap such that it would be owning 1.5 bikes, rather than two? There are a couple in dealerships locally, but I ain't gonna pull the sales guys chain asking for an extened test ride when I KNOW I'm not gonna buy for a year or so . . .. . thanks for the views and comments, all | ||
| Aeholton |
Haven't ridden my M2 since picking up the Ulysses 2 weeks ago. Although, there is the new girlfriend factor. I plan on selling the M2. The Ulysses will do it all and much more. | ||
| Reepicheep |
The VStrom is a "pretty good bike". But that's not what biking is about, IMHO. If you want to go that route, don't. Either keep the M2 and get a DR-650, or trade in for a Uly. Or, keep the M2 and pick up one of these smoking cheap XB9s bikes that keep popping up. I suspect you will then find yourself selling the M2 within a year, but maybe not. I still miss mine, though if I had it, I would probably not ever ride it (relative to the 9sx). The 9S, despite it's diminutive size, does everything my M2 did and more, and does it better, even two up. The thing about the Uly is that you could get one today, and be on the opposite coast in two weeks. Really. You. Any of us. It justs begs for that sort of inspired lunacy. That's living. | ||
| Henrik |
Ohh, a good question right there. I'm doing some similar thinking myself - nothing imminent but still. I've heard the Suzi is a nice bike and you'd likely put it to good use. But I've heard it's a bit appliance like. I guess a bit like my SV650; great bike, fun to ride, great on the track, crashes well - but lacks a bit of soul. The Multistrada - again nice bike, but according to Ducati, no fire road capabilities as such. And I know, you can go anywhere you choose on whichever bike, but still. Now if you've really considered the GS, then you ought to pick up the November issue of MCN, where they're comparing the GS and the Ulysses. My (opinion biased) synopsis is, that the 2 bikes come out pretty even, and your choice should be based on what you intend to use them for; the GS does better in the dirt, where the Uly's high seat and tight steering lock hurts it. The Uly does equal or better everywhere else. And then there is of course the $4000+ difference in price  I think, since you've sportified the M2, the Uly or the GS would be good companions. Just make whatever you choose more distance and LD travel oriented and there shouldn't be too much overlap. Of course having Buell motors in both bikes will be wonderfully familiar, and you'll have the necessary tools already ... Henrik | ||
| Mikej |
If you're looking at buying in 18-24 months then just take some test rides whenever the demo fleet is near enough for you to get to. I can't tell you what I know, and I know I know less than I know, but by the time you get ready to purchase you'll know what to go for. By the way, it isn't on the market yet, or if it is it's hiding in plain sight. I'm thinking you'll be looking at an early 2008 model, or early release 2007. There's some neat stuff in the works in a couple of different venues. | ||
| Bomber |
Thanks all -- the GS just isn't an option for me, for a number of reasons - - brakes -- the controls don't feel like they are connected directly to the calipers (which, of course, is the case) -- I like the idea of fly by wire, when the inputs are too much for the pilot to handle (as in a modern hi-po aircraft), but I like know what's going on in the whoa department -- the GS I've ridden felt wooden in the brake dept -- call me a luddite, if you wish ;-} service -- while the engine is easily worked on, some of the other componants are not, I'b told, and the problems with the drive system seem, er, pretty major finally, price -- someone's gotta pay for the hi-techedness, and that someone seem to be the customer (as is appropriate) -- reading the MCN comparo did nothing to counter my thoughts that the solutions the Bavarian ELves have concocted are truely superior -- different, certainly (perhaps not in every sense ;-} ), but not superior and, Henrik raises a good point -- I'm familiar w/Buell's way of approaching things, and would likely be comfie spinning wrenches on the Uly WHile Reep has given good council (as we've come to expect), the XB9ers ain't quite the mile eater I'm longing for -- while the MaDeuece is good for 700 mile days (or, rather, I am on it), it's wearing, and would be tough to run back to back -- the Deuece isn't going anywhere, as I've simply not had another scoot that is as good at bombing around the nice roads round here (on my recent 3-day walk-about in SW Ill/SW Wis, I paid especail attention to the lack of front end drive I've dialed into the front suspension -- the Uly, by design, is gonna suffer somewhat in that arena, no help fer it) Mike also raises a great point -- there's lots of time between now and the purchase date -- to Quote the Late, lamented band Traffic, who knows what tomorrow may bring {grin} thanks again, gents, for your kind input | ||
| Thunderbox |
I am not as sceptical of the ABS as most seem to be. I did a rather extensive drive on every model of BMW there was available and I really liked the ABS on the off road 650 and all the other models too. Took some getting used to but once you were confident of it. It was awsum. I wish it was available on the Uly. The Uly handles every bit as good as the 650 did on the highway and I have to admit I was impressed with its ability there. The only down side to the BMW 650 was the power sucked. It needed about 35 more HP. In Canada I am told that every motorcycle sold here by 2008 or 2009 will be mandated to have ABS brakes (above a certain CCs but I am not sure where they are putting that threshold). | ||
| Thunderbox |
For you people who have an M2 why would you keep it if you have a Uly. The Uly is every bit a better machine than my 02 M2 was. The only thing I miss on the m2 besides the sound is the low end torque was better than on the Uly. Everything else is better by a long shot on the Uly. Handling is a huge improvement over the M2. | ||
| Mikej |
"For you people who have an M2 why would you keep it if you have a Uly." I can comfortably reach the ground on the M2, I can not comfortably reach the ground on the Uly, and forget about getting a passenger on there without the sidestand down. Find the pic of Ferris and Lady getting on the Uly from both sides silhouetted in an old train tunnel - great photo that it is, it pretty much sums up what I'm saying. Like some cars I've wanted to test drive, if I don't fit then everything else is moot. And I had no problem putting multiple 800+ mile days on the M2, but I'm still thinking of a RoadKing for those sorts of trips in the future. | ||
| Thunderbox |
So Mikej you don't have a Uly then. So what does "For you people who have an M2 why would you keep it if you have a Uly." If you have a Uly being the key words here. Yes I understand a Uly is a high bike. I have a 30" inseam so you know where I sit. But say what you want the Uly is still a much better machine than the M2 ever was. I think that is the way it should be too cause if Buell makes new bikes that aren't as good as the older models then they are in big trouble. I can tell you my M2 was a hell of a bike. I loved every minute in the saddle on it. It just doesn't hold a candle to the Uly sorry for the wakeup but thats MHO. And by the way I too put long days on the M2. Did over 2000 miles in less than 2 days this summer coming back from Ontario, 925 miles one day and 1092 miles the next. I can hardly wait to do that on the Uly and I would have never did it again on the M2. (Message edited by thunderbox on October 19, 2005) | ||
| Mikej |
"Just how many people currently own both an M2 and a Uly?" I took the sentence to be philosophical since Bomber doesn't have one yet either.  And the definition of "better" is debatable as well. For example, with my definition of better, it would include ease of maintenance. Tell you what, time yourself swapping spark plugs on an M2 against swapping them on a Uly. How about pulling rocker covers? (We just won't mention changing final drive belts, that's a major hassle on the M2's and is part of the reason I have an S2.) We can talk about maint. and tweaking of a carb'd bike vs. a f.i. bike though. And I'm well awake, but it does sort of depend on who is holding the candle, doesn't it?????  I will say the Uly appears to be a great bike and is technologically more advanced than the M2 is, that much I'll give you. I'm personally just not sold on the X-frame though for a couple of unspoken reasons (I've mentioned them in the past, got trounced replies back, but got reinforcement due to some issues/results in the field of use to maintain my personal viewpoint [something to talk about in person some day perhaps, remind me... ]). But at the end of the day, or at the end of the upcoming 12-24 months in Bomber's case, it's up to the person who will sit on the seat to determine what is best for them and their needs and desires and goals. I do like the Uly, it's just that it doesn't fit my current needs right now. | ||
| Bomber |
thunder -- I understand what you're saying, and,. while I've not ridden a Uly (I have long legs, so the height won't be an issue for me), every test I've read talks about it moving around on the suspension -- can't be helped with the lang travel fronk and rear on the thing, I know, but I don't like it for back road cafe racing, doncha know ;-} as for ABS, I"m sure it's a great boon -- linked brakes leave me less than thrilled, having some experience with em -- also, the thought of having greatly diminished brakes w/out the egine running is not something I will tolerate at all state mandated ABS on bikes? wow -- I'll not comment, save to say I'm sorry for the smaller number of choices you'll have | ||
| Thunderbox |
State mandated lots of stuff we take for granted these days. Seat belts, helmets, headlights, taillights, brake lights, engine emissions, tire ratings, height of light switches in your house and on and on. Harley already makes a model with ABS. Wonder why? Cause they need the expertise when it is mandated. Although it is less choices sometimes less is more. But as on any vehicle you can bypass the ABS system if you like. There you have your choices back. | ||
| Bomber |
smile -- right you are, Mr Box -- agreed on the number of things already mandated -- philosophical difference, I spose, as to the appropriateness of them -- I look forward to the bypass swich on the ABS in my four wheeled vehicals announcing themselves -- thanks for the tip! actually, I figured HD developed their ABS cuz they thought is would help sell bikes, but my lack of expertise in marketing is well documented {smile} | ||
| Thunderbox |
The bike Harley has it on is only the Police models. Guess the police find it to be a big advantage and are specing it out nowdays.. Disabling the AbS is very easy and you could easily just put a switch in to do it. | ||
| Bomber |
thanks for the data thunder | ||
| Blake |
Bomber, All the reviews I've read on the Uly laud it for being so stable and confidence inpiring. Some added dive on the brakes, yes, but from the reports I've seen (all of them? LOL) the Uly is very much up to back road cafe racing. I sure don't have any problem doing a demo ride a year in advance of a purchase. I'm pretty much in the same boat as you. But I'm trying to decide between the Uly and the GS. I've ALWAYS really like the big GS. It speaks to me. You ever consider buying used? | ||
| Road_thing |
Where do I get me one of them "lang travel fronks"?  rt | ||
| Bomber |
Blake -- yessir, I have, but the GS just don't speak to me as it does to you -- motorcyclage is very much a gut thing to me, and the GS doen't address mine -- which is what makes a horse race -- yes? every test I've read also mentions the brake dive along with the stbility -- some more than once -- this is not to darn the Uly, by any means (in this case, it would be like being dissapointed that my truck doesn't have a trunk -- course it doesn't, and course the Uly dives under braking) -- the MaDeuece stays in my motor pool until Mr Hestn gives up his firearms, as it is a great cafe racer, a better track day bike than I am a rider, a capable commuter, and a tolerable sport-tourer -- what it ain't is a two day around the lake with bags milage devouring Ironbutt sled -- hence my interest in a Uly I'm also sure that I'll be able to test one when the time comes -- there's a number of dealers who happily toss the keys to folks that show an interest, and some of em even know me (go figure) I was simply trying to get a feel as to how different the bikes are, to more pointedly focus my daydreaming -- Mr Box and I then proceeded to discuss the advisability of keeping an M2 and a Uly in the same garage, I trying to explain why (and we both get points for avoiding what coulda turned into an ugly role of the gubbmint disucssion ;-} ) sorry the points were murky Brer Thang -- I believe that Forking By Frank in nearby Evanston Illinois could help ya with that, or mebbe a vendor at Cominsky Park (go Sox) ;-} | ||
| Thunderbox |
There is one thing I can guarantee. If you haven't ridden the Uly you will be surprised when you do. It's not the fastest bike in the world but it feels like it is connected to the rider. You fell like one and the same. Not a lot of motorcycles will feel like that. That is why the Uly is such an important step for Buell. When I first rode a Buell I thought wow what a nice engine. Lots of torque at any engine speed, quiet and handled pretty nice. So I bought one. The Uly on the other hand was all of that and the handling is out of this world good. | ||
| Bomber |
Thunder -- I'm lookin forward to the test -- and, quite likely, ownership -- thanks for the insight, sir | ||
| Crashm1 |
Bomber, I've test ridden a Uly and didn't have any problem with the fork dive, it's not much worse than my X1 and a whole lot more comfy. Besides I suspect if there is a demand sombody or another will make stiffer springs for the Uly. Heck Trojan Horse or American Sport Bike might already be looking into it. By the way it's an awful comfy bike for us tall guys. Lightyears better than my X1. | ||
| Dave |
Want fork dive? Ride a '01 and newer Tiger. My 15 minute test ride on a Uly convinced me this was a far superior bike and gave me that gut feeling. 2300 miles in 3 weeks later and this bike is awesome. The Tiger never gave me the enjoyment this Uly does. The Tiger is *yawn* satisfactory in many areas. Just no thrill. DAve |
