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Usroute66
| | Posted on Sunday, September 17, 2006 - 08:09 pm: | 
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Idave, I am orginally from Richmond, VA. I don't recall seeing where U call home? I was just back in Richmond in August and visited the South Richmond HD dealer near my parents house. Hey, they don't sell Buells.
Some may recall, for years I had a 2000 Amazon Green S3T. It was a great bike, but I tend to change bikes a lot, and when the XB9 finally came out, it did not fit my needs. So I bought an Aprilia Tuono. I like to sit up and tour. However, I now have got the new bike bug again, and it will be an '07 Uly, in black. I can't wait to get back on a Buell again (but I will keep my trusty Aprilia...the bike is unbelievable).
I do hope U can post a map of those awesome roads. Welcome home! |
Road_thing
| | Posted on Sunday, September 17, 2006 - 09:27 pm: |
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Dave, thanks for the great story and the pictures!
I wanna go now...
rt |
Idave
| | Posted on Sunday, September 17, 2006 - 10:04 pm: |
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I'm in Sterling VA, 5 miles from Dulles Airport in Loudoun County. An no, I'm not proud of it. 
You guys and girls sure know how to make a stranger feel welcome. I'm very happy you folks enjoyed my jaunt across the country. I plan to do some local trippin' on the Uly throughout the winter. My next real trip will be Daytona in March. Hopefully, some of you guys and girls will make it. I usually stay in Orlando, do the Daytona thing for a day or two, and spend the week riding all over Florida.
I rode the Uly through the VA countryside today. Scorch and Squidley rode alongside. We just chewed up and spit out the miles. Man I love this bike.
Several people have requested my feedback regarding the Buell Ulysses. I promised to write a few words, so here ya go.
I'm not going to do a comparison. Every bike has strengths and weaknesses. I personally can find a way to have fun on anything with a motor and two wheels.
With the Ulysses, I don't have to 'find a way to have fun.' The Uly IS fun.
Having said that, the Uly isn't perfect. I don't think any bike is perfect. A perfect bike wouldn't be fun.But the Uly happens to be the perfect bike for me. Why? Let me count the ways  .
First, the ergonomics. The bike just fits. I'm 6' with a 34" inseam. The stock seat to peg distance is roomy enough to permit long distance days in total comfort. Even though I can't flat foot the bike with the stock seat, reaching the ground never seems like a stretch. The reach to the handlebars is also just about perfect. With most bikes, I need to raise the bars up and back at least an inch to prevent neck pain. With the Ulysses, I've ridden 16 hours straight with the stock seat and handlebars, only to get back in the saddle five hours later for another 14 hour day. Both days in total comfort. Simply stated, it doesn't get any better.
Regarding wind protection, the Ulysses offers more than it should. The bike looks naked. The angle of the frame guards deflects air around the sides of the riders legs with no side buffeting. The small stock windshield creates zero buffeting. Coming from a WeeStrom, this is a welcomed ride experience. The bike tracks perfectly straight when I let go of the bars. I've read others complain the hand guards are worthless. I rode through a hail storm, and I'd beg to differ. The handguards offer a surprising amount of protection in nasty weather, and deflect wind effectively in nice weather.
Regarding the suspension, the Uly comes with the best stock suspension I've ever had the pleasure of experiencing. I set up my front and rear components according to the manufacturers recommendations before riding the bike for the first time. Within one hour of my first ride, I was running through a technical set of twisties in the AZ mountains with 40lbs of baggage strapped to the rear. The bike soaked up everything I could throw at. It would drop into turns with complete confidence, then return to the upright attack position without ever upsetting the chassis. The front end always remains stable, planted, and never shakes it head. No stpeering damper required. The stock suspension feels firm, but not stiff. It feel plush, soaking up bumps without wallowing about. I need to crank up the compression damping on the front forks a click or two, but I ride pretty aggressive. It's nice having the option to dial in the front and rear components to suit an individual ride style.
The motor is a gem. A large displacement V-Twin takes a little getting used to coming from a 650 twin, but I adjusted immediately. Using the abundant torque to squirt from corner to corner is almost effortless. Droning down the interstate for hundreds of miles in a day is effortless. The word best describing this motor is "thrum." The bike just thrums along without effort. It doesn't feel particularly fast, but I have no problem riding the bike at the same spirited pace I can ride any bike. Trying to hang with Scorch is always challenging for me, but that has nothing to do with the bike. The Uly just sips fuel. I'm consistantly getting 50-55 mpg.
The dash mounted 12V receptacle is a great standard feature. It sure was nice plugging my GPS into the dash instead of hardwiring it to the battery or terminal block. Very convenient. I suppose I'll use the under seat receptacle for my heated gear this winter.
The stock Dunlop D616's don't display any of the negative traits I've read about. The bike never feels like it's swiming. I have 4500 miles on mine, and the front still looks new. The rear appears to have at least half it's tread left. Actually, these tires are very sticky in the twisties. I've been surprised how nicely they heat up and grip, especially for a tire with such an aggressive tread pattern. One of the reason I prefer the Uly over the likes of a Strom or GS is the 17 inch wheels front and rear. I'd happily give up a set of Anakees for a set of Pilot Sports. Obviously, a 19 inch front will handle log jumping better. I won't be log jumping my Uly.
What else? While parked at Arches National Park, one of the guys looking at my bike asked if the frame gets hot, saying, "I've read the frame gets hot." I said, "yes, the frame gets warm." and waited for the ackward silence to get real ackward. He was expecting me to start bitching about the frame getting warm. I'm not going to bitch about it. It's a motorcycle for crying out loud. I expect it to have some character. If I wanted complete pampering, I wouldn't ride any motorcycle. I wouldn't ever leave the house.
The front brake is amazing. The rear brake could use more stopping power. I imagine that's an easy fix with better pads. I don't use the rear much, but it could be better. The clutch works fine, and the shifting is smooth. I can't complain about either.
After reading reports about the Uly, and before actually riding mine for the first time, I expected the thing to rattle my brains to death. I expected the signals to bobble up and down. Maybe I'm just used to it, but I'd venture to say the bike is exceptionally smooth, at every rpm except for idle. At idle, it shakes just enough to know the motor is spinning, but it's far from the paint shaker most people would have you believe.
The Uly isn't for everyone. No bike is for everyone. However, the Uly has some character. It's not boring. It handles exceptionally well. It runs exceptionally well. I looks exceptionally well with me on it . I only have 4500 miles on mine so I can't comment on long term reliability. I plan to ride my Uly more than your average Uly owner, and probably harder than your average Uly rider. So far it's been a joy. Actually, the Ulysses is the perfect bike to handle a trip like the one in this report. Pack it down like a mule, spin through the twisties, hit some dirt roads, then cross the country on interstates. And do it all with a huge grin. |
Usroute66
| | Posted on Sunday, September 17, 2006 - 10:22 pm: |
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Thanks IDave for the great rider writeup! I generally take magazine writeups with a grain of salt. Most favor Japanese bikes anyhow. But you are right. There are really no bad bikes these days. It is all you want to make of it, and how you want to use the bike. I know that the Uly will suite me perfectly. I need the height (I too am 6'), I need the sit up position, and I need the bags. Buell did a great job of making sure the bags are all integrated and are easily removed. See you on line soon! |
Cash
| | Posted on Sunday, September 17, 2006 - 11:22 pm: |
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dave.. what a great story.. you had me mesmerized with your great storing telling. Im inspired to road trip around the country on the uly.. thank you for sharing your adventure. |
Bigdaddy
| | Posted on Monday, September 18, 2006 - 07:14 am: |
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Dave,
Excellent write-up, trip, and pics. Thank you sir.
G2 |
Ulywife
| | Posted on Monday, September 18, 2006 - 08:13 am: |
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Idave - enjoyed reading about your journey. My husband would love to do the same type of adventure.
The pictures are amazing, I can only imagine what they were in person.
Glad you are home safe and sound. Enjoy your Uly, it is a fun and unique bike. |
Naustin
| | Posted on Monday, September 18, 2006 - 09:43 am: |
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Thanks for the ride Dave! I had fun too! |
Sleez
| | Posted on Monday, September 18, 2006 - 10:39 am: |
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thank you so very much, hope to see you if you are ever on the "other coast". |
Aeholton
| | Posted on Monday, September 18, 2006 - 06:42 pm: |
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Thanks for posting your adventure. I'm extremely envious! I need a good long trip. |
M2nc
| | Posted on Monday, September 18, 2006 - 07:47 pm: |
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IDave - Great story and pics. Now we really have to get together at the Dragon since we now both have Ulys. |
Henrik
| | Posted on Monday, September 18, 2006 - 10:23 pm: |
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Thanks for the story Dave, and for taking us along for the ride.
Henrik |
Josh_cox
| | Posted on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 08:22 pm: |
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I really enjoyed your story on advrider and now on BadWeb. I'm glad you chose the Buell and hope you get to enjoy a lot more miles and smiles!
Josh |
Wademan
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 03, 2006 - 11:24 pm: |
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Great ride report. I hate reading such good ride reports cause it gives me such a mad itch. Plus the fact I am leaving on Friday for 8 days on the Uly is making this a very long week. Thanks for such a great write up.  |
2wheels
| | Posted on Thursday, October 05, 2006 - 12:23 pm: |
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I must say I'm a little pissed off.  At 5'8" with a 30" inseam, I can't ride the Uly. I tried to straddle one in a show-room. I read up on it and wanted to love it, but even with the suspension totally unloaded I can't push it down enough to be able to keep the bike even close to upright at a stop.
I loved the story. Piss me off again with another one asap.  |
Oldguycityx
| | Posted on Friday, October 06, 2006 - 02:34 pm: |
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Thanks for the great story IDave. After reading it I recommended it to my neighbor (we both ride CityX's) and said that maybe we should get Uly's and head cross country. He reminded me of how, like 2wheels I had straddled one at the local dealership. I've got an inch less inseam than 2wheels. 'nuff said.
Thanks again. |
Tankhead
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 10, 2006 - 09:06 am: |
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Hey I have a great idea why don't Oldguycityx,
2wheels, Idave and a couple other somewhat local dudes (me included) plan a trip sometime next year to do some sport touring with our bikes out to some random part of the country. If you are interested let's post some possible spots.
(Message edited by tankhead on October 10, 2006) |
Chinook
| | Posted on Thursday, October 12, 2006 - 01:16 am: |
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2 wheels....
i'm 5'8 on a good day with 30" inseam.
i ride the piss out of my Uly and love it.
boots with thick soles and practice.
i don't even think about the height now. |
Rocketman
| | Posted on Friday, November 24, 2006 - 06:03 pm: |
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Took me two days to read and look at this amazing thread. About 1500 miles your time then Dave, lol.
Sorry I missed it when you posted it but it was well worth the wait.
You have made the Ugly very appealing indeed.
Rocket |
Rays
| | Posted on Saturday, November 25, 2006 - 05:40 am: |
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2 wheels, I'm 5' 9'' with a 30" inseam.
I have now had my Uly for just over 12 months and have done 26,500 km on it - about 2/3 solo and 1/3 two-up.
I suggest you actually take one for an extended test ride as you soon come to terms with the height. I haven't tried one of the lower seat options but that would make things even easier.
This bike is magnificent - the little trouble I have with the height is repaid 1000 times over when I am riding it. |
Iamike
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 06, 2006 - 11:46 pm: |
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Dave,
Excellent write-up, many of the same roads that I've been on the past few years. Your Ouray-Durango pics much better than mine.
Naustin - I'm probably headed back out to Colorado in June. If you're interested let me know. |
Blake
| | Posted on Friday, December 08, 2006 - 03:35 am: |
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Dave,
You have email! |
Offrd2
| | Posted on Thursday, December 14, 2006 - 03:54 pm: |
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O.K. Ouray to Durango! Great riding there!! Last July 4th we(friends) did that route. Now here is the big question. Has anyone rode there Uly from Ouray to Telluride? Via that one class 5 off road trail? I thought about it, but decided it best not to, and stick with the group. Would like to know, if that trail is doable on a Uly. |
Az_m2
| | Posted on Thursday, December 14, 2006 - 07:57 pm: |
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Ouray to Telluride . . . is that the Black Bear trail (or something like that)?
Have not done that one. |
Offrd2
| | Posted on Friday, December 15, 2006 - 07:53 pm: |
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Yes Sir....Thats the trail! I've seen some pictures, and believe (?) our Uly's would be able to make the trail. What would be cool, is getting several Uly riders together, ride that trail, and photograph us as a group, so Buell could post it on there web-site. The Humvee of the American motorcycle!! |
Bodyshot1
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 27, 2006 - 03:39 pm: |
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Dave..thanks for sharing and congrats on such a great adventure...you had me totally sucked-in to the story..
cheers!
Marty |
Jimdennis
| | Posted on Monday, March 12, 2007 - 10:19 pm: |
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Dave, what a great story! Have spent the past couple of days reading, and rereading your posts. Spent 6 years living in Denver before I was married, and spent every spare day off touring on a Honda Silverwing (81). Your posts brought back many fond memories. |
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