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Buell Forum » Big, Bad & Dirty (Buell XB12X Ulysses Adventure Board) » New Ulysses Owner Information » Archive through March 15, 2009 « Previous Next »

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Jlnance
Posted on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 - 11:55 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I'm starting this thread because I want something to point new or potential Uly owners at, when they ask about the bike. I leave things out when I do it from memory. I hope other people will drop wisdom and corrections into this thread, I'll edit it back into this post. I'll eventually find a good format to display the information as well. : )

This information primarily concerns problem areas of the bike, particularity one's which have fixes.

- Rear Wheel Bearings. Affects 06-08
The Uly has been plagued with rear wheel bearing failures, some with disturbingly low mileage. It has never been clear why. Buell switched to a different bearing in 09, which is reported to have a better seal. Hopefully this fixes the problem. The near bearings are about $20/set. Press in a set the next time you change the rear wheel.


- Throttle cables & wiring harness shield. Affects early 06
The forks bang on the throttle cables and wiring harness at full left lock. A guard was added to protect the wiring harness in 07. It also seems to protect the throttle cables even though they are not directly covered by it. The 07 guard will retrofit onto an 06. It is a little difficult to order as it is not shown in the exploded parts diagram in the 07 parts book. It is listed in the parts list on the facing page. Part# Y1000.2AK

Also, if you have an 06 Uly, and the throttle does not want to snap shut, your cables may have already been damaged. Replacing the throttle cables (there are 2, make sure to order both) will fix this.

Picture Here


- Charging system. Affects 06-07
The connector where the voltage regulator plugs into the electrical system sometimes melts. This is due to the contacts corroding and increasing the resistance of the connector. It has been found that filling the connector with dielectric grease will prevent this from occurring. More info here. 1 Adding some sort of charging indicator (voltage meter) is also prudent.


- Fan. Affects mostly 06
The cooling fan in the Uly is prone to bearing failure. In particular, the early 06 models seemed to have been built with particularly bad fans. If your fan sounds like it is grinding rocks, put a new one in. The fan costs about $70. They will usually grind for a few thousand miles before failing, so you have some time to plan.


- Throttle body. Affects 06
This is not a particularly common failure, but it does occur. The rod containing the throttle body butterfly will sometimes snap in half. A replacement throttle body is about $500, which is obscene. People are currently investigating solutions which do not require throttle body replacement. Pictures and discussion.


- Brake pulsing. Affects all
The brake pads are prone to leave deposits on the rotor, which will cause it to pulse when the brakes are applied. This can be fixed by lightly sanding the rotors with 220 grit sand paper (there is no need to remove the rotors to do this) and replacing the pads. It is generally accepted that switching to a different brand of pad will make this problem better, and Lyndal Gold Plus pads are the popular choice. There have been reports of Lyndals pulsing too. Not applying front brake as you sit as stoplights has been recommended as a way to reduce the occurrence of pulsing.


- Lights. Affects all
The Uly has marginal lighting. There are a lot of different ways to supplement this. The most popular include wiring the bike so the low and high beams can run at the same time, and replacing the OEM bulbs with Sylvania Silver stars. Other options include HID conversions, auxiliary lights, or replacing the stock light housing. Treadmark's deathray setup is my favorite.


- Muffler rust. Affects all
Your muffler is going to rust. Paint it, Coat it, or replace it with something else.


- Fuel Pump. Affects 06
The fuel pump wiring chaffes inside the fuel tank, and eventually shorts. Depending on which wire shorts first, this will either cause the pump to run continuously (bike runs fine), or blow the fuse (bike runs not at all.) The wiring on the pump can be reinforced to prevent or correct this failure. Excellent writeup by Sanchez located here.


- Bag Latches. Affects 06-08 confirm ending date?
The initial revision of the Journey bags that came on the Ulysses had a fragile latching mechanism which would fail if too much force needed to be applied to the latch. This typically occurred when using the latch to force shut an overstuffed bag. There is an update for the latch, which corrects this problem. The new latches cost approximately $25 and install easily in place of the originals. Unfortunately, the latches appear identical (to me) on the outside, so it is not possible to tell if you have the old or the new latches.

Another option is to simply use different bags. Buell came out with the outdoorsman bags in 2009, which are much sturdier though somewhat smaller than the original Journey bags. It is rumored that other Hepco Beker bags, the manufacturer of the Buell bags, will fit on the Ulysses luggage racks. There are also bags from other manufactures which can be fitted to the Ulysses. links?


- Clutch Cable Wire Form. Affects 06-08
Near the front motor mount and the connection of the front exhaust header to the cylinder, there is an attachment point for the clutch cable. This attachment keeps the cable from melting on the exhaust header. Affected Ulysses used a wire retaining clip for this, and the clip fails frequently. During the 08 model year, this clip was replaced with a much sturdier stamped metal retainer. Bikes using the wire clip should be upgraded to the stamped piece. It costs about $14. A picture of the failed clip.


(Message edited by jlnance on March 14, 2009)
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Jphish
Posted on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 - 12:17 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Thats a great start Jim and very helpfull to the unsuspecting. In fact your positively clairvoiant...I posted a bearing question simultaniously to your post. I was thinking of a 'preemptive bearing change' if in fact the new ones solve the problem. j
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Glen
Posted on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 - 01:44 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

dont forget to mention whatever it is that goes on with the 08 powdercoat on the frame. goes away with armorall tho.
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Flhman73
Posted on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 - 04:05 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Great post,all in one spot.
I just picked up a 06 and spent many hrs searching the forums to gain all the info I could before the buy.
This has made it much easier and if everyone chips in and can link any processes or pics for the cure to any of these...even better.
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Kellaupat
Posted on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 - 04:43 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Don't forget about the exhaust valve actuator. Mine went bad under 1000 miles, and I think the dealer mis-diagnosed it the first time it went in for the check engine light because they replaced the ecm. The light came on while riding home from the dealer.
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Fubar
Posted on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 - 05:18 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Arguably not a defect but, '06 have pretty bad front end dive on braking. '07 progressive springs make a huge improvement.
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Babired
Posted on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 - 05:27 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Hughlysses I bought one just haven't installed it yet! Thanks K
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Tginnh
Posted on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 - 07:28 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Excellent. Thanks.

My fan has been rattling for a few thousand miles now, my muffler is rusted and I stick to well lit roads when the sun goes down.

I'll replace the fan when it goes.
I wanted to jet-coat the pipes and muffler this winter, but finances prohibit. So a can of grill paint will have to suffice for now.
I took care of the lighting last wkend.
Next tire change will include the bearings.

Doing the 10k service (minus the fork oil change) this wkend and I'll be ready to ride as soon as the spring NE monsoon washes the roads clean.
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Methed
Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 - 12:30 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Wow, killer stuff. Much appreciated!

Another Uly coming to salty MN very soon...
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Ft_bstrd
Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 - 12:43 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Dan,

Glad you made it over!

Yes, I hope there is a familiar Uly heading north soon!


FYI

Throttle cable/wiring harness shield--I have one, but never installed it. You can have it.

Charging system--Replaced, Voltage Meter installed

Fan--Replaced

Brake Pulsing--Running Lyndalls

Lights--Dual HIDs will fix any lighting problems you might have

Muffler Rust--Race muffler is ceramic coated.

See you Saturday!
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Marks3tbillet
Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 - 09:17 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Any comments on rear rocker box oil leaks? Looks like my '07 is leaking there, more on the left side and a little on the rear.

Thanks,
Mark
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Ulywife
Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 - 10:52 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

With Ferris' help, I think we've got this working in the right direction. We'll see how it goes.
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Ulywife
Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 - 10:54 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Froggy - you have some good info that you post up frequently. If you would, post up your seat comparison thread. I've already started a Seat sub-topic.
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Froggy
Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 - 10:58 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I was gonna ask if I should repost it! : )
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Ulywife
Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 - 11:00 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Jlnance - since you started this thread, here are a few other topics that come to mind for you to research!

BAS issue
HP bag latches
HP bags versus other bags
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F_skinner
Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 - 11:09 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Gas Leak - All years
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12x9sl
Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 - 11:19 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Very cool! Great idea!
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Ratbuell
Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 - 11:28 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Any comments on rear rocker box oil leaks?

I've noticed on my '06 that I get a drip or 2 from the airbox - breather spooge runs out the rear/left corner of the airbox since it's the lowest point when on a sidestand.
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Ulywife
Posted on Thursday, March 12, 2009 - 07:51 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Jim - Kick stand recall on 06
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Jerry_haughton
Posted on Thursday, March 12, 2009 - 09:33 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

With Ferris' help, I think we've got this working in the right direction...

I really didn't do anything, but I'm happy to take some credit. : D
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Olenuf2nobetter
Posted on Friday, March 13, 2009 - 09:54 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Great post idea! Let's not forget the infamous clutch cable wireform bracket -- needs to be replaced with the new part right away or it'll break and the cable will be fried on the front header. New part is stock on '08 XT's and '09 (maybe late '08?) X's.
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Froggy
Posted on Friday, March 13, 2009 - 10:10 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Yes April-ish is when it starting showing up on the 08's.
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Jlnance
Posted on Saturday, March 14, 2009 - 07:05 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Olenuf2nobetter - How could I forget that one. I'll add it.
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Flynuly
Posted on Saturday, March 14, 2009 - 07:50 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Jim,
how about the kickstand mount bolt breaking issue that some experienced? http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/142 838/316075.html


also remember something about the idle adjust wire chaffing on the engine mount/plug wires/ wire harness.http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/142 838/247868.html
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Tginnh
Posted on Saturday, March 14, 2009 - 01:39 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I'm changing the fluids today and remembered seeing postings to disregard the torque specs for the drain plugs. I'm going to torque mine somewhere between 15-20 ft lbs.

Maybe add this note to the oil posting by Hughlysses?
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Jphish
Posted on Saturday, March 14, 2009 - 07:21 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

08'X - kick stand bolts didn't break but backed out enough than when I put the stand down & leaned it over - the bike was about 45* from horizontal. Locktite and retorque seems to have cured it. j
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Jphish
Posted on Saturday, March 14, 2009 - 07:29 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

OH yeah - wasnt there a windshield problem that required retrofit of different hardware ?? I have Palmer brackets so didn't pay much attention to stock shield problem.
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Jphish
Posted on Saturday, March 14, 2009 - 07:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Oh yeah #3 - Battery cables loose on many XBs that eventually cause weird electrical symptoms. tighten them down.
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Panhead_dan
Posted on Saturday, March 14, 2009 - 09:56 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

This may be the only occurance of a new problem but I put the 9 primary gearing on my '06 Uly and within a few hundred miles managed to rip the teeth off my belt.
Whodathunkit?
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Jlnance
Posted on Sunday, March 15, 2009 - 01:47 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Wow, I had the 9 primary on, and never lost any teeth. Perhaps you ride a little more aggressively than I do. : )
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