[35377]

After 18 years I think it’s time to put the old airhead BMW out to pasture and spring for a new “two-up” bike for me and the Mrs. After reading everything I can get my hands on, the Buell Ulysses looks like it might be the right bike for us for the next 18 years. My local HD-Buell dealer was kind enough to let us take a two-up test ride, but the chaperone kept it so slow that I never got the Uly past second gear.

I’d appreciate any comments Ulysses owners may have regarding the suitability of this bike for enthusiastic “sport touring” loaded with two people and luggage.

Thanks,

Bill

 

[38793]

go to advrider.com. There's a pretty active Buell contigent there under the "BEASTS" category.

 

[sachiwilson]

The Rounders forum (see my sig) has a number of people with Ulys and they like it quite a bit for touring. If you are tall enough to ride it, and you like Buells, you should appreciate this bike a lot.

 

[21684]

I own an 06' ULY and it has spoiled me. Never new a motorcycle could handle so well. Here is where all the Buell owners hang out Topics - BadWeB

 

[57335]

Pashnit's and some other reviews

I'd appreciate any comments Ulysses owners may have regarding the suitability of this bike for enthusiastic "sport touring" loaded with two people and luggage.

Pashnit.com has a genuine adventure-touring review.
http://www.pashnit.com/bikes/BuellUlysses-III.htm

In-depth musings:
http://pages.infinit.net/mcrides/road-test/buell/ulysses.htm

Some other more generic reviews:
http://www.biketestusa.com/Article_Page.aspx?ArticleID=2368
http://www.motorbikestoday.com/reviews/Articles/buell_ulysses.htm
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/firstrides/122_0511_2006_buell_xb12x_ulysses/
http://www.motorpoint.com.au/buell-ulysses-5.asp

Lastly, don't discount the Triumph Tiger if you're sticking to the tarmac.

 

[35377]

Thanks for the great links, Gritboy.

The Tiger is definitely on my list, as is the V-Strom. Don't plan to use my next bike as a dirt bike, but we do a lot of unpaved country roads two-up, and the new breed of "Adventure Tourer" sure looks appealing!

Since I made this post MCN completed their long-term test of the Uly. They still loved it for all the reasons they (and everybody else) loved it from the start. But they had some recurring reliability problems related to the incessant vibration of the Sportster lump. Gives me pause, because there isn't always a pay phone - much less cell service - where we ride.

Thanks again,

Bill

 

[mugwump58]

Been there done that....

Yeah I got stuck in the ADK once with the family. No cells up there. Fortunately a windshield crayon let me write "HELP" on the front and back windshield. Good thing about those areas is that people almost always stop, at least the locals will. Getting a tow or service is an entirely other story, especially if you are "out of season". If they put that new engine in there the only excuse left will be insurance, I get it by the cc, and the wide flucuation I hear reported on the mpg.