Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 15 Jan 2006
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 7
Buell

OK don't laugh. When I rode UK to Aus in the 80's with a mate we chose XT500's (the obvious choice really). We came across a BMW GS in Pakistan, we laughed too until we all got punctures, when fixed BMW meister then pumped up all three tyres with a dancy gadget that attached to his "extra" cyclinder. Very clever but fancy the lunacy of riding an 850cc, 220 kg bike on a trip like that (Oh how times have changed).

So to my point Erik Buell says "If you want to ride what everyone else rides... fine." and I like the guys attitude so when looking at my next adventure (no pun intended) rather than look straight at a KTM or even a GS how about a Buell Ulysses?

Despite the bad press (like they'd know!!!) the bike rides well. Small tank at 16.7 litres and being in the frame no option to fit an aftermarket one but you could always carry a Jerry on the pillion if really necessary. Tight handling but the belt final drive could be a problem. At 193 kgs dry it ain't THAT heavy and with 100 bhp on tap and massive torque with a VERY light front end sand could prove less of a problem.

What do you guys think?

Ride safe be free
Scottie (no relation except by clan)

------------------
Never again :-)
__________________
Never again :-)
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 16 Jan 2006
simmo's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: melbourne
Posts: 555
How about these fantastic spleen venting reviews

http://www.mybuell.com/

are they metric yet?
__________________
Close to Antarctica and a long way from reality
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 16 Jan 2006
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 7
Hi Simmo

I wouldn't believe everything you read although they are talking about the Buell Blast which is not available in the UK and doesn't seem to be much of a bike anyway.

I've ridden plenty of Buells and haven't had any problems. Like the Harley, which also comes in for a lot of flak, on which I have covered over 60,000 miles in 3 years round Europe and the US with only one breakdown (corroded battery cable). I love 'em. The Buell has good power, amazing torque, good weight distribution, light front end and great brakes.

My main concerns lie with the belt drive (my Harley covered 40,000 before I replaced it and even then only because the sprocket was worn.) but they are more inclined to break and are not so easy to fix "road side".

No they are not Metric yet, you guys driving on the right yet? :-)

Ride Safe

[This message has been edited by Scottie (edited 16 January 2006).]
__________________
Never again :-)
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 16 Jan 2006
simmo's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: melbourne
Posts: 555
Scottie

You've answered your own question. If you like it and want to use one go for it, but remember its no trail bike, which will limit the places you can visit on your own bike. Spares and odd tyre sizes will be a nuisance outside of "da west", but probably no worse than european brands. Have they got perimeter brakes? if so getting spare pads could also be difficult outside civilisation. You could convert it to chain drive like the road racers do.

Take a look at the Forwards pages on the Travelers Tales. They have done a zillion countries on an electra glide.

Unfortunately as it is not metric you wont be able to take part in Axis of Evil MCC activities.

You will also find fans on the advrider website.

cheers
__________________
Close to Antarctica and a long way from reality
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 16 Jan 2006
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 7
Thanks Simmo

I guess the question I was really asking is as you say very much up to me to answer. I am no off road rider and I found the XT500 with 50kgs of kit fairly hard work on the loose surface in Iran and Pakistan. I also struggled with the XT 600 Tenere off road, particularly in the deep sand in Aussie's centre. On road it was fine and coped well with the track from Ceduna to Kingoonya, the corragations north to Alice Springs and the Plenty Highway to Tobermorey but again I struggled as I headed north to Urandangi first through the sand (one BIG off) then getting bogged many times as the water table rose nearing the Georgina river. Unloading the bike made a big difference but it was still hard work and not really off road as such.

I know the current "adventure" bikes are much better but with a substandard rider would it really make that much difference? The new Buell Ulysses is designed to cope better off road with longer suspension travel and higher ground clearance but would it compare with an older Tenere or XT500?

I had real problems with the Tenere on the run back from Bourke to Adelaide witha faulty CDi unit so technology isn't always best. The Buell is fuel injection and while it seem reliable it is not a road side reapair anymore than a CDi unit but then I guess no one runs points anymore.

Guys make these rides on Enfields and all sort of stuff so it's "posible" on most bikes.

BTW I posted a puncture question ( http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb...ML/000350.html )do you have any idea whether guys use mooses instead of inner tubes on long runs.

Ride Safe

[This message has been edited by Scottie (edited 16 January 2006).]
__________________
Never again :-)
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 9 Jul 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: africa
Posts: 2
Talking Buell Xb12 X

Hi

I have read all the opinions about the XB12X (Ulysses) and its always so interesting to see how many bikers have opinions before they have ever slung or will ever slung a leg over that particular bike. How does the saying go ? " Best stearman is always on the dry ground " or something like that.

Some journalists do not know their own back sides from their front. They are young boys of 22 -26 years old with only a few years riding under the belt. Some of that riding maybe even just track racing or superbikes or whatever.

Now you give them a laptop, a salary check and expect them to play judge Dredd over motorcycles, developed by engineers with a certain vision and certain niche market in view. That, I say is all bullsh*t !

I have been riding bikes for 34 years and I have owned more than 36 different bikes, classics, vintage, off road, dual, sport tourers, superbikes, nakeds, retros, quads and so on. I say one can only judge a bike in its spesific category.

Yes, maybe it is difficult but that would give the best objective opinion of how good, bad, fun, or average the bike is. Do not compare bikes that are not meant to be similar as similar, especially if you are only still a boy with a subjective blurred opinion !

I bought a Ulysses 1200 in 2006 as I have always loved the HD 45 degree Vee twin motor. Its pretty, its so basic and its legendary. I did not buy it because its "better" of "more capable" than a mulitstrada or GS1200 or whatever.

NO, I bought it BECAUSE it is a BUELL, and a hell of a FUN Buell on top of that. It makes decent power for what it is ( a simple push rod air cooled vee). At 103 bhp and 110Nm torque delivered at under 6500rpm, thats not bad at all. Most of the torque is available from 4000 up and that makes the bike an arm stretcher. It just pulls on those arm sockets and it feels great when the torque comes in.

With a narrow power band the bike is so much fun to play with on mountain passes between 4000 - 6000 rpm. Thats all you actually need as it relates to 140 - 170 km/h in top gear. Clunk it down to 4th and you have a STONKER for tight twisties.

I took my bike down to the Cape province and have done some sand roads on it. I was impressed as I changed my tires to Pirelli Super Corsas for road use and was amazed at how well the bike handled, two up on dirt and rocky roads (very small rocks though).

Even though I said one should not compare: Here is my experience - I must say the Buell is as quick as a GS 1200 (similar year model of course) I have owned 2 x BMW Gs models previously. The GS is a very average bike and VERY UGLY too. Everybody here seems to own one..... Yawn how boring can one be !

Even the GS1200 is much too big and heavy for extended dirt touring. For that you need a KLR 650 or XT660Z (that new Tenere) or even the new GS800F. I canot stand it to look at the GS1200. They should fire the designer immediatly but we have seen uglier bikes from Bee Em !

Is the Buell relaible ? I have not had problems ever and some of the guys in the Buell Riders association here in South Africa have high milage on their Buells. All done relaibly. The belt drive is awesome. It is quiet and clean. Light and so easy to change a wheel/tyre. self centering hub is a breeze !

Good top notch suspension. All adjustable Showa. Very comfy and can be set up to your hearts desire. Either for road / sport or touring / whatever.

Reach is a bit of a problem as the bike only takes 16,7 L but if you ride smart you can get about 300km. Ride hard and you will see only 250km with the reserve light coming on at 220km or so.

Buells are so customisable also. I fitted small mirrors, small indicators, chopped the belt guard so it still gives protection but looks much prettier and fitted aftermarket Harri grips.

The bike is an excellent open road bike with good dirt road capabilities, in spite of the 17 inch front wheel. I expected it to be awfull on sand/dirt but on normal unpaved roads, the bike handles extremely well. The bike is very nimble and feels more manuvarable then my trusty old KLR 650 Kawasaki.

The light chassis and quick steering charactaristics benefits the bike in a strange way. As with any biggish, tall bike, I would not take it to thick sand or deep mud. (If I can help it)...for that you need a proper dirt bike anyway.

The engine does have mechanical clatter and noise and sounds as if its not well, but even after 12,000 km my primary chain has not even stretched in spite of me being a hasty person so I often cruise long distances at 150-160km/h. The bike never moans or misses a beat. The only problem I had was the cooling fan that startet acting up. Its an Italian made part so do not blame the Americans. I live in an area where it can get to 38 degrees celcius (over 90 deg f) so no wonder !

I also prefer the highest quality synthetic oils in my bikes, new or old. It works.

Erik Buell has come a long way with reliability and design. The post 2004 Buells are all well made, modular bikes with parts sourced from Italy, Japan, China, and so on. Verlucci frame, Enkei wheels, Nissin brakes, Nippon electrics, Siebring header pipes, Showa suspension, and the list goes on. One cannot ask for more. Only about 15 years ago only Bimota used such exotic components. Now you can buy the bike all nice and very pretty to look at with all that funky stuff.

The upside down forks, the ZTL paramater front disk brake, the belt drive that legendary 45 degree vee twin and all that. A great bike. I usually keep a bike only for 12 months before I trade it in. This one I have owned now for 2 years and I am not selling it soon !

I own four other bikes and one of them is a real winner, the faithfull old donkey: The Kawasaki KLR650 A model (pre 2007). What a magic bike. It will go anywhere, every day, all day long.

I have ridden in some pretty rough stuff where I would never have thought to have gone on such a big bike. The bike is well balanced and in spite of its size (157kg dry) it just goes anywhere. I find it a much nicer and more fun bike to ride than the GS650 (2002 model) that I owned.

The bike is slow for cruising. But that is what makes it so unintimidating. One can cruise the paved roads all day long at a leisurly 130km/h no sweat. Just do not try to do 160. It will not !

In the dirt it is just awesome. River crossings, ruts and ditches, forrests, sand, corrugated and washed away roads, anything. It will just go, like a big old African elephant. You can just sit on its back and it will walk through 99% of stuff you throw at it.

I never ever thought that I would love a bike as much as I do this old lady. My previuos bikes were always Honda XR's. They were extremely capable, but the KLR takes it a mile further, It has a big carrier-rack, big tank (over 400km reach) and a very smart little fairing. What a machine !


Now that is a do anything do everything all the time Bike !

Regards

Ogri the Biker !
South Africa

Last edited by ogri the biker; 9 Jul 2008 at 09:40.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 9 Jul 2008
robinh44's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: North Herts, UK
Posts: 20
Hi

A buell ulysees set out on the off road rideout at the hubb meet last weekend. My son was on the rideout on his serow, the buell did not complete the rideout but then I think about 3-4 riders dropped out during the day including an F650 and a XR250 with a blown engine. To me of all the buells the ulysees seems the most practical and usable and if I had the money I would give one a try, certainly seems to be the best use of a sportster engine. I still have a v-twin a 1984 Morini Kanguro.

Regards

Robin
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 10:47.