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 2 Dec 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Tunbridge Wells
Posts: 2
To Buell or not to Buell

As a life long Harley Davidson man i have always been happy to stick to the roads and ride my Big Twins all over the US and Europe and even South Africa. I now have a real urge to a bit of sensible off roading - so no RTW or darkest Africa or Asia - but i cant bring myself to give up the HD brand. and get a GS1200. I have read a few reasonable reviews of the Buell Ulyssees, and i was wondering if anyone had any views to convince me to buy or not. I will be riding one up and probably on 2-3 week trips max.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 2 Dec 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Tunbridge Wells
Posts: 2
having just made my first post - i saw the link to numerous similar ones - i will check out their thoughts - but will probably still get one anyway!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 2 Dec 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 183
I don't know about the Uly as a whole, but one thing that does not make sense to me is the combination of a belt drive and offroading.

I think mud and dust will wear that out much faster than a chain...
__________________
Projekt Balkan
www.buebo.de - Der tägliche Wahnsinn
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 2 Dec 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Frankfurt
Posts: 56
Instead of committing yourself to a bike, why don't you sign up for some off-road bike courses which probably offer a 250cc or smaller bike to ride on dirt, then you can see if you truly see yourself enjoying riding that kind of terrain. IMHO it's a big switch from riding a harley to offroad even gentle offroad.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 2 Dec 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Staffordshire. uk
Posts: 766
IanPS, welcome to the site.

If by sensible off roading you mean gravel and dirt roads I'd stick to a Harley Bobber of some sort. The Ully is quite tall and from my experience all that extra suspension is wasted on normal tracks. Even knobbly tyres are really only of use when it gets muddy. A low seat height means you can use your legs to keep the bike up and "paddle" through. On a recent off-road jaunt this guy kept up no problem on road tyres. In fact I followed him some of the way.



here's the link to the full ride report...

Doc Gets Dirty in the Dales: The Tan Hill Meet - XT225+250 Rider's Group

It just proves what you can do on an ordinary bike. If you fancy a Ully and have the legs for it go for it.

I've been on gravel in Norway and been passed by 2 guys on Buell sports bikes. I've even seen a V-Rod there so it's possible for sure. If you want to get serious though get a 250 trail bike. Tyres and weight make all the difference off road.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 3 Dec 2008
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,822
By all means give the Uly a try. It's a very cool bike
__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!

Last edited by mollydog; 26 Mar 2009 at 20:16. Reason: pic
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 3 Dec 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 521
I've ridden the Buell Uly quite a few times. I can't get used to the tremendous vibrations - it's far worse than even a badly balanced Guzzi. It's been back and forth to the seller a number of times as they too think it seems a bit too vibey, but they can't find anything wrong - so everybody now assumes this is the way it should be. The electrics was dodgy, with the headlights suddenly dying then coming alight again for no apparent reason. The injection seemed not up to par, with it spitting and spluttering on low revs. It also burned the voltage reglator. If I didn't know better I'd think it was an old Guzzi...

Would I get a Ulysses? No. Especially because it's too road biased. Wherever the Uly goes, any old Hog will go. But also because it seems to have too many issues. This was a 2006 model. Buell may have sorted it all out by now for all I know. However, I'm not convinced. But then again: I'm riding Guzzis thinking they are the greatest machines ever built, so what would I know...
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 4 Dec 2008
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,822
Buell's do shake at idle but as soon
__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!

Last edited by mollydog; 26 Mar 2009 at 20:17.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 4 Dec 2008
pottsy's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: london, uk.
Posts: 360
No experiences of the newer Buells, but i was seduced by a Thunderbolt (a Cyclone with a larger seat and a touring fairing...). I saw myself as a convert to the HD/Buell lifestyle after a solid diet of Jap 4's. 8 months later i'd had enough of things going pop or wearing out at a horrific rate of knots, so it went to be replaced by an sv650. The vibes and noise (via a Supertrapp...) were fantastic - a real feature of the genre, and sorely missed. But as a dependable touring bike - perhaps not for me. A most emotive machine wih astounding brakes/suspension.
and , to
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 4 Dec 2008
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,822
I think you're talking about the Tube framed
__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!

Last edited by mollydog; 26 Mar 2009 at 20:17.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 5 Dec 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Western, Kentucky
Posts: 56
I have to admit I really like the Uly, two things kept me from buying one for a trip to Alaska. Price and fuel tank capacity. I demoed an 07 and thought it was a blast to ride, very comfortable, and handles very well. I have an 02 Harley Road King, and other than checking for normal aging or cracks you really don't have to touch the belt between tire changes, and it has seen a few gravel roads. I ended up buying a used Suzuki 650 V-Strom for the upcoming trip, but if finances allowed in the future I would love to add a Uly to the garage. Buell has addressed the turning radius issue on the 08 models so they turn tighter. And yes as Patrick says, the fan is still rather noisy.
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


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Buell XB12X (Ulysses) Tathagata Other Bikes Tech 24 19 Dec 2013 12:12
Buell Ulysses XB12X indu Which Bike? 17 21 Apr 2013 20:03
Buell Scottie Which Bike? 6 9 Jul 2008 10:17
Buell Ulysses PShan Which Bike? 1 24 Jan 2008 01:30
Buell Blast ekaphoto Which Bike? 0 20 Feb 2006 04:37

 
 

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 09:23.