| Author | Message | ||
     Firemanjim |
But Pete has a slot for 2006 already reserved---- | ||
| Steve_a |
A couple of comments on the CW test. The yellow and black bike in the photos was a pilot-build one, and was used for all the performance testing. After we sent it back, Buell found out it had a couple of problems that they had already corrected for production: The new manufacturer of the exhaust headers was building exhaust flanges not to print, which were crushing the exhaust gaskets, squeezing them out into the port. The pilot bikes had the out-of tolerance exhausts, production won't. There was also a tolerance issue allowing the new intake opening to be closed down to a restrictive level. A spacer was added for production. After they corrected those items, they re-dynoed the bike at 92 horses. In any case, engine tune for the XB12X engine is exactly the same as on other XB12s, and there's no reason to expect performance to be any different. However, all the performance numbers for the test were generated with the engine top-end somewhat restricted. Acceleration of production bikes should be a little bit better than what we reported. In the comparison test, a comment is made on engine flywheel and engine braking. The crank on the Ulysses is the same as with other XB12s, and it does result in less engine braking and smoother very low speed running than with most competitive bikes. (In addition, the 2006 fuel injection was carefully recalibrated to smooth out very low rpm lugging). If you hop off a GS or a Multistrada onto the Buell on a tight, gravelly fireroad, you have to adjust your riding style, and rely more on the rear brake than the engine to slow you down. There's nothing wrong with that, it's just different. (Message edited by steve_a on July 23, 2005) | ||
| Steve_a |
For any who are unsure about the passenger seating: THE SEAT IS TWO-TONE. That is not a yellow plastic panel you're seeing on the back, the yellow stuff is just the seat cover material. I put a lot of miles on the Ulysses with either my wife or daughter on the back, and sat back there myself. It's a very roomy, very comfortable bike for passengers. And the rear seat area has very thick, wide foam. | ||
| Peter |
Problem is, I've only got a spot reserved for a rider as I'd be using the KTM service package. All the support entries are also full. If we are to take a new bike to Dakar, I think a support vehicle would be smart. Nearly everyone runs a support vehicle. It's only we Anyone for the following Dakar? It'd also give us the benefit of experience in the Dakar for setting the Buell up. | ||
| Anonymous |
30 inch inseam? no problemo with the accessory seat and the preload cranked all the way out. trust me... | ||
| Whosyodaddy |
If you do any dirt riding on a modern bike you should be used to the high seat heights that they all have.I have a 29" inseam and just put one foot down and am always aware of terrain where that foot is going.Not a big deal. Agreed. But... The vast majority of my riding time is going to be on the street, in traffic and much of the time, in stop & go traffic. Not being able to get both feet down is a deal killer. I'm willing to forego being able to flatfoot as long as I can at least get the balls of my feet down. Hopefully, the low seat option will allow that. | ||
| Court |
>>>Problem is Solutions are? Let me know if you want one.  | ||
| Davegess |
Peter, might i suggest that for you first time the smaller lighter bike with a proven support package make more sense. Not that that has stopped the elves in the past  | ||
| Tommy_2stroke |
Eh? Low seat option? Got a pointer to that? | ||
| Court |
Dave: You got some 'splaining to do! | ||
| Dbird29 |
Jima4Media, Please refer to my SACBorg post. http://www.sacborg.com/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=013117 You repeated item #3. I have copyright protection on that complaint!  DBird | ||
| Firemanjim |
I come to a stop with 1 foot down at every light.Right foor remains on brake and right peg.Even my S-2 is not a bike I can get 2 feet flat footed on. | ||
| Ocbueller |
Anony, Now that's a nice bit of news. Thanks, SteveH(I'm a little short of leg myself.) | ||
| Whosyodaddy |
30 inch inseam? no problemo with the accessory seat and the preload cranked all the way out. trust me... Hope springs eternal! Thanks for the encouraging words. | ||
| Xb12sx |
Can anyone point to more info the lower Ulysses accessory seat? Didn't see/find it on the buell website - that 33" seat height might be a deal breaker for me too. | ||
| Dale |
I wish I had a 30" inseam. Maybe 27, 28". | ||
| Signguy |
I don't see a lower seat on the site either. Id need the lower seat to bring the height to 30". If the lower seat does this it'll have so little padding that it wouldn't be very comfortable. I love the Ulysses but the 33" seat height is a definate deal breaker for me. | ||
| Steve_a |
An accessory seat is coming; we tried out a prototype during the CW test. It should be about 1.5 inches shorter than the stock seat, and narrower in the front. A 5-foot-6 friend could ride the bike with it on; he wasn't willing to try it with the stock seat. Timing is a good question, but a guess would be very shortly. Similarly, we were told heated grips were coming. P&A doesn't always get everything out for the initial release of a bike, but we were told that the grips were on the list of accessory parts being developed. | ||
| Signguy |
The lower seat is great news and worth trying to sit on at a dealer. Unfortunately, based on past experiences, I doubt any of my local dealers will keep one around for this purpose. I too am 5'6" but inseam and weight are more important variables. If your friend has a 32" inseam and weights 220 pounds the bike would "fit" him much differently then it would me. | ||
| Steve_mackay |
The only thing stopping me from replacing my S3T with the 12x would be wind protection. I'm thinkin' I'd miss the S3s big fairing. I'll certainly have to do a nice long test ride Hal's said they got a "butload" of '06 models in this morning. I wonder if the 12X is in there | ||
| Peter |
Court, always interested in solutions. What's your idea?  | ||
| Court |
I'm hoping for, pending the grips, GPS, etc, that the switches and provisions are present. There are blanks in the controls, I'm hoping these got used for switches. Ford did a cool thing in the new F-250 when they placed 4 available swithces in the dash. Cool beans.... | ||
| Cataract2 |
Good point on the wind protection. Just how much will the XB12X offer with that wind deflector? | ||
| Signguy |
I'd like to see if the Ulysses screen can be fitted (easily) to my XB9S. If not, will the gauge cluster be plug and play with the wiring of the XB9S? Has anyone seen photos of the gauges? Can't seem to find any. | ||
| Tank_bueller |
I'd like to see if the Ulysses screen can be fitted (easily) to my XB9S. Me too!!! That would look bitchin'.  | ||
| Oldroadtoad |
I just checked the listed seat height of my DR650 at Suzuki's site. 34.8" on the higher of the two shock settings. I am safe. I should be able to easily flat-foot a Ulysses. I am approximately six feet in height, and currently weigh a measly 210 lbs. I have not discounted the XB12X, and will be eagerly awaiting the chance to see, sit on, and if allowed, test ride one in person. For those interested, head to your Suzuki dealer and try straddling a DR650. If you can reach the ground comfortably, I should think you will be fine on a Ulysses. The Toad  | ||
| Charlieboy6649 |
I don't think it will be long before the company or aftermarket offer a "touring" windscreen for her... | ||
| Whosyodaddy |
If you can reach the ground comfortably, I should think you will be fine on a Ulysses. But keep in mind that seat height alone doesn't tell the whole story - you also have to consider the profile of the seat itself. You might be able to flatfoot a 33" seat if it has a thinner cutaway. On the other hand, a 33" wider seat may feel significantly taller. In fact, that's how many (or most) "low seat" options that are currently available work - they don't actually lower the seat height - they just sculpt the seat differently. | ||
| Al_lighton |
Charlie, I've ordered an XB12X in black, and that is the first thing I'll build if Buell doesn't beat me to it. Adventure models don't have large fairings, because large fairings don't fair well in minor tipovers. For those more interested in the XB12X for long distance road work than off-asphalt excursions, a larger S3 sized fairing would be a welcome addition, I'm sure. Al | ||
| Daves |
They get bikes delivered on Sunday at Hal's? I already have an 06, been there for 2 weeks, but it's a Blast not a 12X |
