| Author |
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Doncasto
| | Posted on Monday, February 26, 2007 - 06:03 pm: | 
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Madduck,
I had seen you mention the primary conversion . . .and if I recall/understand it correctly it lowers the final drive ratio to where the slow speed maneuvering is no longer a problem? I am sorry now for not having read the entire topic . . .was it a simple "buy the parts and bolt 'em up" modification? What did the parts cost? What was the effect on your fuel mileage?
I was hoping that belt failures were an early introduction problem . . .now resolved? Your mention of them has me wondering . . .I guess I had hoped the XB belts would be as nearly bullet proof as those of their predecessors. If they are not, I sure hope they are easier to replace?
Note to self . . .don't forget to buy the service manual and parts book.
I may take you up on the '06 seat. I will know more when the "seat of the pants" sensor data starts coming in. |
Madduck
| | Posted on Monday, February 26, 2007 - 06:38 pm: |
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Don,
Gear and chain in the primary ( $120 ). Mileage seems to have gone up for me in Minnesota. Speed limit is only 60mph and they enforce. 5th is now doable and I turn less rpm at 60 than when I was running in 4th with the 12 gearing. Also seem to do less shifting as the bike seems to be in the proper gear. Bad explanation but it is far more relaxing to ride now. Steady drone down an interstate at 85 would have to be less mpg, but I rarely do that here.
I like to have a spare belt cuzz I am to old to push it very far and I like to be off the beaten path. Changing belts is trivial if you have tools and belt, so I carry one along. Doesn't really take up much room. I also carry plugs and I'm not sure I could change them. Belt breakage is very rare and most likely caused by installation error. I also have an emergency belt repair kit for the softtail, used that twice over the last several years on other peoples bikes, mine has been fine. Think there are 7 or 8 different pairs of gloves in the pack also so don't necessarily worry about what I worry about. A real biker carries more gloves than underwear. |
Jerry_haughton
| | Posted on Monday, February 26, 2007 - 07:05 pm: |
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...A real biker carries more gloves than underwear.
like i said, it's yellow in the front and brown in the back.
 |
Madduck
| | Posted on Monday, February 26, 2007 - 07:12 pm: |
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Don,
Check with Aaron and/or BullieDan on gearing choices, those two are the real experts. |
Court
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 27, 2007 - 08:04 am: |
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Don:
If you want to peruse a service manual as part of your research, just let me know and I'll send mine to you. You can look it over, summarize and send it back with all your notes in the margins.
Court |
Gotj
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 27, 2007 - 09:07 am: |
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Don,
Re: my airbox note, My Bad. I just forgot you were looking for things I "wouldn't ride my Uly without."
I have two things; a helmet and turn signal beeper. Nothing has scared me more than looking down after a couple of miles since the last turn and seeing the signal flasher still going. Just inviting someone to turn/pull out in front of me. Otherwise the bike is such a basic pleasure (a Buell for grownups) that anything else is personal preference.
On the gearing issue, I checked it out by riding an XB9. I found at highway speeds, I was REALLY looking for another gear. I agree that the bike likes to rev but my background is more with torquey bikes than high-rpm bikes. On the Uly, 3000 rpm in fifth reads an indicated 62-63 mph. Add ten percent, and you are at 3300 rpm so at 70 and 80, the engine is humming. When just cruising, I ride down to 2500 at times, so I stayed stock; personal preference for me. If you are a 3500 rpm and up rider, then the gear change would make sense. Seconding staying stock was the change to the 07 air box. The low speed riding smoothed out with it. My before and after test was to ease the clutch out at idle on level ground. With the 06 box, it lurched and bucked but with the 07 box, it would pull away smoothly.
All that being said, I have fiddled and farkeled the bike with the beeper, Steble horn, hard bags, bar ends and am looking for more.
GOTJ |
Madduck
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 27, 2007 - 02:10 pm: |
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Don,
When are you planning on making the purchase?? I have a niece in boulder I need to visit, would be happy to let you ride my ULY while I'm out there. Looking athe the end of April or first couple of weeks in May. I am trying to decide if I am going to keep my BMW R1200RT. the ULY may be just good enough that I don't really need that all out touring bike in the garage. A fast drone down the interstate to Boulder should answer all my questions. |
Snowscum
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 27, 2007 - 05:17 pm: |
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What dealer did you demo last year?
I bought mine from High Country last May.
They seem to be ok folks if you can get through to them on issues. Bones is a salesman out there and owns a Uly.
If it wasnt for that 06 seat(height) I probably wouldnt of bought it. Lol |
Doncasto
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 28, 2007 - 06:54 am: |
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Paul,
I expect to be parking a Uly in my shop within the next week or so. I taking your primary gearing modification under advisement . . .I am sure that a few thousand miles of an "a period of adjustment" between the Uly and I will clarify what each of us needs and wants.
Be sure to let me know next time you are visiting your niece . . .I look forward to be able to meet with you and share some of my favorite canyons up into the cool and green.
Gotj . . .I tried the signal beeper idea on my S3T, and came to the conclusion that until Buell returns to "self canceling" turn signals . . .I am doomed to continue being "the old guy that rides around with his blinkers on."
I was tempted, after finding engine noise and helmet padding blocked out the beeper noise, to install a small but intense strobe light to the dash . . .I am not sure I would notice it any more than the little indicators, but it would be a cool lighting effect during night rides.
Snowscum . . .I talked with Bones yesterday, and got a chance to speak with both Scott and Rachel last week. High Country has always been quick to step up with help for Buell related matters, and they were actively involved in assistance with the now defunct "ROCBOG" and several other Colorado based efforts. They are one of several potential sources for my Uly addition . . .
Court . . .ya gots mail! |
Retired_cop
| | Posted on Thursday, March 01, 2007 - 11:16 am: |
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Court,
I don't know if I qualify as a tuber traditionalist, but my 98 S3T has a Uly sitting next to it in the garage. The only problem is the S3T feels a truck compared to the ULY, just as my FLHTCI did compared to the S3T. In the past year, the tuber has gotten less than 500 miles and the Uly has gotten over 11000. Oh by the way, the dresser is gone, replaced by the ULY.
Doncasto,
I demo rode an 06, bought it, and have had no problems with it. After living with the tuber recalls of 98, this thing is a gem that just needs a little polishing to make it really shine.
(Message edited by retired_cop on March 01, 2007) |
Doncasto
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 06, 2007 - 08:15 pm: |
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Thanks to some great treatment by the folks at High Country HD/Buell in Frederick, Colorado . . .I am once again counting myself fortunate to have a Buell in the garage/shop.
I have, as of today, pasted that pesky 50 mile low RPM threshold . . .and I am happy to report the return of the schnit eating grin to my face once again . . .I have put Al Lighton's American Sportbike order number on speed dial . . .in spite of telling myself that this time I will leave the Buell stock.
Thank also to all BWBers that offered me insight and information on the long climb up the slippery buying decision slope.
I am, as I write, developing a design for adding a blender attachment to the fan . . .since the Uly sounds like it making Margauritas . . .it may as well provide the adult libation's it reminds me of.
The down side should be obvious to those that have been here a while . . .I am once again feeling entitled toward inflicting the BWB with my blatherings once again . .
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Snowscum
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 06, 2007 - 08:20 pm: |
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Congrads Don! I asked Bones today if they sold any Uly's lately. Looks like they sold one beautiful Black Uly! Did you buy it from him? |
Jerry_haughton
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 06, 2007 - 08:30 pm: |
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congrats Don, looking forward to your "blatherings" once again.
FB |
Doncasto
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 06, 2007 - 08:38 pm: |
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Snowscum . . .
Yuppers . . ., Bones played a pivotal part in delivery of my new ride! As it turns out, he and I have friends in common from the Chicago area . . .anybody else remember KenW?
Sir FB . . .I am flattered by your looking forwardness . .
Don |
Snowscum
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 06, 2007 - 08:50 pm: |
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Sweet! Yea Bones is a good guy. Glad someone there rides one. It helps get things done sometimes. I sat on that TT today. Man that thing is for short people!!! I do like the looks of it though. |
Jim_sb
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 06, 2007 - 11:55 pm: |
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Congrats Don!
I have enjoyed my Ulysses immensely - yes it has a tiny "character flaw" or two but I'll sort that out. Meanwhile it's a fabulous tourer, great luggage, it corners effortlessly at speeds that aren't exactly sane, it's all day comfy and neither the bike nor I cares a whit if the road turns to dust.
Good luck with your new steed! Enjoy!
Jim in Santa Barbara |
Court
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 07, 2007 - 06:02 am: |
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Don . . . . this is going to be VERY COOL!
I have confess, having never ridden so much as 10' on a Uly, that my interest lies just below the threshold checkbook level. The bike looks like a perfect place to mount all the crud that accompanies me on my "signature" rides.
Henrik is in a similar "almost but not quite" status as are several others.
You, in concert with some of the reviews I've read lately, may push me over the edge just so I can banter with you.
All the best,
Court |
Jim_sb
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 07, 2007 - 12:07 pm: |
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Court,
DO NOT take an extended test ride on a Ulysses. DAMAGE to your checking account would likely result.
I ride my Ulysses more often than any bike I've ever owned. The bike is only a few tweaks away from being promoted from the "tasty" category up to "luscious".
Hopefully Erik and Elves (sounds like a band, eh?) will eventually get there.
My short list?
1. Tweak the engine to run happily on 87 octane. Premium isn't always available.
2. Slightly improved wind protection. I loved the fairing on my S2 (that's a hint).
3. A quieter fan or improved aerodynamic cooling - fan noise doesn't bother me at all (I wear earplugs) - but it bothers my riding buddies. Whiners!
BTW, for those of you in Buelldom who are listening, we're having a casual get together in Midpines, CA on May 4 - 6, 2007. Midpines is about 30 miles down the gorgeous Merced River from the main entrance to Yosemite National Park. The event is called CAMS VII (CAlifornia Meeting of Sportsters [and Buells!]) and this is our 7th annual event. Nearly 30 folks from all over CA and points beyond are already signed up. Friday is "get there" day, Friday night we have adult beverages and swap lies on the patio of the Yosemite Bug Hostel in Midpines (affordable accommodations and food), Saturday we ride into and around the National Park, Sat. night is an informal awards ceremony / party / gathering and Sunday is "get home" day. Some of the best riding on the planet is right there by Yosemite. Not to mention some of the best scenery. For reservations and Yo Bug info. see: http://www.yosemitebug.com/
There is no "entry fee", just a fun gathering of friends. If anyone asks tell 'em I invited you. ;-p
This event was created back in the days when my friends all rode Sportsters; many of us have moved on to Buells, BMW's, Yamahas, etc. Nevertheless the gathering lives on because it's so much fun.
Anyone who wants more info. can ping me at Jim_SB@hotmail.com
Regards,
Jim in Santa Barbara |
Ft_bstrd
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 07, 2007 - 12:18 pm: |
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Court,
Try it. You'll like it! |
Blake
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 07, 2007 - 03:04 pm: |
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Congratulations Don! Look out folks! BadWeB's first ever volunteer cusstoadian is back on a Buell! Woohoo!
Count me among the looking forwarders.  |
Court
| | Posted on Sunday, March 11, 2007 - 10:34 am: |
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>>>DO NOT take an extended test ride on a Ulysses.
Man . . I gotta tell ya. . . Don, having taken the plunge, in concert with this springlike weather has me feeling the pain of not having a Buell. . . BIGTIME! |
Naustin
| | Posted on Sunday, March 11, 2007 - 11:42 am: |
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Congrats Doncastro! If I hadn't found a nearly new and mostly pristine 2001 S3T with only 8,000 miles on it this past august, I might have sprung for the Uly. But, I couldn't leave with out the S3 - it was like falling in love with an abandoned puppy at the pound.
I think there are alot of "almost but not quite guys around.
Has anybody ever built a ST fairing for a Uly, or grafted on an Airtech peice??
I've posted this before...
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Court
| | Posted on Sunday, March 11, 2007 - 12:37 pm: |
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>>>I think there are alot of "almost but not quite guys around.
That's a VERY accurate statement. I've never seen a bike with so many "almost" folks in the wings to buy.
I think the Uly will begin to recover some of the softness in the used Buell market. |
Roadrailer
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 13, 2007 - 01:29 pm: |
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You'd be surprised what a slightly larger windscreen does to the Uly wind management. Unfortunately the best option, the Cee Bailey's +2.5, is no longer available. Makes 400-500 mile days no problem.
I think the one issue that keeps so many potential buyers in the "almost" column is the seat height. AN XB12Xcg would sell like hotcakes, but we got the TT instead. 
Not that the TT isn't a great bike (I'm sure it is), it just fills a gap in Buell's product line that didn't need to be filled, IMO. There's a pretty obvious desire for a lower Uly, and the TT falls far short. |
Roadrailer
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 13, 2007 - 01:33 pm: |
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Forgot to add: congrats Doncasto! |
Snowscum
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 13, 2007 - 02:31 pm: |
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But what about us tall guys? There isn't to many choices out there and Uly fits the bill.
Then enough short people complain and bam theres a short seat. I have the same problem buy clothes so. THey only accommodate short people. Ok rant off. Lol |
Roadrailer
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 13, 2007 - 03:15 pm: |
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But what about us tall guys? There isn't to many choices out there and Uly fits the bill.
Then enough short people complain and bam theres a short seat. I have the same problem buy clothes so. THey only accommodate short people. Ok rant off. Lol
I'm not sure I follow. I'm not suggesting they do away with the regular Uly, just that they also offer a lower model. It would remove the final barrier for a lot of potential Buellers. |
Jim_sb
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 13, 2007 - 04:43 pm: |
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Sometimes people make it sound like this is rocket science.
It's not. BMW has done a nice job with adjustable seat height on some of it's models. If a manufacturer wants to design and build a bike for a wide range of persons they can get it done.
When I was younger and my spine was straighter I was 5' 9" (on a good day). Inseam is in the 29" range.
My Ulysses has 6,500 miles on it - the first couple thousand were probably all with the stock seat ('06). Now I have the '06 Low Seat. It just takes a little planning when I'm going to stop, need to keep in mind on which side of the bike the terra firma is near. 
I'm reluctant to give up ground clearance so I ride it as is.
Jim in Santa Barbara
(Message edited by jim_sb on March 13, 2007) |
Roadrailer
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 13, 2007 - 05:14 pm: |
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I also agree that the height is not a big deal, but lots of people perceive it to be. Perception is reality. |
Jim_sb
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 13, 2007 - 05:47 pm: |
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I agree that Perception is reality.
But I also ride a dirt bike (DRZ400S). And although it's not quite as tall as the Uly (with the suspension sag properly set on both) the terrain we ride is very uneven so it's even more of a challenge.
Worst problem with the Uly for me would stopping on a road or driveway with extreme slope one way or the other. Always reach uphill for the earth!
:-)
Jim in SB |
Chadhargis
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 13, 2007 - 06:06 pm: |
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The thing that I love most about the Ulysses is its height and the '06 stock seat. That seat is the only one on any bike I've ever owned that didn't get replaced by an aftermarket seat. It's a work of art.
The height of the bike means I can stretch my 36" inseam by dangling my feet off the pegs a bit while riding. It's nice.
My only gripe with the bike is the hideous shaking at idle (thankfully I don't spend much time there or I'd suffer from severe headaches and loose teeth), and I wish it weighed about 80lbs less.
But hey...you can't have everything. It's actually a pretty light bike for what it is, and the shaking doesn't bother me as much as it used to.
(Message edited by chadhargis on March 13, 2007) |
Jim_sb
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 13, 2007 - 06:52 pm: |
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Hey BTW I still have my '06 stock seat. Like new, wrapped in plastic and stored in a box in my attic.
So if one of you vertically disadvantaged types that's too tall to fit on a NORMAL motorcycle wants the original 2006 Buell Big & Tall seat ping me at Jim_SB@hotmail.com with a reasonable offer. It is a very comfortable seat, excellent padding. <grin>
Jim in Santa Barbara |
Rocketman
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 13, 2007 - 07:01 pm: |
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The down side should be obvious to those that have been here a while . . .I am once again feeling entitled toward inflicting the BWB with my blatherings once again . .
Don, if ever a BadWeBer was away too long, it was you. Nice to see a Buell is bringing happiness into your life once again - and by the way, the Uly suits you.
Rocket |
Madduck
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 14, 2007 - 09:57 pm: |
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Don,
Your seat is on the way. Took me awhile to find a box big enough. Tip, do not check motorcycle shops, guitar shops have a much better selection of odd shaped boxes. We're very close to riding season here.
Take care, |
Old_mil
| | Posted on Thursday, March 15, 2007 - 12:30 am: |
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>I also agree that the height is not a big
>deal, but lots of people perceive it to be.
>Perception is reality.
To a point...I'm perfectly comfortable riding the Uly and stopping with one set of toes on the ground. However, the challenge comes when trying to back into or out of a parking space. |
Roadrailer
| | Posted on Thursday, March 15, 2007 - 09:25 am: |
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To a point...I'm perfectly comfortable riding the Uly and stopping with one set of toes on the ground. However, the challenge comes when trying to back into or out of a parking space.
No challenge there, just hop off and push!!!  |
Electraglider_1997
| | Posted on Saturday, March 17, 2007 - 10:52 am: |
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Madduck,
I've always felt that the gearing would be perfect on the ULY if only they had 6 gears with 1 being lower and 2 through 6 being a smidgen higher. My question to you is just how much better 1st is with the 9X primary sprocket? I read what you wrote above but can you expound a bit with rpm & speed data. What rpms are you running at 70 mph in 5th? Probably like you, I've always thought 1st gear feels like 2nd because of the speed. It's livable but not ideal. For 120 bucks I'd take the 9X gearing plunge but still would like to hear more of your thoughts and impressions of the change. Also would like to know if you now have a problem with 5th feeling like it's too high rpm for speed. Thanks. |
Gotj
| | Posted on Saturday, March 17, 2007 - 11:38 am: |
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Electraglider,
As I mentioned above, if you want to experience the high speed effects of the conversion, just ride whatever speed you want in fourth gear. Fourth is 11.7 percent shorter (1.166 to 1.000)and the conversion to the 9X primary would be 11.7 percent shorter(1.676/1.500= 1.17). Then you can decide for yourself if you can tolerate it.
I've tried it and the first time, I thought there was no way I would consider it. Since
then, I've done it a few more times up to 75 mph and it didn't seem so bad. Not so comfortable that I made the conversion though.
GOTJ |
Madduck
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 21, 2007 - 12:16 am: |
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Electraglider,
I have never kept track of rpm versus speed. Alwyas go by whether the bike "feels right". Conditions and speed limits dictate the appropriate speed of travel. The bike "feels right" to me when it accelerates and brakes with just the throttle with very little shifting. With the standard gearing I always seemed to be in the "wrong" gear. 2nd in town was too low and 3rd was too high as the speed limits move from 20 to 40 and back. Now 3rd is good for everything town wise. In minnesota the speed limits are 55 and 60 on the best two lanes and the sheriffs like to patrol. Now 5th is just about perfect for running the two lanes. When I make the run to Gillette Wy this spring I will find out how the freeway drone is. If I don't like it there are always the two lanes. For tight twisty two lanes I can just leave it in 4th and for the faster sweepers it stays in 5th. I get good engine braking to set up the corner and real good drive exiting. A properly geared bike for me might not be right at all for how you ride, but when you get it right it makes the ride sooo much better. |
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