| Author | Message | ||
     Iugradmark |
I don't enjoy working on bikes and due to work, rarely have time to do anything but a simple oil change. I've been reading about many problems with dealers when it comes to doing service on the Uly. Is it enough of a problem for mechanically challenged folks (read me) to look to a different ride? Mark | ||
| Mike_dinger |
Same boat here, Mark. I don't have much experience wrenching, but I plan to learn using the wonderful help from this awesome group of Ulyssians' vast wealth of knowledge (thanks in advance) and the service and parts catalogs for the Uly. I'm not scared to learn a little while getting dirty. From what I gather, this bike will be a good learning subject, and if I feel I cannot handle the task, whatever it may be, I can always take it in for repair. Of course, while it's under warranty, I am not concerned with most of the problems I've seen thus far. Go with the Uly, dude. You will truly love the fun-factor this bike provides.  | ||
| Terrible1one3 |
The Uly is quite low maintenance in respect to a lot of other cycles out there. The maintenances talked about in the owners manual are really good oil changes. Primary/Tranny, Engine Oil/Filter. Check tensions lubricate cables adjust clutch, check for leaks very simple stuff that any one can do. If you have never adjusted a clutch than the service manual is the way to go, it is step by step exactly what to do, very useful. Any major problem is likely to happen under the warranty period, which you can make extended. Most of the people's problems are warranty related which might make it hard for someone to get done, cause of a crappy dealership maybe, but it will eventually be remedied. All in all there is nothing to worry about with a Uly. It isn't very rough of a bike as you might think from the boards come maintenance time. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
I am mechanically inclined, but don't normally do my own wrenching. I do ZERO wrenching on my own car. I don't have the time or desire. I do the oil changes, wheel swaps (to have tires mounted), and modifications (handlebars, lights, grips, heaters, etc.). I have a buddy who can bleed the brakes and do TPS resets. Their ain't much else to do to it. As far as routine stuff, it's the least maintenance intensive bike you could own. Go for it! You won't regret it! | ||
| Reepicheep |
18k miles on my XB9SX, and the only repairs that have not been "self inflicted" as a result of me dinking around with something were oil changes, cable adjustments, tires, brake pads, and a tail light bulb. I replaced a clutch cable just to play it safe. It's in a lot better shape at 18k miles then my Cyclone was on the showroom floor, and much better then my old Yamaha was at 15k as well. | ||
| Pso |
This is the easiest bike to work on that I have had. I purchased due to no valve adjustment. I hated doing the shim over bucket, didn't even bother with shim under bucket, also the screw adjusters are just a headache. No carbs to balance another pain in the neck, no chain to adjust, no drive shaft to worry about, minimal bodywork to remove for oil change, no hydraulic clutch to worry about and bleed, only one front set of brake pads to replace (simple job)etc. Not many special tools required to do work (need a good T-27 t-hanlde). This is the way it should be. I love this old technology-simple but more power and handling than I am capable of useing. I even talked my fiance' into purchasing a new X12Scg because after burning myself (and get a load of this-needing to take the oil tank of and turning it upside down to get the oil out for an oil change)draining and refilling the cooling system, and darn near needing to take the bike apart just to check the valves, by telling her I was not going to take a full day to do routine maintenance work on her over engineered and b***h to work on BMW. Of course all the talking I had to do was get her to test drive the Scg. I am much happier now, we are a two Buell family and I will be alb eto do wha tis required on both bikes in one evening. | ||
| Teeps |
Can A Non-Mechanic Live With This Bike? Probably; what you don't know won't bother you until it fails. The Ulysses is a no brainer when it comes to maintenance. Every thing else takes more of an effort. I worked on bikes & cars for over 15 years. I much prefer to ride than wrench... | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
5,000 miles on odo today. Only had to do the oil a few times and the primary/trans once. No brainers. Get the service manual for sure. Everything else has been just the recalls (twice) and a rusty muffler which I could of just cleaned and rattle canned but the dealer replaced on warranty. Love this bike but my electraglide hates it. | ||
| Packdog |
One thing to condsider is taking it to an independent mechanic and not the dealer. Ask around. Where I live (Auburn, WA) there is a hot-rod Harley/chopper shop with some great mechanics. Two of the mechanics ride Buells, so I talked with them before I bought my Uly. They have tons of knowledge and experience with a wide range of Buells and I trust them. Since they are "Harley Certified" as well, there will be no warranty issues. | ||
| Jflaig |
Go for the Uly. Almost 9k and no problems, just wore out the rear Dunlop. Agree with all who say, "get the manuals". They are good reading, and will help down the road, if you only do half of the sch'd maint and let the dealer do the more complicated stuff, other half. It is the best bike that I have found. If you run into the dealer warranty issues, contact the factory help line. That is what they are there for. (Message edited by jflaig on June 06, 2007) | ||
| Paochow |
Go for the Uly. Almost 9k and no problems, just wore out the rear Dunlop. I must be hard on tires. I have my third 616 rear almost torched, both the sides and center this time  and I'm at approx 9.5K As for maintenance, this thing is extremely easy, even compared to my DRZ. Service manual actually seems to be written by a native english speaker too. } |
