| Author | Message | ||
     Dr_greg |
Time to move on...here's Doc ready to attend the School of Engineering Commencement on Saturday.  With my arm tucked up inside the gown one of my esteemed colleagues said I looked as if I were pregnant. Good thing I had that beard... The New Bike? With my last academic duty out of the way, it was time to look for Dr. Greg's New Bike. As I said, there's this used '06 at the local dealer; second son Keith (28 YO, 6-2 and a good rider) and I drove up to investigate further. Ulysses was waiting for us:  He was a little newer than my wrecked steed (build date Jun 05).  Is this the "low" '06 seat? I loved the standard '06 seat but I suppose I'd give this one a try...looks kinda like you're locked in to a single position, however...  Keith sizes up the beast. I've prepped him with what to expect; his background is MX and sportbikes. Like his three brothers, Keith is SMOOTH and FAST. I'll be very interested in his opinion of the Uly.  Looks like it's got a Sync on the front.  Our salesman is ATGATT for the test-ride...  Keith's got the Uly rollin'...hey, your foot isn't out for an MX-style turn, is it?! This ain't your old YZ125!  They're off! Dr. Greg's limp sleeve hangs forlornly...not to fret; I WILL recover, and soon.  NOTE: Check the leg positioning of both riders...I know which bike I'd rather be on. The salesman and Keith take some prearranged route. When I test-rode my Uly (previous dealership owner) they tossed me the keys and said "have fun." Dealership now has corporate owner. Hey, lookee what I found! Doesn't a BadWebber make these?  Keith's Verdict... When they returned, Keith couldn't stop raving: "That thing is SOOOO comfortable!" "It is SOOOO smooth!" "The suspension just soaks up everything." "Power was fine; it moved right along; no glitches." "I could ride this bike all day!" Dr. Greg's Verdict... OK, so it passed the first test. But, there are a few things: 1. Tires. As you can see, it's got a new 616 on the rear:  I don't like to mix tires, so I'd make them put a new Sync on the rear. 2. Fan. The fan never came on. It was a warm winter day here (mid 50s) and old #44's fan would have come on when the engine was switched off. Gotta check that. 3. Miscellaneous Dings. The timing cover has been JB'ed:  Plus there are other scratches; in accordance with being dropped at low speed. 4. Price. Their listed price is $6,923.36, including all cases. On my previous visit I was led to believe they would give me a lower price. At the test-ride I was informed that the listed price is it. That ticks me off a little. Sooooo..... what do we think? Still no repair estimate on #44. Does the collective wisdom of BadWeb BB&D approve of this deal? I don't think I do...yet. | ||
| Hmartin |
Doc, what's your experience with the D616's? On account of a nail, I lost my rear Sync this last summer and elected to go with a cheaper Dunlop on the rear, thinking that faster-wearing Dunlop and the partially worn Sync would wear out at the same time. I, too, was worried about mixing the two, but 2000 miles later, so far, so good. Truth be told, power-on oversteer was easier with the Sync (which is actually kind-of fun). BTW, mine's from July '05. A truly wonderful machine. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that the folks in East Troy really had it on that summer. | ||
| Rotorhead |
I think the dealer is counting on your bike to be a total loss and that you'll spring for the bike with insurance money. Things I'd ask to drop the price for: Tire has to match at least by maker comm'on. $175 plus labor. battle damage: header, timing plate, BTW there is no headlight grill? They were giving away bags last year on 07's and 08's should not even be a issue to not include them in the price. I'd ask for say $10 every 100 miles on the bike. Ask for a discount on a new belt, aug 05, even if there is low miles dryrott does happen. Also, I think you better make a deal quick or your son is going to snake that bike right from under you!!! He had that grin on his face before he drove it look!!!!  | ||
| Ourdee |
Doc, Ultimately, it's your choice. I know you like it. And believe you wont repair the parts bike. If, you were led to believe the price was going to be lower don't let them jack you. Sometimes we have to walk away from what we think we want. You have a lot of time before the next ride and bike aren't selling fast in the next 3 months. I would tell him you are going home to think about it for a couple of months. Separate your emotions from this deal. Study it out like you were grading a student's idea. My thought is don't swallow anything that doesn't taste right. This from the fat guy.  | ||
| Ourdee |
Hey, You are looking good in the top pic. But after the no jammies in bed thing, I'm thinking your naked under the robe and the pant legs are held up to your knees with rubber bands.  | ||
| Skinstains |
That bike certainly aint the last one in town. | ||
| Sekalilgai |
Looks purdy! FWIW my 06 came home with me this March 11k miles/$6700 w/sidebags (no topcase). But it was in the not-nearly-as-cool black. (since rectified). Glad the bimmer was a tease | ||
| Svh |
Hopefully whoever rigged up that thermostat did a good job so water doesn't leak past. The one sold by Darkhorse Moto is way better quality than that. $6300 with matching tires would be a good offer I think. Maybe pull that cover if you can, don't know enough about the earlier button style yet, and inspect. As Skinstains already stated there are other bikes out there but I am sure you will make a well informed decision. Good luck and I love the pic of your shadow with the sleeve dangling made me chuckle | ||
| Spectra |
DOC, HAVE YOU LOOKED AT THE BIKES ON E-BAY | ||
| Dr_greg |
Doc, what's your experience with the D616's? I actually didn't find them to be as dreadful as most; used 'em till they wore out. Ask for a discount on a new belt, aug 05, even if there is low miles dryrott does happen. Good idea. I have a new spare, and the belt on #44 is only about 7K old, but you can never have too many belts. ...you have a lot of time before the next ride... Hey, I hope not TOO much time; I used to be a fast healer!  Hopefully whoever rigged up that thermostat did a good job so water doesn't leak past. Well, I can always use the one from #44. DOC, HAVE YOU LOOKED AT THE BIKES ON E-BAY No, I haven't. Kinda leery about an '06 that I can't test-ride (or my son). Perhaps I should, just as leverage... Anyway, I think they are hot to sell it, now that they've (at long last) actually found an interested buyer. But I ain't payin' $6900+change... | ||
| Jphish |
Well... Depends how it "feels". You had a proxy rider, albeit experienced and clearly in your corner. (if ya can't depend on Keith, who can ya ?) You're obviously not ride ready...yet. So ya can't do comparison tour to the Uly with all the spaghetti hangin out the front, and sporting a new set of antlers. So lets just trust the yellow, er...orange, beast is mechanically sound and no hidden issues. I'd go with the new tire, replace the JBwelded cover (make sure damage is only cosmetic) and offer $6500. If Chicago is in fact offering NEW 06s for $6999 with 2 year warranty - I'd say 6500 would be a fair deal for both parties. It's still a sensory, somewhat subjective decision. The ULY likely falls within a range of value between 6-7K, not a HUGE spread. What would make you feel 'satisfied'? The price at which the grin becomes a frown is probably the emotional balance point. It's really more of a gut than pocket decision at that juncture anyway. I suspect 'Mrs Doc' would have some sage advice / council to offer that may help clear the way to an equitable resolution. I paid MSRP for my 08'- never worried about whether I could have gotten it cheaper if I waited or went to another dealer etc. I love my Uly - it's cold in the garage, so brought it in to the living room to watch the 'Long Way Around' and eat some popcorn (for me) & rear wheel bearings (for her)...with butter on both. Good luck in your deliberations - whatever decision you make will be the right one. j | ||
| Jmhinkle |
It definitely looks to have been down. Price seems high to me, but I've always had insider info on HD and Buell prices. Have you called Murrae to see what he has up there? BTW, my build date was 12/05 so avoid anything in that area! | ||
| 4_pete_sake |
DOC- it all sounded good at the beginning with the "this is what they are asking but I can get it for less..." idea.... the fact that you two walked away after the ride has to make them somewhat nervous.... I read the same post Jphish did about Chicago dealer selling some 06's for $7k new... winter time deals... I saw similar deals last year around here not that good but close respectively...2yr warranty... what is that worth??? You could ask for a extended warranty, to my recollection when you buy from a HD/Buell dealer you can get a extended warranty at that time on used bikes... I am not a 100%... Is it under warranty now??? Build date and purchase date are two dates to always consider. If under warranty it can definately but subject to extending the warranty... I would be waiting for the insurance info on June 06 first personally... simply to know where I am at on that bike, esspecially since you plan to reacquire... I always enjoy the excitement of the purchase.... but in the end you have to let go of the idea of getting a deal or not and just enjoy the darn bike.... but I think you are well aware of this ideal.... Cheers-pete | ||
| Metalstorm |
Pete makes a most excellent point. A brand new untitled 06 for 7K with 2 year warranty beginning on purchase date sounds not only like a smok'n deal but also just plain smart. An investment in peace of mind. Ahh..decisions....decisions..  | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
That temp dipstick was made by the guy that previously owned that bike and not by me. If the probe was only 5" then it gives cold readings since it won't be immersed deep enough for accurate readings especially during winter weather. | ||
| Dr_greg |
Time for my daily update...BTW the salesman called me at 0913 this morning to say "Merry Christmas." Heh, heh...I was still in bed. Still hurting somewhat...but improving monotonically (except for my stupid right thumb...musta really whacked it). Anyway... If Chicago is in fact offering NEW 06s for $6999 with 2 year warranty - I'd say 6500 would be a fair deal for both parties. I suspect it may end up something like that. I'm a pretty good negotiator and am willing to "walk away." It definitely looks to have been down. If in fact it used to be "Chick's bike" (as I was told) then I was riding right behind him when he went down. It was Saturday, August 27, 2005 on AZ 191. He crashed on the right side, which is consistent with the bike's appearance. Apparently he sold it to someone, who ultimately traded to the local BMW dealer, who then sold it to the H-D/Buell dealer. I'll also check with Murrae. DOC- it all sounded good at the beginning with the "this is what they are asking but I can get it for less..." idea.... the fact that you two walked away after the ride has to make them somewhat nervous.... That's what I'm counting on. Is it under warranty now??? Build date and purchase date are two dates to always consider. If its history is as I've been told it is well past warranty. But the warranty point is a good one. I would be waiting for the insurance info on June 05 first personally... simply to know where I am at on that bike, especially since you plan to reacquire... Absolutely. Salesman says I'll have a quote from them today, but doubt he has much leverage. Of course then insurance company has to do its thing. always enjoy the excitement of the purchase.... but in the end you have to let go of the idea of getting a deal or not and just enjoy the darn bike.... but I think you are well aware of this ideal.... Me, too. I'm not a bean-counter; I'm lookin' forward to gettin' the next Uly to 100K miles. Mas o menos a few bucks...who cares?! That temp dipstick was made by the guy that previously owned that bike and not by me. If the probe was only 5" then it gives cold readings since it won't be immersed deep enough for accurate readings especially during winter weather. Gotcha. I'm a little leery of "homebrew" stuff unless I know the guy. Didn't appear to be leaking, though, and Taylor thermometers are good, I think. | ||
| 4_pete_sake |
Just a thought-the more money you ask them to stick into the bike the less they can lower the price... i know this is probably obvious and not necessary to point out but sometimes the obvious things slip by easily.... Are you okay buying a downed bike you did not fix yourself??? I know you have the knowledge and know how but ......I wouldn't want you to have to go through two bikes at the same time in order to have a bike you are comfortable with.... all thou I would enjoy the excitement through the screen on BadWeb... but the misery for you .... ??? all for now-pete | ||
| Ratbuell |
For the record, a bike being sold by a dealer can have up to 5 years extended warranty added at the time of purchase, whether its out of warranty or not. I won't interject on the pricing/purchase question, though. Everyone is different and has different priorities, so I won't speculate one way or another what's right or wrong for you. I *do* love my orange, though  And yes, that's the low seat. Only thing I noticed with them is they tend to push my ...um... my 'bits' into the airbox and I have to keep scootching backwards every couple miles (or laps, which is where I noticed it the most). I like my stock tall seat much better. | ||
| Dr_greg |
Just a thought-the more money you ask them to stick into the bike the less they can lower the price... i know this is probably obvious and not necessary to point out but sometimes the obvious things slip by easily... That's true. Guess that's my decision. I mount my own tires and another local dealer has very low tire prices, so I can switch tires myself. Also, Keith (my proxy test-rider) has his eye on that 616 as a tire for his stunt bike. And the cosmetic stuff isn't that important. Are you okay buying a downed bike you did not fix yourself??? I know you have the knowledge and know how but ......I wouldn't want you to have to go through two bikes at the same time in order to have a bike you are comfortable with.... all thou I would enjoy the excitement through the screen on BadWeb... Well, #564 is not really a "downed" bike; it's just got a few scrapes (what fraction of us has never dropped their bike?). I'd feel pretty confident buying it; of course I'd "detail" it very carefully before riding of any consequence. And no matter what I'll certainly publicize it on BadWeb. For the record, a bike being sold by a dealer can have up to 5 years extended warranty added at the time of purchase, whether its out of warranty or not. Really?! I wonder how much? However, I'm kinda skeptical since I avoid dealers' service departments like the plague. Rather buy parts and do repairs myself. Then I have only myself to blame (e.g. oil cooler line separator). And yes, that's the low seat. Only thing I noticed with them is they tend to push my ...um... my 'bits' into the airbox and I have to keep scootching backwards every couple miles (or laps, which is where I noticed it the most). I like my stock tall seat much better. Thanks. That's what I was thinking. Not the best seat for those 700-mile days. Boy, that stock '06 seat is my favorite of any bike since 1957 (the year I started riding). Thanks for all your comments and suggestions. For the next few weeks I've got nothing much better to do than to peck at this keyboard, read, watch TV, eat, sleep... it'll be a relief to get a bike (even ol' #44), get my splint off, and start some mild wrenching. | ||
| Johnboy777 |
""For the record, a bike being sold by a dealer can have up to 5 years extended warranty added at the time of purchase, whether its out of warranty or not"" The extended warranty is NOT through HD, but rather, an outside vendor - meaning that (from my respective at least), if you have a claim, they can easily blow you off and leave you without any recourse, as HD has no part in the matter, whatsoever. Just my 2cents. . | ||
| Aeholton |
Thanks. That's what I was thinking. Not the best seat for those 700-mile days. Boy, that stock '06 seat is my favorite of any bike since 1957 (the year I started riding). Let me know if you need an orange 06 seat for cheap. I switched to a black one when I chromed my air box cover and fly screen. The orange one has been sitting in the garage collecting dust since. | ||
| Ratbuell |
The extended warranty is NOT through HD, but rather, an outside vendor Just like the extended warranty on a brand new bike, the claims are handled by an outside company, but the rules are written by HD. I have yet to see a valid claim get "blown off". Coverage is virtually identical to the factory 2 year (mechanical, electrical, but no wear items), with a $50 per-visit deductible. | ||
| Rubysdaddy |
As long as you aren't in a hurry (and it seems like you're not), I'd say wait a bit and see how the prices drop. The used 06 is somewhat closer than the the new 06 in Chicago, right? Aeholton - If Dr Greg isn't interested in your 06 orange and black seat, I am. | ||
| Dr_greg |
The used 06 is somewhat closer than the the new 06 in Chicago, right? Yeah, ten miles vs 1,500 miles. Got a call from the insurance company yesterday; dealer repair estimate is $9,400+. Then dealer called Mrs. Greg this morning; claims adjuster has been there this morning to examine the bike. So maybe I'll get a Christmas present yet! Although the way I'm feeling today it'll be a while before I'm ready to even think about riding... --Doc | ||
| Bienhoabob |
Just saw this, probably just useless information. Maybe you can use it as a negotiating tool. www.banzai-motorsports.com/detail-2006-buell-xb12x ulysses_49st-xb12x_ulysses_49_st-3670223.html No idea what a 49st is, either. | ||
| Gotj |
"No idea what a 49st is, either." 49 state model, not for sale in California. | ||
| Etennuly |
Did you see the $450 processing an doc fees at the bottom? | ||
| Bienhoabob |
Nope, never went to the bottom. Maybe not such a good deal after all. | ||
| Froggy |
And the Harley dealer has no doc fees? | ||
| Froggy |
Oh yea, avoid the extended warranty, they consider most of our problems to be wear issues. Oh I love how after I wrecked they only gave a partial refund. I was still 18 months before thinking about their warranty kicking in, and yet I only got half back. Wheel bearings, belts, and brakes all wear out, so your throwing your money away if you think they will cover it. |
