| Author | Message | ||
     Stellaglide |
Hope you guys can help with a couple of questions and apologize in advance for the long post. I am seriously looking at getting a Uly so I can ride with a buddy who has a BMW R1200GS-A. I have considered the BMW GS, Triumph Tiger, and the Uly. Just a quick background on riding experience. Started riding around age 8 and rode dirt bikes until 16. First street bike was a Honda 650 NightHawk around 20 years old then back to dirt on a Honda CR125R for about a year. Laid off bikes until 2000 when I got a Sportster 1200 Sport, then 2002 Softail Standard, and now a 2006 Street Glide - put about 25K miles on the Glide. Wife had a 2002 Dyna Lowrider but now 2006 Softail Deluxe. So I'm very familiar with the HD bikes and their issues. My concern with the Uly is the right sided heat that seems to be a universal complaint. How bad is it? I'm use to engine heat with the HDs but all of our bikes have been carb models so I've been able to stay away from ECM and tuning issues that can cause heat. Buddy rented an 07 Ultra and said he would never buy one because of the heat, since the 96" motors came out, HD has made some improvements to cut down on the heat. Is it that big of a deal on a Uly where you need special riding gear, we ride in jeans and live in the southeast so ambient temps are 85-95F in the summer. Of the 3 bikes I listed above I really want a Uly -looking hard at the X version but the heat issue is a big concern. What say you? | ||
| Hughlysses |
Mark- I live in Summerville (I see from your profile you're in Charleston) and I've had my Uly since December 2006. The right side of the frame does get hot when commuting but it's not that big of a deal. I wear jeans or heavy khakis most of the time when I commute and I've been commuting on and off all summer. I (like many owners) have made some minor mods to improve the situation. You can line the inside of the frame with Thermotec insulation, you can get heat blankets from Badweb sponsor Special Ops to go under the seat, you can wrap the headers or have them Jet Hot coated, etc. Of course, the easiest "fix" is just to hold your right thigh away from the frame slightly when it gets hot. Over all that, the new 2010 Ulys have several changes made to improve the situation (right side scoop, heat shield for rear header pipe, fan shroud, and revised ECM programming), and this is available as a kit to install on earlier Ulys. Oh yea, check in at the SC Buell Riders thread here when you get a chance: http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/37/ 130123.html? (Message edited by Hughlysses on July 26, 2009) | ||
| Stellaglide |
Thanks Hugh. How have you found Lowcounty to be as a servicing dealership? Do they support the Buell line well? I take our HDs their for some of the more detailed service but I do most of the basics myself. | ||
| Hughlysses |
Mark- Lowcountry doesn't generally seem real enthusiastic about selling Buells, and it's pure luck if you find any Buell apparel in stock. I've only taken my bike in for service a few times, but they've always done very well by me. I do all the routine service, but I had a couple of minor warranty issues they took care of. They have one mechanic that is a serious Buell enthusiast (Mike) but the other guys have done good work too. No complaint about that part. | ||
| Treysmagna |
Are you sure you are not me? I have an FLHT, XL1200S, DR650 and CR125, as well as, the Uly. I can say the heat off of the Buell is less than the heat off of the FLHT for sure even in traffic. I love my Uly so much that all of the other bikes are parked unless the Buell is in the shop or I have a specific reason to ride one of the others. | ||
| Stellaglide |
Hey Trey, thanks for the input that helps a lot. What year is your FLHT, is it carb or EFI? What year is your Uly? (Message edited by stellaglide on July 26, 2009) | ||
| Pso |
I have an 06. Do not ride in city traffic. I have Odie blankets and just stick my leg out. I wear mesh pants from first gear in the summer and riding pants or jeans in coooler weather. heat vey least of concerns. (Message edited by pso on July 26, 2009) | ||
| Treysmagna |
My Electraglide is a 2000 carbed and has about 105K miles on it. Presently I have it sitting in the garage with a bad starter and I blew a plug out of the front head. I have been collecting the parts to do a big bore upgrade and I have new heads that I need to get worked. My Uly is on 07 model and I have about 21K miles on it. I have had most of the typical issues, fan, wheel bearings and water in the trans, but I really love the bike even two up. If I didnt have the Uly I would probably have a fire under me to get the FLHT back on the road, but I love the Uly and hope that some day Buell will build a sport/touring bike that has the 1125 engine or Harley will build a touring bike based on the Vrod. I love my all of my bikes even the ones that I dont have any more | ||
| Stellaglide |
Pso - do you not ride in city traffic because of the heat issue or your riding style/preference? Am I making too much of an issue out of the heat? Everything else I've read about these bikes is positive. Do you guys think the added cost of a used 07-08 justifies the improvements over the 06? I was thinking an 08-later because of the improvements but wonder if an 06 is just as good? I did read on the Adventure Riders site where someone stated the 08s were bad (electronic ECM issues?), any truth to that? | ||
| Hughlysses |
There is very little difference in an 06 and 07. 08 added several significant upgrades (see the list in the New Owners FAQ). Some 08's had fueling issues (mainly poor gas mileage), but it seems that if you can get a dealer that knows what he's doing, they can be sorted out. Buell went through several upgrades to the ECM program and some folks had a lot of trouble getting their dealer to give them the latest download. IMHO, if you can find an 08 within your spending limits, get it. If you're more concerned with finding a real deal, get an 06 or 07. | ||
| Idaho_buelly |
I have an 09X,primarily ride in jeans,try to stay out of city traffic because it is so damn boring and hot on any motorcycle.The Uly has the headers on the right side which obviously throws heat,on occasion I have rode in shorts..It seems to affect everyone differently..It does not affect me at all for the performance and fun factor of this bike,truley awesome!Like I said,makes some people uncomfortable,does not me,I have 5,000 miles now and no intensions on changing....Hope this helps. Ride Safe. | ||
| Dr_greg |
My '06 has blistered my leg. I still ride it (total of 65K miles) It has been 100+ degrees for the last few weeks in New Mexico and it has been a pain. I am thinking about a GS myself. Used to be a Uly evangelist. Between the fan, the heat, and lack of support from the factory (H-D, not Buell)... Of course, the grass isn't always greener... --Doc | ||
| Itileman |
It's been in the mid 90's here lately. I ride in Firstgear mesh pants with shorts underneath. Heat, at least for me, is not an issue if you don't park your right leg against the frame. An inch or two of space is all you need and a full tank of gas also seems to keep things a bit cooler. The fan, while a bit annoying at times, is worth the irritation for a more rapid cylinder head cool down. I traded my 03 Road King for an 09 XT and have never looked back. Difference is like driving a Porsche instead of a Buick. You don't see many BMW's around here, but I was parked in with some earlier this afternoon. The 1200gs is freak'n huge compared to the Uly. | ||
| Pso |
Stellaglide-I live on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and thus there are no cities. I occasionally commute to work at the hospital, but that is all counrty road. I also think with the new comfort kit coming out heat should be even less of a problem. With the 06's there are problems, but can be worked around very easily. | ||
| Stellaglide |
Pso and others, Thanks a ton for all your support. The more I think about a Uly the more I want one and the more I try to convince myself that an 06 or 07 would be perfect when I'd much rather have an 08-later, Heck now I really want an '10. Truth be told I may just have to live vicariously through you guys. We have 2 bikes now and a third would be a budget buster in this economy. The buy-in I think my wife would support but the add-ons she would not. I've finally (next week after I swap the handlebars) got my 06 FLHX how I want it (yea right she says) and her 06 FLSTN is set up right as well. Trying to justify another bike, even a used one, is hard when I consider the added cost of insurance and annual property tax, plus maintenance and all the goodies....to make it right for me, not to mention the riding gear. All my stuff is HD related (pirate costume minus the vest) as some would call it. We ride behind a faring (me) and large windshield (wife) with 1/2 and 3/4 helmets and leather jackets so a full face would be a must with a Uly. I've seen what my buddy did when he went from his HD to a GS1200A and I'd imagine the pull from the off-road gang would do the same for me....high tech riding gear. Guess I could sell the FLHX but don't want to do that. I love the bike for what it is and enjoy touring on it....did 5400 miles in 13 days last summer. Would be nice if my wife and I could both get Ulys but I'm pushing it at only 5'7" and its out of the question for her at 5'3". She likes riding her own too much to ride 2-up anymore. I'm gonna keep my eyes open and if a great deal comes my way I'll see where I stand at that time. Keep your fingers crossed for me and maybe things will change. | ||
| Ourdee |
Stellaglide sounds like a girls name. Had to say it. I want the 10 XT for the heat kit and better wheel bearing set-up. But the heat kit can be fitted to older models. Waiting for someone to say it works. Doc, have you looked at the comfort kit on Buell.com? | ||
| Backnblack |
How about electric cruise control on the Uly? | ||
| Froggy |
I was looking into an electric cruise, its not easy to setup, requires a good chunk of motors and stuff. I settled for a throttle lock. | ||
| Itileman |
The Cramp Buster works just fine. | ||
| Stellaglide |
Ourdee Stellaglide is a girls name, well sort of. We name all our bikes, not everyone does but we do and they are almost always girls names like boats. Last bike was an 02 black softail named "Black Betty" - you know the song by Ram Jam....whooooa black betty bam-ba-lam Present bike is a 06 black Street Glide. The bike is named for the character "Stella" from the Tennessee Williams play Street Car Named Desire...a take off as Street Glide Named Desire gets to Stella Glide. | ||
| Dr_greg |
Yes; looks interesting. I'm not enthusiastic about spending more money on the bike right now, but I'll await reports from others. The GS lust has passed, BTW. It is a freakin' huge thing and (while I do like their look) I'll never own one for many reasons. --Doc | ||
| Ourdee |
Stella, Makes sense. Mine is called Blue. Doc, I too am waiting reports, I like the three bearing wheel idea. | ||
| Jphish |
Well... should be plenty of reports in due course. There are at least 10 folks that have ordered the kit (me among them) - it's a race as to who gets it first and actually installs the thing. It's 104* here today - not sure that's a fair test. Even if it is...I'll let someone else be 1st. Where the hell did this f#%$&! Arizona weather come from ?! | ||
| Firstbatch |
Get the '06 Uly you will love it. I have had many bikes in the stable over the years but the Uly will always be there. Incredibly fun to ride, but does have its quirks and the right side heat is one. The new comfort kit may be a big help. If not there are other DIY solutions that work fine. An '06 Uly in good shape should be available in the $5-6k range......thats awesome! I ride with a good buddy regularly who has a 1200GS and I occasionally ride it. To big and "blah" for me. Have owned several boxers over the years.....solid bikes but not much character. The Uly V-twin power plant is the cats ass! If I wanted a BMW it would be the K1300GT.....but I would not have a license very long if I did. | ||
| Stellaglide |
I'm still looking. I really need to ride one of these things. Funny the last 3 HDs I've bought, I never even rode one, knew what I wanted and bought it. I'm just afraid that if I ride one the crave will be that much more. Maybe next weekend I head over to the dealership for a test ride. | ||
| Hughlysses |
I was just in there today, they've got at least one XB12X, one XB12XT, and I believe an XB12XP. The guy I bought my parts from (20,000 mile service and rider comfort kit) was REALLY interested in the rider comfort kit. He's also a wannabe Uly owner. | ||
| Firstbatch |
Stella......do the test ride and you won't sleep till you have one. I had a Street Glide for a couple years and on parade duty on a hot day that beast could pump out some heat to the rider  | ||
| Cyclonedon |
Stella, the first time I ever test rode a Ulysses, I noticed the heat on my right leg. It didn't stop me from purchasing one and I have over 26,000 trouble-free miles on mine. The heat has never been a problem for me and I doubt if I will ever purchase the comfort kit, the heat blankets or the air flow cover that is available for heat issues. | ||
| Kimberley |
I wussed out during our heat wave. With temps 105+, I opted for AC in my truck. I have installed Odie's Uly Max heat blanket, and have noticed a difference. Not sure if I will go for the "comfort kit". I'd rather wrap or coat the pipes. Get the Uly. It's a blast! | ||
| Court |
>>>I wussed out during our heat wave. With temps 105+, I opted for AC in my truck. Don't feel bad . . . even my son, a devoted bicycle rider, opted to leave the bike at home in Portland yesterday! |
