| Author | Message | ||
     Rodclement |
Hello everyone! Just registered here, glad I found you guys! I have been wanting a Ulysses since they came out and now I found one I can afford and is in great shape! I am looking at a 2006 Uly with around 4K miles and near mint condition including hard bags, etc. With Buell out of business, should I feel comfortable about buying this bike? Am I gonna get good service from HD dealers on it? Any input appreciated! Thanks in advance! Rod from Edison, NJ | ||
| Froggy |
No, and that was an issue even before the closing. Your best bet in terms of dealer support is Liberty HD in Rahway. | ||
| Rodclement |
Noted and thanks! Any other advice? I really want this bike but never bought a bike that had no manufactor behind it anymore... rod | ||
| Froggy |
The manufacturer is Harley Davidson (it probably even says it on the title), the only difference between today and 2 years ago was the bike was in production. It is no different than buying any other out of production motorcycle, like the Kawi Ninja ZX7R. Dealer service has always been below par, but that's normal for many HD dealers. (Liberty is a known exception). Parts availability is still the same as it was on this day 2 years ago, it is no harder to get a new anything for a Ulysses than a Road King. Be sure to check out the "new owners" section, it has all of the most frequent issues and complaints addressed, which will make ownership painless in the event something goes wrong.  | ||
| Rodclement |
Thanks again! Is there a way for me to check if the recall issues were cared for? I also have been reading the newb section so I will check the mentioned parts like the rear bearings, etc. My plan is to ride the bike untill seasons end and then get some service done like the rear wheel and anything else I can find out by then! So can I count you in the "yes buy the bike" category? Rod | ||
| Froggy |
Once you have the VIN, a dealer can look it up in the computer and tell you what has been done on it and whats still pending.
I don't have a favorable opinion on the XB models anymore, I ended up buying an 1125CR and 1125R within 3 months of each other because of how awesome they are. The XB does nothing for me now. That's about as nice as I can say "buy it, but you might be happier on a more awesome bike" | ||
| Rodclement |
Thanks for your help! I sold my sportbike and don;t want to go cruiser so I think the Uly will be a good halfway point and comfortable for some longer trips...there is always next seasons bike! Rod | ||
| Ourdee |
The Uly halfway between sportbike and cruiser? You need to ride one. It's a sportbike with some luggage. And more sportbike than you think. Look out for the permagrin. | ||
| Rodclement |
That's what I am hoping for! But a little more comfortable than my now sold Triumph Daytona, and not as boring as my now sold Sportster! Rod | ||
| Dynasport |
The Uly may handle very well, but the seating position is more like a standard, somewhat like a Suzuki Bandit. I came from the cruiser world to the Uly. As much as I have enjoyed the times I have gotten to ride on of the 1125s, the seating position and my "experienced" frame prevent me from riding it all day in comfort, which I can do on the Uly. I can assure you the Uly will be MUCH more comfortable than your now sold Daytona and NOT boring at all. All is not perfect in Uly world, however. I had to get Palmer Brackets (sold by a sponsor of this site) to make the wind management comfortable for me. I also find the heat bothersome from time to time, but never enough to really be unpleasant. I do live in Florida where I do most of my riding and I may be a bit more sensitive to heat on bikes than others. There are things that can be done to improve the heat issue, if you find it bothers you as well. Mine is a 2010, so it came standard with the comfort kit, which I understand is beneficial to the heat issue. There are other things people had done beyond that to help with the heat, but I have not bothered with any of them, so that must tell you that the heat is really not that bad, but I do notice it at times. The only other real complaint I have about my bike is that the fuel injection is not perfect when the bike is cold. When it warms up, I have no complaints at all, but when it is not warmed up, it runs a bit rough. I hear wonderful things about Erik Buell Racing ECMs, and I will probably install one at some point, but I haven't spent the money yet. Good luck to you on your purchase. There is no bike out there for close to the same money that I'd rather have than my Uly. | ||
| Rodclement |
Thanks for another great reply! I like this place! I agree that this is a lot of bike for the $$! I am getting a great deal and if the test ride goes OK today I am bringing it home with me! I read about the ECM and will use the rest of this season to make that call so once I park it for the winter i will consider it and the comfort kit. I also will look into the new 2010 rear wheel and bearings since this seems to be a must! I want to ride with peace of mind! For the price these are going for it is easy to fork some extra cash for the upgrades without getting mad at the world! Rod | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
If you are mechanically inclined then I'd say that the ULY is a very nice bike to own. If you have to take it to the dealer for every nit pick thing that might surface instead of dealing with it yourself then I'd say you might look elsewhere. If you feel you have to power wash your bike so it constantly sparkles then you'll probably cause yourself all kinds of electrical problems like I personally think so many here cause themselves. Power washing will also do your wheel bearings in but that is probably true on many bikes. I've got an 06 that I've owned since the end of 05' and it has been a very reliable bike for me. My son has an 07 and it has so far been just great. I'm a pretty self sufficient sort so it has not cost me much other than for gas and oil (filters of course), a drive belt and fork oil seal. My son's bike has lower miles and has not had any problems thus far. My ULY has been a real reliable ride for me, others have not been so fortunate. Would I recommend that you buy that low mileage 06? Sure. Make sure you look it over real good like you would any used bike. Enjoy and welcome to Buell world. | ||
| Rays |
"If you are mechanically inclined then I'd say that the ULY is a very nice bike to own." EG has nailed it I would suggest. My '06 Uly has truly bloomed with a bit of TLC. If I had to rely on my dealer for every little thing that I have have done then I would have lost my cool ages ago. My original '05 Build 2006 Uly now has just over 100,000Km on it (~62K miles) and is one of the best bikes I have ever owned. I now have an '09 XT as well but I actually prefer the 'old girl' given the choice. The '06 has had lots of little gremlins but all of them are recorded here in the old Badweb posts so I suggest you look through the BB&D section and do some preventative maintenance based on the input from the collective. Don't skimp on the maintenance - regular oil changes (both engine and transmission) are critical. I will send you a copy of the service history of my '06 - there are several things listed there that you should take note of if you are going to get a low mileage '06 (I would grab one in a heartbeat but like EG I have had a great run from my original '06). | ||
| Towpro |
And if your from Edison NJ, what is all this talk about putting it away for the winter? I am around 100 miles west of you, and only park them when the road is covered with Salt (personal preference). ps: This site is one of the best tools you can have for your Buell. (Message edited by towpro on September 03, 2011) | ||
| Etennuly |
I too have had a great ride from my '06. I only have 57,000 miles on it so far. You have made the right first move in buying it by coming here. I got through many of the problems the bike had by discussing the problems with folks having the same symptoms. Wiring issues have been the big headache on mine. The best news is that except for wear related parts, once an issue is fixed it seems to be fixed for good. I would recommend starting the bike off with a gift to yourself. Get the 6mm finned rotor and a good brand of brake pads for the front of the bike as soon as you can. I maintain my bike pretty regularly. With that and a new front engine isolator as needed(I kill them two up over the GVWR), these bikes seem to run better and smoother as well as shifting smoother as time goes by. If all goes well when mine hits 100,000 miles I am planning a trip around the lower 48. When I get it home from that I intend to detail it to like new and hang it on a wall in my office. Then find a new Erik Buell Racing machine that I can only hope fits the bill as well as the Uly has. | ||
| Aj_brooklyn |
welcome,I ride a uly and live in brooklyn if you ever want to ride somewhere drop me a line.From what i have read on this forum 06's can be glitchy I would buy an 08 or up if you can find one, but if your handy I am sure the fixes are here to be had and are very simple. As an example my uly has responded well to comfort kit,ecm relocate,memphis shades,breather re-route etc. | ||
| Rodclement |
WOW! Thanks for all the responses guys! I go the email with the maintance records! You guys are awesome! Well i got the bike! Test drove it this morning and with the exeptions of some scratches on the hard bags and normal wear the bike is awesome! Checked the vin at the dealer with harley and the bike hasn't even been in for first service yet! It only has 4K miles on it! The original owner is 75 years old and rode it when he got it then seldom brought it out, to high for him... I just rode home for 30 miles and am already in love! No kidding this handles so well and the ride is very comfortable. I will shcedule a dealership once over just to give me peace of mind, fresh oil, etc. and the recall items that have not been done but the dealer guarantees it will be all done and free of charge. all in all i am very happy with my purchase and the price was great! Looking forward to meeting some of you and learning more about this awesome machine! Rod | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
Welcome aboard.  | ||
| Portero72 |
'The best news is that except for wear related parts, once an issue is fixed it seems to be fixed for good.' True words. I had a problem plagued 06 that my dealer traded me for a stellar 09, that I still ride(35k as of this morning). There are a few common issues that can be easily and cheaply addressed by you or a buddy with minimal tools or skill. It's a great bike. Welcome to the madness. | ||
| Rodclement |
Thanks! One thing I noticed is that my cooling fan runs a bit noisy so I will try to lube it a little on Monday when I am off from work during a full once-over the bike, don't know if I will need a new fan but with this being a 2006 bike I am almost sure that will be the case! Rod | ||
| Portero72 |
Might not want to do that. The older fans run quite loudly; it's part of the 'charm' of the bike and is normal. I have heard that the grease in the fan bearings is delicate and would not respond well to additional lubing. If your fan is RATTLING, then it is on its way out. But 4k sounds kinda early for that. Hope you can tell the difference. | ||
| Portero72 |
A free mod is to set the suspension to your weight. The owner's manual has all the settings. It's like magic. | ||
| Reepicheep |
I wouldn't trade my 07 Uly for anything out there right now. Well, Except for an 09 or 10 Uly. I'm not a fan of the 1125, nice bike, I just don't like the seating position. | ||
| Johnboy777 |
""I wouldn't trade my 07 Uly for anything out there right now. Well, Except for an 09 or 10 Uly"" +1 ... test rode a few bikes over the last month or so, and they don't seem to be any better than what I already have. ... | ||
| Rodclement |
Got it about the fan! No rattling just a bit loud but it is working fine and no rattling or any friction sound. Ordered a comfort kit online, hopefully it will get here next week! Any good sources for a hand guard? My right side one is loose at the end of the grip, as in needs to be replaced, no biggie but I will replace it. Rod | ||
| Towpro |
If your records indicate it has never been back to the dealer, Get the recall done on the Bank Angle Sensor. I understand they move the sensor to a more protected location. Bank Angle Sensors are a know problem where the bike dies while riding it. there may be other recalls outstanding as well. Also, if your going to do any service yourself, see if you can buy a cable for EcmSpy (watch here or ebay). You will need it to adjust the throttle Position Sensor. I found mine was a little off at 5000 miles. I bet the cable sells for less then paying the dealer to do it once, and someone here will PM (Private Message) you the software. | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
I've still got the original fan in my 06 with 34,000 miles. Maybe the fan's lasted this long because I rarely clean the bike and steer clear of pressure washers except recently to blow out the oil cooler fins. My computer fan was rattling like a can full of nuts and bolts. I oiled it up and it has been like new for the last few months. I think when and if my ULY fan starts making noise, I'll try to grease it up if that is even possible. Haven't been up and personal with it since it has never been a problem. Anytime I can fix something rather than paying for a new part then for sure I'll fix it. | ||
| Steveford |
Get some Ferodo brake pads, replace that throttle body shaft, lube the clutch barrel, move the ECM as far away from the seat as possible and consider either a 2010 rear wheel or better rear wheel bearings. Neoprene wraps for the fork seals are a good idea, too. Part #200 from Drag Specialties http://www.dragspecialties.com/part/getItemDetails.do?application=dragspecialties&partIds[]=103897 Other than that, it's just fluid and spark plug changes and clutch and primary chain adjustment. Get the TPS reset, too. You're overdue. Congrats, it's a great bike. (Message edited by SteveFord on September 03, 2011) | ||
| Rodclement |
Right there with you guys! I want to have the dealership do a once over service since I bought it used and it needs the recall work done anyway so a "factory" oil change and filters along with checking the bike over will be a safety measure for me, from there on it's all on me unless it's way beyond my ability. Rod | ||
| Fltwistygirl |
Congrats on the new ride and best wishes for many fun-filled, gremlin-free miles! |
