| Author | Message | ||
     General_ulysses |
Hey everybody, been lurking for a while and finally decided to register and chat a bit about Ulies. A buddy of mine has a thunderbolt (I think) that I took a ride on a few years ago. It was too small for me (I'm 6'2" 190lbs), but I really enjoyed the throaty, torque monster engine. It was quite capable of scaring me, especially on the twisties. That bike had more motor than I had courage, so it'll do for the kinda riding I'm interested in. I was never really a Harley guy, but I still appreciate the V-twin appeal and the 'torquability' that goes along with it. Anyway, been reading quite a bit about the Uly. I think I want to get one, I like the idea for once in my life having a cool bike that actually fits me, is truly comfortable to ride and can 'git it' on command. Seems the Uly might just fit that bill. I also like the idea of its ability to handle unimproved roads, although realistically, don't know how much of that I'll be doing. The two main things I'm not pleased with though, are the relatively small fuel capacity and the air cooled engine. To be more precise, I could probably deal with the air cooled engine, but that rear cylinder seems to be a hot topic. Seems it's often described as a serious contributor to swamp ass in the summer, especially during stop and go traffic. The fan runs all the time and it's loud too. But I haven't seen too much on how well the comfort kit really deals with the swamp assiness of the Uly. Will there be lillypads and bull frogs residing in my drawers if I get one of these Ulys? And what about the fuel capacity? Has anyone ever added a small 1-2 gallon reserve tank to the bike? I don't mean just strapping a red gas tank to the seat, I mean a properly integrated container that can give you another 50-100 miles in range? Seems the 4.2 gallon tank is a bit of an achilles heel for an "adventure" bike. Thanks for any and all input. Hope to score a good Ulysses fairly soon. | ||
| Teeps |
The heat has never bothered me, before or after installing the comfort kit. I do not ride in jeans or shorts... The fan does run and it is loud; people will look at you when stopped at a light, it's that loud. Mine gets 50 mpg consistently, why would you need more range? | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
 4 Gal. Tourtank makes it about 370 miles + or - between fill ups.... and welcome to BadWeb | ||
| Froggy |
The cylinder is not the issue, it is the header pipe. The comfort kit does quite a bit to reduce what you will feel, but the easiest fix is just to wear proper riding attire and not position your leg right up against the header.
That is not the case. Swamp ass is mostly due to not having enough airflow to your, umm, ass to wick away sweat. The engine on the bike is not a major factor for this.
Yep, you can add a Tourtank keg to the back of the bike and then feed it into frame. Personally I don't find that to be necessary, as even on a bad day these bikes will get you over 50mpg, which gives a cruising around around 200 miles. With nothing but highway cruising I've gone well over 240 miles without even seeing the low fuel light come on, which means you have about 3/4 of a gallon left. While there are times I would like a longer range, it has never been an issue. | ||
| Ratbuell |
I routinely get 130 on the trip before the light comes on. And I'm not nice to my Uly. I'm also 6'4"...and about 200# right now  It fits, and as noted above, proper riding gear prevents any heat issues. You're in Ellicott City...I'm just outside Frederick. Come out for a ride sometime, I'll loan ya Big Bird for a few miles   | ||
| Bartimus |
Or you could just get a Tenere, and not have to worry about heat, air cooled engines, or rotating your engine. Just add gas, and ride... | ||
| Advoutlander |
I currently get 170 miles to a tank 2 up. Not sure yet what it will get on my own. Mine is an 2008 and i've experienced no heat problems and I can barely hear the fan. As for extra gas I'm buying a rotopax 1.75 gal and will carry it in a backpack or luggage when adventure riding. | ||
| Reepicheep |
I got to ride a Tenere', and while it is clearly a nice bike, I couldn't wait to hand it back to the owner and get back on my Uly. YMMV. Never had a heat problem when wearing sane gear and with the comfort kit. | ||
| Ratman |
Ive owned a 95 Duc Elefant, 2 Tigers and 2 BMW GS'es and 1 KTM 950Adv. The Tigers held just under 6 gallons of fuel. I have yet to make more than 200 miles on any of them. The 06 Uly I just picked up did 102 miles on 2.2 gals of fuel on mixed riding. That being said range is relatively the same. You want pinging, surging, shin bruising and terrible air dynamics I recommend the GS. Both Tigers were great bikes,no complaints there. The Duc and KTM I loved save the maint and parts cost and availability. I gotta say the Uly truly excites me when I hop on it,as far as heat well see this summer when it hits 100+. Mine does have the comfort kit and some heat insulation mods under the seat and so far the fan only runs after I shut it down,no biggie to me, the KTM's ran 100% of the time when less than 15 MPH give or take.. BTW Im 240 and 6'2" and find it pretty damn comfy save the hard seat (no ass cushioning) and somewhat slippery pegs. | ||
| General_ulysses |
Thanks for the great replies everyone. Ok, so it sounds like the consensus is that the swamp ass syndrome (SAS) fears are unfounded, especially if the comfort kit is installed. As to fuel range: I agree that going more than 200 miles in one stretch on a motorcycle is not a huge burden. I wouldn't mind at all stopping for gas and to stretch my legs and back, maybe even more frequently than every 150-200 miles. The point is that if you're "adventure riding" out in the boondocks somewhere that doesn't show up on your GPS, that range may bite you. As an example, there are some very long dirt roads and V-stromable trails (i.e. relatively smooth) out in Colorado. Or even just back roads out in unfamiliar territory. I don't know how many mpg the bike would get riding on those roads/trails, but it likely won't be optimum. You'd have to think twice about going into terra incognito with anything less than a full tank. And then there's the situation where the next gas stop is just too far away, especially at odd hours, on Sundays etc. A ~4 gallon gas capacity will make those scenarios more frequent and likely. That's my only point. If all I ever did was ride around town and go on normal rides with friends etc, then it wouldn't be an issue. Just seems that if you use the bike for what it's billed as, it would pose a less than ideal handicap, that's all. A part of my "fuel anxiety" is because I used to ride a Suzuki RM500, which was a great trail bike. But due to it being a big bore 2-stroke, it drank more gas than my friends' 250s and 125s. We'd go out for a day of riding and leave civilization behind. But I'd always have to keep an eye on the tank level or I'd end up in crisis mode (before anyone else). It would be more relaxing to know you've got ample fuel for almost any unforeseen situation. Exploring unknown areas off the grid means, by definition, unforeseen situations will happen. That's kinda the whole point of the trip, really. That gas keg on the rear rack is cool and would definitely solve the problem. Although I'd rather have it integrated into the bike somehow instead of using up cargo space. But I guess the reality is that if I go on some epic trip out west, I'll just have to bring a spare gas can. Bartimus I considered the Tenere, but the $15K price tag is way outside of my budget. Thanks again for all the insight. | ||
| Uly_man |
With all due respect Guy you are asking something that is NOT the fault of the bike but something you would wish to have. And while it may be an "adventure" type bike no one, not even HD, has ever set a limit on how far it can go on a tank of gas. Err a RM500 over a 250/125s for gas use? | ||
| Ratman |
Had to laugh on the two stroke bit,brought back some memories. Used to ride with a buddy who had a 95 Ducati 900SS/SP, I had a RZ350. First time out I ran outta gas before we even got to Angeles Crest Highway where we were headed. I filled up 3 times before he even started to squirm about goin dry. | ||
| Afsoc_commando |
I rode from NORVA to NC during the Xmas break. My tank range was 110-140 before I would hit the reserve. I like getting off the bike now and again to stretch. I have seen guys mount tanks on the triple-tail for the adventure trip off the beaten path so as not to lose the rear rack for storage. Depending on the tank you could load a roll back on top of it as well to increase your storage. Search the board to see some of the many ways people have mounted extra fuel storage. You will not regret the bike. The worst thing is finding some of the stock accessories if you desire them. Also there are 2 different Hepco Becker Pannier racks for the ULY. The more common one you see with the Journey's and another more conventional set that places the locks and the bags to the rear like most other bikes and bags. They open up bag choices that allow you to use many other bags while still leaving room for the rear pegs if you want a passenger. Buy that bike and enjoy it... Your MPG will be based on the bike and you. I have heard everything from 55mpg to the 40mpg I see on my 2009XT. | ||
| Ratbuell |
I have tubes under my saddlebags. You can do a search on here for "operators tube" and it will bring up some information. I have three on the Uly, one tucked in front of the license plate and one under each bag. I carry a variety of items - one tube is first aid, one tube is some tools, and one is a 1L MSR fuel bottle. 1L isn't a ton...but it's about 17 miles you don't have to push the bike. I've never had to use it. The low fuel light is invaluable on these bikes. I do dump it into the tank and refill the bottle once every couple of months, to keep it from going stale. Don't want to have to use it, have spare fuel...and find out it's no good.  | ||
| Arcticktm |
My '06 usually goes 150-160 miles before reserve light comes on. I can push it to 200 miles, but 180 is MUCH safer. That is on twisty mountain roads, not off road. I don't do much off road at all on this bike. I DID have a big issue with heat. It was the seat getting hot, not the header for me. The comfort kit solved the problem for me, at least in temps up to 85-90F. Wearing proper gear (riding pants, even vented mesh ones) also helps with this. The fan is just something you deal with. Yes, it's there, but it's not like it's so loud you need earplugs. It can be annoying when you are talking to someone just after shutting the bike down. | ||
| General_ulysses |
Uly man - I'm not saying it is the "fault" of the bike that its fuel quantity is too small. Every bike I consider buying I always analyze it and weigh its pros and cons. I've never found a bike that's perfect in every way, they're all trade-offs. I like understanding what those trade-offs are and if they can be corrected or worked around in a manner that minimizes the downsides. I just meant considering the Uly's marketed purpose of "adventure riding" and quasi-offroading, I thought the available fuel quantity was a bit limiting. Many otherwise similar bikes have larger fuel capacity. For instance, one bike I'm also considering is a KLR650. This bike is a total turd compared to the Uly and its engine is nearly half the size of the Uly's. But even with its significantly higher mpgs, it comes with a 6.1 gallon tank. You can really do some exploring on that bike and with minimal worry. As to "Err a RM500 over a 250/125s for gas use?" I think you misunderstood. I didn't select the RM500 over 250s and 125s because I thought it was better on gas. I selected it for the same reason someone would pick a Uly over a KLR650 - one twist of the throttle and mystery solved! Ratman - Funny story about the RZ, always wanted one of them. I had a '78 RD400 back in the day, although it actually got pretty good mileage. It was all stock though. Porting, chambers and rejetted carbs will change all that tho. Ratbuell - That's a cool strategy! And heck yeah, even a pint or so can make all the difference between being stranded and making it to the next station. Looks like you really have your bike dialed in, and based on your bank angle you've got the skill and doo dads to ride it the way it was meant to be ridden. I'm at the age where knowledge of my mortality combined with a fear of disability and pain will probably keep me a little more upright...maybe.  | ||
| Ratbuell |
I've got 2 lbs of titanium in my legs. The Uly is "that voice in the back of your head", chanting "mustgofastermustgofaster" the whole time you're riding it. It's all the bike's fault | ||
| Schwara |
The main heat I feel is from the headers on the right & that is really only in the core of summer. In the winter it is quite nice. I will probably ceramic coat the headers which should remove most of the heat and look a lot better as well. The update to the fan function turns it off under 15 mph I believe so I never hear it anymore at stop lights. I'm also considering lining the frame with the adheasive stuff Al has on A.S.B. when I do the engine rotate but haven't decided 100% on that one yet. I'm still new to really long rides so the range means nothing to me. I stop at ~100 miles regardless just for a break & to make sure my wits are still OK to ride another 100. | ||
| Motorbike |
I installed the Comfort Kit on my 08 XT shortly after I bought the bike new. It was 45 degrees F for the first 300 miles I put on and the heat actually felt good but was all on the right side. I later installed the EBR ECM which totally changes the fan program. The fan does not run after I shut the bike off unless it is really hot. I also installed the front part of the Odie's heat blanket and this keeps any heat from escaping between the edge of the seat and the frame near the rear cylinder. I run Amsoil 20W-50 and some people claim synthetic oil lets the engine run cooler but I can't say that I noticed any difference there. I guess the only way would be to check the oil temp with a thermometer/dipstick, as some on here are doing. This combination of upgrades allows me to ride comfortably even on 90 to 95 degree days. If it's hotter than that, well maybe you want to drive your car instead. I wear regular blue jeans and a mesh motorcycle jacket and the heat is no longer an issue. | ||
| Tastroman |
I've got an 09xt w/o the comfort kit and heat has never been an issue for me. I live in a rural area so I don't sit in traffic often. | ||
| Hoover_uly |
I bought my Uly about a year ago and have not had any problems. Spent money on farkles and tires only. I live in the deep south so it's not much fun to ride either of my bikes on a hot August afternoon but yes, the Uly is definitely warmer than other bikes I've owned. Proper riding gear does help swamp ass syndrome but a sheepskin seat cover and a liberal application of monkey butt powder makes a big difference also. I may try a set of those seat beads next summer. As much as I like the Uly I avoid stop and go traffic as much as possible regardless of temperature. The low RPM vibration and relatively tall gearing gets old fast when you are moving about ten feet a time. The updated fan logic available on the 08+ bikes helped a lot on my bike in summer riding. The fuel range is a little low for my liking but agree that I should get of the bike ever hundred miles or so anyway so it isn't a big issue. If I was traveling in the middle of nowhere, I would probably carry some extra fuel. The bike has a few undesirable characteristics that you can research endlessly on this site (as I did) but I bought mine anyway and have never regretted it. I love being able to ride in comfort on road and still be able to explore a dirt road or even a easy trail. Good luck with your decision! | ||
| Uly_man |
The fuel this bike holds is all about the XB series ie the same more or less. To make it bigger they would have had to re-design the frame. And while HD marked this as an "adventure" bike it is not in the same class as a bike that was built for the job like a GS. The heat problem? The 06 bikes run VERY hot but you adapt to it. Or at least I did. My 10 bike has no heat issues and runs like a normal bike. The comfort kit works as does the revised fan run time. Other things? Fuel. If I was in the sticks I would just strap a fuel can to the bike. Cheap (10$) and easy. The front end? You can add a ZTL2 caliper if you want or even go for a full double disc (normal) front end. Belt? You can have a chain if you want. At the end of the day this is a VERY, VERY good bike and a good base to build on for what you may want. |
