| Author | Message | ||
     Dynasport |
I came late to the Buell party, buying my first one in the fire sale that took place after HD closed Buell. I had been looking at them for a year or more, but I was waiting for a better time for me financially. Well, over $5000 off a brand new 2010 XB12XT solved that issue. I have now had the bike for four years and I love it. I have 30,000 miles on it and hope to put many more on her. They haven't been completely trouble free, but the problems have been few and minor. I have done an Iron Butt or two on her. Ridden her to Wisconsin for a Homecoming where Erik signed her. Taken her on several weeklong trips of about 2,000 miles each up the the North Carolina mountains from the Florida flatlands. And used her to pick up groceries and take me wherever I wanted to go around town. Lately, however, I have become concerned about the long term availability of parts. I just had an oil leak repaired and this morning I replaced a front turn signal stalk that had vibrated itself in two. While the bike has been pretty reliable, it does shake like crazy at a standstill and I have a feeling all those vibrations are going to take a toll on more and more parts. So far I have been able to get replacement parts ordered through HD and the wait hasn't been too bad, but they don't keep anything in stock. That makes me a bit nervous as I like to travel by bike and I don't want to be stuck away from home waiting a week for a part. Plus, I'm afraid that eventually parts won't be available at all. What do you guys think about this? I have test ridden a few bikes lately and while I like some aspects of some of them better than my XT, I really like the overall XT package. Sometimes I do wish for a more touring oriented bike, and sometimes I wish for a bit more HP, but the few bikes that meet those criteria are often pretty heavy and sometimes very expensive (BMW K1600GTL for example). Anyway, I have more thoughts, but I'm just rambling. I think if I had more confidence in the future availability of parts along with the confidence I wouldn't have to wait forever if the part is available I wouldn't even think about another bike. | ||
| Hughlysses |
Dan- I honestly don't see parts being a problem any time soon. There are very few parts on this bike that are likely to break and are truly unique to Buells. Seals, bearings, and the like are generally off-the-shelf parts common to many bikes. Most of the engine wear parts are common to Sportsters and/or are available aftermarket. Can't get a turn signal from HD? There are a hundred aftermarket choices. For things that you know WILL fail at some point that a dealer almost never stocks, like clutch and throttle cables and belts, the best solution is to buy spares and take them with you on long trips. A few things cause a little reason for concern long-term. At the top of this list I'd put the ECM and drive belt. However, EBR still offers aftermarket ECM's and if the belts become NLA through HD, I'm sure someone (American Sport Bike or Twin Cycles) will get them straight from Goodyear or find an aftermarket alternative. If you're ready to move on to a different bike, I can understand that, but I wouldn't let fear of lack of parts make me get rid of the XT. | ||
| Etennuly |
That happens to any brand of any thing every where. I have a '99 minivan in my shop that the front bumper cover only fit '99 and 2000. No longer available new or after market and the few I have seen in salvage yards are turning to powder, wrecked or otherwise junk. I run into this obsolete parts problem all of the time on many vehicles of many brands that are more than ten to fifteen years old that are still serviceable. It is not just a Buell thing. Try buying parts for a ten year old Hondazukasaki. We laugh but HD is one of the few companies who can cover parts back so many years because of their "new for the next year..... color changes". Boring sure, but some parts fit back a long way. | ||
| Dynasport |
Hugh, glad you are confident parts will be available for a while. I wish I was more confident of that. And Vern, I know it's not just a Buell thing, but I think that with Buell no longer in business, and being a fairly low volume brand anyway, that some some parts are going to be very rare in the not too distant future. And about Harley's even my 2000 FXDX is hard to get some parts for. So, while Harleys may be better than other brands, even they have problems supplying some parts for lower volume/less popular models. If I do buy a new bike in a couple of years, my Buell will never be sold. I love the bike. I will just probably ride it less on trips. | ||
| Arry |
Sounds like you've got a good plan -- keeping the Uly even if you get a new bike. The problem with most replacement alternatives is the price of admission. A lot of us got our Ulys at a very reasonable price, so its hard to ante up for something newer. | ||
| Court |
>>>Can't get a turn signal from HD? And the turn signals came straight out of a parts catalog from Japan . . the same one the Japanese manufacturers source from . . and still do. Given the number of parts that the Ulysses shares with the over a million HD XL's out there and the number of Ulysses that live in junk yards and have been parted . . it not one of my big concerns., | ||
| Buhler1 |
I have an 08xt that I'm keeping but just added a 14 R1200RT. The Buell has more character. The BMW gives me comfort. Both are unusual in Illinois. | ||
| Dynasport |
I'm sorry if I wasn't clear. I didn't have any difficulty getting a turn signal from my local HD dealer. He ordered it and it took 4 days to come in, which seemed good because he told me a week. I also just replaced some seals on the engine to repair an oil leak. About half the parts were the same as Sportster parts and half were unique to my Buell. However, I'm not sure how long that experience will last. I did notice that the turn signals on the SX I test rode recently look just like the turn signals on my XT. I wonder what other parts might be interchangeable. Maybe the mirrors. Hopefully I never wreck the bike. I've heard that some of the plastics like the air box cover are already hard to come by. I don't know if that is true or not. | ||
| Reepicheep |
I just restored a 78 Kawasaki KZ-400 from a bucket, and haven't needed a single "Kawasaki" part yet. It does take some creativity though. | ||
| Court |
Hmmmm . .. now you're scaring . . . . this was made before I was born and parts are no problem. I have a complete set of parts manuals, service manuals and there's just not much to it.    | ||
| Dpb |
Court, Always loved the Cushman. I started on a '47. Lots of fond memories and mechanical learning on that old scooter! Thanks for sharing! | ||
| Trevd |
I've had my 2008 XT since the spring of 2009, and for the first time, I'm thinking of other bikes. I LOVE the handling of the XT, but hate the lack of wind management. I feel the Uly has the aerodynamics of a brick shithouse. I've tried everything - madstad brackets and windscreen, laminar lip, and even the memphis shades lowers. It all helps to a certain extent, but at interstate speeds, I hate the amount of wind noise I get coming up into my helmet. Might be just my height, riding position etc, or maybe I'm just sensitive. Makes me long for a bike with all the plastic at the front. I also hate the the fact that I feel I have to carry a saddlebag full of parts (belt, bearing, spacer, ECM, etc...) and tools and the shop manual when I go for a ride of any distance. They Uly has never let me down, but if and when it does, the lack of Buell dealers around might mean I'm on my own for parts and service, depending on where I am. I've actually been lusting after a 2014 BMW R1200RT, but won't be able to afford that for a few years. I also worry that with the Telelever suspension up front I would be disappointed with the handling. | ||
| Etennuly |
 I have a long trip plan that many people use. If I am out a long distance from home, too far to go back to tow it home, or too expensive to rent a truck for the distance, and it has a failure that cannot be overcome, I will sell it, or trade it in somewhere on something else. I test rode a two year old BMW touring something or other at a HD store that it's previous owner had done exactly that. After a five minute test ride I could see why. It was a two year old POS that I determined in minutes that I would not own. The PO rode it up from Florida and traded it for an HD because he could not stand to ride it any longer. Telelever.....yeah.....that particular bike would tip over if you attempt a turn in a parking lot.....even with the new tire the dealer put on it. | ||
| Trevd |
Etennuly, If I used your long trip plan, I wouldn't be able to go home cause my wife would kill me once I did, cause I guarantee that the net financial result of such a transaction would not be in my favor... | ||
| Callawegian |
Trevd and others that have commented on the fairing / fly screen of the Uly obviously didn't grow up in the 70's and early 80's like I did. Part of riding is being subjected to the elements. If I wanted to be I out of the out of the weather I would cage it everywhere. The setup on a Uly is sufficient to keep the wind off of you. Sorry my 2 cents! | ||
| Dynasport |
I added the adjustable brackets to my stock XT screen and find the wind management just fine. | ||
| Trevd |
Actually, I grew up in the 80's, and my first 2 bikes were a Honda XL350, and a Honda Hawk GT - neither of which had a fairing, and both of which I put more highway miles on than most probably would. Neither had the issue that I have with the Uly - the main issue for me is not the wind coming over the windscreen, it's the wind coming up from below the handlebars, hitting me under the helmet. I'm guessing it might have something about the thickness or shape of the frame/gas tank, but I don't know. I admit that I am rather sensitive to wind management, but for what it's worth, I also have a Suzuki DRZ400 that I occasionally use on the highway, and I don't have the same complaint. | ||
| Xbimmer |
Only one more thing I want to do to my '06, if I ever get around to it:  And I'm getting so frustrated with FI engine management issues I'm at the point of giving up the HP for a carb'd bike next. These have caught my eye lately:  But what I really want is 98-00 RT:  I don't have any problem with Telelever, you either like it or don't it seems. I know my wants above have parts availability issues themselves, doesn't worry me, I still have this one:  Trevd, I know what you mean about the updraft on the Uly, have you tried a tank bag? Big difference on mine with it on. | ||
| Trevd |
Yep, I have a tankbag, and it does make a difference for sure, but for me at interstate speeds, not quite enough. I've never ridden a telelever BMW, so I'm not sure if I'd like it or not. I have heard that feedback is muted, which doesn't sound appealing to me. I wonder if the little fairing on that Uly would do the trick... seems like a lot of trouble though! | ||
| Jdm1200 |
About parts, the great thing about old Harleys is you can always get parts,USUALLY, and maybe not from harley. I have an 83 FXE (Shovelhead) and an 96 EVO Electra Glide. I rebuilt the Shovelhead and had no trouble finding anything. | ||
| Dynasport |
I've never noticed an updraft on my Uly. Now, after reading this I'm going to be looking for it. You've totally ruined my enjoyment of the bike! Now I had terrible updraft issues with my FXDX with a windshield on it. I couldn't wear an open face helmet on it without it bouncing my sunglasses on my face. Maybe that one was so bad that I don't even notice it on the XT. I did ride it from Florida to Wisconsin before I got the bracket and the turbulence was really bad. Putting on the adjustable bracket made a huge difference. Even though you say your issue is not from the windshield I recommend you give one a shot. I think the space it creates between the flyscreen and the windshield is what makes the biggest difference. You might find that it solves your problem like it did mine. | ||
| Trevd |
Hi Dynasport, I do have the adjustable brackets... it has made a huge difference for sure. And at lower speeds, it's fine. At higher speeds is where it bugs me. Actually, the bike I had before this one was a Super Glide with a windshield on it, and I didn't have much of an issue with updraft. It had the lowers though, so maybe that was the difference there. It could also be that I'm getting older and crankier too... | ||
| Toy_builder |
OK well the windscreen was one of the things the previous owner removed in his attempt to make a Ulysses a sportbike and he then he broke it so I need a windscreen and have been trying to figure out what type to put on it.It did come with a set of stainless steel brackets.I don't really want something massive thing but on the other hand it would be nice to be out of the wind on the highway.My other daily rider is a 97'Ducati Monster and even with the fly screen there's not much in the way of wind protection ,and at 49 with almost 33 years of street riding it's time to get out of the wind.I do have a budget sort of at least that's what I'm telling the wife (it's my story and I'm sticking to it)so anyway please keep your suggestions reasonable ,Oh wait sorry guy's that's my Ducati owners Forum that does that . | ||
| Reepicheep |
I hated the factory tall windscreen. It moved the buffeting from a place around my sternum that didn't bother me to my helmet where it bugged the snot out of me. I gave it Alex, who also hated it, and he auctioned it off for charity. Some people like them, but some don't, FWIW. | ||
| Biffdotorg |
OK Xbimmer, you need to go buy a cheap carbed bike just to remind yourself of how good you have it!! I have had two EFI Buells, 3 EFI Yamaha Sleds and my wife's carbed Suzuki. Nope, no more of that crap. There is good and bad with both, but a proper EFI setup is the way to go. | ||
| Biffdotorg |
To the OP though, I am in the same boat. With my'08 XT, I get the same feeling. But maybe we are just looking for a reason to shop for a new bike. It really comes down to the fact that I cannot find a good replacement. That new Honda is interesting, and so is the super tenere. But chain drive? The Ducati multistrada is interesting, but no local support. Who knows. | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
Xbimmer, That fairinged ULY looks sharp to me, at least for the photo's distance. Not enough windshield for my tastes though. When I first got the ULY way back in November of 05' I couldn't stand the buffeting of the wind but experimented and set mine up with a modified CeeBailey and haven't changed it for over 40K miles. | ||
| Fotoguzzi |
Xbimmer, what fairing is on the Uly? got a frontal shot?  after the Memphis Shade deflectors my MadStad w/s works great.. I don't have any wind or buffeting bothering me anywhere.. it was about 40f on the way to work today and comfy w/heated grips..  I rode my Uly almost everyday since back in April and like it so well I sold my other street bikes.. so far have not much desire for anything new.. a KTM Duke or SM might be fun but no weather protection. sadly I'm parking it after tomorrow since daylight savings time will make it dark during commutes and I don't feel it's safe.. now I'll get to work editing the video.. didn't shoot much this summer but I have some cool copter shots and the sound track, "It's all about the BASE" OR IS IT BASS (like the ULY sound) ? | ||
| Slowride |
Fotoguzzi, Can you show how the lower deflectors mount to your bike. I actually have a set of lower deflectors on my bike now. They are the same kit you can find on the new Electra's from HD. They are longer and wide at the top and narrow towards the bottom. They are attached via metal/rubber bands clamped to the fork tubes. | ||
| Discochris |
Re: The OP's concern… It's one of the main reasons I sold my Uly to be honest. I loved riding it, but long-term parts and reliability had me deciding to fish or cut bait. Part of it was I really wanted to go back to an ST style bike, with better weather protection for LD riding, but I also can only afford to keep one bike, and I need that bike to be as reliable as possible. Someone mentioned that other mfgs have parts issues, but there are two things I'd say about that: 1. I restored a 1981 Suzuki GS1100 a while back (wish I hadn't sold it). I could get 99% of what I needed from Bike Bandit or other similar sites, because many parts were common to other Japanese bikes of the era. While there are good vendors like American Sport Bike for Buell's, there just weren't that many made, so the aftermarket is going to be small anyway. 2. And I've said this before… HD didn't support Buell well when they were still in business, so why would we think that it's not going to go anywhere but in the toilet now. I'd feel more comfortable getting parts in five years for a Cagiva Elefant than I would an XB Buell. (the older Buells will likely be better simply because they're so similar to Sportsters.) | ||
| Fotoguzzi |
slowride,    | ||
| Xbimmer |
The red Uly above isn't mine, it's one of the UlyBolts others have built. Firebolt fairing adapted to the X/XT (or have I got that backwards, Uly tail to a 'Bolt?). In any case it looks very workable to me, I would space the mounting frame out an inch and up two or three IMO. The stock R headlights would have to go also, H4's of some kind would be my choice. But again a purpose built faired sport tourer is what I'm interested in for my next ride. |
