| Author | Message | ||
     Coloadv |
Ive been riding dirt and street for 30 years. Like many Im still looking for the do it all bike but about three months ago purchased an 06 xb12. I looked at al adventure bikes and like many, found the klr to be bulletproof but liking in 2-up and street characteristics, the BMW to be too expensive, too heavy and the KTM to be too expensive to maintain long term and rough on the road. I settled in on the Ulysses for power to weight ratio and frankly cost. I just don't think you can get more for your money in this class. So after about two years I finally purchased an 06. Bar risers, EBR race ECU, KN, performance exhaust, heavier front springs, all the heat mods, panniers, Madstat windshield, corbin seat, overside foot pegs etc... The bike had 15 k miles and after changing all fluids and going thru the bike I've racked up a few hundred miles and I remain convinced it a unique bike for the class. Today I did 110 miles 58 of it dirt roads and soon the bike will be loaded unto my rv to head to BANF and Glacier. I appreciate all the advice and help on this site and will try to not ask too many stupid questions.  | ||
| Tootal |
Sounds like you're ready for a great trip! We rode from Sturgis to Glacier to Banff to Lake Louise and then the Columbian Ice fields. What a great trip! You are going to really enjoy the scenery! BTW, where did you find heavier springs for the front forks? Many have needed heavier springs but instead used heavier fork oil to compensate. I've always believed a heavier spring and lighter fork oil would work better. | ||
| Hugie03flhr |
The Ulysses was the best kept secret for many years and now looking back, maybe it was too much of a secret! Enjoy the ride!!! | ||
| El_guapo |
Ditto on the springs question pls. I almost carbon copied your story.picked up an 06bw 14k on the clock about a month ago and have been riding it like it's going out of style! At 6'4" 265# I could definitely use heavier front springs. | ||
| Arry |
The '06 came with (I believe) a straight rate spring. The '07 changed to a dual rate spring. I think this had softer initial travel. A lot of '06 bikes were changed to the updated springs, so if you have a previously owned '06, it's hard to say what springs it has. I'm wondering if the '06 (straight rate) springs would be better for heavier riders (?). Another thing you can do, is raise the fork oil level. This reduces the amount of air in the fork, and increases the progressive "springing" as that air compresses. Search the BadWeb, on fork oil level, and you should find lots of posts. There is a limit to this, you don't want to go too high on the oil level. | ||
| Gmaple |
My advice is to replace the fork spring with the 07 spring and set the fork oil heidth to the 07 fork spec using 10wt fork oil. You won't believe the difference. The 07 Springs I believe are still available and they are only about $50. |
