| Author | Message | ||
     Crusty |
In 1996, I was feeling burned out on Harleys. I was looking around at new bikes and had narrowed my focus to a new Triumph or a Buell. I went to Daytona and test rode both. The Triumph was a Major Disappointment to me. The S2T felt like someone had taken a full set of measurements of my body and designed the perfect motorcycle for me. It felt good. That Demo ride started me on a long love affair with Buells. Last Saturday I drove 250 miles to Liberty H-D/Buell to test ride a Ulysses. I'm not in love with the styling, and I was hoping that I'd like the bike a whole lot more after riding one. So I waited in line for 2 1/2 hours then got to take one out. The bike is way too tall for my 30" inseam, but I could probably get used to the height. The engine makes good usable power over a wide band, the transmission shifts beautifully and the suspension soaks up bumps easily. I found myself intentionally looking for potholes, sewer grates and manhole covers to ride over, and the bike never lost a bit of its composure. It's a great machine, and the factory should sell a sh**load of them. But... I don't like it. It leaves me cold. The thought of buying one doesn't excite me. It's the wrong bike for me. I've burned out on my M2; I will be buying a new bike before Spring. I just don't know what that bike will be. | ||
| Jersey_thunder |
S2T vs Ulysses....no comparison S2 for me all the way..Ulysses, WILD machine..just not my style. my .02 JT | ||
| Newfie_buell |
Crusty, I can't comment as I have never seen one in person. Heck, I don't even have a Buell Retailer. My local HD Retailer is great for getting me parts and stuff but its just not economically feasable for them to bring in the Buells. Special Training, parts inventory and other costs make the sales part very difficult. Its really a shame that Buell/HD don't let Non-Buell Retailers service these bikes, if that was the case then I am sure more people here would buy into the Buell Thing. I took a chance and got lucky with my S1 as I only encountered a few minor problems that I could resolve very easily. Anything major and I could have been up the creek. I understand what you mean, a motorcycle is suppose to stir the soul, my S1 still does that, and I too am looking for another in the spring and I don't know what it will be either. I want an Adventure Touring or Sport Touring Machine. On my short list is the Kawasaki Concours, ST1300 or the Ulysses. I'll take a good used S3T if I can find one. I know where there is one but it may be gone by the spring, I hope not but it could be. If thats gone then I am leaning towards the Concours. Why????? Basically because I don't want to take a gamble again on another Buell that won't get warranty covered at my local HD Retailer. The closest retailer is 1600km and an 8hr boat ride away. I'm screwed if I got to ship it there. My advice to you is to ride a bunch and find one that you love. A note to Erik and HD/Buell - Make these things easier for people to acquire and have serviced. I think you will sell a lot more. Use Dave S as a model and see where your sales will take you. That man is a living example of success!!!!! | ||
| Tramp |
why not purchase one of these ultra-cheap low-mile S2Ts that keep popping up on ebay? | ||
| Mikej |
He's got a slight problem with importing them past the Canadian border. Something about the age or brand or something like that. Not sure if he'd have the same problem with a newer one, but he told me once he did ask about bringing across an S2 and the gov. said no. | ||
| Jb2 |
I'm with ya Crusty. As a former multiple Buell owner(3-S2's, 1-S3 & 1-S1) I've yet to find a bike, Buell or otherwise, that suited me and stirred my soul like the S2 did. Every model offering since has left me high and dry and out of the Buell loop. I'm riding a 2005 Honda ST1300 currently and while it's a great machine it's a turd when comes to the passion part. The thought of riding a Harley again doesn't excite me in the least. After Harley number six I figgered out I lacked the attitude, earrings, tattoos and chrome addiction to properly fit in that brand slot. I too thought the Uly was goin' to be "the bike" until I seen one in person. Even with a low seat it'd be a disappointing purchase. Now I'm looking at the new Victorys and I really like the new Kawa's. We'll see. As for hoping Buell will build a sport-touring bike around my personal needs or yours... don't hold your breath. (Message edited by jb2 on September 28, 2005) | ||
| Jersey_thunder |
I've yet to find a bike, Buell or otherwise, that suited me and stirred my soul like the S2 did. AND THE DEFENSE RESTS...  JT | ||
| Newfie_buell |
There is a lot of fooling around with bringing a bike into the Great White North. Customs, the title has to be at the border 3 days before the bike gets there, then it has to be inspected by Canadian Tire (I wouldn't let a wheel barrow be inspected by them) within 30 days. Miscellaneous fees and stuff - better to find a Canadian one. Anything below a 1995 Buell is a NO NO. I wanted to find a good RS or RSS. Don't mind taking a chance on a classis like that, if i'm buying a new bike with warranty I damm well want the warranty to be covered at either a HD or Buell Retailer. I can buy the Concours from my Bro-In-Law (Kawi Retailer) and get full warranty cover. | ||
| Iamike |
Bill- I bought my ST1300 looking for a long distance tourer. The book says that it is 630# dry. I don't know what they leave off it but it really weighs 740#. It was quite noticeable pushing that sucker into the garage. It rides real nice but doesn't trip my trigger like the S3 does. My wife is pissed that I didn't sell the S3 but I keep remembering all the guys that regret selling 'that special bike'. I looked at a Concours but decided against it due to carbs. I rode a Uly and really liked it. I'd prefer a bigger windshield though. I don't think that I'd ever ride the ST off road. | ||
| Newfie_buell |
Mike, Seeing the kind of off road riding I like with my DR650 I would never ride a Ulysses there either. I thing the ulysses is fine for riding on the odd hard packed fire road but what happens when your faced with MUD or other types of rough terrain the DR650 can dance over. That damm belt got me worried as well which is why if I do get a S3T the belt is gone and chain introduced.  | ||
| Newfie_buell |
The DR by the way is standing on its own without the aid of a sidestand. Its STUCK It did come out with a little push. |
