| Author | Message | ||
     Erase |
Sat on a 2008 Uly XT, for around $14,000, is it really worth it? Why not a V-Strom or a Tiger? | ||
| Mike_dinger |
Because they are not American. Oh and they're too darn reliable. | ||
| Johnboy777 |
See if you can test ride 'em, then pick the one that best suits you regardless of price. If you just shop price, you could end up with something you really are not happy with.... except for the price. If you end up paying a few grand more for what you really like, so what, its the price of admission. Or, if all else fails, you could always ask the motorcycle gods for guidance... I think it involves sacrificing a virgin though, yeah, right ... good luck with that one. . | ||
| Skyclad |
Erase, for me, it was a case of personality. The Strom has none, and the Tiger just a little. The Ulysses has more character and personalty than almost any other bike out there. It is not for everyone, but don't get turned off by the price. Also, it takes a ride to understand what makes Buells Buells. Sitting on it in the showroom ain't gonna explain it. | ||
| Reepicheep |
I've ridden both a Uly and a VStrom (DL1000). The VStrom is a LOT like the SV-650, it is an incredible amount of bike for the money. If you want a lot of bike for the money, you won't beat it. Errr... unless you buy used. So that brings up the question of if you are buying only on price, why you would buy new. But lets put that aside for the minute... On the VStrom, again, like the SV650, you will never for a moment, while riding it, not be aware that it was built to a price. At least that was my experience. It worked fine, looked fine, and looked... well.... kinda cheap. Nothing about the bike inspired me, and following it later on another ride, I don't think it ever pulled on my XB9SX either... they were about the same acceleration when going flat out in the real world. The VStrom wallowed through corners. In fariness, so did the Uly I rode (first year model, before they later firmed up the front, and much less then the new XT). Compared to my XB9SX, I thought it was... messy. It would hustle through a corner fine, provided you started planning early enough. On my 260 pound KLR-250, that long travel makes turns kinda fun if you are in the right mood for it. On the VStrom, as big and heavy as it is, it just felt subtly alarming... like if something fast had to be done, it wasn't gonna happen. Granted, I am spoiled by the 9sx. That bike feels like I could split a dime in an instant on any mid corner correction. Thats a lot to ask of an "adventure bike". So nothing wrong with the mighty mighty V-Strom, but nothing special about it either (IMHO). You pay less to get less, but you probably get more then you pay for. It just didn't inspire me, and I am sure if I had bought one I would have sold it by now. My buddy is happy with his though... aside from taking it in the shorts for a stationary drop in a parking lot (like $300 in damages if he fixed it right). Definately ride both! Both great bikes, and both priced reasonably (IMHO). (And I would take a lightly used Uly over a new VStrom 10 times out of 10, FWIW). | ||
| Froggy |
Worked on me. I first saw the Uly at the international bike show, started drooling, sat on it, and said "this is it". Like the bike wanted me to buy it. Like the others say, test ride all 3! If a dealer wont let you touch it, take your cash elsewhere. | ||
| Ulyranger |
I paid msrp for my 08 XT and it was/is worth every penny. Was considering the Strom, along with several other bikes but the Uly just does it for me. Just as simple as that, and it continues to please with every ride. The looks, attitude and performance, best ride I ever had. Go ride all the bikes on your short list and buy the one that speaks to you loudest. | ||
| Joe_solo |
Had a DL1000 VStrom for a season, put 30,000kms on the clock. The bike was..."pedestrian". Just wasn't as much fun as I thought it could be. Now the Uly...on the other hand is a completely different beast - I know I'm on a motorcycle. 07 XB12X | ||
| Conchop |
What about the Tiger. I hear it's a sweet ride. | ||
| Naiguy |
according to fuell mag there was only like 840 some odd XB XT made in 2008 which is the 25th year of buell, so the bike will hold more value than most others...... maybe. im not saying that to buy one cause of that. buy whats going to put a smile on your face. | ||
| Greenamp |
The VStrom is a cool bike. I almost got one. I was nearly sold until I stopped at a local Harley dealer for kicks, knowing nothing of Buell, and saw my Uly on the showroom floor. Damn such a pretty bike, nothing like it design-wise. I rode it home a couple hours later. No other bike had that effect on me. The Uly has so much more character. You ride a Uly and you know you're on a bike. You get home, park it, and look back at it as you walk in the door. I've put nearly 6,000 miles on my Uly so far and I look forward to riding it every day. They are just ••••••• cool bikes. I mean, you're just cruising along in the city, wack the throttle a bit to pass some slow guy, and the Uly mocks you by doing a wheelie then laughs at your huge grin. (Message edited by greenamp on August 06, 2008) (Message edited by greenamp on August 06, 2008) | ||
| Irelage |
For me it was no valve adjustments, chain oiling and simplicity of design (lack of plastic crap). I also wanted a vast dealer network. The test ride did me in. Sitting on any bike is worthless. You have to ride them. 15k on my 07 and no desire to change my ride. I keep walking into the BMW shop to look at the big GS but walk away happy. | ||
| Crusty |
Buy a Uly. Nothing else will give you that silly grin. | ||
| Gotj |
I test rode a Uly one day and a Tiger the next and bought the Uly. "Character" probably captures the reason best. However, I am now the owner of a Mutistrada which I test rode after buying the Uly and, if one had to go, it would be the Uly. I strongly support the test ride advice before making a decision. | ||
| Steve046 |
I've got a 2006 Uly and my wife rides a 2007 Tiger. I've put a few hundred miles on the Tiger (and about 20K on the Uly), and I'd pick the Uly every time between the two. The Tiger is faster and feels more refined, but the Uly is just plain more fun. The torque and quick handling of the Buell makes you want to go get into trouble. | ||
| Gsilvernale |
Uly = Grin VStrom = good bike for the money. | ||
| Mainstreamer |
Test ride them both and the DL650 then decide. I owned a Uly for over 2 years and had several problems. Although the dealer always resolved the problems it always took more then one trip to the dealer for that to happen. 7 trips for an electrical problem, was without the Uly for a total of 5 weeks with this issue alone. I finally had enough, especially with the excessive heat of the Uly, that I traded it for a Triumph Daytona675. My touring rig is a FJR1300. A friend recently purchased a wee-Strom, DL650 and I've ridden that bike several times and am very impressed. DL650 is not as powerful as the Uly, and does not have the race sharp handling on the Buell, and will require a bit of chain maintenance. If you're riding 2 up a bit the DL650 it will be OK, for long distance the DL1K might be a better choice. Both Strom's(v & wee)are more comfortable then the Uly, have better wind/weather protection, are more reliable, don't have heat issues, Stronger dealer support in this area. The 19" wheel on the Strom's will allow a wider selection of tires, especially D/S or off-road tires. I've got room in my garage for 1 more bike and after riding my friends I considering the wee. I found it to be the Swiss Army Knife of motorcycles, it seems to do it all rather well. I can afford to put almost anything on the market in there next to the Ducati and the Benz so for me it's not a cost driven decision. Maybe more "smiles" for some from the Uly, you decide, For me more trouble free miles and more comfortable riding from the Strom. Yep I'm now shopping for a wee-Strom. You should test ride them both then decide. Most Suzuki dealer don't offer Demo rides so look for a used Strom in the area, show an interest and see if the owner will allow you to take it for a ride. You can have both for the price of a new Uly if you buy a new wee-Strom and a used Buell. Smiles + Miles...... it's all good! | ||
| Galloper |
Get them both:   | ||
| Royintulsa |
Quoting Mainstreamer - "You should test ride them both then decide. Most Suzuki dealer don't offer Demo rides so look for a used Strom in the area, show an interest and see if the owner will allow you to take it for a ride." Now I understand why so many motorcycle ads say "no free rides". |
