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Hotrod54
| | Posted on Saturday, August 09, 2008 - 07:34 pm: | 
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I love my uly, when I bought it everyone said that I would be sorry. Boy were they wrong, the bike more than makes up for its shortcomings. I have always been someone that doesn't color inside the lines so the buell uly is perfect for me. As for finding neutral, try riding a HD. |
Tstone
| | Posted on Saturday, August 09, 2008 - 08:44 pm: |
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Going back to Chadhargis's original question, "what bike they were riding and calling a "Ulysses", I'd like to know what trash rag was left in my mail box labeled "Motorcycle Consumer News". This isn't the same magazine I started subscribing to over a decade ago. This article reads as though they came into it with certain preconceptions and only ran the road test as a formality.
I won't rehash the whole article, but I would like to make a couple points. The article read as though they were looking for ways to negate any advantage held by the Buell. Case in point - price. Did anybody notice that they didn't list the "price as tested" for either the KTM or the BMW? We know the "price as tested" and "MSRP" weren't the same, at least for the KTM, because the body of the article said so. The body of the article said $14937.99 including the bags, but the spec sheet only referenced the $14,398 MSRP.
Also, why did MCN drive up the Uly's "price as tested" by an additional 580 bucks for the GPS and, unless I missed it, fail to mention it as useful (or non-useful) option. Likewise, why did they spring for 2000 dollars worth of stuff (including a friggin tank bag when they had all that storage out back) and NOT include a factory optional tall windshield FOR A 2600 MILE TEST? Again, it's as though they were trying to negate an advantage.
I also thought it odd that they'd make the legitimate complaint about heat from the Buell's engine and not mention any heat coming from the BMW's cylinders. Maybe the BMW is magic.
Finally, what is this nonsense about shifting? Buells shift just like any other bike I've owned. They do seem to make a noise when you move from gear to gear, but I can't tell any significant difference in effort from my SV650. My bike gives me just enough feedback so that I can feel the shifts with my boots on. Do these guys ride with shorts and flip-flops? Just as my own little personal test, on today's ride I found that I could find neutral with the bike in gear and in motion WITHOUT using the clutch. |
Blake
| | Posted on Sunday, August 10, 2008 - 03:59 am: |
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I subscribed to MCN (Motorcycle Crud Nuts) for a year and learned my lesson. No more. Not an objective publication.
You gotta wonder about a rag like that when one of the lead editors doesn't even own his own motorcycle, but depends entirely upon the loaners provided by his favorite manufacturers.
The pseudo-reporting there is highly suspect for me. |
Wbrisett
| | Posted on Sunday, August 10, 2008 - 05:16 am: |
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You gotta wonder about a rag like that when one of the lead editors doesn't even own his own motorcycle,
If the editor is truly just that, an editor, I see no issue with that. The purpose of an editor is to make sure the writer follows the style guide (if a publication has one), correct grammar, and make suggestions to articles to make them better. None of these things are subjective (well, maybe the last one), but concrete things that don't require somebody to ride to be good at their job. Now, a writer is a different animal altogether. That individual should be a rider since they are offering expert opinions on the subject.
I don't subscribe, but looking at the cover, depending on the terrain they traveled, this really wasn't a fair comparison to begin with. The KTM and BMW were designed for heavy off-road use, the Buell was not. A better comparison would be the one Rider had a year or two ago with the Uly, Tiger, Strom, MultiStrada.
Wayne
(Message edited by wbrisett on August 10, 2008) |
Mainstreamer
| | Posted on Sunday, August 10, 2008 - 07:25 am: |
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"You gotta wonder about a rag like that when one of the lead editors doesn't even own his own motorcycle, but depends entirely upon the loaners provided by his favorite manufacturers."
I'd say he's one lucky guy. Who here wouldn't want to ride on someone else's dime and get to ride them all! Where do I sign up!! |
Hooliken
| | Posted on Sunday, August 10, 2008 - 07:34 am: |
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I love stuff like this. It is like telling a devout Christian that god does not exist.
The faithful will always jump in with fists flying to defend their beloved scooters.
I have owned many bikes in my 32 years of riding and my Uly is the best all around street bike I have ever owned hands down.
Plus it has the all important "character" built in.
Never had an issue finding neutral.
My 04 180hp R1 was a complete ass roaster when ridden in anger. And just spent about 400 miles on a 07 Ultra.....that bike ran freakin hot.
Bashing the suspension is ridiculous. Once properly set up for the rider and it may be the best stock suspension out there. I have seen more than one GS and a couple of repli racers shrink in my mirrors on some rough mountain roads. |
California
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 12, 2008 - 12:17 pm: |
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">I would like to remind everyone, there is no such thing as an objective comparison. All magazine writers come with "baggage" of their own, and it can't help discolor their observations. You will never see an unbiased comparison. A "road test" is much more likely to be less biased, as the writer/rider spends more time with his mount and begins to develop a relationship.
But I ramble, again!
}There is no such thing as an objective comparison. |
Uly1080
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 12, 2008 - 12:28 pm: |
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Dude, no need to yell. You're harshing my mellow.  |
Jwnsc
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 12, 2008 - 11:27 pm: |
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What surprised me, besides the GS getting better gas mileage, was the Beemer coming out cheaper than the Uly on the Standard Maintenance chart, even with valves and a final drive to maintain. I guess those valves must have been spot on! |
Chadhargis
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 13, 2008 - 10:54 am: |
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quote:I think the frame design is actually fine, but the EPA puts Buell in a tight spot with the Thunderstorm motor.
LOL!! EPA...LOL!! That's what the Race ECM and ECM Spy are for.
I've not run the stock tune on my Ulysses since it was a month old. 
First thing I do to any bike I buy is "fix" the fueling that the EPA mandates. |
Red_chili
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 13, 2008 - 11:21 am: |
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Likewise.
Solved the heat issue too. And the 2-3.5K surge. Runs like a scalded dog and I ain't even done yet.
But the mags tested the bike as shipped, which is unfortunate but inescapable. |
Alameda
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 13, 2008 - 01:08 pm: |
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I liked the review. I agree with everything they said pretty much and still love the ULY. If the bike was almost twice the price like the BMW (Break My Wallet) then that would have been more fair. These other bikes are the ones that are easier to justify to the masses and have fewer flaws or charachter as I look at it. So they are right and so what. To each his own and I love riding my buell. |
Chadhargis
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 13, 2008 - 03:37 pm: |
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I think any compro should compare apples to apples.
That means if you're going to pit what amounts to a near $20,000 GS against a Ulysses....the Ulysses should have $8000 or so worth of mods and tuning to make them as even as possible.
Sorry...that's like comparing a Yugo to an F1 car and saying, "The Yugo was slow". Well...DUH! |
Rainman
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 13, 2008 - 09:24 pm: |
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Hey Uly1080: Dude, sorry you got on a harshmellow. Go for a ride and toast it!
(By the way, I'm stealing "harshing my mellow" for the folks here in the Southeast. I love it.) |
Court
| | Posted on Thursday, August 14, 2008 - 07:49 am: |
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>>>>I subscribed to MCN (Motorcycle Crud Nuts) for a year and learned my lesson. No more. Not an objective publication.
I'd agree with that, I dropped my subscription after figuring out that the "we are objective because we accept no advertising" was as accurate as the Moonies in the airport saying they knew George Harrison.
The Buell Ulysses and the BMW GS share similar capabilities and are set apart by the BMW costing about 75% more. I like them both, but let's be honest. . . . the BMW is a pricey bike whereas the Ulysses (by design) was made to be accessible.
How many folks here have ever bought a motorcycle over $20,000? There will be a couple. Now, how may have bought one at $12,000. . . there will be thousands.
Although the Buell is capable of doing anything the GS can and just as well. . .the Buell was designed and built to be practical and accessible. |
Rubberdown
| | Posted on Thursday, August 14, 2008 - 08:08 am: |
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"... the Buell is capable of doing anything the GS can and just as well..."
The U is a fine bike, but having spent time on both bikes, I have to disagree. The R1200GS is far more versatile. |
Court
| | Posted on Thursday, August 14, 2008 - 08:34 am: |
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>>>The U is a fine bike, but having spent time on both bikes, I have to disagree. The R1200GS is far more versatile.
Actually, as I think about it, I think I'd agree. But the portion of that versatility that is beyond the Uly is also useless for MOST (i.e. >95%) of the potential buyers.
A Hummer is more versatile than my Ford pickup. But, guess what? . . . there is nothing all that power, suspension and all wheel drive can do that I need.
You are right. The GS offers a host of largely useless capabilities that the Ulysses does not have.
I, as you know, own a BMW and ride between 500 and 1,000 miles a week at present. When the GS1150 came out BMW gave me one to ride and I confess I loved it. It's also be on my current "want" list and, if I was feeling a bit free with the cash, might win. But I also realize, that like the Hummer, I'm buying a lot of "look" to make it appear that because the bike has the capabilities I'd be using them. I encountered a 9 mile segment of dirt road the other day on my meager F650 and had nothing but fun!
The GS and the Hypermotard would both be on my list and, regardless of capabilities, they'd be there simply for looks. |
Buelldualsport
| | Posted on Thursday, August 14, 2008 - 08:53 am: |
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In our opinion, the only area the Uly give up to the GS is in tire selection.
The BMW line takes full advantage of the excellent Dual Sport Tire selections that unfortunatley the Buell, at this time, can not.
Farkles are relatively available and cost effective for the Uly, heck, when the Uly has been on line as long as the BMW GS line, there will be cottage industries catering to the Uly, just like the GS.
Of Course, YRMV
Ride Em
(Message edited by BuellDualSport on August 14, 2008)
(Message edited by BuellDualSport on August 14, 2008) |
Jphish
| | Posted on Thursday, August 14, 2008 - 09:30 am: |
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...the Buell is capable of doing anything the GS can and just as well... Amen! The wonderful thing about the plethora of choices out there is we all get to make the one that suits our interests. This years trip to Death Valley was a 'gaggle of Mutts' consisting of 1 ea. ultra classic, ST-1300, Kawi 1500 classic FI, GS1200, & a Uly. The latter 2 did some dirt while the others side tripped on the tarmac. We all stole each others bikes at some point on the adventure and acknowledged their virtues - but at the end of the day none of us wanted to trade rides. We were all happy with what we brung to the dance. The Uly just fits my desires. If others don't feel the attraction...they don't have to have one. So while MCN's review does fairly point out some of the Uly's endearing "qualities", I think it's on whole, unbalanced. Meanwhile...I'll keep on riding and smiling. Side Note: Whenever we stopped for gas/food/rest 9 out of 10 folks would hover around the Uly and say, "what the hell IS that ?!" "interesting" (provocative, unusual - pick your own euphemism here) looking bike" - which is what they usually say about ugly babies too. One offered - "it looks like spud mckennzie on wheels" - (I think that was the beer or Target dog) I thought, Hmmm - it is kinda like my faithful old Chesapeake, just sheds bearings instead of hair. Anyway - my wife sez the dog can stay... but I gotta get the Uly out of the bedroom and back into the garage. |
Iugradmark
| | Posted on Thursday, August 14, 2008 - 12:05 pm: |
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For smaller manufacturers, these articles really do matter. If you already own one they matter because they impact sales, resale value, parts availability, dealership participation, and after-market support. If you are on the fence, these articles are viewed as independent analysis of the bikes that are hard to get to know with a 10 minute test drive.
BMW has a huge following and when they get a poor review, they can survive. Buell doesn't have the same installed base and these articles can kill or weaken the brand. |
Court
| | Posted on Thursday, August 14, 2008 - 01:01 pm: |
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>>>>For smaller manufacturers, these articles really do matter.
No they don't.
But . . . . just for grins . . .let's ASSUME you are correct. One of the greatest, longest and most detailed motorcycle articles ever to appear in CYCLE was the Buell RR-1000.
Now . . . assuming there is merit to your assumption where were the concomitant sales?
I suppose they make some difference but I'm getting ready to buy a car and I confess I've read not one review . . .never read one on any of the bikes I've ever bought either . . . other than for entertainment. |
Arcticktm
| | Posted on Thursday, August 14, 2008 - 01:25 pm: |
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Court,
With respect, just because the articles don't matter to you does not mean the same is true for everyone.
I test rode a Buell in 2003 and swore I would never buy one (mostly the horrible shifting).
Then, MCN comes out and says this new 2006 Buell Uly is pretty darn good, and seems to have shaken away Buell's reputation of being unreliable/hard to own.
OK, MCN usually loves BMW, so I took that pretty seriously. I watched for about a year, and finally jumped on the lightly used 2006 Uly I have now.
I do a lot of research before I buy, but I always consider the source, and trust no opinion over my own judgment.
BTW, I was a bit ticked at MCN for not pointing out the flaws that I later found on my Uly (Heat, heat, heat, & obnoxious fan). Now all the mags have figured this out.
Articles matter. To some folks.
If they don't, why would the OEM's keep giving these media types free bike to ride? |
Adrian_8
| | Posted on Thursday, August 14, 2008 - 01:33 pm: |
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I too subscribe to MCN and I thought they were off base.. The ULY has its issues but all bikes have problems...but..where it really counts... the ULY is great... The suspension is super, and so is the handling...the motor is a joy and so is the easy maintenance..this stuff about neutral and the bike standing up on corners I don't get it... Some of my riding partners have 1200GS BMWs and their suspension is nowhere near the ULY...lately they spent big bucks on Wilber shocks, front and back trying to improve the harsh ride....My bike has over 40K and neutral is easy...I just sold an Aprilia Tuono because the ULY handles better on the small twisty roads I ride. The Ulysses a great fun bike...especially for the money and the upkeep is minimal... |
Iugradmark
| | Posted on Thursday, August 14, 2008 - 01:35 pm: |
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Arcticktm,
I was going to say the same thing but you beat me to it. Many people just don't have time to analyze everything in the market on their own and use magazines as a way to trim down their lists. Car and Driver's Top 10, Consumer Reports recommendations, Wine Spectators 90 pt wines, etc. all aim to provide info to consumers to help them make decisions.
I empathize with your comments on the heat and fan noise which probably are now universally flagged by reviewers and many posters on this and other boards and would have influenced my decision had I been more aware.
Mark |
Court
| | Posted on Thursday, August 14, 2008 - 01:53 pm: |
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>>>Articles matter. To some folks.
WE, I am thrilled to say, are in TOTAL AGREEMENT.
The operative word being "some". Micro-Economic policy matters to some folks too . . . just not a very large number. |
Bobmcc
| | Posted on Thursday, August 14, 2008 - 02:30 pm: |
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I gotta go with Hooliken on this one. No one likes it when you crap in their mess kit so the indignation is understandable. I read Cycle World and try to pay attention (senility bites) but I don't recall reading anything on the Uly before sitting on one at the NYC M'Cycle Show in January '07. I checked out the ubermensch BMWs, too. Sure, they've got a legendary reputation, some might say elitist, they've got style, they're world-wide, they're a safe bet. The GS was a phenomenal machine but it felt huge and squishy, and had all these wires and crap hanging off it, and was at least $5G's more expensive. So I bought an '06 Uly two months later, no test ride, huge grins, no regrets. The heat issues are an easy fix. The fan? Well, I'll welcome the day when Buell budgets some research for a better design. |
Jwnsc
| | Posted on Thursday, August 14, 2008 - 02:49 pm: |
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The seat, engine heat and lack of wind protection which were cited as reasons for
Uly's last place finish, are relatively subjective and can be fixed for a lot less
than the $3600 difference in price between it and the GS.
OK, MCN usually loves BMW
"Usually" is the operative word. Just nine pages later in the same issue is a four page
story about final drive failures tainting BMW's image. That, apparently had no effect on the ranking of the GS in the comparo, just as MCN made no mention of Uly wheel bearing or "lifetime" drive belt failures. At least Buell says they are working on the wheel bearing issue and now offers a stronger belt, whereas BMW, according to MCN, is sailing down that African River. |
Red_chili
| | Posted on Thursday, August 14, 2008 - 04:04 pm: |
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The seat, engine heat and lack of wind protection which were cited as reasons for
Uly's last place finish, are relatively subjective and can be fixed for a lot less
than the $3600 difference in price between it and the GS.
+1.
The seat: Huh? I love the seat. Whatever.
Engine heat: $50 for a cable and some good advice on tuning. Maybe more for some reflective blankets and a deflector. Good grief. No one should be complaining about this anymore.
Lack of wind protection: Oh, this needs fixing? I thought it was a feature. If you must, then for ~$100 you are done.
I read the motorcycle mags, but with a healthy dose of cynicism. Those who base their decisions on consumer mags sometimes get lucky. When I worked in a pro bicycle shop we were appalled at what CN recommended, and what 'safety concerns' they had about some shifting mechanisms. Good grief. Good lesson. They had not a clue what they were writing about. |
Electraglider_1997
| | Posted on Thursday, August 14, 2008 - 04:58 pm: |
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Red_Chili,
My wife's sportster - finding nuetral easy
My 97 Electraglide Classic - very easy but then I must add that I've had a Hayden primary tensioner for about 40,000 miles.
My 06 ULY - no problem either |
Ejc
| | Posted on Thursday, August 14, 2008 - 05:22 pm: |
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Remember the Renault Alliance? It was one of the auto mag's "car of the year" and turned out to be a turd. |
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