| Author | Message | ||
     Stellaglide |
Hello, back again with a few questions. I almost purchased a Uly on 2 different occasions before the closure of Buell and was kicking myself for not doing so. Since then I've been watching here, Ebay, Craigslist, and the ADVrider site to see what used bikes are selling for and I'm again thinking of picking one up. However, just in the last week I saw a post on the ADVrider site about the difficulty in finding a replacement belt. Reading all posts in that thread there were guys who received one in 1 day and others who had to wait 2 months. Then I read here about someone having difficulty get bags or parts for their bags. I know when Buell was shuttered, the talk was that HD would be required to supply parts and service (participating dealers) for either 5 or 7 years from the date of closure. But with reports of parts like the belts or comfort kit becoming harder to find I'm wondering if I should forget about the Uly and consider other brands. You guys live and breath this bike and just wanted your opinion, not about the bike itself, but about long term (next 7-10 years) parts and service availability. I do most of the maintenance work on my HDs so service is less of a concern. Knowing what you know today, would you buy a Buell/Uly now or in the near future if you didn't already have one assuming you wanted a bike that would provide you service for the next 7-10 years. Thanks for your insight. | ||
| Ratbuell |
 I'd buy one in a heartbeat. The ones I do own (and the oldest is 15 years old, and I don't hesitate to take it out any time at all), I'm not shy about using. I *never* think to myself "I could break it....I'll take the Jeep". I simply ride, smile, and repeat  First off, there is NO government mandate about parts supply. Period. Urban legend, but if you can find it on a government document I'll eat my words. HD has *agreed* to supply maintenance and repair parts for seven years (at least). Maintenance and repair. Accessories, you're on your own - so forget the 1125 touring seat, and the triple tail pad, and the non-OEM bodywork colors. Belts (and common parts in general) are hard to come by currently because people are still stockpiling the "spares" they think they'll need for when the world ends - buying up every single one that's available, and tossing them into the "backorder" chain repeatedly. Eventually...hopefully...this will stop. But, most parts are still out there. For instance, my oil cooler was leaking ('06 Ulysses). Ordered it, 2 days later it was in. No problem. Getting it installed tomorrow (warranty job). The aftermarket is huge. Hepco-Becker makes the bags, buy from them direct (the only Buell-specific bag parts are the racks and the little round buttons that say "Buell"). There are threads on here that Goodyear may be making belts directly available. Wires is wires, relays is relays, pistons is pistons. Wiseco, NRHS, American Sport Bike, S&S, Drummer, and - don't forget - EBR. Take your pick. Any or all of them can help keep your bike running for years. Get a shop manual NOW, and if you want, get a parts book (although with varied sourcing in the future, part numbers may not be *as* important). That way you have the bible telling you how to take it all apart and put it back together again - but you will rarely need it. That, and a good mechanic (or a good set of tools), and you're good for years. | ||
| 7873jake |
I'd buy mine again in a heartbeat AND set out for distant horizons without hesitation. And the first thing I'd buy again would be the manual. I've experienced more parts waits and more discontinued part notifications on a 2004 Mazda car I own than this bike. I said this in a previous post (and will repeat it here)...my old OIF Triumph Bonnie still has enough parts availability to rebuild the thing from the ground up. While I can't speak about 7-10 years down the road, I feel confident that as long as there is a gap, some enterprising type will figure out how to fill it. Hell, it took 30 years for me to find some cottage industry-type making replacement fiberglass airbox covers for that bike when I was sure that no one would ever dream of such foolishness. Apparently, when a dozen people needed them, someone built them and now they are a mainstay of that bloke's livelihood with a wait time for a pair. My brother routinely finds suppliers and fabricators for interesting bits for his smattering of old Nortons and BSA's. Not much in the way of OEM stuff left but repro parts are plentiful and he can still ride them with aplomb and enjoyment. And someone in here brought up the continued availability of DeLorean parts. That was probably the best example I've heard in a while. | ||
| Alchemy |
I just bought a gently used Uly a few weeks ago and I now have 2. I have my 06 Uly up for sale and I had 3 inquiries this morning alone. This surprised me a bit but the Uly is a unique bike and should provides thousands of miles of riding pleasure. Any weak points have upgrade options. The bike is a tank and I expect we will see some turn over 100K miles this Summer. There are enough of them out there that HD may find it worthwhile to support them with parts even longer than the present commitment. I don't think it is an issue. I think most parts backorders are temporary and due to unexpected demand as the seasons warm up. | ||
| Rightpecial |
I would jump in the water again simply because it is the best bike I've ever owned. Also, coming from a guy who changes bikes often, I'm keeping the Uly and adding to the collection simply because I've never heard of a bike doing so many things as well as the Uly. Parts availability right now is simply because of hoarding, like the ammunition hoarding that has been going on for two years or so, and I don't expect it to keep up...even if it does I'll start modifying the bike with chains and other "homemade" parts before I give up on it. | ||
| Paralegalpete |
I don't think buying an extra belt should be considered hoarding, it only makes sense to have a spare on hand since HD doesn't keep them in stock. I don't think that HD will ever keep Buell items on the shelf and as a result it would be prudent to keep a spare of all critical items, like cables and belts. I bought my Uly as a long distance tourer and because of the dealer network support system that was available. This is the second time belts have been on back order since Buell's demise. I waited the first go round thinking there was no rush. I have a trip planned around Superior this summer (if a belt breaks without a spare up there I may as well push it in the lake) I love the bike but am concerned that critical parts may be difficult to obtain in a timely manner. (Message edited by paralegalpete on April 28, 2010) | ||
| Bculy |
Hell no. I just got off the phone with a HD dealership for parts and learned I can't get the particular parts I want anymore. now i'm thinking of getting rid of the Uly. | ||
| Paralegalpete |
Which parts were you trying to get? | ||
| Husky |
O.K., what parts are you talking about! Husky | ||
| Stellaglide |
Thanks for the replies. Well until Bculy posted I was convinced parts would not be concern and was climbing back on the Uly train. Just curious, what is the expected belt life on Uly. I tour on my Street Glide (2500+ miles from home) and never considered carrying an extra belt, the belts on all the HD routinely go 50K miles with no problem. I imagine the extra ponies of the Buell and maybe off-roading (rocks getting between the belt and the pulleys), could shorten the belt life. What are you guys getting out of your belts, and Bculy, what parts were you told are unavailable? | ||
| Paralegalpete |
"Well until Bculy posted I was convinced parts would not be concern and was climbing back on the Uly train." Really, a random post with no details is making your decision? Bculy appears to have a Uly for sale, perhaps you can make a good deal  (Message edited by paralegalpete on April 28, 2010) | ||
| Two_buells |
I just had to get one before they were all gone. I purchased a new 2009 Ulysses in Dec 09. I still own a 2008 1125R and a 99 Thunderbolt. I am not worried about getting any parts. This BBS and the internet are a great resource for info and parts. If I were you I'd buy the bike and enjoy it! | ||
| Bculy |
Yeah, a bit random because I am told the parts I want are not available. A search on the HD parts network showed no dealer has them in stock and the manufacturers won't sell them to the dealers UNLESS the buyer can prove with pictures the bike's parts were damages in a crash or the parts came as OEM on your bike. The parts I have repeatedly ordered as a package and individually are the Outdoorsman cases and racks. It's the racks I can't get anymore. In my dealings with the dealers I have been told more than a few times that they will supply parts for seven years and then won't after that. I know places like twisted Throttle, etc. exist and do a pretty good job with filters, non-OEM parts and accessories, but I think it is going to get tougher and tougher to get parts for Buells. The last Tourtech catalog I got, Buell was dropped form their line of parts ans accessories. Maybe Erik Buell Racing will come through for a source of all Buell parts?!?! | ||
| Froggy |
Oh, so you were trying to get the parts that were next to impossible to get to start with... | ||
| 7873jake |
Hepco-Becker makes a case that they sell through (and for) Moto Guzzi bikes that looks an awful lot like an H-B Outdoorsman case. I looked at the mounts on them and they looked like my mounts on my Uly. All it would take would be a re-badge of the bag to make the red oval eagle go bye-bye. | ||
| Crusty |
Here are some Hepco & Becker 30liter Junior (same as Outdoorsman) bags mounted on a Lightning Long.  These came from a Moto Guzzi 750 Breva. | ||
| Two_buells |
Hepco Becker mounts for a XB9/12s http://www.sportmotogear.com/product_p/hb%20650.70 3%2000%2001.htm cases here http://www.sportmotogear.com/category_s/80.htm?sea rching=Y&sort=13&cat=80&show=100&page=1 | ||
| Idaho_buelly |
I'd absolutely buy a Buell again,without a doubt..  | ||
| Bculy |
Two Buells, Do you think those racks would fit the Uly? The cases are the same as the Outdoorsman. It's the side racks that HD won't sell me or I haven't been able to find elsewhere. | ||
| Two_buells |
Bculy, did you try to order each piece of the brackets, one part number at a time? these brackets are for the lightning only  | ||
| Nobuell |
When my rear bearings recently self destructed, I needed a new wheel, all of the bearing components, disc/pulley hardware, and a new swing arm. All of the parts were available individually and all were received 2-3 days after they were ordered. I have no complaints regarding the Buell parts availability. | ||
| Bculy |
Yeah, Two Buells. I tried to order them separately after I tried ordering it as an entire kit. I guess I'm going to have to figure out a different system. I'm just really frustrated with HD for not having them available for us. | ||
| Ratbuell |
I agree that it sucks you can't get the racks....but realistically, those are not parts that keep you and your Uly off the road. The OP was asking about being able to keep his Uly on the road for years to come if he bought one; sorry to say, saddlebag racks don't sideline a bike. If it was a primary case cover, it'd be one thing.... It sucks riding without bags, I know...but you can still do it. Just for context and perspective. That's all. One other thing to look into, BCuly, is the Junior Flash bags. I've looked at the measurements and am thinking about a set for my Journey racks because their dimensions on the HB website make it look like they might clear everything. I just want a slightly narrower profile for in-town is all...airframe drag sucks down the fuel! | ||
| Bzrider |
touratech did not drop buell from their line is in the 2010 street catalogue | ||
| Ratbuell |
Another point for perspective - the Outdoorsman bags were an accessory (except for a handful of XP bikes), so they were the first to go. OEM / accessory. That said, BCuly...there may be someone here on badweb with an XP who could order some "replacement" brackets for you.....? | ||
| Stellaglide |
Thanks for the input. I think I'll continue looking for a Uly. Bags are a must as the bike will be used for distance riding. If I was to pick up an X without bags and racks, are there aftermarket racks available or do I need the OEM racks to fit OEM or aftermarket bags? I really don't care about the looks of the bags, as long as they are functional. Just figured I could pick up an X without bags and racks for a little less but if aftermarket racks aren't available I should look for an XT with the racks installed with or without the bags. | ||
| Dio |
I just bought my second Buell, a new '09 Lightning Long about 6 weeks ago. These bikes are great! If I had more cash and an understanding wife, I'd probably add one or two more while they're still available! | ||
| Oldwesterncowboy |
I've had my 09xt for almost 2 years. when I first heard that HD dropped Buell my first thought was "should have got the YamFJ" but after finding this forum with all the helpful peeps I figure if I cant fix it. someone on here can.  Its a great bike, now its a rare bike. which is cool. I don't like riding a bike that you see everyday. I like to be different.  | ||
| Stellaglide |
Just thought I'd share some info. Test road a 2010 Triumph Tiger 1050 SE today and really liked it. However I'm looking for something a little more raw and off-road worthy. Currently ride a 06 Street Glide and want to keep it and add another bike. If I had to get rid of the Glide and replace it with something it very well could be the Tiger. But since I really want to keep the Glide I think the Uly would be a better choice as a second bike, this way I get the comfort with the full protection of the fairing and the tunes when I want to relax and the fun factor of the raw Uly when I want to get in the wind or the twisties. So went to my dealer and asked one of the service guys if they were still working on Buells and he said absolutely. Asked him what he felt about parts availability in the next 3-5 years and he said "HD will continue to supply parts for 7 years, but between you and me, I think some parts will become obsolete." He then says, "hey there's Mike he's our Buell service expert", so I talked to Mike for about 10 minutes and he felt without a doubt that HD would continue to support Buell for 7 years and he would have no reservations about buying one (he rides one of the XB9s). Went on the say he has been impressed with the activity within the aftermarket in such a short time since the announcement of the closure and thinks the aftermarket will pick up what HD doesn't. So, I'm back in the hunt but don't think I can swing a purchase for another couple of months. (Message edited by stellaglide on April 30, 2010) (Message edited by stellaglide on April 30, 2010) (Message edited by stellaglide on April 30, 2010) | ||
| Ratbuell |
If you're looking for on/off road, get the X. The XT, despite the added appeal of the bags, has a shorter suspension travel and it's set up more for on-pavement touring. Just consider yourself forewarned. The FLHX may not last long in the stable once you have a Uly....just ask the FLHP I used to own. It was "reassigned" to a new owner about 2 weeks after I bought my Ulysses. You may *think* you want to keep it...but that thought fades with every mile on the Ulysses. Trust me. | ||
| Tootal |
Sorry Rat, I have to disagree on that last one. AFter four years with the Uly I still have my Road Glide. The problem is that I still have friends that ride the big bikes and if I ride the Uly with them IT IS FRICKEN BORING!!. So I keep the comfy Glide for riding with friends but when I travel by myself, well, that's a different story!  | ||
| Ratbuell |
...and I rarely ride in groups. I don't play well with others | ||
| Stellaglide |
Yea I'd like to get an X with the increased clearance and then some add bags. Are there aftermarket racks and bags or would I need to find a used set of another Uly? | ||
| Buellerxt |
Right on, Rat, on the Uly and groups! Yeah, I'm a former Electra Glide guy too. NO comparison, and I put 98,000 miles on the Glide so I know it a bit. I test rode an Electra Glide Ultra Limited last week, on the try to win a bike contest, and it was like going from a convertible Vette to a older style, fully loaded caddy. The Glide is refined but I'd take the ULY every day, without question. |
