| Author | Message | ||
     Jonny5 |
I'm thinking about stepping up from my '01 Blast to an '06 Ulysses. Is there anything I should look out for on this bike? -J5 | ||
| Hughlysses |
There generally aren't any big issues to worry about (as long as the engine isn't knocking- DAMHIK). The Uly "new owners" section has lots of good info: http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/142 838/442053.html?1238017122 | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
How about a nice TT with bags? http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/21/ 621588.html?1300969458 | ||
| Jonny5 |
Thanks Hughlysses, I'll check that out. Wolfridgerider, I was actually considering your bike if the Uly doesn't work out (and if it's still available, of course). -J5 | ||
| Andymnelson |
Jon- how tall are you? If not too tall, you may find the Uly to be a big bike for you. Wolf's TT might just be the perfect compromise. I'm 6'2", and my Uly is absolutely as tall as I would ever care to ride. Some might find it too tall at my height. | ||
| Hughlysses |
I'm 6'2", and my Uly is absolutely as tall as I would ever care to ride. Some might find it too tall at my height. It's your inseam measurement that matters, probably combined with your shoe size, the combination of which determines how far you can stretch your toes. My inseam is only 30 inches, I wear a 10-1/2 or 11 boot, and I can handle my Uly without too much trouble. | ||
| Andymnelson |
Agreed. I have a 33" inseam. My thought is that, yes a person with a 30" inseam can handle it just fine....however it is a HUGE jump from a Blast to a Uly (especially an X) for someone with a 30" inseam! | ||
| Sayitaintso |
I dont think anyone would try to say that a Uly is a "short bike" but its not as bad a many make it out to be. Regardless of how short your inseam is though... the question you should ask yourself is; how comfortable are you sliding to the side of the seat and only using one foot at every stop. I'm 5'10" and have a 30" inseam and can get my toes of both feet down (but not the balls of my feet). I often slide to the right and put only my right foot down at stops. The biggest problems I have is when the road has a moderate to severe slope from left to right and the right side is much lower than the left, or a pothole on the right side. I use my right foot down b/c I like to have my left foot free for shifting if i shift to neutral at a stop light to rest my hand. Nno matter what; I think anyone that is reasonably average in height can handle a Uly if they are an experienced rider. | ||
| Union_man |
If you can touch with one foot you will be fine! Having both feet on the ground is over-rated anyway. | ||
| Zane |
New Uly owner here. I'm 5 foot 10 and have a 30" inseam also. Using the low seat, I'm just at the edge of what is comfortable. I can touch both my toes down just about to the balls of my feet but there's not chance of flat footing both feet with this bike. If you're moving up from a blast, be aware that this is a heavier bike too. I've almost dropped the bike when it started to lean a little bit when coming out of the garage. This bike takes a bit more upper torso strength too. The Uly is a great bike and you won't regret getting one for a microsecond. | ||
| Uly_dude |
Jonny5, all sizing issues aside, I'd look for an 08 or newer Uly if you can find one. Every yr. Buell made these, they got better and issues got figured out. But if you found a good deal on an 06 or 07, don't be afraid. I bought an 06 a yr. ago and have spent a few bucks to sort out some things but don't regret it for a second. Compared to the Blast, you'll have a much bigger Blast! | ||
| Jonny5 |
Thanks for all the input! I did find a pretty good deal on one. I'm 6'1" and have a 34" inseam so I'm thinking the Uly will be the perfect fit - I'm getting sick of having my knees in the air on the Blast!  -J5 | ||
| Hughlysses |
I'd look for an 08 or newer Uly if you can find one. +1 to that. | ||
| Fltwistygirl |
"I'm 6'1" and have a 34" inseam so I'm thinking the Uly will be the perfect fit - I'm getting sick of having my knees in the air on the Blast!" The Uly is a whole different critter but the best bike we've ever had. I'm right there with ya with the inseam at 34, but a petite flower at 5'10". I can flat foot the X with my icon boots, not with the oxtars. | ||
| Etennuly |
I have a '32 inch inseam and have found the secret for flat footing. Set the suspension soft, gain a lot of weight so you end up at around 250 geared up, and put fifty pounds of crap in the bags!  | ||
| Ourdee |
Is there anything I should look out for on this bike? Wheelies.  | ||
| Dride |
My 2006 Uly has been great. I'm 6'2", with a 33" inseam. The first two seasons on the Uly I used the low seat so I could put both feet comfortably down when stopping. I still used the low seat last weekend, we have a lot of salt and sand on the roads up here in MN. My point is after you get used to the bike, it isn't that big of a deal to only drop one foot when stopping. The tall seat is really a more comfortable ride. I love pulling up next to cars at stoplights and not having to look up at people. It is a tall bike, but you will get used to it. | ||
| Hunn |
How about an fast orange one:http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=66 4612&highlight=Buell+Ulysses+XB12X+sale%2Ftrade | ||
| Eternalbiker |
Love my Ulysses I have a 28" inseam, The only problem is unless it's downhill I have to get off to back it up... | ||
| Hooper |
"Is there anything I should look out for on this bike?" People stopping to stare.  | ||
| Sayitaintso |
The only problem is unless it's downhill I have to get off to back it up... Great point, I'm always very mindful of where I park for this very reason. I cant move it at all sitting on it, I have to push from the side to move it. | ||
| Mnviking |
6'1" with a 34" inseam?? What kind of crazy giraffe legs do you have?  I'm 6'6" with 36" inseam and I thought my legs were long. Anywho you'll love your Uly. Best bike I've ever owned. | ||
| Catalan42 |
I'm also 6' 1", 34" inseam. Love the Uly. I pretty much never put both feet down on this or any other (shorter bike). To push any bike, it is much easier from the side or front (esp. right side so you can lean away from the kickstand but still keep it down). If I could only have 1 bike, the Ulysses would be the winner! | ||
| Catalan42 |
Also, get the Race ECM. | ||
| Jkelly |
The Uly just feels right. Jeff | ||
| Uly_man |
Jonny5. I do not know what a Blast is like but the steering lock on the early Ulys is not good, its easy to drop the bike if your not aware of it, but you do get used to it. The other thing is that its tall steering angle, short wheel base and mad torque levels make it a very serious road bike and not that far off GP levels. Its the sort of bike you need to dominate, or it will dominate you, if you want the best out of it. One of those things, unlike most bikes, is the need for counter steering at very low speeds. | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
Uly works fine for me.  | ||
| Jonny5 |
Well, I did it! Just put some money down on the Uly and am picking it up next weekend - even have a possible buyer on my Blast lined up thanks to a fellow BadWebber. Thanks everyone for your input! One quick question - do Ulys fire right up when it's cold out (in the 20's), or do the need some encouragement? -J5 | ||
| Tootal |
6'4" w/37" inseam. Uly fits like a glove. I put 1" lower pegs and have the "tall" seat. It makes a nice 8 hour a day bike! Much more fun if the road isn't straight!! I'm flat footed with legs bent.  | ||
| Eternalbiker |
Mine sits outside with a cover on it, and starts great in the cold around the 30's, have to be sure to let it warm up properly before trying to ride it though. It only gives trouble when it sits more than three weeks in between start ups, but then it still starts good and only coughs back off a couple times. But it's getting better now that it has some miles on it, around 7000 miles now. |
