| Author | Message | ||
     Manybikes |
Okay..show some mercy here before you flame my Ass ! Anyway..I have done some homework here. I just sold my BMW F650 Dakar so I am looking for a replacement..the contenders are: V Strom - 1000 or 650 Ulysses BMW F650GS twin or BMW F800GS (they are both 800cc but..you all probably know..) There are a lot of choices. Now..I have had good fortune with BMW's..they ARE NOT a maintenance free bike, but, they have a strong following and I have never had a serious issue breakdown (I have owned 6 of them) Now..as an experienced forum reader I am well aware that of the fact that very few people bother posting that there bike has been worry free with no problems...we all post when things go wrong. Now down to the point of my boring shit post. The Ulysses for some reason has appealed to me. Mountains of torque, great handling..AND..reasonable pillion accommodation (the 650 Dakar is not a great two up bike but it can be done) I am looking at 2 2009's right now. Contender #1 - 2009 Uly with 900 miles (yes..900 miles)..no bags..bone stock $5200.00 Contender #2 - 2009 Uly with 4500 mile s, 1 inch lower kit, hepco Becker side bags and Madstad windshield, new tires and spare belt - $6200.00 No possible centre stand is somewhat concerning. The 1" lower appeals to me as I only have a 32" inseam, I cannot flat foot a regular 2009 X I do occasional two up and occasional gravel or hard pack back road. Now...I have read about wheel bearings, belts, Ecu's, wiring etc...but really...what should I look for? Is there any ex BMW types out there who can give me a perspective? Flame away!! | ||
| Hughlysses |
I think either Uly would be an excellent purchase. On the lowered bike, it would be good to know exactly how he achieved lowering the bike one inch and if he shortened the side stand accordingly. You have "only" a 32" inseam? I've ridden a full-height Uly since late 2006; I have a 30" inseam. Flat-footing is over-rated.  Lack of a center stand is not a big deal. If you really need to get the bike off the rear wheel in an emergency you can support it with the side stand and some blocking under the muffler. Worst case, lay the bike on its side; it won't be any worse for the wear. I have no BMW experience, so I can't offer any help there. (Message edited by Hughlysses on May 30, 2014) | ||
| Fotoguzzi |
the prices on your choices are very good, if you keep looking an XT version is slightly lower. much more character than any BMW, you'll never want to go back. | ||
| Elsinore74 |
Have you ever ridden a Uly? I ask because one ride should answer your question whether or not to buy one. They're quirky and far from perfect, but one ride will tell you if you're ready to put up with one. I'll never sell mine as long as I can throw a leg over it, so I'm kind of biased. If you decide to buy one, I advise getting the 2010 axle and wheel setup (three bearings) from American Sportbike, just to have on hand. My rear wheel bearings (two bearing setup) fried prematurely due to a tire change performed incorrectly by a well-meaning but unknowing service tech (not a Buell-trained tech). I don't blame the bike or the technician; I should have done it myself. Get the factory service manual. A different tech F'd-up my primary chain adjustment (at a H-D/Buell dealership that time), convincing me I had no reason not to do the service myself from then on. If you can read and follow a service manual, own and cherish torque wrenches, and appreciate the feeling of doing it yourself, you'll be far better off. Aside from the above, my Uly has been trouble-free. Its simple, low-maintenance engine and belt final drive were selling features to me. I was also considering a BMW R1200GS or Yamaha FJR1300 at the time (talk about apples and oranges), but the simplicity, visceral torque, and intuitive handling of the Buell won me over. As for the other bikes you mentioned, the V-Stroms are great bikes, and hopefully there's one in my garage someday. My wife has an SV650, and that motor is sweet; it punches way above its weight class. The F800GS is another fine choice, ergonomically similar to the Uly and V-Stroms. I've never had the chance to ride one, but if you're leaning toward BMW, the F800 (or the strangely labeled F650 twin) looks like a better all-rounder than the big GS. Lack of a centerstand on the Buell is a minor bummer, but since there's no chain to clean and adjust, it's not such a big deal. Tire punctures can be plugged on the road and ridden home to be removed/replaced. The huge volume and power valve in that big exhaust can is a lot of the reason the Buell makes respectable power. The big airbox is another (and the sounds from that airbox are intoxicating through the midrange). Two-up riding is superb, although my wife rides her own bike, so the passenger perch is more often used for luggage now. Caution: hauling passengers makes the wheelie-prone Uly even more so. It's all fun and games until the blue lights come on and the ticket pad comes out..... Dirt riding is decent, only limited by the ridiculously tall first gear (can be somewhat remedied with XB9 primary, I think), 17" front wheel, and choice of tires. Same qualities that make it better on the street limit it off-road (a universal truth). Dirt roads are a hoot; feels like barnstorming with an A-10 Warthog. Tight riding in the woods is like driving a Freightliner through a miniature golf course. If you decide on a Uly, the '08-'10 models would be my pick. You probably already know the oil pump and crankshaft were upgraded for the 2008 model year onward, fork springs improved to reduce braking dive, and steering lock was increased. 2010 models got the Comfort kit (right-hand side air scoop) from the factory, as well as the three bearing rear axle mentioned above. XB12X models have always had slightly heavier rims than other XB models, if I recall. I have no idea what a fair price is on a 2009 right now, but if both contenders you mention are XB12X models and #2 isn't an XT, it would seem to come down to the lower seat, bags, and extras thrown in. So there's my advice, free and worth every penny  | ||
| Hughlysses |
Lack of a centerstand on the Buell is a minor bummer, but since there's no chain to clean and adjust, it's not such a big deal. Tire punctures can be plugged on the road and ridden home to be removed/replaced. We should also mention that the belt can be replaced without removing the rear wheel, so that's another reason you don't need a center stand. The diameter of the rear axle is tapered on the sprocket side. When you unscrew the axle 25 (?) turns, the wheel can be moved forward sufficiently to allow a new belt to be slipped onto the sprockets and over the idler roller. Re-tighten the axle, and the belt is properly tensioned. | ||
| Reepicheep |
No flames here. The Stroms are good choices as well, but every one I've ridden has left me a bit uninspired. There is nothing specific wrong with them, but they just don't stir any passion in me. That BMW 800 is on my short list also. I just worry about the complexity of the thing and my ability to self rescue and save $$. I can't imagine paying book rate for a mechanic on a motorcycle. Ow. | ||
| Tootal |
I don't think you'll get much flaming on here, unless it's tongue in cheek. Pretty good group of folks hang out here. My brother picked up an 09 for $4500.00 in great shape, low miles but no bags. That's just to give you an idea of what's possible depending on where you live. I agree, find out how they lowered the bike and see if it's kosher. The handling on these bikes is extremely good if the suspension is dialed in correctly but if somebody's messing with dimensions it may take a while to figure it out or you might be unhappy and get rid of it.  On an 09 you really only need to do a Comfort Kit and a 2010 rear wheel for peace of mind. I'd relocate the ECM if you're running anything but a tall seat, which you no doubt will be doing.  If you plan on doing a lot of city riding or dirt road riding then changing to the XB9 primary ratios will give you an 11% lower gearing and is well worth it unless you really need to go over 130 mph!  You will be able to get to over 110 mph a bit quicker with the gearing though!! It makes city riding more enjoyable too. There's a lot of good bikes out there but I believe the fun per dollar ratio of a Uly is hard to beat.  | ||
| Court |
Don't expect any flaming . . . I have a Uly that I love and actually rode for about the first time in 3 years this week. Reminded me of how darn good it is. I'm also currently looking at a BMW and am in the GS or RT phase at present . . . . I've done all the mods to my Ulysses but am a bit uneasy about heading out from coast to coast. | ||
| Hughlysses |
I've done all the mods to my Ulysses but am a bit uneasy about heading out from coast to coast. Yep, nothing to worry about with a GS.  | ||
| Etennuly |
Hugh.....now that is flaming!  | ||
| Court |
Too funny ! I had a Mercedes-Benz that went back to the dealer when it was 6 days old for a failed alternator. It wasn't that it happened . . . it was the frequency and the ability to get it resolved quickly and easily. | ||
| Buewulf |
Honestly, I would shy away from the 900 mile one. That isn't enough ride time for the past few years. 4500 miles under the belt at least demonstrates a higher likelihood that everything came put together properly from the factory. Just my perspective. It is a great bike, but the Ulysses isn't for the mechanically faint of heart. I would never recommend one to someone who isn't mechanically and electrically inclined. Understand I don't mean that as a slam on the bike: it is just that you won't find many mechanics competent with this bike rendering your garage as the primary service department. I'd say reliability, like BMWs, is definitely below average (anecdotal). That said, the majority of failures / issues are minor and relatively inexpensive to fix, particularly compared to BMW parts. And the most common failure points are so well documented here that you can preemptively head most of them off. Anything else can be addressed with the help of a service manual and the most helpful, knowledgeable community here on BadWeb that I have every been involved with. An extra $750 or so and a few hours of your time after purchase can get the bike up to a pretty solid reliability level. I've owned a BMW (1100R) and also spent several days on a rented 800GS a few years back. The 8GS definitely has a more refined feel to it and is a significantly better off-road bike, but the Ulysses is a better street bike so long as you don't spend much time in slow-moving traffic. If you want a bike that is competent at everything and marches to the beat of a different drum, it is hard to beat the value of a Uly. | ||
| Skifastbadly |
For that price, I'd be on that bike with 900 miles like a hipster on a pitcher of PBR. | ||
| Goodburbon |
I have a 700gs and Uly in the shed. The BMW doesn't really stir the soul like the Uly. Ride differences are apparent. The Uly is actually slower in first , or feels that way, than the BMW and doesn't stall out every 5 seconds when trying to go slow. BMW turns a little easier in the dirt. The traction control and ABS on the BMW are nice. They're both comfortable for longer trips and minor off roading. the F800 should be much better. It's all up to you whether it moves you or not. She can be finicky, but the ride makes it worth it. | ||
| Hughlysses |
For that price, I'd be on that bike with 900 miles like a hipster on a pitcher of PBR. Good one, Craig. | ||
| Sharkguy |
Before getting my 09 Uly I only rode BMWs. I've had airheads, K bikes, and an oilhead. I like the Uly because I don't really have to do much to it. The Beemers always needed some sort of attention and parts are expensive. The Uly has been pretty much trouble free, and when it does require work it is much easier to work on. And so far parts have been cheap compared to a Beemer. No valve adjustment, no rear end failures, change oil, change tranny lube, check and grease rear wheel bearings once a year and ride. | ||
| Manybikes |
Thanks for the great advice and insights all !! I looked at the Uly with about 3800 miles on it. The owner used a Mizu lowering kit. It looks like a spacer goes in the rear shock to lower it. I forgot to look and see if he moved the front forks to match. I have ridden a Uly several times but just for very short distances. It would be nice to have one for a day. Looked at a Kawasaki Versys today also....just covering as much ground as possible to see what is out there. | ||
| Turf_moor |
I'd get the 900 mile one, especially at that price. Do you need bags? Height isn't an issue when you get used to it. My inseam is the same as yours and I have the 2006 model with the tall seat. I did 92K miles on a BMW R1100GS (took it from 4K to 95K). I did 20K on a KTM 950 Adv, and I've done almost 20K on my XB12X. The Uly is the best of the three bikes. I remember taking a test ride on one when I owned the 950, and I immediately wanted one. It's the low-down torque that does it for me. Once the suspension is set up properly (crucial), the Buell is the best handler. In terms of reliability it is as reliable as the other two bikes and a lot more reliable than a modern GS 1200. I wouldn't touch one of those with a barge pole to use a quaint British saying. My Ulysses, despite being a 06, was first registered in Feb 2008, and has been problem free, apart from a broken drive belt at 12K. I have had all the preventative work done. Get a Free Spirits belt tensioner. A grease nipple on the output shaft is a good idea. Some wiring needed rerouting on my bike, and the main wiring harnress now wears a plastic sheaf. My Uly is not my only bike, hence the relatively low miles. In fact, since I moved to Portugal it has been in the garage, but will soon be registered on Portuguese plates. I dispute the idea that only Buell trained mechanics can work on this bike. Any competent mechanic can. They just have to be aware of the torque settings. Obviously someone who is experienced on this bike is a better bet. So buy your own tools and get an workshop manual and do it yourself. Now I'm retired this is precisely what I intend to do myself. Definitely make it a Uly. The best value bike ever! | ||
| Reepicheep |
Interesting. Do you mean in the seal on the 5th gear assembly? | ||
| Sir_wadsalot |
Informative thread, I'm thinking of going from my 1125 to a Ully myself. | ||
| Tootal |
Oh crap!  Don't tell Froggy, he might explode! | ||
| Froggy |
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| Sir_wadsalot |
Baaa hahahaaa!!!! I feel the same way, but I need a good two up sport tourer, and I just can't get the wife and a weekend's worth of gear on the black unicorn. She's wasting away commuting on 66 in NOVA. With college eating up my time I can't realistically plan a track day, either. Believe me, if I could do both, I most certainly would. I really, really LOVE the 1125R. :-( I've got a few I'm looking at, hopefully test ride a nice looking one this week, so it may happen soon. I've always been on the sharper end of the stick (SV1KS/1125R, track days etc.)...am I just gonna hate life if I do this? The SV was a bit of a pig, but she went like a raped ape with good tires....as long as I can throw the Ully around when the situation dictates..... | ||
| Turf_moor |
Reepicheep, the nipple is on the casing and lubricates the needle bearing, or rather the light grease you pump in does. The was invented by a mechanic in England who reckoned that it wasn't enough for the needle bearing to be lubricated by oil mist. However, my needle bearing was nice and moist when he fitted the grease nipple. I'm sure one big dollop every main service is enough grease. | ||
| Reepicheep |
Those bearings definitely need more lube than they get, so that's interesting. I just can't picture how the nipple is fitted such that (a) it doesn't spin round with the 5th gear drive output and (b) can actually get lube to those needle bearings. I could see something replacing the grease seal, but just putting a nipple on the seal seems like it would just pop it out when you pressurized it. | ||
| Turf_moor |
It doesn't pop out. If I had a digital camera I'd take a pic. Put a question on www.ukbeg.com for a photo and more mechanically inclined description of its functioning than you're likely to get from me. You'll get a reply. | ||
| Woodnbow |
http://www.ukbeg.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=74 2&start=15 Here's a link that has a pic of the part. Pretty cool idea, I wonder if he'd ship to the States? | ||
| Turf_moor |
He doesn't post out. Thanks for the link, Woodnbow. Hope that helps, Reepicheep. I'm glad I've got it on mine. | ||
| Sir_wadsalot |
@manybikes- I picked up an XT this weekend, and it's fantastic. I test rode an X, and it was just too tall, it felt tippy (and I couldn't touch at stops lol). I'll never ride dirt, so XT it is, and they're totally different in handling. What I can tell you between the two, is if you're doing two up, the motor is great for it, and your passenger will LOVE it. | ||
| Reepicheep |
Very helpful, thanks. Interesting modification. |
