| Author | Message | ||
     Hunger |
Hi all, I've been reading about Ulysses since I started looking for a taller bike for me. Actually, I love the style, sound and looks of Buells and I consider Uli the bike of choice. But, the problem began when I started checking bikes out. To my surprise the first that I looked at wasn't as roomy as the whole Internet seems to claim. I'm about 6'2 tall, 34'' inseam. So, I'm tall but not a giant. Still when I sat my butt a XB12X my knees were touching the frame pucks (!) To be honest it didn't feel comfy at all, especially after all those 'plenty of legroom' or 'lots, lots of space' reviews. I couldn't make myself comfortable on it. Wondering how is it like while riding. The seller wouldn't let me as I didn't have cash (bah!). Therefore I'd really appreciate feedback from tall riders, my height or taller. How do you cope with that? Maybe it's not actually an issue when riding? Maybe the problem was with the bike (it was 2007 model by the way). I'm going to check out another one soon (2006 model), 200 miles away. It would be a bummer to drive this far just to see that it's actually not a bike for me... Thanks for help! P.S. If there are grammar errors - apologies. Not a native English speaker. Also if you feel this thread doesn't match the section, please move it to a proper one. No hard feelings. (Message edited by Hunger on March 29, 2015) (Message edited by Hunger on March 29, 2015) (Message edited by Hunger on March 29, 2015) | ||
| Fotoguzzi |
the 2007 have the possible bad crank.. keep looking.. | ||
| Reepicheep |
I'm same height, same inseam, and love the fit of my Uly. There area a couple of different seats to choose from, they are about the same height, but one is wider, so it ends keeping you higher off the ground. I'd rather have a post 2007 than a 2007 or earlier, but I'd rather have my 2007 than no Uly. | ||
| Teeps |
Also make sure the Ulysses you're looking at has the tall seat. | ||
| Hunger |
Thanks for responses. Just to show you what I'm talking about: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1WuX8MwMI1cekVib kROUmxpU1U/view?usp=sharing So nobody else had that issue? Well, maybe the one I checked just had lowered seat. As for the year I'm leaning towards 2006 model just because of the factory seat height. | ||
| Fotoguzzi |
yep your legs don't fit.. can't tell which seat it is but you can always have it altered. | ||
| Froggy |
That bike has the stock 2007+ seat. The 2006 seat is taller, but either way there is plenty of room to move back. The seat, even brand new, is fairly cheap, and snaps right on, so don't let that be the factor to which bike you buy. Either seat is about $100 in the US, I want to say it is about 150 Euros. | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
My stock 2008 seat was "OK" for my 6'3" legs but I got a 2006 stock seat and it was a vast improvement. An inch or two makes all the difference. Yes my original 2008 seat allowed my knees to hit the pucks. I was coming off of an X1 so it seemed roomy though. | ||
| Hunger |
That's basically what I wanted to know, if one inch of seat height makes a difference. Natexlh1000, you say on a 2006 stock you no longer have the 'puck problem'? So there's still hope  As for moving back on the seat... I don't think that would be the solution as it's not the natural position, besides, you always slide forward when braking for example. And most importantly you'd rather be relaxed on a bike rather than struggle to fit. But in any case, thanks all for answers, you actually helped me a lot. (Message edited by Hunger on March 31, 2015) | ||
| Fotoguzzi |
Also you could use a pad like Airhawk, they work well and can inflate to any height. | ||
| Xb9er |
I had a 2006 Uly with the high seat and my knees still touched the frame pucks. I have a 34 inch inseam but I'm an aggressive riding and stay up against the airbox. | ||
| Hunger |
Xb9er, that's interesting, was it actually an issue for you or you just got used to and kind of forgot about it while riding? Did it prevent you from being confident when cornering, breaking etc. I'm rather aggressive rider too  | ||
| Blake |
6'-3" with 35" inseam and perfectly comfortable on my stock 2009 Uly. | ||
| Xb9er |
Hunger, it never bothered me and had didn't hinder my riding. | ||
| Bigblockbruce |
Had a 2006. It was the most comfortable street oriented bike I have ever owned! I'm 6'2" with 38" inseam. Just sit back a little and tuck your knees behind the frame. | ||
| M1combat |
A couple things... It looks like your arms are locked. If you bend them at the elbows it will rotate your upper body towards the tank. This will make you naturally want to sit maybe a half inch to an inch (13-26mm) back on the seat. Riding with stiff/straight arms is bad mojo on a sport bike. You've got the pegs about mid-foot which is kinda the classic way for non-sport bikes. On a sport bike you need to ride with the ball of your foot on the peg. This will move your knee up about an inch and bend your leg a tad bit more. I think fixing these two small issues will make you fit that bike perfectly. | ||
| Hunger |
I hope I don't look like I'm riding it! I had like 20cm of space in front of the bike, it'd be quite a journey But what you say is absolutely valid. From your responses it's now obvious to me there's nothing to worry about, I'll just keep looking. The weather is awful though, seems winter is coming back... I'll probably go at the end of next week. (Message edited by Hunger on April 01, 2015) (Message edited by Hunger on April 01, 2015) | ||
| Hunger |
BTW Maybe I should explain why all the silly questions. In Poland (and Europe in general) Buells are quite rare. You usually can't just pick and choose the year and configuration you want. Rather you end up checking what's available. Also most of accessories have to be shipped from abroad so I'd prefer to be OK with the bike as it is and think of modifications later. As for the orange one (from the picture), it's already sold. It was in pretty solid condition, IMO. (Message edited by Hunger on April 02, 2015) | ||
| Figorvonbuellingham |
Maybe it was an XT and no an X. I gather the XT is shorter. | ||
| Hunger |
No no, it was definitely X. Just to let you guys know: I got my first Buell last week. https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1WuX8MwMI1cNGowQ XQwZ1dJWEk/view?usp=sharing Thanks for all responses. I took your advice seriously not to bother about the seat when choosing year but the 2006 I looked at was in perfect condition - so I got it. It fits just right. Did ~250km on my way home without any problems. | ||
| Arcticktm |
I am 6'-4" with 36" inseam. I got a 2006 specifically for the taller seat setup. The pucks are not an issue for me. I replaced the footpegs, and if I had it to do over, I would buy the Precision Engineering 1" lower pegs. That might be a good plan for you. I also put a 2" ROX riser on the bars, which is pretty common around here (or a cheaper 1" setup from Precision, maybe). You can always put a 2006 taller seat on any later year XB12X as well. that and the lower pegs should make a big difference. | ||
| Tootal |
Agreed with above. At 6'4" and 37 inch inseam I have a 06 seat and 1" lowered pegs. I set back a little more on the seat and don't seem to slide at all. My knees fit right behind the pucks which is nice on cool mornings! Congrats on the new toy. I think you will really enjoy it! Besides, you got a faster black one! | ||
| Hunger |
Thanks, Tootal. Unfortunately I broke my new toy after a week of having it :/ Blocked the front wheel when emergency braking. Waiting for parts now... | ||
| Figorvonbuellingham |
Don't feel bad I've dropped my Capo twice this month...heh heh. | ||
| Hunger |
Parking drops don't count! Yeah, I feel terrible dropping the bike in such noobish way. Fortunately it's nothing beyond repair. But I had to reconcile with Fazer for a while. |
