| Author | Message | ||
     Ray_r |
Folks, Since I'm 6'4", I'm looking for a taller bike. I already have an XB12Ss, so I'm familiar with the Buell brand. I'm also looking at the BMWs and the KTM 950SM, although I've never been fond of chain drive bikes. I also try to stay away from the Japanese brands, since they're so commonplace and typically look worn and outdated in the matter of a couple of years. Any of you familiar with the brands and can comment? The only real issue I've heard on the Uly is heat, which I've experienced on the XB12Ss, and for me, it's tolerable. Am I missing another brand/model that is worth looking into? I understand I'm on a Buell board, so I'll get a somewhat biased opinion. But from what I've read here so far, no one seems shy about listing their issues/complaints!  | ||
| Chris_in_tn |
You will get a biased opinion here as you stated, however we all were faced with the same options as you and chose the Buell. This bike is much more street oriented than the others you have mentioned. It is off road capable and does O.K. just not as well as the others. It is not a sport bike but it's close, it's not a touring bike but it's close, it's not a duel sport but it's close. It seems to nearly every thing very well, just not as focused as a dedicated type bike. | ||
| Debueller |
My brothers KTM 950 Adventure is torn down to the engine block right now. It is 3 weeks past the warranty and has 25k miles on it. The water pump has been leaking coolant into the crankcase and has been causing many problems. Cloged oil filter, failed cam chain tensioner, coolant loss resulting in overheating, and now... camshaft failure. On the other hand, my Uly has been fairly trouble free at 17k mi. What I do know is I spend alot less time working on my Buell. He kicks my ass on the dirt, but I have my way with him on the twisties. He is very frustrated with his bike. Last weekend he had to ride his old faithful Road King with 60k miles on it. This weekend he will have to ride his 640 dual sport on an adventure ride. The whole time I have been enjoying the hell out of my Uly tearing up the twisties while he wears the bottom of his floorboards. This weekend I will ride in comfort while his 640 rattles his fillings and tortures his ass. If you get a KTM keep extra water pump shaft and seals on hand. Take my advise on that one. | ||
| Debueller |
My brothers KTM 950 (Message edited by debueller on June 21, 2006) | ||
| Namibian |
I had a BMW R1200GS I traded to Daves for my Uly. Had some fuel related computer glitch & the the GS was gone for 5 weeks of prime riding. First time in 45 years a bike left me stranded & had to trailer home. At that point, IT WAS GONE!! Heat on right thigh is only issue & that has been fixed +/- with the SpecOps "blanket" & Fastway pegs. Love the Uly. | ||
| Debueller |
Sorry about the double post, oops! | ||
| Ray_r |
Thanks for the responses so far, duplicates and all.  Some added info on me. I will use the bike 99.9% of the time on the street. I also own a couple of BMWs (R1150RT and R1100S dual-sparks), and they have been reliable as well. Reliability, comfort, and low maintenance are important to me. And I appreciate the info on the blanket and pegs. I will do a search and find more info on those. (Message edited by Ray_R on June 21, 2006) | ||
| Bindy |
Hi Ray, We have a Uly and it is the most comfortable of bikes. I love it for that alone. Opto got ours for the dirt roads in Aussie, we love to get out of the city and hit the bush. It also handles exceptionally in the wet, and like all Buells is brilliant in the corners. Love our XB12s but you can't beat Uly for comfort. Good Luck with whatever you decide on. | ||
| Buelltoys |
The only thing I can comment on is many of the guys I know aren't into the dual sport look. But as everyone has stated here it is a very comfortable bike. I went from a Blast to the Uly so no experience with the others. One of my friends just got the new R1200GS sport and likes it but I like the Uly more. Only problem is just dropped it off at the shop. Had a spill last week with it. The bike held up well. Only damage we can see is with the windscreen, handle bars, grip deflectors and throttle is stuck on high. No other damage done to the bike or saddle bags besides scuffs on side of bags. All brackets still intact and working fine. Can't wait to get it back and ride!! Miss it already. | ||
| Wasions |
ray, I know I'm gonna get kicked for this, but before you buy a Uly, ride a Tiger. If I were a younger guy, I might go for the Buell, but I ain't, and I've become extremely happy that I didn't impulse-purchase it. | ||
| Lorazepam |
I am 48 and finally found an american bike I would buy. My last ride was a sport tourer, R1150RS '04. The Uly does better 2up, handles light years better in the twisties, and had gobs of torque. I had planned on keeping the RRS for years, but one ride on the Uly changed my mind. With out a doubt, the most versatile motorcycle I have ever ridden. | ||
| Thesmaz |
To keep your options open, wait for the NEW Triumph Tiger. I am of the same height as you and looked at all of the same bikes you mentioned and chose the Uly. I liked the Tiger but the Uly just grabbed me in a way that the Brit bike didn't. The wife loves to ride on the seat and really enjoys the back rest. The luggage is great and didn't leak a drop during a 1000mi trip in which we got rained on every day. | ||
| M2nc |
Ray - I love the BMWs but the Uly was less expensive and better dealer network in my area even if some are not very interested in Buells. The Uly is incredibly comfortable. I have ridden up to 720 miles in one day and up to four hours in the saddle. I stopped because I was running out of gas. No other bike I have ever ridden has been as comfortable. Also in town doing the daily commute, the bike is very tossable especially when you need instant change of direction. The flickability of the bike is the best I have seen for Buell. | ||
| Ray_r |
Thanks for the continued responses folks. I realize the Tiger certainly fits into this category. But for me, it has three strikes against it. 1) Too many cylinders (stupid, I know. But I'm a twin or big single fan), 2) chain drive, and 3) those stripes (again, I know. Easily remedied). I'll be interested in seeing what happens in '07. Stick that 1050 speed triple engine in and fix the suspension and oooohhhhhh. | ||
| Crusty |
I'm a Buell lover posting on a Buell Enthusiast's site. I make no pretense at objectivity. Keep that in mind. I also passionately hate BMWs. They are extremely overrated and overpriced underperformers of questionable reliability whose biggest proponents suffer from terminal rectal occulitis, and carry an unjustified air of superiority that I find nauseating. I'd say forget about the GS or HP2 as being even remotely worth owning, unless you're looking for an expensive cure for insomnia. The KTM is supposed to be a good bike (they do well in the Wherever to Dakar), but I keep hearing about water pump problems. I have no direct experience with them, so I can't offer advice either way. I can say that my Ulysses puts a smile on my face whenever I ride it. It's the most emotionally rewarding motorcycle being made today. It's not perfect, but nothing else even comes close. It has its idiosyncrasies, but I can live with them. Buy a sexy orange XB12X. You won't regret it. | ||
| Ka5ysy |
Hey Crusty: How about telling us how you REALLY feel about BMW????  | ||
| Motomickey |
I looked at he HP2 and the Uly before making my decision. The HP felt roughly the same height and I liked the longer travel suspension (My background is from dirt-raced offroad, mx and still compete in trials) I didn't like the smaller tank on the HP. Then I rode the ULY-just like it alot more. I realized with my trials bike that the only place you need the long travel suspension is if you are JUMPING really big, or hitting obstacles really fast. I also realized with my trials bike, that I can go just about anywhere (an a lot of places I can't go with the long travel bikes) with about the same travel the ULY has. And for the bucks I saved, I have an 06 Montesa trials bike sitting in the garage next to the ULY. (Now if I could just figure out how to carry the Montesa on the Uly, it would be a perfect world). | ||
| Maxsteel |
Buy the Buell...You know you want to. I just bought mine and have had a lot of fun on it so far. I think first is a little tall for the traffic I have to ride in here but the rest of the time I love the bike it handles well, it has speed and can hurt you but it's not violent like my 450r dirt bike or say cbr1000rr. I grabbed a hand full of throttle the other day just to check it out, and it was cool. everything takes an hour to get to here so that is my minimum ride time and I stay comfortable throughout the entire trip.But none of that matters, because what matters most is it's not how you feel it's how you look and this bike looks Bad a>>>>>. I would buy another. | ||
| Windaddiction |
they HP2 is sweet looking but cost money, the 950 is sweet but cost money, I had a bad experince with my dealer and that turned me off buell but for the money the uly is the best bang for the buck! | ||
| Ulendo |
I did part of the BC Big Trailie Ride today - I was on the CityX, running with F650GS,F650GS Dakar, GS1150's, GSA1150, GS1200's, KTM950 Adventure, a Pair of HP2's, and a couple of V-Stroms. mixed roads from highway twisties, to decent trail work on loose gravel, some sandy sections, packed forest services roads, etc. first note - all are good rides, with strong, and weak points. For trail work ( as opposed to true 'offroad', MX stuff) all will do it. the HP2's had issues with range - along with the small tank, they're thirsty. KTM's did great on the trail, but on the high speed street sections & twisties, handling, ride, and windwere issues for the riders ( their words, not mine). the big GS's, and GSA's were good dual purpose machines - but their riders were suffering from weight on the rocky sections, and, like the HP2's, they were considerably more thirsty than the Buell. V-Stroms were no more/less capable than my CityX - even though they had true dual sport tires, and I was 'just' on the sync's. the 3 guys on stroms were VERY interested in how I did, BTW, and fwiw, the CityX ate them for breakfast on the twisties. Oh - and I was one of the only riders who WASNT sore after the mornigns ride: I had to do ~350km home to pick up my kids, and got back just fine...something to keep in mind when the Uly} is reportedly even more comfortable than the CityX not going to express an opinion as to what will work for YOU, but hopefully this'll give you a little bit of real world comparison. $0.02, YMMV | ||
| Eor |
I also passionately hate BMWs. They are extremely overrated and overpriced underperformers of questionable reliability whose biggest proponents suffer from terminal rectal occulitis, and carry an unjustified air of superiority that I find nauseating. I'd say forget about the GS or HP2 as being even remotely worth owning, unless you're looking for an expensive cure for insomnia. Well...I recently traded my Uly in on an H-D bagger, sold a couple of bikes, and picked up a R1200GS. I appreciate the heads up on the attitude change I will need to undergo as a result. How's this for a start....   I don't know anything about the KTM. The Buell and BMW are both good bikes, each having its having strong points, weaknesses, and quirks. Having a capable dealership nearby seems to be key in having a good experience with either. Yes...the BMW costs more and attracts a different crowd. If you are value shopping, you probably should avoid BMW's, Buells, KTM's, or Triumphs and get a V-Strom 650. I believe it works likes this, ideally.... Research and ride what you are interested in. Decide which one you think is the "coolest," "most comfortable," "most fun," "most versatile," etc. You might have to adjust your preference based on what you can afford or are willing to pay. Then you get your toy and play with it. Whether you buy into the tribal dress and mannerisms that accompany any brand, and the extent with which you do so is up to you... its just another optional accessory. They're all fun.  | ||
| Crusty |
I'll be in GSpot whining about the servo assisted and linked ABS, unbalanced throttle bodies, windscreen buffeting, and rear drive failures for a while. -posted on advrider I was becoming concerned about more significant issues others have been reporting recently and I was tired of the 350 mile round trip for service I trusted. I'm not sure what Buell issues are more significant than sudden and unexpected brake loss, or having your drive take a dump when you're far from home, but I hope you get full enjoyment from your new toy. | ||
| Ray_r |
I can't say I'm passionate about any one brand, and certainly haven't had the bad experiences as Crusty has. As stated above, I currently own both Buell and BMW bikes, and have had good experiences with both. I had an 1100GS several years ago, and it felt top heavy to me. Then again, it was much heavier than the current model. What's interesting to me is I posted this same note over on a BMW message board, and heard more positives on the Ulysses than the GS. Maybe they want to keep some sort of exclusivity...who knows? But to me, it says a lot about the Buell. Any comments on which bike would be most willing to spend a day in traffic with 100 degree temps outside? So now the question is do I shop now to get a good deal on a '06? Or wait to see what's announced at the dealer meeting next month and hold off for an '07? (I don't expect anyone here to answer that question for me) (Message edited by Ray_R on June 25, 2006) | ||
| Eor |
What the posters here cannot see is the waving smiley face at the end of my "I'll be in the GSpot whining...." statement implying humor and sarcasm. I'm trying to be humorous here, Crusty. Did your GS experience both the ABS and rear drive failures? If so, that that really sucks. For the record, I don't mind being quoted from another forum...its all out there for the world to see. Sometimes I make more sense than others. I do try to avoid getting too specific about issues with which I have no personal experience. The "more significant issues" I was referring to were the reports here and elsewhere of belt failures, sidestand failures, and engine shut-downs at speed, any of which could be as dangerous or inconvenient as a ABS or final drive failures, I would think. The possibility of these problems was not the primary reason for my decision to trade in the Ulysses, it was a secondary part of the equation. Nor did I ignore the possibility of ABS and rear drive failures in the GS when deciding to try it. I'm sorry your experience with BMW was such a bitter one. My experience with the Ulysses was somewhat frustrating and disappointing at times but I had a hell of allot of fun on it. I'm not bitter toward the brand at all and certainly wouldn't discourage anyone from purchasing one. I just thought it was time to move on.... | ||
| Ulendo |
eor - seeing as you're also over on ADV Rider, check out shogani's posts under 'ride reports and pics, pics, pics'....her rear drive failed in High Level, Alberta while in her way up to alaska! I'll also add, that of the BMW's in the group I ran with yesterday, one 1200GS had a serious brake issue ( ABS ) and IIRC, one of the HP2's was saying something about throttle synch ( or maybe it was TPS - I dont know the HP2 systems all that well?) thats 2 out of 7 BMW's, 15 bikes total. others were me, KTM, & V-Stroms....and no one else had issues that I'm aware of. oh yah - the two BABY bmw's (650's) ran fine  seems to be a 'lot' more issues with those BMW's than just the final drives, and they're not exactly what I'd call field fixable issues. A blown wire might hobble you, but CAN be repaired in-situ, with the type of supplies you SHOULD be carrying on long trips. blown final drives, failed ABS components, etc arent usually field fixes! Is there an equivalent to 'DaveS' for the BMW crowd? if not, shogani's in a world of hurt, 'cause high level is spittin distance from the arctic circle! | ||
| Stevenknapp |
I had a 12GS for ~6k. And I've had my Uly for just over 6k. I had a R1150RT before the GS, and a Triumph Trophy before that. The Uly is a fab bike for me. Bikes are personal things, so you'll need to see what YOU like. I don't think there are too many bad bikes out there. Just different bikes. The Uly feels more connected than the BMW. The telelever isolates you from what the front end is doing a bit. Same for the servo brakes. As far as troubles...well, every bike will have em. But the Uly is much more simple than the BMW, and much more "user friendly" for field fixes. Buell seems much more responsive than most makes. I was floored when I got a call "Mr Knapp, I saw your post on badweb, we're concerned about your problem and want to have a look at your bike". BMW seems more arrogant, less customer focused. Also finding independent BMW wrenches will get harder and harder. The training and tools needed for the latest bikes is, I'm told, only offered to dealers and their technicians. | ||
| Ray_r |
Well, the votes are in and I'm picking up the Ulysses today! | ||
| Teeps |
Ray r, Be sure to read the owner's manual and set the suspension up per its recommendations. Enjoy the howl of the beast! | ||
| Rubberdown |
Crusty, take a pill Man. | ||
| Whodom |
eor - seeing as you're also over on ADV Rider, check out shogani's posts under 'ride reports and pics, pics, pics'....her rear drive failed in High Level, Alberta while in her way up to alaska! The drive splines in the clutch friction plate (and to a lesser extent the splines on the transmission input shaft) wore out, so it really wasn't a "rear drive" failure as such. At any rate, some intrepid advrider enthusiasts from the U.S. got her new clutch parts and a good used transmission and shipped them to her in the middle of nowhere. She repaired the bike with the help of some friendly locals, and she's back on the road and making good progress, although it looks like she will be replacing her fork seals in the next day or two. It will be cool to see the ride report when someone with a Uly does that trip. | ||
| Ulendo |
whodom - yep, turned out to be the splines. when I originally posted that, she (and hubby steve) was still reporting it as a rear drive failure. OTOH, I've found out since that one rider from didnt even make it to the big traillie ride on his beamer because of some sort of drivetrain failure!! ( ended up trucking his bike home from Princeton) funny thing is, I like the big BMW's, and had originally figured that I've be riding an older one. ( which might still be a safe bet, since it seems to be mostly the newer 1150, and 1200's with the issues - shoganais is the first glitch I've heard of in that model) | ||
| Whodom |
Ulendo, The big BMW's do seem to be pretty cool. OTOH I have followed "MikeO's" two major ride report threads on advrider, and he's had to replace the final drive on his late model Beamer twice. For all the grief people have given the Buell belt, I'd much rather have to change it on the side of the road in the middle of Alaska than mess with the driveline on a BMW. | ||
| Ulendo |
For all the grief people have given the Buell belt, I'd much rather have to change it on the side of the road in the middle of Alaska isnt that just the truth though!! As for relevance to the thread - all brands have issues, and it usually comes down to the dealer / corporate backing issue. do note - in my initial post(responding to a request for opinions) I said ALL are good bikes...the negatives I posted are to illustrate strong/weak points, based on real world use, not to slam any of the brands or bikes. | ||
| Stevenknapp |
and it usually comes down to the dealer / corporate backing issue. Agreed, but isn't that a place where Buell has most makes beat? | ||
| Eor |
At the corporate level, it would appear that Buell has the advantage when it comes to attitude and responsiveness, but I have seen little indication that advantage extends to the dealer level. | ||
| Ray_r |
Ok guys, let this post die. I bought the Uly...largely due to the responses I received on this board, the responses received on the BMW board, and the quality of my local dealer. It's a great bike, and the right choice for me. Nuff said! (Message edited by Ray_R on July 07, 2006) (Message edited by Ray_R on July 07, 2006) | ||
| Blake |
Congratulations Ray! Here's wishing you many adventuresome, safe and enjoyable miles on your new Uly. | ||
| Motomickey |
Congrats!!!! Did you get the very fast Orange or the almost as fast black?  | ||
| Ray_r |
Got the very fast Orange. I just won't know how fast for the first 500 miles! I've already ordered the Drummer SS, open airbox kit, race ecm, and K&N Filter. This baby needs some sound! I'll also be calling Odie for a heat shield for the seat. |
