| Author | Message | ||
     Paochow |
Ok, I got the August 2007 issue today, less than two weeks after I got the July07 issue that promised a 08 Ulysses Exclusive, WTF mailman? Well no 2008 Uly exclusive, it's listed on the next month section again. They did do a long term wrap up on their 2006 Uly test bike. Seems like they had some bad luck, with two sidestand failures (one post recall), numerous fasteners vibed loose, BAS issues (pre-recall), muffler solenoid glitch, and the exhaust flange fell off and then broke a stud after new nuts were put on. All of this over a 17,700 mile period. Needless to say the review was mixed, with MCN outlining the numerous strengths, but faulting the engine's tendency to shake stuff loose, bringing to question its reliability as an adventure bike. Maybe I've just been lucky (knock on wood), but I just passed 10K with mine, with no issues aside from the recalls and some peeling frame decals. | ||
| Iugradmark |
Paochow, Thanks for the synopsis of the article. MCN is respected by a lot of potential buyers and this is not the kind of story that helps the brand attract new people in. | ||
| Paochow |
Yeah, I was kind of disappointed with their results, especially after their initial glowing review of the Uly and it beating out the BMW GS in their shootout. One of the editors hinted at the improvements of the 08, so I guess we will have to wait until the weekend to see what the changes are. They would have to be fairly significant for me to trade in my 06. | ||
| Heath3n |
Were there actually any changes made between the '07 and '08 model? | ||
| Paochow |
??? we won't know until the 08 announcements at Homecoming this weekend. | ||
| Blackangus |
I agree the MCN write up was disappointing. Their original article/comparo with the GS is what got me thinking about the Uly in the first place. Still, 6,000 trouble free miles. Guess I'll check the tightness of various screws and fasteners more regularly. My one lingering doubt about the Uly is its reliability. Knock on fiberglass, so far so good! I hope it continues. This is without question the most fun bike I've ever had, but reliability is very important to me. In contrast, someone here posted a write-up, from Germany, I believe, of a long term test of the engine that was very positive. In the meantime, I'll plan to do a lot more riding this summer! Ride hard and tighten down the fasteners! (Message edited by blackangus on July 06, 2007) | ||
| Chadhargis |
As an MSF instructor, I teach TCLOCS, which is a method for doing a pre-ride inspection. Do people actually get on their bikes and blindly ride them without giving them a look see every now and then? Am I the only person that checks fasteners, drive system, and other things on a regular basis? Maybe the reason so many people have bad luck with vehicles is because they expect to be able to just start it and go without doing anything other than changing the oil (if they do that). I've had some quirks with my Uly, but nothing major. Same with my Jeep. It has warts, but nothing I can't work around. If you want a perfect vehicle of any kind, you need to be somewhat lucky. Even the BMWs I've owned that cost considerably more than the Ulysses had issues. Aren't they supposed to be the Kings of Quality? What about Honda...well known for their reliability, but Goldwings were cracking frames, shredding steering head bearings, and busting shocks (and the forks suck too). As far as things vibrating out is concerned, I've found the opposite to be true. I can't get fasteners out half the time. I've had to drill out two already! (Message edited by chadhargis on July 06, 2007) | ||
| Michael1 |
I'm reading the article right now. It's a mixed bag, but my relationship with the Uly has been positive and good. Yeah, I've had some downs, but for a first year bike, so what. It's part of owning a toy. My cars do the same thing. There is so many parts and things that go into these bikes (and cars) that it's a wonder we don't have more problems than we do. My Uly has lost it's rear wheel bearings, stranding me, exhaust actuator failed within 50 miles and that's about it. I've beaten this bike, abused it and it's always come back for more. But I do go over the bike regularly and check stuff. But also I never wash it...hoping the grime will keep stuff together better. If the 08 is significantly changed...than maybe I'd look into buying it. But right now... no way. My biggest problem with my Uly... it's needs better dirt presence. The tire choices suck and the rake/trail blow for the type of trails I like to run. Even in sand, loose gravel... the steering is just too quick. Give me another 2~4 degrees of rake and maybe an 1" more trail and it should be good... But then the 54" wheel base could be doing it as well. Maybe I need to add a 990 Adventure to my stable...but then the wife doesn't like it passenger accomodations. Just give me a Uly with better dirt prowlness. | ||
| Chadhargis |
I respect everyones opinion, but there are LOTS of real dual sport type bikes out there. KLR, DR, GS, V-Strom, KTM, etc...There are only 2 other bikes like the Uly. The Multistrada and the Tiger. The Tiger's wheelbase is too long and the seat is too dished out. The Multistrada is an awesome bike...but you pay for it. The Ulysses is really the only bike in the class that offers sportbike like handling in a comfortable chassis. It's perfect for big guys like me who would really love a sportbike, but can't fit on one comfortably. | ||
| Crusty |
I saw an '08 today (everybody who toured the Factory did). Wait until you see the changes. Now my wife wants to sell her Moto Guzzi and get a Buell. Neat stuff in the Pipeline. | ||
| Paochow |
Care to elaborate Crusty? Or did they make you sign a non-disclosure agreement? | ||
| Court |
It was awesome today. . . the folks at Buell decided, rather than to clear the line and with official announcement being 36 hours away, to keep sending 2008 models down the line. It didn't take long for folks to notice. The funny thing was that most the folks I spoke to, and there were better than 450 in attendance, were kinda like "hey, I'm on board . . I'll talk about it Sunday". Suppose that many folks can keep a secret . .. nahhhhhhhhhhhh. It was cool and it sure wasn't hard to spot the changes in the 2008 Ulysses! I'm with Ms. Crusty . . . this may have just gotten too darned attractive to pass up. | ||
| Hughlysses |
You guys really know how to torture those of us who couldn't make it to homecoming, don't you?  For the 08 Uly, I'm betting on a bigger, quieter cooling fan, a low version (or maybe an adjustable height seat like Erik originally wanted), XBRR type oil pump, and an even more bullet-proof belt. Oh yea, and "bold new graphics!"  | ||
| Markog |
Hi: why is it when mag guys say the quirks on italian bikes ad character and all the other bikes have faults? marko | ||
| Bottomsdown |
"why is it when mag guys say the quirks on italian bikes add character and all the other bikes have faults?" It's a Romance language vs Anglo lingo thing: "Chow!" .. "Oh yeah? Eat THIS!" |
