DeBenGuzzi Posted May 20, 2006 Share Posted May 20, 2006 SO I test rode the Ulysses and a HD low rider (no street bob available) I get on the Ulysses and that thing is tall even for me at 6'3" I don't much care for the finish of the bike everything looks cheap its vibey as all get out, especially in the pegs after riding for a bit the cooling fan that comes on sounds like its going to explode and the heat on the legs is rather uncomfortable, The gearbox is clunky and the clutch was heavy I really really wanted to like the Ulysses. On the plus side its has loads of power goes really fast and will wheelie in almost any gear and will do a stoppie(ask me how I know!!). BTW I have a dirt review of this bike... I saw a road that had been ripped up and they had gone over it with a water truck so it was dirt water and mud. this is where it gets good I went down the said dirt road 2 or 3 times goosing the rear end and splashing the puddles I also drove over some curbs and those cement parking curbs they put in parking lots the ulysses can do it all. I also saw another driveway with speed bumps so I hit them at a good speed the Ulysses is like riding a mountain bike very agile and easy to use when I got back the whole thing was dripping with mud and dirt and I haven't even test ridden the HD yet so I couldn't just bail. The service manager wasn't too thrilled with me and came over to give me a hard time but the saleman was ok with it and asked me where this street was I just wish I would have had the camera with so I could show you what it looked like. I did that once b4 when I test drove a jeep word to anyone reading this if its meant to get dirty and you don't want it to, don't let me test ride it. The HD was actually really really nice for being bone stock. I am made up my mind the look feel and finish of the HD was amazing to me. The ride was flawless the brakes were on the weak side but you just have to take that into consideration being that its a cruiser, The gearbox and power delivery were better than I had expected. The street bob bone stock with some highway pegs will be my next bike, I will still do the upgrades but I want to wait until they have blacked out pipes for it then I will do the pipes and aircleaner. If I lived in a different area and could get a Ulysses for say 5-8K I'd do it in a heartbeat but with the problems and lack of use I could really get out of it I don't think she's worth it. I think if I really wanted the Ulysses I'd just get the 1200GS instead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Nogbad Posted May 20, 2006 Share Posted May 20, 2006 Blimey De Ben, are we all test riding H-Ds this weekend! I think if I really wanted the Ulysses I'd just get the 1200GS instead. 89756[/snapback] Don't. The BMW engine vibrates like a sex toy, only without the pleasure. The isolated H-D mill in the Buells is way better. I am simply too short for a Uly, otherwise I would have got one. I had a 2 hour session on a Street Rod this morning. Try one, the watercooled H-D engine is nice no kidding. Doesn't have the raw drive of the Buell tuned 1200 though. I posted a write up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dlaing Posted May 20, 2006 Share Posted May 20, 2006 Sounds like you had more than a Blast ® Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeBenGuzzi Posted May 20, 2006 Author Share Posted May 20, 2006 yeah after all that, they still gave me the shoulder bag, AND its really nice. everyone should test ride the Ulysses just to get the shouldbag I'll test ride the Vrod also to know what it feels like but I have sat on them and I think they feel too narrow HD is a really nice bike, I still don't like most of the crowd but they have something there in those bikes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dlaing Posted May 20, 2006 Share Posted May 20, 2006 I think alot of people are waiting for Buell to take the V-Rod engine and create some revolutionary sport twins. But then would one be better off with KTM, Aprillia, Honda or Suzuki twins???? It might not matter as the HD marque has its following. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skeeve Posted May 20, 2006 Share Posted May 20, 2006 I think alot of people are waiting for Buell to take the V-Rod engine and create some revolutionary sport twins. 89763[/snapback] Ain't gonna happen, at least, not according to Erik Buell! He no likey da VR-mill, sez it's too d@mn big & heavy for a sport bike. Come to think of it, Yamaha has never built a sportbike w/ the V-Max mill, & it's equivalent to the VR motor in size/wt/power output... I guess Erik's got a point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Nogbad Posted May 20, 2006 Share Posted May 20, 2006 Ain't gonna happen, at least, not according to Erik Buell! He no likey da VR-mill, sez it's too d@mn big & heavy for a sport bike. Come to think of it, Yamaha has never built a sportbike w/ the V-Max mill, & it's equivalent to the VR motor in size/wt/power output... I guess Erik's got a point. 89768[/snapback] I guess so. As a Firebolt owner I can testify to the effectiveness of his "uniplanar" rubber isolation and engine tuning skills. After all, the race kitted 1200 makes 106 bhp, is reasonably light and loses little power through the belt drive. The engine character is nice too. I am getting used to the fan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeBenGuzzi Posted May 20, 2006 Author Share Posted May 20, 2006 I guess so. As a Firebolt owner I can testify to the effectiveness of his "uniplanar" rubber isolation and engine tuning skills. After all, the race kitted 1200 makes 106 bhp, is reasonably light and loses little power through the belt drive. The engine character is nice too. I am getting used to the fan. 89773[/snapback] I bet I'd like the lightning better BUT his bikes are scho schmall I look out of place. I think I will have a buell in the garage someday tho. I can feel it. I always knew I'd have an HD tho and now I feel I'll have a buell b4 I'm dead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Nogbad Posted May 20, 2006 Share Posted May 20, 2006 I bet I'd like the lightning better BUT his bikes are scho schmall I look out of place. I think I will have a buell in the garage someday tho. I can feel it. I always knew I'd have an HD tho and now I feel I'll have a buell b4 I'm dead. 89785[/snapback] I'm only 5'9" so fit fine on the 'Bolt. I did want a Uly but when I sat on one I knew my fate would be to end up trapped under it in a car park somewhere. I did like today's VR engine and a Street Rod is a tempting addition.... I'm going to need another shed at this rate. I want to know why we are supposed to feel some kind of guilt for wanting H-Ds... It can't be age because you are a young chap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeBenGuzzi Posted May 21, 2006 Author Share Posted May 21, 2006 I'm only 5'9" so fit fine on the 'Bolt. I did want a Uly but when I sat on one I knew my fate would be to end up trapped under it in a car park somewhere. I did like today's VR engine and a Street Rod is a tempting addition.... I'm going to need another shed at this rate. I want to know why we are supposed to feel some kind of guilt for wanting H-Ds... It can't be age because you are a young chap. 89787[/snapback] HAHA I actually feel guilty because I think I'm too young to own a harley but after my test ride today hell with age and whatever anyhone else thinks, if a company has a bike with a smoother, better put together componets, I'd like to know... Don't say honda. Sure might run forever and be cheap as peanuts but the finish is only so-so IMO and there is no soul it doesn't do anything for my loins. where as the sound and feel of a true harley is something to experience, I can't believe that opinion came from my mouth..err hands but it has. I used to hate harleys because the crowd leaves something to be desired the hardcores think anyone that can't ride their hog to seattle and back are nothing but a bunch of wussies and then you have all the doctor/lawyer noobs who know nothing about riding who drive to coffee shops and park it and don't care about riding just the look at me aspect. I almost wish the street bob was made by guzzi but then I don't like the lack of parts dealers and service. Just that rumble of the stock pipes I don't think I'd even want them louder just more airflow would be nice for some more power with blacked out pipes I'm still going to test ride the 999, could be a good learning experience but they are no better off than guzzi around here. well slighty better off but even more expensive to own Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest AdamofKC Posted May 21, 2006 Share Posted May 21, 2006 I posted a write-up at this website here about my recent ride on the Ulysses and the XB12R Firebolt. I didn't like the Ulysses that much. Suspension was off, throttle was to touchy, wind protection was lacking and I almost dropped the bike. I had to pay active attention to balancing the damn thing. Look up my review (in the chit chat or other motorcycles section) to see what I said. I also did a write-up on the Monster S2R 1000, Monster S4Rs and ST3 from the recent Ducati demo day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeBenGuzzi Posted May 21, 2006 Author Share Posted May 21, 2006 I posted a write-up at this website here about my recent ride on the Ulysses and the XB12R Firebolt. I didn't like the Ulysses that much. Suspension was off, throttle was to touchy, wind protection was lacking and I almost dropped the bike. I had to pay active attention to balancing the damn thing. Look up my review (in the chit chat or other motorcycles section) to see what I said. I also did a write-up on the Monster S2R 1000, Monster S4Rs and ST3 from the recent Ducati demo day. 89810[/snapback] something would have to be done about that throttle, also if it doesn't have a steering dampner then it really needs one I felt like it was going to rip my hands apart and actually did a little bit when I put her through the paces so at least better grips and loosen the suspension a lil and I did ask about better wind protection they say there is a 4in taller screen available Still think it would make a great toy to buy off someone a few years down the road. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve G. Posted May 21, 2006 Share Posted May 21, 2006 HAHA I actually feel guilty because I think I'm too young to own a harley but after my test ride today hell with age and whatever anyhone else thinks, if a company has a bike with a smoother, better put together componets, I'd like to know... Don't say honda. Sure might run forever and be cheap as peanuts but the finish is only so-so IMO and there is no soul it doesn't do anything for my loins. where as the sound and feel of a true harley is something to experience, I can't believe that opinion came from my mouth..err hands but it has. I used to hate harleys because the crowd leaves something to be desired the hardcores think anyone that can't ride their hog to seattle and back are nothing but a bunch of wussies and then you have all the doctor/lawyer noobs who know nothing about riding who drive to coffee shops and park it and don't care about riding just the look at me aspect. I almost wish the street bob was made by guzzi but then I don't like the lack of parts dealers and service. Just that rumble of the stock pipes I don't think I'd even want them louder just more airflow would be nice for some more power with blacked out pipes I'm still going to test ride the 999, could be a good learning experience but they are no better off than guzzi around here. well slighty better off but even more expensive to own 89791[/snapback] I can admit that the cosmetics on a Harley are given extra consideration, chrome, paint, etc, are given extra attention at the factory, and the quality is very good. But surely this is not why you are going to buy one? Other than the full tour 'Glide', which other than it's pitifull power to weight ratio, can still be considered as a touring machine viable compared to the competition in it's catagory. But the rest? Come on man. The sitting position alone is enough to make you think again. Unless one has besided to become a full time poser in town, having your feet forward like that eliminates all of them as long tour machines, the concentrated body weight on one spot [the tailbone] making no sense, the lean back posture causing the body to become a human kite at speeds over 60 mph. And the handling? What are we talking about here when we are talking good handling? Straight line? OK, their good at that as long as you keep the speed down. I've ridden these things alot, and I'm sorry they are frickin' pitiful, they're trucks. There is no argument, none. Anyone who says they can keep up with other stuff is flat making stories. Complete fiction. These things are purchased strictly for coffee shop/pub credibility in these parts, and suspect most everywhere else in the world. Ciao, Steve G. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest AdamofKC Posted May 21, 2006 Share Posted May 21, 2006 something would have to be done about that throttle, also if it doesn't have a steering dampner then it really needs one I felt like it was going to rip my hands apart and actually did a little bit when I put her through the paces so at least better grips and loosen the suspension a lil and I did ask about better wind protection they say there is a 4in taller screen available Still think it would make a great toy to buy off someone a few years down the road. 89830[/snapback] When I rode it, my knees and lower legs were getting beat with lots of wind, same for my upper body and head. I was disappointed with the lack of protection on the Ulysses part, I expected more wind protection around the head, like the Multistrada 1000. Even though the Ulysses and Firebolt have the same suspension(which can be changed), I found the differences in the ride to be quite stunning. I also felt like the Ulysses was a bit more wallowy and a little bit more unstable than the Firebolt, which I was pleasantly suprised with, by the way. Oh DeBenGuzzi, did you get your hat as well as the bag? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dlaing Posted May 21, 2006 Share Posted May 21, 2006 I imagine these are out of most people's budget http://www.confederate.com/ ~$70K or better yet http://www.nortonamerica.com/ ~$20K Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now