post-total loss questions

[jarobi]

Hello,

A bud totaled my '04 silver RR (he's OK, got his bell rung a little). I'm in new bike-itis now and I have a couple questions.

I found an '04 RR (late '04, has the jump start leads) in black, ABS, 4,000 miles, Akrapovic/Y-pipe, Givi screen, bags/luggage rack. Question is, do I want to mess with this generation of ABS at all? Last RR wasn't ABS.

Next. I've looked at the Buell Ulysses XB12XT, and they're dealing on the '07s. Anyone here have any experience on the Uly, good or bad?

thanks a lot!

[Byrdguy]

Me, personally, I'd stick with the 1150R. It's way more versatile. Plus it's a BMW. I can't offer any advice on the ABS though. my 02 doesn't have it.

[jarobi]

thanks. The only reason i'm looking a t a new bike is for a warranty. If i buy the R and it has a spline or FD failure it'll be sitting for awhile (I'm a walking Murphy's Law case study). I can't drop 15K on the R12R and accessories, or 17K on a 12GS. The Buell is ready to go and deals can be found, and so is the used RR. I know the choice between ancient Boxer and Harley designed engines is a no-brainer. I would like some first-hand accounts of what Uly ownership entails. i've found folks who love 'em and put miles on them, and some who get a turd.

[duke]

I have not tried ANY Buell, however think from the following angles:

- The Buell is an acquired taste.
Just like a flat twin, but with a different flavour.
Buy only if you think you will like it after more than just a test ride.

- Buell Ulysses is not a real trail bike.
More like real bike styled like trail one.
Just think of any trail bike with belt and underbelly exhaust.
Make sure you buy it for a different reason than this.

- Investigate resale values.
Unless you are filthy rich.

A final word - I actually quite like the way all the Buells look. Do not take the above as Buell-bashing.

[Buckster]

You should go ride both. I did and here is my opinion. Uly has very good ergonomics. It's a good looking bike. It's fast. Capable of long rides.
Down side is it shakes...alot. Throttle response was a bit touchy in a parking lot. Can't see out of the mirrors because they vibrate even at speed. I didn't experience it, but apparently the fan comes on alot to keep the engine cool and stays on after the bike is shut off and blows heat on you while at stop light.
It is not a true dual sport. It's made for the street. The BMW just felt more solid and built better. They may have made some changes since the demo ride I went on when they first came out. You can demo one at any Harley/Buell.

[digga]

had a Uly on a 2 day try out..

very torquey motor..will spin the rear up on a damp road. Quick, very well balanced..not for the short of leg! it doesn't vibrate...it wobbles

needless to say i'd go for the R..i did and its fantastic.

p.s when i took it back the salesmen asked me where it had been because it was filthy!!
it had been on a little off road jaunt, but nothing too serious... he was complaining because he was going to have too clean it apparently the 'textured' paint finish will nver look new again

[sweatmark]

OK - Buell or Beemer? I like 'em both.

Buell: I've got an '03 XB9S that's used for fun, errands, trackdays. Too small for road trips - makes me look like Nile Shriner in the minibike parade - but a joy to ride through the mountains, Drummer exhaust throbbing obnoxiously, announcing to all that a middle-aged hooligan is roaring down the road.

Beemer: you already know the R1150R's strength's... and weaknesses. Mrs. Sweatmark and I enjoyed a short trip this weekend on our R1150Rs, riding the slab, some mountain roads - she riding light with just a duffel, me riding two-up with our daughter and loaded System cases. 300 miles on Saturday completed in Roadster/Rockster comfort.

Notes:
I'm working on the ABS-ectomy for my Rockster, warranty is now expired and non-powered brakes with 99% reliability are in my future.
Waiting for ongoing info & experiences regarding splines, but we're keeping our bikes regardless.
The Buell service manual ($60) is the most comprehensive make/model/year-specific resource I've seen for a motorcycle.
My XB's been trouble-free, and the belt drive has been bullet proof after I upgraded to current specs.
The Buell's simplicity is something you really appreciate after taking the bike apart for upgrades or just for fun... it's really well thought out.
The Ss/Long/STT/Uly versions of the XB make a lot of sense in terms of overall capability (fuel capacity, size, power, some aftermarket support).
Except for idling, the Buell v-twin is smoother than the Boxer.
There's good owner info available for both bike options - this board has been great over the years, and BadWeb is similarly a rich source of info and commeraderie for Buell riders.

[The Velvet Monkey]

Could you live with the Buell's screaming cooling fan? I agree that the Uly is a fantastic bike with that one failing. Maybe I'm shallow, but as a Florida rider, that's a deal breaker for me as it would be running constantly.

[sweatmark]

Yeah, the hair dryer/cooling fan is annoying. I can only speak for my XB9 and local riders' XB12s in moderate-climate Oregon, but we only get the fan screech during cool-down after a hard ride on a hot day.

Post the question and/or search for answers here:

http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/m ... 2838.html?

Note: The cure for the Buell's loud rear cylinder cooling fan is a louder aftermarket exhaust can.

[jarobi]

Thanks for the replies. I'm in the desert & won't be back for another month. The black RR sold after setting there for a year. I'll ride a Ulysses when I get back and see if someone wants to deal on an '08 if I like it. Meanwhile I'll keep my eyes on the board and Craig's list for an RR or maybe a WeeStrom and find a deal. I've still got Sargent seat, bags, rhinewest chip, windscreen, etc. All farkled & nowhere to go

[Byrdguy]

If you like the small hooligan type like the Buell, give the Triumph Speed Triple a close look. Slightly less $$ than a Buell, smooth, torquey and the engine is bullet proof.

[jarobi]

Thanks Byrdguy. My actual use is 90/10 street/dirt. I was looking for a GS when the R dropped into my lap and it turned out to be excellent street/decent on dirt with the right tires; the Ulysses is great too. I'm not dirt bikin' it. The Tiger fits my bill too and darnit that triple is cool, torquey, and sounds great with the TOR or Arrow exhaust; I just don't like the valve adjustment procedure on it. The Boxer & Sportster engines are easy to maintain. Probably should've included this in my original post .

[wncbmw]

I don't think I could get use to the Buell fan! A friend rode one to breakfast Sunday and the fan went off next to me and was loud!

Sweatmark - let us know how the ABS-ectomy goes! I will probably do that to mine if it ever goes out on me, now that it is long past warranty.

[Byrdguy]

A friend of mine just bought a used 06 Triumph Tiger and absolutely loves it. He just did a two up 2300 mile (all on pavement) trip on it and has nothing but good things to say about it. I read that the new versions are even better. I'm with you on the maintenance procedures though. I'm all for quick and easy, and the 1150r is just that. The whole bike is easy to work on.

[Buckster]

Is the maintainence harder because of the three cylinders or just because of the inline configuration?

[jarobi]

They're shim-over-bucket which are a pain. see here:
http://www.canyonchasers.net/shop/955i/valves.php

[Buckster]

Thanks for the info, Jarobi. Nice to know!