I went today to look at a 2006 Ulysses with 20,000 miles and I'm not sure what to think. This is the first Buell I've ridden. From everything I've read everyone says that "its a torque monster" or "just roll on the gas and the front wheel will come up". That's not at all what this bike feels like. I went WOT a few times and it just didn't feel that fast. From first gear rolling off the line I opened it up all the way and the front didn't come close to lifting. The other thing I noticed is from idle it hesitates a bit when it wicked open quickly I ride a 2000 Honda XR650R daily and owned a '77 Sportster 1000cc. The Honda feels way quicker. The Buell has been down on the right side but the guy said it was a tip over in gravel. It has a few minor scratches on the frame but nothing that seams inconsistent with his story. He also said it hasn't been ridden much this summer and was out of gas when he started it today. It was warm when I got there (red flag!) but he said he went to fill it up and showed me a receipt for 3.7 gals of gas he put in. All in all the bike is clean and I don't hear any weird noises coming from it. ( a little ticking from the engine but nothing that sounds out of line for a harley!) I just don't know if it could just need a tune up or if theres is more hes not telling. Hes asking $3750 for it but Im sure I could get it for $3000-3500. I'm asking for any advise on if this sounds like a lemon or not. Thanks
Ahh, nope. Maybe if you really nail the throttle in 1st or 2nd gear, but that's it. You'd also have to be sitting back on the seat to get it to do it. It would also depend on your weight. If you're 220 lbs like me, it ain't happening.From everything I've read everyone says that "its a torque monster" or "just roll on the gas and the front wheel will come up".
^^^^ what dean said. don't know where you're located but i have 2 ulys for sale that are much better buys than the one you mentioned in your post. ownership history and style of usage is everything with these bikes.
go to "other buells for sale" on this site and look at 2007 ulysses and you'll see what i mean.
Ok. good to know. What about the stutter/hesitation When I open the throttle quickly? Is that normal? I'm in Colorado.
on the XB12's in stock configuration.....in alot of instances..... yes.hat about the stutter/hesitation When I open the throttle quickly? Is that normal?
some patience, some wrenching, some minimal computer skills, and a few simple mods will resolve it but for most part XB's don't react well to abrupt throttle openings.......IMO.
Yes it's a massive amount of air that needs to enter to "GO". Doesn't happen that quick.
As for the wheelie part.
If it has bags on it, it should come up in 1st & 2nd easy. "Full tank of gas" may be most of your non wheelie issue.
It could also miss on downshift when rev matching, that's same as going WOT and having a hesitation.
I've had over 15 Ulysses from all years, they all do this.
Once you learn the bike you will see.
Also $3-35 is a very good price for only 20k miles. I've seen 50k+ miles fairly regularly in my searches.
That'll partly explain the bike's sluggishness. You're probably down ~10hp at that altitude.I'm in Colorado.That'll also explain some of your disappointment. As torquey as the XB is compared to say, a 600cc I4, nothing really compares to a thumper for immediate roll-on grunt.I ride a 2000 Honda XR650R
Keep in mind the 12s are geared taller too. If you want more snap & dirt-appropriate gearing, you could go with primary gearing from a 9.
I'd investigate a bit deeper with a tape measure to check for overall frame symmetry to verify the seller's story. Aluminum chassis' are very easily damaged, especially the XB's which is quite exposed.The Buell has been down on the right side but the guy said it was a tip over in gravel.
They are double walled, takes quite a bit to get through them. I've seen both sides ground flat and bike still retains fuel fine.
Sounds like a good deal to me, where's the link?
The dings on the frame are very shallow. mostly through the paint. He said there was a rock that hit right there and thats what it looks like to me. Your right about the XR torque, but honestly I can't pull the front on that by just rolling on the gas. I do have a 15t counter and it. when I switch to the 13...well thats a different story! I'm thinking that it sounds like the bike might just need a tune up and a less pussy rider! heres the link http://denver.craigslist.org/mcy/4655148662.html
Oh... Well: that's a pretty good ding in the frame. It wouldn't bother me... BUT I know most people would be bothered. That won't affect anything tho.
Insurance would total that bike :)
Can also tell you there's about $400 in extra stuff there at fair used value.
So consider that against the price.
Black is best color & it also has the cool tuono mirrors!
With the cases that's a good deal.
If you can talk him down, more power to ya but looks fair to me. They are ready to sell with that price.
Let us know! Buells are wonderful bikes, Ulysses are the best!
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