Looking at 2006 Ulysses as a first bike - need some input.

[mako71]

Hi all,

I'm a pretty big guy (6'6" / 250lbs) and have been looking at dual sports for some time now. I've not ridden much in at least 15 years but I'm looking to get a dual sport that that I can keep with me for some time.
I've looked at the KLR 650, BMW F650 GS and keep going back to the Ulysses because of the looks and American made factors.
My questions are:
Good fit for someone of my size? I've not sat on one yet but am going to look at one this weekend with cash in hand.
How are they at carrying passengers? (I'm 250 and the wife is 130)
How hard are parts to find because the company is now defunct?
Are they expensive to maintain? (I have a Harley dealership down the street)

The bike I'm looking at is a 2006 Ulysses and the asking price is $5000.

Thanks in advance and I apologize if some of these are "noob" questions.

 

[steve92106]

I think where you live has a lot to do with the level of support. Start with the local HD dealer and find out if they are even supporting Buell. In SD Harley there are two Buell techs in the service dept. so I'm hoping any problems that arise can be taken care of but I was in Colorado Springs last month and learned Rocky Mountain HD sends all their Buell work up to Denver.

I'm 6-4 and fit my '09 XT just fine with the taller saddle. Earlier Xs had the reputation of being sized for tall riders. My wife is 5-11 and doesn't like the passenger ergonomics much although she says the seat and triple tail backrest are just fine.

If pure riding position comfort and off road capability is your major consideration, either of those two alternatives are probably better but neither will come close to the performance and handling of the Uly. I mean like not even in the same zip code.

 

[mako71]

Thanks for the reply Steve. I have a HD dealer about 4 miles away who services Buells.
I did take off from work a little early to take a look at the '06 a gentleman is offering for $5000 (6500 miles) - wow. Very comfortable and what an awesome looking machine. I had him take a pic of me on the bike, and while I think I look a little large on it, I guess at 6'5" and 250 I'm going to look large on any dual sport (except maybe a BMW GS1200 which I don't have the $ for).
I think I will be purchasing it this weekend - AND looking into a taller seat.

 

[steve92106]

I think we got the taller saddle on Buellparts.net for $111 and it shipped right away. Not quite as pretty as the stock XT seat but close and a way better fit for me.