Newbe here.

[ericthered]

Hello all. I'm just getting back into motorcycling after many years of not riding. I had a Kawasaki Big Horn back in the 70s. And sometime in that decade I rode a friend's Harley. That was the last time.

Now I want to get back into it. I'm 62 years old, 6'6" tall with 37 inch inseam. 37 inch sleeve length. I'm looking for a dual purpose bike and really like the Buell Ulysses.

But I've been told they're problematic, hard to find parts for, and to stay away from them.
http://www.glocktalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1529339

I'm mechanically inclined, but not capable of serious electrical or engine work, etc.

Is there anything I'd want to look for? Look out for? What was the best year? Worst year?

Any direction you could give is greatly appreciated.

 

[stellio78]

Some useful info here http://www.buellxb.com/Buell-XB-Forum/General-Motorcycle-Chat/Buell-XB-Buyers-Guide

 

[d_adams]

atleast thats what an engineer friend of mine says . he works in research and development for Buell and harley.

And that right there is an uninformed I D ten T (idiot) that hasn't a clue about what he's talking about. R&D for Buell/HD hasn't existed for a few years now, so if he's still working in that department.... I'm not rightly sure WHERE he's working at.

2100 miles on it? Barely even broken in. Can't get parts for it? Here, let me take that "POS" off your hands, I _KNOW_ I can get them for it. $5400 is actually a bit low if you want my opinion.

 

[lotusexcelle]

I went 6800 miles on mine in 19 days. I have 22k on it now. The only thing that has ever gone wrong is the rear rocker gasket leaked at around 12k. Hard to find parts for? Talk to a Ducati owner about that. Buells almost have parts growing on trees. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Buell or EBR bike. Most people that claim they aren't reliable either beat the living daylights out of them and then *wonder* why something breaks (you mean I can't wheelie and stoppie all the time without blowing fork seals! What a POS!!!) or they've never, in fact, owned one.

 

[XLXB]

Gee those Glock guys know everything... Except, I heard Glocks are junk plastic guns from a guy that knew this other guy...So it must be true... Really... These are the same guys that will also say that HD are the most advance motorcycle on the market. Buell's are just like every other used bike out there. There are good ones and abused ones. They are all good bikes some just need more TLC than others.

 

[user_deleted]

that glock post is pure unadulterated bullshit. ulysses arguably the biggest bang for the buck in all of motorcycling. incredibly comfortable, quite reliable, parts cheap and will ALWAYS be available, not prone to any more problems than any other bike out there if you maintain it to recommendations and ride it sensibly. i have put approx. 25,000 on 3 ulysses in past 5 years and have never had a single problem with any of them.
pricing?????
i just paid $6000 for a 2010 with 3100 miles on it and sold a mint 2007 with 5900 miles on it for $5500 so judge from there.

 

[go cytocis]

I'll second what everyone above has said regarding reliability, parts, & the general none sense of that Glock thread.

Having said that, I'd suggest that it's important to ask yourself what kind of dual-purpose riding you plan on doing?

If it's something like 80/20 & you'd just like to keep on down the road when the pavement ends, a Uly will be perfect!

If it's like 50/50 or more & you plan to get into gnarly single-track, the Uly is going to be heavier, geared taller, & have a larger turning radius, than ideal. You'll also find that those 17" wheels will get caught on obstacles easier & limit your knobby choices. Even for a big guy like you, a 650 thumper will be better a off-road bet.

 

[ericthered]

Thanks for all the responses. I think I'll get back in touch with the guy in the original ad.

And, Stellio. Thank you so much for that link. That's great information.