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Ulysses long term test update |
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Posted by Dean Devito
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Thursday, 29 May 2008 |
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Page 2 of 2
 The seat does taper towards the nose,
and is broader toward the rear. Shifting back and allowing yourself
to sit towards the wider part of the seat from time to time gives
greater overall support to the rider, and is a nice way to pass
miles. I always use a sheepskin pad on trips, sourced
from Alaskaleather.com, and it has helped on every motorcycle touring situation and seat;
the Uly is no different as the sheep skin pad, once again, earned its
keep.
Buell offers a 3 bag hard luggage set
up, but I opted only for side cases only.
Bags are sourced from Hepco Becker
specifically for the Uly, and are top shelf units. One of the
reasons I love OEM accessories is they are made for the bike, look
like they belong, and install easily. The Uly side cases are no
exception, and mount in a few minutes. All hardware is included,
save for Loc-Tite that any auto parts store will have, and the
directions are clear. When opened, the cases easily swallow a full
face or a back pack, and elastic retention straps should keep objects
in place well enough. Unlike many sport touring bags, they have a
normal, rectangular type shape that makes them very easy to pack as
there are no strange corners or indentations that take away capacity.
The bags remove easily from their racks
using the same key that locks the cases, but if there is one
negative, the racks are left exposed when the bags are removed. They
are tucked up tight and out of the way, but it is not the most
attractive look. It is similar to other systems in this regard,
however. The racks and bags are sturdy, and should hold up to water
intrusion, generous packing, and should stay put in the event that my
29 inch inseam fails to keep the beast rubber down. These Buell bags
are nice looking, very functional, and among the nicest motorcycle
luggage I have used.
As a touring rig, my opinion is that
the Uly functions as well as any other Adventure bike, and has ergos
and a seat that are superior to most that I have ridden. Consider
your needs, and choose your windscreen as there are plenty of
offerings from Buell and the aftermarket…then go. One downfall is
fuel range, as the 4.4 gallon frame will only get you about 180 miles
until you are pushing it to the next OPEC gold mine. That is based
on my overall average of 41 mpg…but on the slab she does fare
slightly better. By any measure, though, you’ll be looking for
fuel before 200 mile marker posts have passed you by.
To date the Uly has 2,647 miles showing
on its odometer, and keeps getting better and better. The engine
revs smoother, shifts better; not that it was bad before, but it is
definitely a better bike at 2,600 miles than it was at 200 miles. I
did notice, she is happier with H-D spec Formula + in the primary
than the older, dino based H-D Sport Trans. Shifting started to
present a notchy feel after I returned home from Florida. I opened
my manual, and adjusted the free play in the primary chain, the
clutch, and changed to Formula + and everything went back to being
smooth; better even than when delivered. Also, over the last few
hundred miles, the bike is burning less oil and isn't pumping it into
the airbox as much either.
There have been no issues or mechanical
surprises, and the only real ‘quirk’ is that she is cold natured,
and appreciates a good warm-up. I simply start her up, put on my
gear while she idles and shakes for a minute or so, and ride easy for
a few miles. That seems to have kept both of us smiling…
Next up…a touring screen sourced from
Calsci.com,
a few more highway miles, and commuting notes. I am even trying to
convince a few other adventure bikes to plan a dirty day, so
hopefully the Uly will get dirty next to a Tiger, a V-strom, and a
KTM.
Stay tuned here, and ride safe.
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