2006 Buell Ulysses

2006 Buell Ulysses

1. I'm going to look at a 2006 XB12X with 24k miles on Monday. I've owned plenty of Japanese and some British motorcycles, but I've never owned an American bike so I'm not familiar with Harley motors at all. So, I have a few questions for the experts...

   -What are some common issues I should look for when viewing the bike on Monday?
   -What is considered high miles for an XB engine?
   -Are there any quirks I should take into consideration?

   I'm also considering a Triumph Tiger 1050, how would this bike compare?

   Thanks all for your time!

2. They are a couple of recalls for them, possibly bad rear wheel bearings, leaky fork seals, 77 connector. The main thing is what kind of owner has it. They can be road hard, but still need someone who doen't : " put it away wet". I like mine but couldn't get used to the height and short wheelbase. You definitely need to go to Bad Weather Bikers site. Specific info and good people.

3. Great Rides

   We have owned an 06, 07 and picking up and 08 in 2 weeks

   Go to www.Badweatherbikers.com

   Look at the Big, Bad and Dirty Froum

   There is a link for new buyers riders that will tell you almost everything you want to know about an Uly

   Enjoy the ride.

   Best bang for the buck in our humble opinion out there right now.

   Do not be scared by the Lack of new bikes. Parts are available and will be for a long long time.

   

4. Definetely not put off by that. What I am hesitant about is the lack of high mileage Buells. If they're out there then they must be few and far between as I haven't found any.

5. What do you consider high mileage? I have an '09 Uly with 17k and an '06 Lightning with over 42k. As long as its taken care of I don't see a problem with 2X that amount.

6. 

   Bultaco206 Back-to-back motos suck Super Moderator Supporter

   A friend of mine logged over 100k on his '06 with no major issues. He did have a fair amount of nagging electrical issues (relays, fuses, bad switches, etc) but nothing major mechanically.

   Only thing that I don't care for on all of them that I've ridden was that most of the engine heat dissipation was seemingly aimed right at my crotch and legs when I rode them. And I could never get used to that agricultural-like vibration.

   But I've never heard anyone really question their longevity.

7. I'd consider 80-100k as "high mileage". I had 37k on my 2005 VTR1000F and considered that "just broke in". I would be hesitant on buying a Japanese or British bike with 50k+ without getting a good vibe from the previous owner on maintenance.I've seen plenty of for sale ads for Uly's stating something like "rebuild at 25k covered under warranty" .

8. Typically those are 07 Bikes which had a bad batch of cranks get out of the factory.

   We have had an 06 and an 07 that went trouble free to 50K and 60K without issues.

   Just purchased an 08 with 16K on it, and will ride it tills the wheels fall off, then update to an 09 or 10.

   Have you gone to badweb and looked at the new rider FAQs?

   Good luck and enjoy

   

9. 

   levain STILL Jim Williams Supporter

10. I like yours a bit more, but this one's only 3 years older... half the price.

11. Keep in mind you get what you pay for.

    Research the changes between the 06 and the 09.

    The 09 is a better developed bike than the 06.

    Just saying

    Regards

    

12. $4k worth of development? :huh The '06's must be pretty bad then!

13. Might we suggest you research the differnces between the 06 (1st year) and the 09 (4th year second generation) Uly.

    Buy what you like, ride it till it quits, then rebuild it, or not.

    Your money, your choice.

    Enjoy

    

14. 

    cueball should'a walked it first Supporter

    i just recently acquired an '06 with 23k, and it has developed into a torrid love affair!! i like pretty much everything about it, and my wife says it's the most comfy passenger accomodations short of an electra glide (which i won't ever own again). mine has had some minor problems, but they have been easily solved and the parts i've needed have been readily available from Al at american sport bikes.

    i have owned multiple oilhead and airhead gs's. ktm 640 & 950 adventures, klr's, dr's, transalps, ad finitum, and i like this uly better than all of them for my kind of riding. it even does ok on jeep trails & fireroads and is a absolute hoot on curvy backroads. the only change i may do is the xb9 gearing, but i still haven't decided on that.

    go for it!!

15. The 9 primary is nice, the only drawback is it's running 4500rpm at 80 on the GPS. I love mine, although it's not been without issues. Belts, stator, wheel bearings, the fan is starting to go. Shock needs a rebuild but it's due at 40k. It's left me stranded a couple times.

16. i bought an 06 uly this weekend. not enough seat time to say to much about it, but it is the first bike out of the last half dozen or so that i didn't come up with a for sale price on it during my first ride.
    i need to find a cure for the right leg heat, consider the xb9 gearing a must, and have a couple other little things i count on doing asap, but the outlook is promising.

17. 

    cueball should'a walked it first Supporter

    
    header wrap helped tremendously with the heat.

18. So does the comfort kit from Buell.

    

19. not a real fan of header wrap, but I'll look in to it.bike has the comfort kit installed. i can't imagine it being any worse and still consider it ridable.:eek1

20. I hear ya... I'm the same exact way. I sold my '05 VTR which I've had for the past 5 years/33k miles and I can not find a suitable replacement. Bought and sold a 2003 SV1000, 2005 DL1000 and a 2005 Speed Triple, but none of them were keepers (the Speed Triple would of been had it not of been for that horrible seat/riding position).Why is the XB9 gearing a must? What else are you considering doing to the bike?

2006 Buell Ulysses

Source: https://advrider.com/f/threads/im-considering-buying-a-2006-buell-xb12x-ulysses-but-i-have-some-questions.792449/