BizJetGuy

I've had the itch for the BMW 1200GS for a while (and SSG hasn't made things any easier!) but I just can't swing the dosh. So - I started looking at other options in the "Adventure" catagory. This led me to the Buell Ulysses.

As fate would have it, I was running early to an appointment this morning and there just happened to be a H-D/Buell dealership on the way to my meeting.

Now, I've never been a big fan of dealerships in the first place - regardless of brand. Similar to my local BMW shop, I saw far more branded T-shirts, clothing and chotchkies than actual bikes but they did happen to have three Buell Uly's on the floor. Unfortunately, the newest one was a 2006 model.

The only thing I accomplished was to actually see one in person, which was a first. I've read Depo's threads about the bike and it is as striking in person as it is in print (or on screen, whatever).

The backrest/cargo rack flip-deal is pure genius. Man - does this thing sit high... I'm 6'1" and was straddling with my toes barely touching the ground. I've heard that the 2008 models have a much lower stock seat but I wasn't able to confirm since they didn't have the latest and greatest in stock. The sound is H-D, for sure, and it gyrated like a paint shaker at idle. I'm sure it smooths out at speed but I could see how that engine dance might get annoying when stuck in traffic. I'd love to take it for a test spin and might try to do that in the future. They were definitely willing to deal on the older models still on the floor.

Now back to the dealership - I was thinking that maybe I was officially too old when I thought that the music that they were piping outside was just too loud. I could hardley hear the sales guy over the speakers. However, another sales guy started a Road King a few bikes over and the thought occurred to me that, yes, they probably need the music that loud if you want to hear it over straight pipes.

The sales guy was friendly but not very knowledgeable on the Buell's. I think if I was in there looking at the stereotypical H-D, he would have been full of facts and figures but the Buell kind of felt like a fish out of water amongst the cruisers.

By and large, not a bad experience as I had thought it might be. I'm sure the story might be different if I went in on a weekend as opposed to a Tuesday due to increased pirate traffic. My first impression of seeing the Uly in person was that I'm still interested but will really need to take one for a spin. It didn't pull my heartstrings like the Aprilia (or the GS) did at first sight but who knows - a few miles may make the heart grow fond.

SheepOfBlue

Nope they would have been clueless on the cruisers also, other than to tell you which pipe is loudest

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navydevildoc

Trying to top the Futura is gonna be tough.

I hear you on the H-D shops... the one by my house is nothing but a textbook example of brand marketing.

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BizJetGuy

You're right.

I looked at the Capo a few months ago while I was at the AF1 shop and it's one hell of a bike.