my first Buell ride

[mckitterick]

I went to the local Buell Motorcycles shop in Lawrence (yes, we now have one), and test-rode a Buell XB12X Ulysses, a big, tall "adventure-touring" bike - that is, a motorcycle that's made for both highway and (light) off-road.

The good: Wow, is it fun! I had no idea that an engine designed by Harley-Davidson could have such power: Under full-throttle, I was able to lift the front end without trying in both first and second gears! I expected the tons of torque, but not so much the power. It's really tall, which I appreciate with my long inseam. A wide, comfy seat, too. Decent wind protection. And somehow they were able to get rid of that "about-to-kill" sound you hear from H-Ds.

The bad: 1) As I pretty much expected, it vibrates too much for my comfort - not terrible on the hands, though it would add up after an hour or few - but the footpeg vibration was really too much on my formerly broken foot; on the other hand, I bet those aluminum pegs could be swapped out for rubber ones. 2) I test-rode it for the free messenger bag - exactly the bag I've been looking for during the past couple of years... but they were out. Humph. The salesman put me on a list if they get more in, but I'm doubting it. Ah well, it was a fine ride out along the country highway to the airport and back.

Best,
Chris

Comments

[kijjohnson.livejournal.com]

How big was the bag? I can't tell from the piccie. Big enough for a laptop?

[mckitterick.livejournal.com]

Yes, it's the perfect size for what I need! Holds a laptop in the center (weatherproof) section, holds a cell-phone near the strap, holds one's billfold items in the outter (weatherproof) section, and so on. A little smaller than a typical laptop bag, but bigger than most messenger bags.

As I said, it's my perfect bag. *sigh*

If you're looking for one, too, you should go test-ride one! Have to do it today before the offer runs out....

[kijjohnson.livejournal.com]

No, I'm actually looking for one for you. Seattle's knee-deep in messenger bags, but they're all different.

[arian1.livejournal.com]

Are you ripping on HD again? *grin* No power..HA. Poppycock.

[mckitterick.livejournal.com]

Heck no! It appears that even H-Ds can have power when properly tuned *g*

[mckitterick.livejournal.com]

Aw! Well, if you do decide to test-ride a Buell today... *g*

[roya-spirit.livejournal.com]

wow, nifty. Cool bag, too. There are four on eBay, although most are over $25 now.

[mckitterick.livejournal.com]

I hadn't thought to look there for a bag. Hm!

[roya-spirit.livejournal.com]

You could try craigslist too. Maybe someone got one and didn't really care about getting it.

I just got an O'Gio laptop tote and I really like their messenger bags. Lots of extra pockets that make sense. A bit pricey, but well worth the $$.

[stuology.livejournal.com]

Or Freecycle! Maybe someone took a test ride and doesn't want their bag.

[normalcyispasse.livejournal.com]

Buells have such neat engineering -- such as the oil in the swingarm and the gas in the frame -- but are crippled by generally crappy engines and part fitment. Too bad, really.

[mckitterick.livejournal.com]

I've been watching them with great interest lately, largely because of the really clever engineering. Turns out they make much nicer bikes than I'd thought. And the engine is far from crappy!