tnargsbikes

tnargsbikes

continuous motorcyclist since 1972 last updated 03 March 2008

Current motive force:

This is a hell of a bike.

• I added a Laminar Lip and it reduced buffeting at highway speeds.
• The latest EFI map (as at Feb 2008) made a big improvement to the sensitive throttle at 50-80 km/h, I recommend it.
• If your starter motor's torque limiter occasionally engages with a very loud CLANK like mine did, get KTM to install the free upgrade kit.
• Akrapovic cans have been fitted, this bike is now sooo good. I keep the inserts in, and I cannot believe how quiet it is on low throttle, considering there is not a single baffle in the exhaust system. And opening up the throttle produces a rewarding throaty but not antisocial noise level.

Test Report: Buell Ulysses

In early 2007 I took the only american adventure sport motorbike for a test ride. Here are my impressions:

Pros

• Great torque.
• Handling and front brake better than anything I’ve ridden.
• Nice lumpy feel and sound. Plenty of character.
• Reasonably quiet motor/exhaust on the road. Just right.
• Very comfortable seat.

Cons

• Much too much vibration at street speeds. A real shaker. Made my upper lip itch! My right hand went numb about 5 times. I thought I would “enjoy the character” around town, but this was more vibration than I like.
• Less vibration at highway speeds, but still a buzz in the seat and pegs that would annoy me.
• A lot of heat on my right leg.
• The frame gets hot from the motor and is very hot where it contacts my legs. I had to ride with my legs widened to keep them off the frame.
  • Hot air from the motor is ducted onto the pillion’s legs.
  • The noisy high-speed fan comes on even at speed and makes a howling noise that can be heard above the bike and the wind at speed. Stopped at the lights it is almost embarrassing.
  • Very jerky coming off a closed throttle at low speed. Not good for tootling along a winding trail.
  • Seat too high. Actually caused me some anxiety stopping and manoeuvring. (New model’s seat is slightly lower.)
  • Speedo too small and needle too thick to know speed within 5km/h.
  • Standing on the pegs is possible but feels ungainly and bike feels heavy and unresponsive under me.
  • Rear brake is as bad as the Darmah’s; pedal feels like a rock and no retardation at normal pressures.
• Gear lever rather stiff and clunky. Uncomfortable / painful in sneakers (I know, but it’s a valid test for tootling around town in summer).

This bike is now off my list!