Sportster vs. Ulysses
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Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 512
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From: Escondido, CA
Sportster vs. Ulysses
Anybody here have a Ulysses, or riding experience on one that can compare the performance with the Sporty?
I'm really curious if it is noticeably faster, or if it's essentially the same performance in a different--although more twisty-capable--package.
I'm really curious if it is noticeably faster, or if it's essentially the same performance in a different--although more twisty-capable--package.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,154
Likes: 5
From: Phoenix, AZ
RE: Sportster vs. Ulysses
Two very different bikes with two very different purposes...same basic powerplant, but even then, it's not even comparable as far as internals, gearing, and overall configuration go.
The XB12 is a sport/sport touring bike, the Sportster is a cruiser. It's just a matter of what your preference and riding style/expectations are.
The XB12 is a sport/sport touring bike, the Sportster is a cruiser. It's just a matter of what your preference and riding style/expectations are.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 277
Likes: 0
From: South Carolina
RE: Sportster vs. Ulysses
The Buell is tall, and doesn't look anywhere near as good (my opinion) but it will fly compared to my nightster and is even more comfortable, but it is really apples to oranges.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,870
Likes: 499
From: Alberta
RE: Sportster vs. Ulysses
I had an '01 Sportster with 100rwhp and the dealer let me take out a XB12X; I can tell you the Buell's a half a foot taller, a half a foot shorter, about 120lbs lighter and has about 50% more horsepower than a stock Sportster...around 92+ at the rear wheel. Definitely a fun bike if you're a skilled aggressive rider otherwise a skittish handfull that depreciates faster than anything else on HD's showroom floor. I didn't buy it but I sure enjoyed my ride. Settled on building myself (and my passenger) a 103 FXDXT.....
[IMG]local://upfiles/32069/53A6E20EECCA4DC8A80C9C4D65241228.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/32069/53A6E20EECCA4DC8A80C9C4D65241228.jpg[/IMG]
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,515
Likes: 444
From: South Florida
RE: Sportster vs. Ulysses
May want to wait. XB12Xt is coming soon. Much lower, better handling, although they may not be quite a comfy, easier reach. But the Buells are great bikes. I have an Ss, which I love dearly. Just haven't been motivated to take it out since getting the softail.
I used to be the Buell salesman, albeit briefly, at Miami HD. If you have any questions about them, feel free to pm me. You can also check out http://www.badweatherbikers.com/
More info than you can shake a stick at. If you're looking for a reasonably priced touring bike, you can't beat the Buell. resale is not as good though. Sporty gets poser points for sure. But no way will you be doing the kind of iron butt rides you can with a Uly.
I used to be the Buell salesman, albeit briefly, at Miami HD. If you have any questions about them, feel free to pm me. You can also check out http://www.badweatherbikers.com/
More info than you can shake a stick at. If you're looking for a reasonably priced touring bike, you can't beat the Buell. resale is not as good though. Sporty gets poser points for sure. But no way will you be doing the kind of iron butt rides you can with a Uly.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 512
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From: Escondido, CA
RE: Sportster vs. Ulysses
Stretchman, I'll be PM'ing you in a few.
I am interested in the XT actually, not the X. but, so far, no one HAS an XT. This will be a daily ride for me, so--even though I thought had outgrown the sportbike urge, and was apparently wrong--I'm looking for something that's noticeably more aggressive than the sporty, but will be better for 2-up touring, as well.
I've tested the UC, and at the weight and performance, I'm definitely not interested. Great toruing, maybe, but a suck daily ride.
On the Sporty, I find that I have two problems with it. My daily commute is 1/3 street, 1/3 superslab, and 1/3 twisties. So I find:
1) I twist the throttle all the way on the Sporty and it just quite give me what I'm looking for in acceleration, and
2) With the relatively sedate lean angle, I just don't find myself wanting to fully commit to curves at speed.
Sitting on the X model, I'm impressed with the big seat for rider and pillion. But if the performance isn't noticeably better, I won't be happy with it as a daily ride.
I've gotten back into riding from an extensive absence, and while the Sporty was a great stater bike for me, and my first cruiser, as time goes by, I'm looking for...I dunno...something...more.
At the same time, I have to get something the OL will be happy and comfy on. The XT looks like a good compromise, but I don't know enough about it to really tell if I want that, or if I really need to save my pennies for something like the R1200RT.
I'd love to get a bike with full luggage and comfy pillion, and be able to ride at the edge when I'm by myself. It's really hard to find since I'd prefer not to be seen on a UJM bike, but the cruiser isn't fully doing it for me.
Maybe a few years down the road, I'll be happy tooling along on a Road Glide, but right now, I don't wanna drag 800# of iron along with me everywhere I go.
I am interested in the XT actually, not the X. but, so far, no one HAS an XT. This will be a daily ride for me, so--even though I thought had outgrown the sportbike urge, and was apparently wrong--I'm looking for something that's noticeably more aggressive than the sporty, but will be better for 2-up touring, as well.
I've tested the UC, and at the weight and performance, I'm definitely not interested. Great toruing, maybe, but a suck daily ride.
On the Sporty, I find that I have two problems with it. My daily commute is 1/3 street, 1/3 superslab, and 1/3 twisties. So I find:
1) I twist the throttle all the way on the Sporty and it just quite give me what I'm looking for in acceleration, and
2) With the relatively sedate lean angle, I just don't find myself wanting to fully commit to curves at speed.
Sitting on the X model, I'm impressed with the big seat for rider and pillion. But if the performance isn't noticeably better, I won't be happy with it as a daily ride.
I've gotten back into riding from an extensive absence, and while the Sporty was a great stater bike for me, and my first cruiser, as time goes by, I'm looking for...I dunno...something...more.
At the same time, I have to get something the OL will be happy and comfy on. The XT looks like a good compromise, but I don't know enough about it to really tell if I want that, or if I really need to save my pennies for something like the R1200RT.
I'd love to get a bike with full luggage and comfy pillion, and be able to ride at the edge when I'm by myself. It's really hard to find since I'd prefer not to be seen on a UJM bike, but the cruiser isn't fully doing it for me.
Maybe a few years down the road, I'll be happy tooling along on a Road Glide, but right now, I don't wanna drag 800# of iron along with me everywhere I go.
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Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Darlington, England
RE: Sportster vs. Ulysses
I sold my 3003 1200 sportster & bought a Ulyssess, mainly because my wife wouldn't ride for more than 20 miles on the back of the sporty. The Uly on the other hand got voted the most comfortuble bike ske's ever been on. The Uly is alot faster than the sporty, has much better brakes, more lean angle & handles better. It was also waaay to tall for me (I'm 5' 10") & wasn't a Harley.I sold it after 18 monthes, lost a lot of money on it, & bought an 883R I'm actually happier on, the wife now has her own 883R to ride in comfort as well!
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Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 512
Likes: 1
From: Escondido, CA
RE: Sportster vs. Ulysses
...my wife wouldn't ride for more than 20 miles on the back of the sporty.
It ain't easy--especially if you don't want to ride a UJM bike.
It was also waaay to tall for me (I'm 5' 10") & wasn't a Harley.
As for it not being a Harley...well...brand loyalty takes second place to "fun to ride". I love Harleys, I just need a bit more adrenaline flowing right now. I have no doubt that I'll end up with a Road Glide.
Eventually.
Someday.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 763
Likes: 1
From: Middletown, MD USA
RE: Sportster vs. Ulysses
The Ulysses is a sweet bike. It outperforms the Sportster in every way. I'm thinking of getting one. I test rode most of the popular sport tours: Ulysses, Suzuki V-Strom, Suzuki Bandit, and Triumph Tiger. The Ulysses was second only to the Tiger but not by much. The XB is smooth, fast, comfortable, and nimble. I highly recommend. They lowered the bike from 2006 and the XT is even lower, I believe.
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