Hey folks,

I know this is not a very impartial audience, but just wanted to see what you all think about this. I have been shopping around for a sport touring machine for a while. I have ridden the kawasaki versys, various BMWs, Ulysses, Tiger, Vstrom, VFR, and Bandit. After a pretty comprehensive search I have narrowed it down to the Versys or a Buell Ulysses.

My price range is 6-7K. Basically I could get a new Versys or about a 2006 Ulysses with average miles.

I basically like these 2 the most because they both have great upright comfy riding positions and I like the looks of both. Although the Buell has about twice as much displacement, the HP difference is not all that great. I think the Buell is maybe a little better (meaner) looking but they both look good to me.

Reliability wise, I think this is probably a toss up as well. Both are pretty bullet proof from everyting I have read. The Buell has a maintenance free belt instead a chain that is rated for the life of the bike. Both have available hard bags. Both weigh abouth the same (which is surprinsing considering how much bigger the Buell looks).

I do sort of like the idea of buying american and with the Buell you get a little bit of cred with the HD crowd. I ride a triumph now so I guess I dont really care about that though. Also, they both have strong after market support.

The buell is more dirt worthy but I really just plan on using the bike for pavement so that doesnt matter much to me.

Any thoughts here? Im sort of at a dead lock here.

Ryan

I'm in the same boat which is why I joined this site. The two are not really that compareable. The Buell is a more expesive bike and will be better for highway work. The Versys will be really reliable, fun to drive and get better mileage, it however will vibrate more and won't seem quite as refined or be as good a highway cruiser or corner carver as the Buell. Also check out a used Honda VFR - they are very capiable, reliable machines.

Road a Road King for 8 years, have owned different dirt bikes and enduros for screwing around. Always wanted a Buell, and bought a Ulysses about 2 years ago. Bought it to commute and ride solo primarily. Great handling bike, just plainly the funest bike I've every ridden. My wife wanted to do a couple day trips on it instead of the road king- end of story, bought hard bags for the Uly and sold the Road King. Havent' missed the 70 hp 750lb harley. The Uly probably does nothing great, but does everything "well". If we get to a gravel road- we take it. If we have a dirt lane, we take it. No turning around like on the Road King. Maintenance is wonderful- love the belt drive. Still have the low-end torque of a V-twin. Only problem is keeping the front tire from mysterially leaving the payment every now and then. It gets warm to the right leg in 80+ weather, but not unbearable. I think the main difference for you would be how much you want the low-end V-Twin air -cooled push-rod type feel.

I would personally go with the Ulysses. If you ever pile on the gear, the lack of power will be evident on the Versys. On another note, the Buell can be repaired virtually anywhere. Not necessarily the same on the Versys. Lastly I have learned that parts/accessories for the Buell are surprisingly cheap. I currently own a 2007 Honda VFR but as I roll past 40 the seating position is getting to my neck after very long rides. Besides that I think it is an awesome machine for all around touring. I will be looking into a Buell Ulysses shortly as well.

Buy the Buell and never look back, apart from other bikes after a corner. I have ridden ALOT of bikes this past 30 years and none have put the same smile on my face as the Buell. It just keeps giving you more. I was at a few demo days ridding all sorts but the biggest smile was when I got back on my Ulysses to ride home. Enjoy

I have ride both the bikes, but i will go for the Buell Ulysses, because its seating position is very nice and also very comfortable to ride, the power and performance of Ulysses is much better than Versys, Ulysses gives a better mileage on highway and also get fun to drive, i must say that Ulysses is really great bike.