30,210 miles to be exact.


Our Ulysses is 3 years old today. It certainly doesn't seem like 3 years - but time goes fast (even if we don't) when you're having fun ...

It reached 30,210 miles last Saturday, 30th October, when these pictures were taken:



This mileage has accumulated through pleasure use only, no commuting.

Various ramblings.....

In late Summer 2007 we noted, but ignored, the prophecies of unreliability and doom, and ordered a new 08 spec XB12X Ulysses from Black Bear HD/Buell in Newmarket.

We took delivery on the 3rd November 2007.

We can't fault Black Bear for their after-sales service and all round enthusiasm for the Buell brand - especially since Harley-Davidson decided to close the Buell Motorcycle Company in October 2009. Most dealers were only too happy to eradicate all traces of Buell from their dealerships.

So, despite it not being a 'real' Buell, what has 3 years ownership of the Ulysses been like?

In a nutshell, excellent. The bike has been very reliable and hasn't let us down once. We love the comfort, long-travel suspension, sweet engine and general 'do anything, go anywhere' nature of the bike.

A brief service history......

Rear tyres - all OE Pirelli Scorpions - average life: 6,242 miles.

Front tyres - all OE Pirelli Scorpions - average life: 10,403 miles.

Bearings - unfortunately the Buell XB12X wasn't designed and built by Moto Guzzi. We have 50,484 and 38,300 miles on our Guzzi's and both are still using their original chassis/wheel bearings.

Front wheel bearings - now on 4th set.

Rear wheel bearings - now on 2nd set.

Steering head bearings - now on 2nd set.

Fuel consumption - average 55 to 60 mpg.

Oil consumption - average 1,250 miles per 500ml.

Drive belt replaced at 25,752 miles. This was precautionary, the original belt was undamaged but starting to look tired.

Front brake pads - replaced with OE Buell pads at 20,401 miles.

The bike still has the standard (restricted) headers fitted but the muffler is now a road-legal Remus. We went through 3 standard mufflers (under warranty) before having the Remus fitted at 25,752 miles. We've never felt the need to update the bike to US spec headers - it already develops enough power/torque for 'real world' riding.

Up to 25,000 miles all service work was carried out by Jon @ Black Bear.

From 30,00 miles onwards all service work will be split between myself and Jon @ Black Bear. I carried out the engine part of the 30,000 mile service @ 29,969 miles. It still works and runs superbly with instant, fluff free throttle response.

First MOT carried out 29,945 miles - passed with flying colours.

The bike is basically standard but has the following 'sensible' modifications:
Free Spirits belt tensioner.
Output shaft needle bearing grease nipple.
Maz engine breather mod.

Up to 29,969 miles it ran with an after-market right hand air scoop fitted but we removed it because it was starting to look blistered and very shabby. We've refitted the standard Buell scoop/plate thing. Jane can now polish the whole of the front header pipe, the right hand side of machine looks better and the cooling fan hasn't been unduly affected, it still runs infrequently.

Overall machine/component finish could be better. It takes a lot of TLC to keep the bike looking decent. Although the bike is on the road for 12 months of each year we've tried to avoid getting it covered in salt etc. Most OE Buell fasteners have been replaced with stainless versions. I have a list of the sizes required, if err anyone requires them....

Contrary to popular belief heated handlebar grips aren't just for effeminate wimps - you really need them if you ride 12 months of the year. The OE Buell grips fitted to the Ulysses have two settings:
One = very hot. Treat with caution, they will result in blistered palms if used with thin gloves.
Two = extremely hot. Treat with extreme caution, they will set fire to your gloves if left switched on for longer than a few minutes, no matter how cold the weather is.

_________________
Chris & Jane Jessop
Founders of UKBEG April 1998

www.ukbuellgroup.co.uk

_________________
08 Specialized Langster

Double

You may as well rent out your house Chris, as you're obviously never there.

_________________
I started out with nothing and still got most of it left.

_________________
Back on the road again!

Very true... You are a fine example to everyone to just get out there and ride. I hope I will get the opportunity to do more Buell meet ups and rides next year!!

_________________
Valencia Orange XB12Scg - serviced by Maz 2018
Black P3 Blast - serviced by Maz and fixed by Maz in 2019

_________________
IF IT BLEEDS WE CAN KILL IT ,THIS STUFF WILL MAKE YOU A GODDAM SEXUAL TYRANASURUS ,YOUVE BEEN PUSHING TOO MANY PENCILS DILLON .GET TO THE CHOPPER

We're out and about most weekends during the main riding season.

Of course it helps when you meet and marry the perfect woman who shares your main interest in life.

Jane was brought up with bikes and always went out with her late father, Peter, who owned all sorts of British bikes.

Jane, aged 4, on the pillion of her dads Aerial....


I think that was the last time Jane wore a dress ....

_________________
Chris & Jane Jessop
Founders of UKBEG April 1998

www.ukbuellgroup.co.uk

Her dad looks quite young

_________________
I'm a Hornithologist, I get excited by exotic birds.........

Well done Chris.
There was me thinking It wouldn't make It past 20K.
You do take really good care of your bike which must help.

Now about this S1 you never use now....

_________________
Norrie.

Very reasuring. Thanks for posting this one could last a long time then ?

He's on about the Guzzi....

_________________
Spencer Racing... www.spencerracing.co.uk

My Ulysses is a few months older than yours Chris and has only done 24k. However he was poorly for most of last year as a result of my big off in Germany last summer but thanks to and a good slice of luck I was able to tour Harz and the alps again this summer (I am working on a major write up of the trip and will post as soon as it is completed).
I have had the same mods as you list, but otherwise find the Ulysses so comfortable and versatile that I don't think there are any more mods required.
(Tempting fate here) but apart from the truncated holiday last summer I have toured the alps twice and Harz three times (7,000+km trips on 3 occasions) and the bike has never missed a beat or had any kind of problem.
It can be a bit of a pain doing the autobahn bit to get to the fun bits, but once on the alpine passes I wouldn't swap the Buell for anything in the world.
Last year after the crash I hired a BMW (K1300GT). This is an amazing bike and ate up the motorway miles but was far too big and heavy for the twisties, and that's what it's all about really.
Dave

Norrie - I haven't ridden it at all this year. It's on Sorn and stored correctly but could easily be put back on the road, subject to obtaining a MOT and road tax. I may drag it out next year......



Cyril - I love the white finish on your Ulysses.

There's no denying that people have problems with Buells (all models) but, like me, there's plenty that just rack up the miles with little or no trouble.

I don't know what the 'secret' is, if there is one. I've always treated large capacity air-cooled engines (Buell and Guzzi) with respect, let them warm up properly and ride them with a degree of mechanical sympathy. Luckily, I've never had to use any of my bikes for commuting, most of my rides are at least 100+ miles. Perhaps this helps?

_________________
Chris & Jane Jessop
Founders of UKBEG April 1998

www.ukbuellgroup.co.uk

Glad to hear all is well CJ and Jane with the Uly!, hears to the next 30,000!

Hope to see you both again sometime soon.

_________________
Now Beaming all over!