MCN eval of the Ulysses after 17k mi.

[nanbil]

They were riding a first year new product `06 Uly.  It had some sidestand issues that were dealt with under recall.  Big deal.  The bike was ridden at the limit and had some fasteners vibrate loose.  That's no reason to have a fit and step in it...

If you call the bolts that hold the exhaust headers in place fasteners, well then I guess you are correct.  Look I don't mean to bash the Buell Ulysses, it is still very high on my   list.  I really want to like this bike but I must admit that I'm not as enthusiastic about this product as I once was.  

[RedRocket]

I really want to like this bike but I must admit that I'm not as enthusiastic about this product as I once was.  

I wouldn't let that worry me.  Most every individual bike has some idividual issues.  For example your TDM850 has a history of fragging it's transmission.  Your's hasn't.  Just because they had a couple of issues doesn't mean you will have the same issues if your bought one.

Here's a clip from the Motorrad test:

None of us initially spent a thought on pushing the powerful pushrod twin over the full distance. But the Buell ran and ran and ran. The engine even seemed to get smoother and smoother as time went by.
And now it has finally done it (see page 48ff), performing at a whopping 100 horsepower from its two cylinders even after some 50,000 kilometers. Mechanically, the unusual American appears to be completely healthy. A miracle?  If you take a closer look at its design, you quickly discover just how much work Buell has put into the engine. Camshafts rotate in bearing sleeves, conduits run in artful loops, a lot is amply oversized, good old metal from America.  And that lasts. Longer than a lot that comes from Europe. And so the unique MOTORRAD endurance test once and for all dispenses with a prejudice. One which not even the MOTORRAD editors managed to avoid completely. Well done!

AN AMERICAN
MIRACLE
Cordially
Editor-in-chief Michael Pfeiffer

[dangle]

I don't think the engine or the tranny are the issues here. My main concern are the vibration and heat at low speeds and at idle. How is this bike as an urban commuter? Is it the best choice in stop and go (stop light to stop light) type use?

[1KPerDay]

 Really? Where'd you hear this? Linky, por favor, 1K!

http://www.buell.com/en_us/news_events/newsdetail.asp?news_id=1237

more info there... heated grips are now standard, forks are bigger/stiffer, and they have worked on the heat to the riders legs issue also. Redline is up to 7100. Way to go, Erik!

[RedRocket]

I don't think the engine or the tranny are the issues here. My main concern are the vibration and heat at low speeds and at idle. How is this bike as an urban commuter? Is it the best choice in stop and go (stop light to stop light) type use?

I think vibration at idle means nothing.  Once past 2000 rpm the motor smoothes out and vibration is minimal.
I've shaken bolts off of EVERY bike I've ever owned. Even my VFR, the epitome of smoothness shook off one of it's bar ends.  I think the torquey-ness off the engine makes for a great commuter bike.

[nanbil]

...your TDM850 has a history of fragging it's transmission. 

News to me.  My TDM has clucky transmission, but I can tell you for a fact that my TDM does not have a history of "fragging its transmission."   Seriously though, I get your point.  I belong to a TDM group and have never heard that TDMs have problems with their transmissions.  So whom do I trust?  You, or the numerous TDM riders I am in contact with almost daily: MCN or the many Ulysses owners who pipe in on this site.  The Uly is officially bank on my radar.  

[scott-sts]

I think vibration at idle means nothing.  Once past 2000 rpm the motor smoothes out and vibration is minimal.
I've shaken bolts off of EVERY bike I've ever owned. Even my VFR, the epitome of smoothness shook off one of it's bar ends.  I think the torquey-ness off the engine makes for a great commuter bike.

+1.  My throttle side bar end almost fell completely off.  Just caught and tightened it yesterday.  I'm talking about the Blackbird, btw.

[RedRocket]

News to me.  My TDM has clucky transmission, but I can tell you for a fact that my TDM does not have a history of "fragging its transmission."   Seriously though, I get your point.  I belong to a TDM group and have never heard that TDMs have problems with their transmissions.  So whom do I trust?  You, or the numerous TDM riders I am in contact with almost daily: MCN or the many Ulysses owners who pipe in on this site.  The Uly is officially bank on my radar.  

I didn't make it up.
I read it in the English RIDE magazine.  They had a comprehensive buyers guide article on TDM850's.  
Remember too that we always hear from the people with problems, and rarely from the people without.

[Oilhed]

I really like the Uly and enjoyed the test ride.  Some things, very minor, I couldn't get by were the 1) oil in the swing arm, 2) fuel in the frame, 3) gas filler next to air intake close to the triple clamp, 4) weird sidestand and 5) key dangling from side.  The shaking, loose bolts and fan I could all get used to.  Maybe I'm just too old fashioned.  That's why I almost got a Cyclone M2.