Summer ’22 – Buell Ulysses Traveling Prep

Thanks for stopping by, and Thank You in advance for your advice and sharing your experiences with these great bikes!

The “Plan”

If you got here by a link that I dropped in a few places on the Web, welcome! You already know the basics of this project, and here are some details:

I have family in North Carolina and Oregon that I want to visit this summer (not on the same trip…) and I need this bike to have a better-than-average shot at making the miles.

I’m pretty decent with fixing stuff – more of a car guy than a scooter guy, but I’m pretty confident that I can make do. I’m not looking for a bullet-proof system – I’m not going to be doing an around-the-world thing…and the bike is low-miles and in great shape. I’m just looking for the more likely screw-ups and what to have/do to avoid them as much as I can.

The Basics

The bike is an ’08 XB12XT with 2900 miles.

All stock systems (factory exhaust, ECM, etc.)

Changed the primary and engine oil and filter in May ’21, been mostly setting since then.

I dug her out of the garage today (2/10/22), filled the tank with premium and rode for about 30 minutes. For the first 10-15 minutes, she made her displeasure at being neglected for the last several months known. She died at the first couple of stops, chugged horribly at low rpm, and backfired quite a bit…the fresh fuel and a few runs through the gears helped a bit. By the time I got her all warmed up and headed back to the house, she was running fine. She’s setting back on the battery tender – and won’t be left there for nearly as long this time without being started and ridden.

WARNING – This video is BAD. It’s 99% wind noise – (While we’re at this, anyone figured out a good external mic setup for a GoPro? I know it’ll need the Media Mod or the Mic adaptor box, but what mic are you using and where are you mounting it?)

When I first got her, the engine light was on. I pulled the code – it was the exhaust actuator. It was stripped inside (the little plastic gear…) so I replaced that unit with the Dorman part, made a cable bracket and changed the cable crank. Actuator seems to be working great! Eliminated the little flat spot in the torque curve, and the engine light went out (bonus! I’d heard that you had to start them like 50 times for the ECM to clear that out…was relieved that I didn’t have to look at that light for a couple of months!)

My bike has the factory 3 bag setup. They’re German-built Hepco and Beckers…pretty sure they’re the “Journeys” – a full-face helmet will fit in the tail bag. I’d also like to have a big duffel-type dry bag to fit on the back part of the seat, cross-wise I think. Any suggestions?

I’ve been looking at the Lone Rider Overlander duffle bag – it’s spendy, but you can lock it onto the bike with a steel-reinforced ratchet strap. By the measurements, it’ll fit crosswise on the folded-down passenger backrest and not hang over the edges of the saddlebags. Lots of Molle attachment points and the top cover is also a map holder.

Shocks: I didn’t get the manual with the bike – the owner had misplaced it and it hasn’t turned up yet. So, I’m not sure how to adjust the shocks – I’ve tried to figure it out by the info online, but would appreciate some feedback and advice.

Tools

I have the little tool kit that came with the bike, but would like to have enough tools on hand to change out a belt or fix a flat, but I don’t want to pack up useless tools to drag around, either. So far it looks like I can get by with a manageable selection.

Spares/Repair Parts

Tires are factory – still look new and feel soft, but they’re 13 years old. I can kinda afford to get new ones before I take off, but have heard advice for and against using these until they wear out. Thoughts?

EDIT: After riding on the old Pirellis for about 300 miles, I discovered cracks in the treads of the front tire. I’ve since changed out the tires for Michelin Road 6s, the latest evolution of the old “Pilots.” They have gotten great reviews and I hope they’ll last me a long time.
I ended up changing the tires out myself – which was an adventure…but I took my time and got it done.

Flat-fixing tools? I have been REALLY lucky about flats, so far…I keep a small compressor and string repairs in my van – and those items have saved me on a few occasions through the years. But a bike – and LONG (for me) trips are a bit daunting. What would you recommend sourcing and taking with me? What sort of tire repairs have you made on a trip?

EDIT: As part of my tire-changing project, I am now the proud owner of a set of MotoPro aluminum bead breakers and a couple of rim guards….and I really hope I NEVER have to use them while I’m out on the road!

Riding Gear/Helmet

I’ve got my old helmet from my Heritage Softail days – and have used it for a few blasts around town. But I know I need a new one, so suggestions there please?

Riding jacket/pants: I know that I’m going to be living in these things for days at a time, so I want some decent quality stuff. I’m looking at a spring/summer setup mostly. I’m sure COLD weather riding will be a whole ‘nother conversation.

Boots? I’d like something that protects well, but that are also comfortable enough to walk in for a bit. I’ll have other shoes, but I don’t want to have to change out constantly.

Camping Gear

This is a whole conversation by itself – but I’d be interested to hear what your thoughts are on proper camping gear for these sort of trips.

I’ve got some backpacking gear and plan on using some of it (pocket rocket stove, Meridian 2 tent…maybe).

So, What Would You Do?

If you were in my place, planning on doing these trips…what would you do? How would you budget and what items do you consider “must haves” and what are some “nice to haves”?