Update: I did some important fact finding today!
I was trying to make up my mind between two bikes: Buell Ulysses, or FJR. Yes, I know they are not exactly apples to apples! My thinking was this: I want a good handling, fun to ride bike that has factory hard bags, and comfortable passenger accomadations, with a price as close to 10K as possible.
The FJR has seemed to be the optimum choice for quite awhile to me. But there are a lot of unpaved areas that are tempting to me, too.
So, today my wife and I took a Ulysses for a test ride. What a different animal! Buells are very unigue in many ways. The V-twin vibration is awful from idle to about 2500-3000 rpm, and never totally goes away.
Low speed power delivery is difficult to modulate, seems like the gearing is too tall at parking lot speeds. It would take some time to get really smooth on this thing at walking speeds and just above. Not exactly great for trail riding, in my opinion. The bike does handle well and feel fairly light. Also feels close coupled, but not cramped. Seat height is now ok for me with the low seat. Rode through an unpaved construction area and the bike did do better than any other large street bike I have ridden in similar circumstances. Power delivery was good even with the low rev limit. But, the vibs were too much for my wife! It is an intriging bike, but not for us.
Anyway I went to look at the used 06 FJR I spoke of earlier at a dealer in Naples. They actually let me test ride it! Had to take it out solo, but it was great they did it at all! You guys (and girls too I think) are right what a great bike! It does not have quite the rush of power the Blackbird does and it feels alittle heavier, but it is amazingly close. Working out the deal and financing now. I will have this bike!
Thanks to all for all you input!
