I've demo'd the regular Ulysses several times now, and I've been intrigued from my short time on the bike. Safe to say it's been on my short list for possible replacements for the Multistrada (if that time ever comes). Since Harley Davidson of Frederick added a new XT to their demo fleet I figured I could get a real good idea of what the Uly is like to live with over a couple of days.
I don't remember the X's that I've demod being much different thant he XT I had for this trip. Tall, but not too bad. Of course the first thing you notice (after you find where the key goes) is that it shakes like crazy at idle. Once the engine's up to speed it's actually very smooth for a big V-twin, but idling and low revs as the engine comes down to idle it's really vibey. It almost feels like you haven't pulled the clutch in when you're stopping for a light the way it vibes on the way down.
Windscreen was good but not great, another 2" or so would make a big difference. Smooth for riding the secondary roads, too much turbulence for long-distance highway work. I'm sure that could be fixed cheaply though.
Power was certainly adequate, but the meaty part of the powerband is just too narrow. The motor sounds FANTASTIC under load between 3500 and 5500rpm, but that's a pretty narrow place to spend the day. Handling held no surprises, brakes were fine.
Speaking of places to spend the day, I think the seat was comfy enough. I had no complaints with 6 hours one day and 5 hours the next.
Luggage was really roomy, more usable space in the side cases than the Multi (same volume but the Multi's are shaped funny). Ignition on the side of the steering stem is a stupid idea, hard to find even after 2 days.
I liked it, but didn't love it. Other than reduced maintenance costs, and some more power that I would rarely use, it wouldn't give me anything that different than the Multi. I wouldn't regret it if I purchased one, but after living with it for 400 miles it's off my short list.
