[Rickster]

I test rode one of the Buell Ulysses yesterday, and I couldn't help but do a few mental comparisons between it, and my V Strom.

I was surprised to find that the two bikes are a lot more different, than they are the same. Both are listed as adventure touring bikes, but I found the Buell to be a closer relative to a sport bike, than anything I'd care to do any long distance touring on. I rode one of the XB12S Lighting's last week, and the Uly seemed to me like a tall Lightning.

Compared to my Strom, the pros & cons (IMHO) are.
1. The Uly is taller. With a 30 inch inseam, I was on my tip toes at stops, I flat foot my 2 inch lowered Strom.
2. The Uly seat is rock hard, I actually liked the seat on the XB12S better.
3. The Uly has a more aggressive riding position than the Strom, and stiffer suspension.
4. The Uly has a better front brake, but the Strom has a better rear brake.
5. For some reason, the specimen I rode had a severe wind buffeting problem between 70, and 110 mph. It was like riding behind a semi, the whole bike would shake. Above 110 it went away, but I was more tucked in.
6. The motor on the Uly is un bleeping believable, it has power everywhere. It was almost impossible to lug it, even a very low RPM's it pulled smooth, and hard. I would love to have that motor in my Strom.
6. The Uly is easy to get comfortable on in the twisties, the tires stick like glue, and the suspension is set up perfectly for aggressive riding.
7. Even though the Strom, and the Uly are about the same weight, the Uly felt a lot lighter, and was easy to flick from side to side in fast "S" turns.

Bottom line is, if I wanted a bike for aggressive riding, or track days, I would pick the Buell, but the Strom is a more rounded bike, and defiantly more comfortable on the freeway.

Put some better tires on the Strom, and a Power Commander to smooth out the motor, and it will run head to head with the Uly in the twisties, and still be more comfortable on the freeways. All for thousands of dollars less.