Shootout: Buell Ulysses vs KTM 990 Adventure

Shootout

Buell Ulysses vs. KTM 990 Adventure

Introduction

One wouldn’t generally consider comparing these bikes. While they both fall under the adventure touring, dual sport, beast, trailie, or whatever else you call the class, they occupy different ends of the dual sport spectrum. Yet, I continually receive messages from potential buyers requesting my feedback on the two machines. At first I would give detailed replies, outlying all the strengths and weaknesses, but as the inquiries began to accumulate, I resorted to cutting and pasting. Finally, I decided to sit down and write out all of the strengths and weaknesses of each bike and prepared the shootout you are about to read.

As I’m not an employee of a motorcycle magazine, I don’t have the capability of properly measuring the bikes’ speeds, weights and other measurements. All of the specs stated are either the manufacturer's, that which have been indicated on the bikes instruments, or derived from other magazines.

Now with all the official stuff out of the way here are the contenders…

NOTE: Mouse over on all large photos to see second image.

2006 Buell XB-12X Ulysses:
Owned: July 2006-September 2007
Mileage: 13,585 miles
Purchase Price: $10,000
The Buell Ulysses, also refered to as the "Uly", was first released as a 2006 model. Erik Buell deemed it an “Adventure Sportbike” one that could own all roads. Based on the XB series, it featured a different frame design, longer wheelbase, larger fuel capacity, longer travel suspension, more substantial rear subframe, and other features designed for off road duty. Incremental changes followed in 2007, with progressive fork springs, a free breathing airbox, and a lower seat topping the list. Additional changes followed in 2008, with engine changes, a new digital engine management system, an increased rev limit, increased steering lock, and larger diameter fork tubes.

2007 KTM 990 Adventure
Owned: September 2007-Present
Mileage: 2,300 miles
Purchase Price: $12,100
The KTM 990 is a direct descendant of the giant KTM Dakar Rally bikes that KTM used to beat BMW at its own game. Released in 2003, the 950 Adventure was released to challenge the very successful BMW 1150/1200GS series. A 950S model was also available which featured longer travel suspension and a higher seat height. The 950 Adventure series went through numerous incremental changes from 2003-2005 and raises and drops of suspension settings. In 2006 (2007 US) the 990 Adventure was released. This evolutionary upgrade featured a bored/stroked 950 engine to 999cc fitted with fuel injection and ABS along with other changes.

Now before you protest about the low mileage on the KTM, consider that my mileage is roughly twice that accrued by motorcycle magazines during a full test. I also doubt they disassemble a test bike to this degree either.

To contact me: paochow@paochow.com