The new Buell ST
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DESPITE A bit of a panning by the press Buell’s Ulysses has proved to be a hit in the showrooms. Last year it was the company’s best selling model, shifting 194 bikes, and for 2008 Buell has taken the Ulysses as a base and created the ST, which is basically a Ulysses with no off road pretence.
Not much is changed but the ST gets road based Pirelli tyres (instead of sudo-knobblie ones on the Ulysses), shorter suspension and panniers and a top box as standard. Now, I admit to not being a fan of the Ulysses, but the ST is a different matter. The handling is very good, probably the best of any trailie and the engine eventually feels sorted now Buell has tweaked the fuel-injection, fitted a lighter clutch and a gearbox that works.
Where I would tend to steer people clear of the Ulysses (especially short ones due to its stratospheric seat height) I wouldn’t dissuade them from the ST. Well as long as they are aware of its limitations. It is in no way a GS beater. The wind protection is limited, tank range poor and it vibrates like hell when stationary, and at £8,396 it isn’t cheap.
But as with all Buells, if it floats your boat then I would say give it a shot. You don't expect to see the words 'touring' and 'Buell' in same sentence, let alone the same bike - but the company seemed to have pulled off something with the ST. It's a fun machine with a strong yet lazy engine that's different, quirky and good fun to ride.
