Motorcycle specifications BuellXB-12X Ulysses 2006 American adventure

there's no stopping Erik Buell and his fertile imagination. After serving up his XB models in the shape of 250 GP bikes, this creator of such singular motorcycles now tries his hand at adventure with an off-road model. The new XB 12 X Ulysses is a bit like a Buell version of the Ducati Multistrada.
To transform itself into an Indiana Jones, the XB 12 has undergone a number of modifications, the most notable of which (apart from its sporty, adventurous looks) is the increased suspension travel. With its fierce XB-9SX look, slightly less radical geometry, increased wheelbase and mixed tires, the Ulysses looks ready to rip up trails as well as tarmac.
The on-board technology remains that of the XB series, with its aluminum perimeter frame acting as a fuel tank (lengthened and offering 3 l more capacity), a (new and lighter) swingarm containing the oil, and a Harley-sourced twin-cylinder increased to 100 hp. The gearbox has been given a facelift, employing synchronizer rings for smoother, faster operation. The new drive belt is more resistant, and Erik has even thought about travel:
More comfortable, the XB 12 X is supposed to offer a natural, pleasant riding position and a much more pampered passenger seat than usual. The XB 12 X is also equipped with a number of options for travel, such as a luggage kit (is Buell doing it again with the '97 S3T Thunderbolt Touring?) and a GPS system.
Knowing Buell's temperament on the road, this should give us something really invigorating in this niche of big, sporty trails.

Test Drive :

bbb bvvvvuuiiieeuuhhhhhh... That's the music you'll hear most often when you take to the streets of a city with the Ulysses. It's not the V2 that makes this noise; it takes care of the bass, varying the rhythm according to the rider's moods (even without it... it can't settle on a stable rpm when you want to move smoothly). The big buzzing mosquito is simply the fan that evacuates heat from the rear cylinder. It heats up - and soon enough, the propeller is spinning continuously. A pain. To make a U-turn, 'tention to the sidewalks on an avenue as it doesn't steer. Let's stop kidding ourselves: the Buell doesn't do much to make us appreciate the urbanime.
Eh...! With that Alan Quaterman profile, what did you expect?! A T-Max? Let's put things in context - put away the suit, don the galurin, put on the boots and crack on the leather. On the road to adventure, the Ulysses has clearly forgotten its urban whims. Between you and the road, a team is on hand to ensure your comfort: the suspension is up to scratch and the saddle as welcoming as it is plush. The trip would be spared the wrath of Olympus if the protection were worthy of the name. Backpackers will have to invest in a larger piece of Plexiglas.

while the companions ponder and Penelope does a bit of sewing back home, all it takes is a few well-placed laces and the pounding of the twin to succumb to the siren song of Ulysses. In the bowels of the Buell, it's a full, deep breath that invites you to do the andouille on the slightest special, er, slightly curvy departmental road.

With the new gearbox, gear selection on the XB has improved considerably, going from fresh cement to a virile kick. This isn't really a pity, as the twin's range of effort can be taken advantage of. Just 4,000 rpm, which feels like so much more, as the thrust is so effortless and torquey. And since it's so flexible, you can spend a good part of the ride in 5th gear.

Agile and an excellent braking machine, the Ulysses will not be at its best in the rough, thanks to its soft suspension settings. When the brakes were seriously applied on a bend, the forke plunged and the hare refused to enter the curve. As a result, you have to let go of the lever to relieve the front end and turn the wheel. Not great, and even frustrating, as the XB chassis is an invitation to play. Less "on the teeth" and more thoughtful driving will restore the Ulysses' efficiency. Don't forget to check the tires fitted to this Buell: it's said that the original fitment causes the front end to sway slightly above cruising speed on the freeway. And don't forget to keep a screwdriver in your pocket to adjust the damping; the Ulysses doesn't manage to be as versatile on all terrains and with all types of driving as a certain BMW in the same segment. Genuine efforts don't prevent this Buell from remaining a very typical machine, and not necessarily for everyone - which is precisely why its flavor has little to do with pasta or sushi.

M.B
(Test text inspired by T. Baujard's article
Moto-Journal n°1 680 - manufacturer's photos)