XB12X Ulysses (2005 - 2008) review

Take the rough with the smooth on the adventure sport Ulysses. Not to be outdone by parent company Harley-Davidson, Buell also launched a few new models for 2006.

Top of the bill is the all-new Ulysses XB12X, set to go head-to-head with BMW’s R1200GS and take advantage of the boom in UK sales of adventure sports machinery. Using the Thunderstorm 1203cc V-twin motor, the Ulysses sports a new wave of features never before seen on a Buell.

Buell prides itself on the ‘Trilogy of Technology’ ethos instilled by head man Erik Buell, following the theories of mass centralisation, chassis rigidity and low unsprung weight, all applied rigorously to the new Ulysses. Light, six-spoke cast aluminium wheels wear new Dunlop D16 rubber designed for ‘aggressive road and off-road use’, while long travel Showa forks are fully adjustable and the rear monoshock has a remote reservoir with tool-free preload adjustment.

Until now Buells have had a reputation for being on the small side. Not any more. The lanky Ulysses has an over-generous seat height of 841mm, the same as the BMW GS, allied to wide bars, and flat, wide footpegs for a roomy, long distance-friendly riding position.

A clever trick, on a par with the fuel in the frame, is the innovative three-position Triple Tail system. Simply put, it means the tail piece can be used in three different ways: as a pillion back-rest, a rear luggage rack and pillion grab rails, or folded over to act as a luggage carrier when riding solo.

As if this wasn’t enough, Buell is aiming the Ulysses at the tourer market by adding generous underseat storage, plus two 12-volt power outlets – one on the dash and one under the seat (should you wish to make a cup of tea or watch TV). A full set of panniers and a GPS system will be made available on its launch, but don’t expect them to be cheap!

Take the rough with the smooth on the adventure sport Ulysses. Not to be outdone by parent company Harley-Davidson, Buell also launched a few new models for 2006.

Top of the bill is the all-new Ulysses XB12X, set to go head-to-head with BMW’s R1200GS and take advantage of the boom in UK sales of adventure sports machinery. Using the Thunderstorm 1203cc V-twin motor, the Ulysses sports a new wave of features never before seen on a Buell.

Buell prides itself on the ‘Trilogy of Technology’ ethos instilled by head man Erik Buell, following the theories of mass centralisation, chassis rigidity and low unsprung weight, all applied rigorously to the new Ulysses. Light, six-spoke cast aluminium wheels wear new Dunlop D16 rubber designed for ‘aggressive road and off-road use’, while long travel Showa forks are fully adjustable and the rear monoshock has a remote reservoir with tool-free preload adjustment.

Until now Buells have had a reputation for being on the small side. Not any more. The lanky Ulysses has an over-generous seat height of 841mm, the same as the BMW GS, allied to wide bars, and flat, wide footpegs for a roomy, long distance-friendly riding position.

A clever trick, on a par with the fuel in the frame, is the innovative three-position Triple Tail system. Simply put, it means the tail piece can be used in three different ways: as a pillion back-rest, a rear luggage rack and pillion grab rails, or folded over to act as a luggage carrier when riding solo.

As if this wasn’t enough, Buell is aiming the Ulysses at the tourer market by adding generous underseat storage, plus two 12-volt power outlets – one on the dash and one under the seat (should you wish to make a cup of tea or watch TV). A full set of panniers and a GPS system will be made available on its launch, but don’t expect them to be cheap!

Take the rough with the smooth on the adventure sport Ulysses. Not to be outdone by parent company Harley-Davidson, Buell also launched a few new models for 2006.

Top of the bill is the all-new Ulysses XB12X, set to go head-to-head with BMW’s R1200GS and take advantage of the boom in UK sales of adventure sports machinery. Using the Thunderstorm 1203cc V-twin motor, the Ulysses sports a new wave of features never before seen on a Buell.

Buell prides itself on the ‘Trilogy of Technology’ ethos instilled by head man Erik Buell, following the theories of mass centralisation, chassis rigidity and low unsprung weight, all applied rigorously to the new Ulysses. Light, six-spoke cast aluminium wheels wear new Dunlop D16 rubber designed for ‘aggressive road and off-road use’, while long travel Showa forks are fully adjustable and the rear monoshock has a remote reservoir with tool-free preload adjustment.

Until now Buells have had a reputation for being on the small side. Not any more. The lanky Ulysses has an over-generous seat height of 841mm, the same as the BMW GS, allied to wide bars, and flat, wide footpegs for a roomy, long distance-friendly riding position.

A clever trick, on a par with the fuel in the frame, is the innovative three-position Triple Tail system. Simply put, it means the tail piece can be used in three different ways: as a pillion back-rest, a rear luggage rack and pillion grab rails, or folded over to act as a luggage carrier when riding solo.

As if this wasn’t enough, Buell is aiming the Ulysses at the tourer market by adding generous underseat storage, plus two 12-volt power outlets – one on the dash and one under the seat (should you wish to make a cup of tea or watch TV). A full set of panniers and a GPS system will be made available on its launch, but don’t expect them to be cheap!