2008 Buell Ulysses Xb12xt
2008 BUELL ULYSSES XB12XT
Quick Ride
Making a good thing better
AFTER 25 YEARS, IT’S clear that Buell is a company that goes its own way. Exhibit A: the XB12X Ulysses, a dirtbikestyled “adventure sportbike” that is also part supermoto and even a light tourer. It has a massive frame, a big comfy seat, a 1203cc pushrod V-Twin engine and 17-inch wheels at the end of long-travel suspension; it’s a bike ready for serious travel on anything from interstates to fireroads.
It was a hit with buyers and journalists alike when it was introduced in 2005. We liked the bike’s versatility, good handling, comfort, flexible power and penchant for wheelies. What we didn’t like was the NBAcalibrated 3 5-inch seat height, the chassis’ see-saw feel (caused by strong brakes, soft suspension and torquey mill) and the very limited steering lock. So the announcement of another Ulysses-the XB12XT-got our attention.
The XT is more than just an accessorized Ulysses. In addition to touring components from the Buell catalog, like locking hard luggage (side and top cases),
4-inch-higher windscreen, lower seat and heated grips, it gets revised suspension components. Fork tubes are 4mm smaller in diameter and provide 4.9 inches of travel (as does the shock), almost 2 inches less front and rear than the X. With a noticeably lower center of gravity and an inch-lower seat height, the bike feels more manageable, especially for the inseam challenged.
On twisty roads, the XT shines. Firmer suspension settings impart less of the hobbyhorse sensation when accelerating and braking. The lower eg makes the bike feel less like a massive supermoto and more like a big standard. The ergos are very neutral: A wide handlebar, lower cleated footpegs and broad saddle put the rider in an ideal attack position for carving up a bumpy, winding stretch of pavement that would leave a sportbike pilot cursing and short of breath.
As a tourer, the XT works well, too. Its 122 liters of luggage capacity are as vast as they are flexible: A wadded-up XL Aerostich suit will fit in one of the sidebags, and the top case has enough room for a full-face helmet. The taller screen blocks plenty of wind (but is noisy and buffets a bit), and heated grips are always welcome. Pirelli Diablo Stradas replace the stickier but shorter-lived Pirelli Scorpion Syncs.
Although a big improvement on-road, the shorter, firmer suspension, coupled with the still-limited steering lock, makes the XT less handy off-asphalt, but it can still competently handle smooth fireroads. Despite the bike weighing 40 pounds more than the 425pound X, the added weight is a small price to pay for the additional amenities.
A solid value at $12,995, the XT is a fully equipped adventure-tourer that can tackle more than just twisty asphalt. Add the optional GPS and you won’t get lost, even if you like to go your own way.
Gabe Ets-Hokin
