The Buell® Ulysses® XB12X is an adventure sportbike that defies any and all limitations. As light and agile on rough roads as it is on smooth ones, the Ulysses XB12X comes equipped with rugged protective features, a broad, usable powerband and the right amount of suspension travel to swallow up whatever lies ahead. On this Ulysses, the adventure can continue even if the pavement doesn't.
6-spoke Cast Aluminum Wheels: The Buell 6-spoke front wheel is extremely light, reducing steering inertia and unsprung weight for better handling on the track or less-than-perfect streets.
Underslung Exhaust: Exhaust cans are heavy and hot. It doesn't make sense to hang them up high and off the back of the bike and close to the rider. Our underslung exhaust - a Buell staple since 1985 - concentrates the weight underneath the chassis to provide greater Mass Centralization. The result is a clean, uncluttered look, improved flickability and superior handling. It also features a large-volume muffler tuned to produce a linear horsepower and torque curve.
Frame and Swingarm: Handling is key to everything we do. That's why our massive frames and swingarms are made of aluminum. Lightweight and extremely rigid, they minimize torsional flex and optimize lateral flex for control in the corners. Incorporating the fuel tank into the frame and the oil reservoir into the swingarm also improves handling. By lowering the placement of the fluids, the center of gravity shifts downward, which explains why a Buell® flicks so effortlessly through corners.
1203 cc Thunderstorm® Engine: The Thunderstorm® 1203 cc, 45-degree V-twin delivers the iconic look, thunderous sound and power-pulsing feel that only a V-twin engine can offer. Following the style of an American Muscle machine, you can tap into maximum torque in any gear, regardless of where the tach needle is pointing. In fact, you'll find that over 85 percent of the motor's torque is available at just 2500 rpm. Performance and dependability are enhanced with a large crank pin, a large-capacity oiling system and an electronic timing system and ECM that control a DDFI 3 fuel injection system. Combined, these features improve drivability and performance while reducing maintenance costs.
Buell® Intuitive Response Chassis (IRC): Like every Buell, the rigid chassis is light, nimble and rock solid in the corners. The 54-inch wheelbase provides a spacious cockpit with excellent ergonomics, while maintaining razor sharp handling.
Front Suspension: The 47 mm Showa® inverted fork with 6.5 inches of travel is fully adjustable to accommodate a wide range of riders and riding conditions. It delivers the right setup no matter what road you're on (or off).
Rear Suspension: As simple as turning a dial, the rear shock preload easily adjusts for two-up riding, fully packed bags or both.
ZTL™ Front Brake: The Zero Torsional Load (ZTL™) braking system consists of a 375 mm rotor mounted to the wheel's perimeter and a 6-piston caliper. When applied, it transfers braking forces directly to the rim instead of through the spokes. Without the need for load-bearing spokes or even a second disc, the bike's front-end weighs about 6 pounds lighter than what you'd find on most dual disc set-ups.
Immediate Throttle Response Belt Drive: A unique constant-tension pulley eliminates slack in the driveline, resulting in smoother on/off throttle transitions no matter what position the swingarm is in. Clean, quiet and extremely strong, the Goodyear® Hibrex® belt with Flexten® Plus technology never requires adjustments of any kind. It's extremely light, weighing just 1.06 pounds.
Battery Tender Plug: New for 2010, a battery tender plug comes standard and is conveniently located underneath the passenger seat for easy access.
12-liter Air Box: The large 12-liter air box is designed to optimize air intake and accommodate a large, easy-to-service air filter.
O2 Sensor in Front Header: A second O2 sensor has been added to the front header with an updated engine calibration, improving both fuel economy and drivability.
Usable Power: 1203 cc models redline at 7100 rpm and 984 cc models redline at 7500 rpm. The power is right there when you need it. So you won't have to wait for the engine to rev up to the powerband.
Cam-driven High Output Oil Pump Gear: Derived from race testing, this track-proven component improves internal oiling for the crankpin and bearings, increasing service life for all dynamic systems of the powertrain.
Enhanced Air Cooling: As soon as you turn off a motorcycle, the hot oil begins to break down, potentially leading to engine damage. But on a Buell®, the temperature-controlled fan continues to cool the oil even after you pull the key. The fan also has you covered if you happen to get stuck in traffic.
Thunderstorm® - DDFI 3: Actively controls and monitors the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS), Idle Air Control (IAC) and spark timing, automatically zeroing the TPS and adjusting fuel metering at idle and throughout the driving range of the engine to provide a smoother idle and reduced maintenance.
Thunderstorm® - Automated Timing: Electronic engine management system actively monitors and adjusts fuel mapping and timing to current riding conditions for improved ride quality and superior service life.
Large Crank Pin and Bearings: Enhances durability over the service life of the vehicle.
Uniplanar™ Isolation Mounting System: Using two rubber isolators to minimize vibration transfer from the engine to the rider and three tie-bars to inhibit lateral movement between the engine and the frame, the Uniplanar™ Isolation Mounting System decreases rider fatigue while contributing to chassis torsional rigidity for improved handling.
Pirelli® Scorpion Sync Tires: Pirelli® Scorpion Sync tires combine the best street-sport and off-pavement tire technology available. The hybrid tire construction delivers all the performance and confidence you need on the street, while providing the traction you need when city streets look more like the back trails.
Weight: At just 425 pounds dry, the XB12X is extremely lightweight. It feels quick and nimble, and makes cornering transitions and quick adjustments effortless - no matter what surface you are on.
Tail Section: The patented Buell® Triple Tail™ system easily adjusts between three positions designed around comfort, convenience and ride enhancement. The passenger backrest features a subtle flex for added comfort while two different luggage rack positions and integrated tie-down hooks are designed to easily secure the load whether you are riding with a passenger or alone.
Fairing: The front flyscreen was designed to work with the integrated windscreen to channel and deflect air to reduce buffeting, resulting in less rider fatigue and a more comfortable overall ride.
Windscreen: The windscreen does more than simply deflect and direct airflow to make your ride more comfortable. It's easy to remove for cleaning.
Durability Features: The frame pucks, headlamp grille, wind deflectors, a full rear fender and double front fender offer protection from the elements for both rider and motorcycle.
Ergonomics/Seating Position: Wide bars and naturally positioned footpegs provide great leverage, enabling you to ride confidently and aggressively. Meanwhile, the upright riding position keeps you comfortable and reactive no matter what the road throws at you.
Footpegs: Located in a comfortable, natural position, the footpeg placement is perfect for riding, as well as when you need to get up off the seat for unpaved roads, while the wide platform, rugged saw-tooth pattern provides increased grip in a variety of conditions.
Handlebars: Designed for maximum rider input and responsiveness. The wide, upright position provides all-day comfort and an in-command position. Standard heated handgrips - rated at 18 watts per side on the High setting and 11 watts per side on the Low setting - help keep your hands warm.
Convenience Features: A helmet lock provides a safe place to stow your lid while you're away. Two auxiliary outlets (one on the dash and one under the seat) provide power for your toys. And an under-seat storage area has enough room for the standard tool kit that comes with your bike along with other essentials.
Airflow Management System: New right-side air scoop, fan shroud, header shield and ECM calibration all work together to improve rider comfort.