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Written by:
Bart Madson
Motorcycle-USA.com http://www.motorcycle-usa.com
Motorcycle-USA.com http://www.motorcycle-usa.com
03/26/2008 - 05:20 PM
Charlotte, NC
nThe new Buell Ulysses XB12XT is in its element in the tight and twisty roads, with the well-balanced machine an adept corner carver. » More Photos
It is said that Ulysses was set on his ten-year odyssey home from the Trojan War when the he blinded the Cyclops Polyphemus, whose father Poseidon cursed the ancient Greek hero for his treacherous actions. Well, we haven't blinded any Cyclops or offended Poseidon, lately, but we can see ourselves on some long-distance journeys aboard Buell's latest touring machine the Ulysses XB12XT.
While the Ulysses moniker has been in the Buell lineup since the debut of its dirt-capable XB12X in 2006, the XB series has lacked a purpose-built on-road touring platform. The new Ulysses XB12XT is that touring machine.
First looks would lead to the assumption the XB12XT is just a standard Ulysses with bags, but there is more to the story. While the luggage and four-inch taller windscreen (optional accessories on the original Ulysses) come standard, another big change to the XT is the suspension, with a 43mm fork and a revamped rear monoshock replacing the XB12X's 47mm unit.
The new Ulysses XB12XT Showa units are tuned for on-road use only, with travel reduced 1.59 inches up front and 1.46 out back. The stiffer suspension package features retuned fork damping and new triple rate springs, with the rear monoshock utilizing a new compression bumper to cushion bottoming force. The new units also reduce seat height to 30.7 inches, a crucial feat resolving a common complaint from the standard Ulysses, which features a 31.8-inch perch in current form and 33.1-inch figure back in its original '06 incarnation. Complementing the on-road-only design are the same six-spoke cast aluminum wheels adorning the rest of the XB lineup. The XT is equipped with high-mileage touring Pirelli Diablo Strada tires.
Motoring up Highway 74 to Idyllwild, California, we sample the new XB12XT's on-road performance on some of So-Cal's tightest, twistiest stretches of pavement. Riding along at a steady clip, each turn is a splendid bend for the new Ulysses. The suspension sucks up road imperfections and is quite proficient for sporty riding, with a rider able to dial in the rear shock's preload via an easy-to-access underseat dial (in fact, our Buell tech said he makes small adjustments on the fly).
Curvy Highway 74 also showcases the Ulysses' quick-turning chassis. The suspension changes and different tires slightly alter the XT's steering geometry by increasing rake to 23.8 degrees and trail to 4.9 inches. Wheelbase has decreased to 53.9 inches with ground clearance also reduced to 5.94 inches. The end product is a confidence-inspiring machine that
Also aiding in the easy handling characteristics are all the things that make a Buell a Buell: Oil in the swingarm, fuel in the tank and, of course, the underslung exhaust. These unique features improve mass centralization and make the Ulysses a nimble and light-weight package at a claimed dry 465 lbs. A deceptively mellow handler on the twisty mountain roads, the proof was manifest when a casual glance at the speedo revealed an unexpected 50 mph through a series of tight 25 mph turns.
The tale of brave Ulysses has been passed down for thousands of years. Now riders can make their own epic journeys on the purpose-built on-road tourer - the Ulysses XB12XT from Buell. » More Photos
At the correct gear and rpm, the frisky Ulysses purrs along in euphoric bliss, and at the heart of the matter is the air-cooled Thunderstorm 1203 V-Twin. For 2008 the 45-degree Twin is tweaked, with a shorter crank pin and improved oiling responsible for raising redline from 6800 to 7100 rpm. Power claims from Buell put crank horsepower at 103 hp and torque at 84 lb-ft.
In practice the Buell drivetrain takes some getting used to. For sportbike riders accustomed to higher-revving Fours and Twins, the Buell is a different creature completely, but after some introductory miles the Thunderstorm Twin is an agreeable companion. The trick is finding that sweet spot in the middle of the powerband from about 3500 to 7000 rpm where the motor pulls along with torquey revelry, and keeping it there.
Attentive gear selection is a necessity for riding the Ulysses at a spirited pace, because if the tach dips under three grand the motor tends to be a bit sluggish. While a rider can chug along through the corners a gear high, it is much preferable to slip down a gear and keep the needle up at high noon on the analog tach where the engine is much more responsive. In the lower revs the rattling Twin is mastered by its progressive throttle response tuning which keeps things smooth, although the fueling is a bit anemic down low. There are vibrations coming off the rubber-mounted engine, it's not overly harsh and it's accompanied by the rich rumbling exhaust note inherent to this American-made machine. Everything sounds wonderful... until the bike is turned off and the annoying oil-cooling fan begins its incessant droning. It get's old quick.
We can't find any major complaints about the five-speed transmission, except a somewhat elusive neutral - a common complaint from our clumsy big-footed testers. Clutch pull isn't as stiff as it used to be but it's still firm.
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