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Buell Ulysses XB12XT (2008-current)

Detail	Value
New price	£8,310
Used price range	View Buell XB12X ULYSSES bikes for sale to see current asking prices
Engine size	1203cc
Power	103bhp
Top speed	131mph
Insurance group	15

	MCN ratings	Owners' ratings
Overall
Engine
Ride & Handling
Equipment
Quality & Reliability
Value

MCN overall verdict

Reworking an existing model to make an all-together different model can work, as Suzuki’s Bandit and V-Strom range has shown – add panniers, taller screen, other accessories and they become good budget touring bikes. Buell’s take on this is to rework the Ulysses adventure-based bike, add small panniers and top box and hope they can get away with an archaic air-cooled engine to lug its load – along with a top heavy price tag. It nearly works, but it’s definitely one for Buell aficionados.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The 1203cc Thunderstorm engine thumps out big torque and is a pleasant, relaxed plodder at 70mph. There are no fuelling issues to talk of because the bike gets a new ECU with much more brain power for a greater range of predetermined fuel/ignition maps. But its the heat from the air-cooled engine that makes congestion riding a warm affair – the noisy electric fan is on constantly and is bloody annoying.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The Ulysses model the Buell XB12XT is based on runs with taller suspension for that off-road stance. This version sees the Showa suspension reduced down to normal road bike height, and is very plush. Being fully adjustable there’s a setting available for every riding scenario, from solo to pillion with luggage. Handling is typical Buell: agile, surefooted and manageable for a 211kg bike.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

Panniers, topbox, useful tall screen, hand protectors and mounting kit are all standard, as is the useful 12v accessory socket. The topbox mount also doubles up as a fold up pillion backrest when the box isn’t used. Arguably the best device is the belt final drive; no lubing, minimalist adjustment and super reliable. Compare and buy products for the Buell Ulysses XB12XT in the MCN Shop.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

Arguably the biggest bugbear of Buells is the quality of finish eg exhaust coating giving up and engine running niggles. But Buell assures us all past ills are behind them and the future’s on par with other makes. Owners clubs/forums speak volumes…

MCN rating
Owners' rating

With the Ulysses XB12XT Buell has entered the touring segment. Obviously the Buell isn’t aimed at displacing or competing with the likes of BMW and so it’s fighting against bikes like BMW’s F800ST, Honda Deauville and Suzuki’s budget tourers eg Bandit GT-range and even Suzuki GSX650F – bikes either cheaper or more in tune with touring. Find a Buell Ulysses for sale.

Insurance group: 15

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2005: Buell XB12X Ulysses – adventure-styled version of XB12 sport range
2008: Buell XB12X Ulysses – minor chassis and engine revisions
2008: Buell XB12XT Ulysses – intro of touring version

Buell XB12X Ulysses is the taller adventure-style brother of the new touring bike. Not in same league as BMW GS range but can hack rough roads with ease.

Specifications

Top speed	131mph
1/4-mile acceleration	secs
Power	103bhp
Torque	84ftlb
Weight	211kg
Seat height	780mm
Fuel capacity	16.7 litres
Average fuel consumption	15mpg
Tank range	miles
Insurance group	15

Engine size	1203cc
Engine specification	Air/fan-cooled, 4v, 45° V-twin four-stroke. Five gears
Frame	Aluminium dual beam
Front suspension adjustment	Rebound and compression damping, spring preload
Rear suspension adjustment	Rebound and compression damping, spring preload
Front brakes	1 x 375 rim-mounted disc with inverted 6-piston caliper
Rear brake	240mm disc with single-piston caliper
Front tyre size	120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size	180/55 x 17

See all Buell XB12X ULYSSES motorcycles for sale

Buell
XB12X ULYSSES

14095 miles

£5,499

Buell
XB12X ULYSSES

10873 miles

£3,500

Owners' Overall Rating (2 reviews)

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The Touring Buell for tall ones

svens

Average rating

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Overall
Ride and Handling
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Quality and Reliabilty
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This is the Buell for tall riders. I am 5"11 and still feel quite comfortable on the S and R but I can imagine being taller and it would be cramped. So there is the Uly a fantastic touring bike if you put on the panniers and a fantastic 2 up bike. Take the pillion and luggage off and you have a supermoto style superb handling bike. Stand out off the GS crowd and get one.

30 April 2009
Great Commuter & Tourer

Victor9098

IE

Average rating

Show Details

Overall
Ride and Handling
Equipment
Quality and Reliabilty
Value
Engine

I collected the XT in July. Have wanted a Buell for years, but either height/practicality ruled them out as I only have a motorcycle licence I need a 'most things' motorcycle (100 mile commute each day). XT ticks all the boxes, completely kitted for touring/commuting in all weather. The big V-twin engine is great fun, the bike is very agile and have never got sore in the saddle. Downside, my fuel pump shorted 2 months in & the exhaust is looking very rusty after 6 months. Other then those two issues I am loving the XT, great all-rounder that I am on everyday in all weather.

26 January 2009