First ride: Buell Ulysses XB12XT

Following on from the successful sales debut of Buell’s Ulysses, the American company has introduced a new model – the XB12XT. The motorcycle has just been launched in Spain and is a full on touring version of the standard XT.

MCN chief road tester Trevor Franklin is in Seville for the launch of the bike and phoned back with his first impressions.

“The main differences in the 1203cc motorcycle are a shorter suspension stroke front and rear, new ignition timing and different fuelling maps to improve the low speed running and general riding characteristics of the engine.

“There are additional engine mods but all these feature on all 2008 Buell models. For the £8395 price it includes a completer top-box and pannier system.

“So far on the ride around the roads on the outskirts of Seville the bike has proved itself to be very comfortable and it’s very adept at lugging itself and rider up and down twisting mountain roads.

“Using the ample torque of the engine means gear swaps are negligible. The motorcycle also retains Buell’s famed  quick but likeable steering. Fortunately the weather has proved too warm to try out the heated grips that come as standard.”

The full test of the new bike will be in the March 12 edition of MCN and don’t forget to check back for the video of the bike in action.

Trev will be reporting back tomorrow with the track and road launch of the new Buell 1125R.