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Buell Motorcycle Forum » Big, Bad & Dirty (Buell XB12X Ulysses Adventure Board) » BB&D Archives » Archive through November 09, 2005 » Ulysses pic from Cycle World review « Previous Next »

The following snippets from the September Cycle World are courtesy BadWeBr "Whosyodaddy" and of course a big double barrelled hurrah and mucho thanks to Cycle World, by far the best general motorcycle publication in America, period. If you don't already subscribe, please do so. It just doesn't get any better than Kevin Cameron, Peter Egan, Don Canet, Steve Anderson, et al for great informative and entertaining commentary for the world of two-wheeled moto enthusiasts, well, aside from here on BadWeB of course. : D

Thanks again Whosyodaddy and CW!





Another picture in the review (which I've not scanned) shows a rider on a black XB12x with full luggage. Not a drop of banana to be seen.

Steve A. adds: "The Ulysses is about 35 pounds lighter than the new R12GS..."

Some snippets and factoids from the September CW article...

List price = $11,495
Fuel capacity = 4.4 gallons
Seat height = 35"
Ground clearance = 7.0 "
Wet weight = 496lb
Wheelbase = 54.3"
Rake/Trail = 22.0o/4.8"
SAE RWHP = 83.70 @ 6800 rpm (looks like less power up high than XB12R/S models)
Torque = 68.90 ft/lbs @ 5k (with more power/torque down low)
1/4 mile = 12.18 (110.24 mph)
Measured top speed = 131 mph
Engine speed @ 60 mph = 2,955 RPM
Front tire: 120/70-17 Special Dunlop specifically for the Buell XB12X Ulysses.
Rear tire: 170/60-17 Special Dunlop specifically for the Buell XB12X

Cool stuff:
  • (2) accessory outlets - one on the dash, one under the seat
  • A very trick rear rack that folds up.
  • A very cool hard-luggage option.
.
.
.
"The Ulysses is likely to be Buell's breakthrough - the bike that moves it toward eventual BMW-level sales volume.It's the best thing Buell has ever made."
.
.
.
"...the Ulysses is posed to become one of the great utility machines of our time."
.
.
.
"Only Honda Gold Wings and their like offer better passenger accommodations than the Ulysses."
.
.
.
"But the most important thing about the Ulysses isn't its potential reliability, or its almost-unparalleled versatility, or its touring capability, or even its butch supermotard looks. Instead, it's the fun it provides when you ride it. Cycle World Online Editor Calvin Kim said it best as he hopped off the Ulysses after a fast blast up 10 miles of twisty mountain road. With a face lit by a big grin, Calvin declared, "This thing is the best, the very best, American motorcycle ever."Ain't too shabby compared to the rest of the world, either."
.
.
.
"Because the Ulysses was intended as an adventure-sportbike, little consideration was given to running a 19 or 21 inch front tire. While larger tires work for motocrossers and pure off-road bikes, sportbike tire sizes make for better pavement handling, and can work reasonably well on dirt, as proven in supermotard racing."
.
.
.
"...an all new transmission with shift quality is positively Japanese."
.
.
.
"The BMW is a more capable adventure-tourer, the Ducati a sportier sportbike, while the Buell specializes in not specializing, and therefore offers the broadest appeal. It's a jack of all trails, master of some.

Thanks again Whosyodaddy, Steve A., Cycle World and of course Buell Motorcycle Company! First test ride report by a BadWeBr wins something cool. : )

  Thread Last Poster Posts Pages Last Post
Archive through July 30, 2005Blake30 1 07-30-05  07:34 am
Archive through July 27, 2005Rocketman30 1 07-27-05  07:28 pm
Archive through July 24, 2005Court30 1 07-24-05  08:25 pm
Archive through July 23, 2005Oldroadtoad30 1 07-23-05  08:05 pm
Archive through July 23, 2005Blaster_s30 1 07-23-05  10:39 am
Archive through July 23, 2005Steve_a30 1 07-23-05  02:29 am
         

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Hogs
Posted on Saturday, July 30, 2005 - 07:52 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)
The Ulysses,
I see the worlds biggest truck/car ferry between Britian and Ireland is also called the Ulysses...

This may have allready been posted here,...
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Daves
Posted on Saturday, July 30, 2005 - 08:14 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)
Welcome Brood!
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Elzo
Posted on Saturday, July 30, 2005 - 08:38 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)
Other than Suzuki, the major manufacturers have stayed out of the market completely.

Ima, I'm guessing by "market" you mean "US market". A recurring complaint I see is that the major manufacturers don't bring a lot of their bikes to the US. For examples, take a look at Honda's UK site: http://www.honda.co.uk/motorcycles/. The very first category listed is 'Adventure', with 4 bikes in it. That category and those bikes aren't present on the US site, because they aren't imported here.
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Imaposer
Posted on Saturday, July 30, 2005 - 08:48 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)
Ima, I'm guessing by "market" you mean "US market".

Yes. I am talking about the us market. Don't get me started on how I get over not being able to buy some of those bikes. Probably half of my top ten list of bike I want in the garage aren't available here.
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Rocketman
Posted on Saturday, July 30, 2005 - 04:38 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)
Last year I was out riding in a group with one guy amongst us on a Varadeo 1000. 145mph and he was still off like Joe ****. The dude on the 916 was more than a little surprised. That'd be me then!!!

I understand these Varadeo's are popular with the 'round the world' riders. If that's true that's some high praise. Uly round the world anyone?

Rocket
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Jerry_haughton
Posted on Saturday, July 30, 2005 - 07:19 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)
Uly round the world anyone?

yes, please.

Ferris
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Broodwich
Posted on Sunday, July 31, 2005 - 08:38 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)
I had a chance to see the Ulysses today at the dealer and I got some pictures. Sorry my flash isn't that great and they wouldn't let me take the bike outside. >: ) Here are the shots...

I don't know if there is a better way to post links.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/keysman/Motorcycle/right_side.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/keysman/Motorcycle/rear.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/keysman/Motorcycle/front.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/keysman/Motorcycle/front_wheel.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/keysman/Motorcycle/rear_wheel.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/keysman/Motorcycle/helmet_lock.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/keysman/Motorcycle/dash.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/keysman/Motorcycle/air_intake.jpg
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Brad_buell
Posted on Sunday, July 31, 2005 - 08:54 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)
Hey thanks for the pics Brood!
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Jerry_haughton
Posted on Sunday, July 31, 2005 - 08:59 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)
GREAT pix. : )

where in Cali are you located?

Ferris
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Imaposer
Posted on Sunday, July 31, 2005 - 09:29 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)
Great pics. Thanks. I know I read somewhere that Buell had commented on the air intake and tank bags won't be an issue, but it sure looks as if you use a tankbag with a no slip rubbery surface on it, you'd do a heck of a good job cutting off it's air supply.
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Cataract2
Posted on Sunday, July 31, 2005 - 09:47 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)
Love the look of that bike!!!
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Broodwich
Posted on Sunday, July 31, 2005 - 11:06 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)
It looks even better in person. This bike is very well sorted out. There a a number of nice detail touches as well. I like the heat shield with the holes for the exhaust tip. That honeycomb shape on the air intake is nice too. From the website it looks like the Buell tank bag will still allow airflow.

I'm in the Sacramento area.
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Darthane
Posted on Monday, August 01, 2005 - 09:52 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)
Pretty nice looking bike. I take it the 'luggage rack' is also the pillion? The preload adjustment for the rear shock's a nifty idea, and is what is the cylinder behind the oil cooler? Very interesting. (all noted before, I'm sure, but I've not been poking around here in a long time. ; ) )

<~~looking to add a new bike next summer. Unfortunately I doubt it will be another Buell unless I sell one of the two I've got already...unlikely, as I love the •••• out of both. Still want a bigger sport-tourer.
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Broodwich
Posted on Monday, August 01, 2005 - 10:44 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)
My guess on that canister behind the oil cooler is an emissions control device. I have the same looking canister on my BMW. On my bike it's a charcoal filter. It could just be a California Emissions addition but I suspect that this is a 50 state bike and you'll find it on all the bikes. I could be wrong, but that's what it looks like to me.
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Tommy_2stroke
Posted on Monday, August 01, 2005 - 11:31 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)
Bet you a nickel the charcoal canister is California-only. That's how it is (was) on my '05 12S...
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Outrider
Posted on Monday, August 01, 2005 - 11:51 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)
Would be greatly appreciated if the next time someone gets a peak at the XB12X that they get the rise and width of the handlebars.

I like the look and am considering replacing mine again.
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Broodwich
Posted on Monday, August 01, 2005 - 12:25 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)
Well Tommy, that would be good news because us CA people could just extract the offending unit.

Here are photos of the left and right controls sorry it doesn't really show the rise of the bars very well and I didn't get any shots of the width.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/keysman/Motorcycle/left_grip.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/keysman/Motorcycle/right_grip.jpg
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Jim_sb
Posted on Wednesday, August 03, 2005 - 12:34 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)
Well that tears it.

I need to ride that bike.

Jim in Santa Barbara
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Xbolt12
Posted on Wednesday, August 03, 2005 - 12:56 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)
Man that bike is tall!
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Xbolt12
Posted on Wednesday, August 03, 2005 - 12:59 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)
And the perfect test ride would have been the G16 in Carmel Valley on the way to Monterey (MotoGP). It sure would be cool if the HD and Buell folks would get to ride them on that road next year!

xbolt12
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Jim_sb
Posted on Wednesday, August 03, 2005 - 01:09 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)
G16, eh?

BTDT. Fun stuff. Pavement was a little long in the tooth when I was there. Still fun stuff.

Jim in Santa Barbara
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Jerry_haughton
Posted on Wednesday, August 03, 2005 - 07:29 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)
xbolt12, i'll be doing G16 (Carmel Valley Rd) on the last day of the Ferris Bueller Rides Again Tour.

FB
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Eeeeek
Posted on Wednesday, August 03, 2005 - 11:51 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)
Looks like Rocklin.

Vik
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Broodwich
Posted on Wednesday, August 03, 2005 - 04:48 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)
Folsom but close.

I just read the Cycle World article and I noticed they mentioned in addtion to a low seat option and GPS which I have seen mentioned here before, there would be an option for heated grips.
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Odinbueller
Posted on Wednesday, August 03, 2005 - 05:16 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)
Finally got the dealer show pictures up.

http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/17143/128571.html?1123043215

Video of the introduction with Erik & Jon Flickinger on the way soon.
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Imonabuss
Posted on Wednesday, August 03, 2005 - 06:20 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)
Thanks, Odin!
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Blake
Posted on Wednesday, August 03, 2005 - 10:04 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)
Ditto that. Thanks for posting the pics!
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Court
Posted on Thursday, August 04, 2005 - 06:03 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)
Well we weren't fast enough. My wife has put my checkbook in a safe deposit box.

: )

That is a motorcycle that BEGS to be bought!

Too cool,
Court
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Glitch
Posted on Thursday, August 04, 2005 - 07:52 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)
My wife has put my checkbook in a safe deposit box.
Well at least you've got a check book.
Just kidding, I have my BBA, Buell Bank Account. It comes in handy, although it's not nearly large enough to purchase the new offering from Erik.
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Trojan
Posted on Thursday, August 04, 2005 - 09:32 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)
Anyone know yet if the airbox cover for the Ulysses is the same dimensions as the previous bikes?
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Broodwich
Posted on Thursday, August 04, 2005 - 11:37 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)
Here is your Ulysses Triple Tail how-to. If you're anything like me the fist thing you're going to want to do is play with the Triple Tail and you don't want to look like you don't know what you're doing that first time you see the Ulysses at the dealership. Here's how to operate the Triple Tail...

First you're going to want to open the image in a separate window so you can follow along with the steps.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/keysman/Motorcycle/backrest_how-to.jpg

Complete these steps while standing on the left side (clutch side) of the bike with your body facing the seat near the rear wheel.

Step 1: Rotate the plastic retaining clip towards the rear of the bike. about 45 degrees.

Step 2: Pull the tail firmly toward you. Observe the note on the outside of the tail that says "Pull Here". You want to use a little muscle on this step. The tail will slide away from the frame (grab rails) on the right side (throttle side) of the bike.

Step 3: Rotate the tail 90 degrees into the seat back position or approximately 175 degrees to the extended luggage rack position.

That's it. You have completed this course on the new 2006 Buell Ulysses XB12X.

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Broodwich
Posted on Thursday, August 04, 2005 - 11:39 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)
That's first, not fist. Oops.

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Chellem
Posted on Thursday, August 04, 2005 - 08:24 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)
Trojan,

Airbox cover should be identical except for the intake slot behind the fuel filler.
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Anonymous
Posted on Thursday, August 04, 2005 - 08:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)
Broodwich,

Don't forget using the key between steps 1 and 2. Or you will indeed be using a little muscle!!! Enough to rip aluminum parts apart, anyhow!
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Odinbueller
Posted on Thursday, August 04, 2005 - 09:03 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)
Damn! I did it again! Anyway, gear set diagrams at the link listed above. For those surly enough to not scroll:

http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/17143/128571.html?1123043215

Have to admit, I'm that surly sometimes : )
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Broodwich
Posted on Sunday, August 07, 2005 - 10:51 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)
What key? The one on the showroom floor did not require the use of any key. I saw something about using a key in the Cycle World article but the one I saw sure didn't seem like it needed anything like that. Was the Buell I saw broken?
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