G oog le BadWeB | Login/out | Topics | Search | Custodians | Register | Edit Profile


Buell Forum » XBoard » Archive through March 30, 2014 » Considering getting a Ulysses, and have a few questions about the xb series. « Previous Next »

Author Message
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Magnanimity
Posted on Monday, February 17, 2014 - 12:42 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

So I'm in the market for a new bike and, among others, I'm considering a Ulysses, but I have a few questions.

How are the xb's when it comes to reliability? Are there any common issues outside of standard maintenance?

How different are the XB12X's from the XB12R's? Especially when it comes to the engine. I've seen most places claiming that the Ulysses puts out around 103 hp at the rear wheel, but others claim only around 80.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Sifo
Posted on Monday, February 17, 2014 - 01:44 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

All XB12 variants have the same basic engine, some changes by year though. 103 hp is at the crank, not the wheel. Mine has been quite reliable with over 50K on the clock. My profile has the list of issues I've had. I've added pulling the seal out of the wheel bearings and clean up what I can then pack in some new grease. I haven't had a wheel bearing failure since I started that. I've also decided that I'm going to change my "lifetime" drive belt every 25K miles. The manual details maintenance well, and nothing is very hard.

Comparing the XB12X to an XB12R, the bikes are different in many ways, not sharing the same frame. They do share the same basic mechanical design though.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Reepicheep
Posted on Monday, February 17, 2014 - 02:02 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

All the XB12's have the same power motor (103 at the crank).

The other specs you are seeing is for the XB9 (80 or so at the crank). They are probably more than that, my XB9 dyno'd in the high 70's at the rear wheel.

In practice, they don't feel that much different on the top end. On the bottom end you can really feel the grunt of the extra power though. The 9 is more oversquare, so it can rev WAY higher.

On a track, coming off a 20 MPH turn, if an XB9 and XB12 are side by side and accellerate up to 120 or so, the 12 will walk away from the 9... literally. The 12 will get ahead of the 9 at about the pace of a medium fast walk. I watched it at Mid Ohio on two Buell track days (I was on the 9). The 1125 just dissapears. An 1190RX would probably be in the pits already, complaining to the track day organizer about all the backmarkers. ; )

The 9's seem just about bullet proof in terms of reliability. The 12's get a little better fuel economy. The 08 and up 12's have a much improved oiling system that significantly increases reliability, but there of pre 08 12's are running around with 100k+ miles. There maybe a dozen recorded XB12 crank failures here for the 07 and earlier 12's. Enough to be noteworthy, but not enough to never buy one at any price (IMHO).
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Froggy
Posted on Monday, February 17, 2014 - 02:22 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)


quote:

How different are the XB12X's from the XB12R's




Night and day, and outside the engine/transmission, they share very few parts. All the major parts like the frame and wheels and suspension are different, but they share many smaller parts like most of the FI system, same gauges (different face), same controls, and same battery.

Reliability for the most part is not an issue, there are some lemons out there, and neglected bikes have their own issues.
« Previous Next »

Add Your Message Here
Post:
Bold text Italics Underline Create a hyperlink Insert a clipart image

Username: Posting Information:
This is a public posting area. Enter your username and password if you have an account. Otherwise, enter your full name as your username and leave the password blank. Your e-mail address is optional.
Password:
E-mail:
Options: Post as "Anonymous" (Valid reason required. Abusers will be exposed. If unsure, ask.)
Enable HTML code in message
Automatically activate URLs in message
Action:

Topics | Last Day | Tree View | Search | User List | Help/Instructions | Rules | Program Credits Administration