XB12XT: the Ulysses goes even further

While waiting for the sporty 1125R which will unload from the factories of East Troy in 2008, Erik Buell does not abandon his fetish range of XB12 and presents us at the beginning of the year a new Ulysses: the XB12XT, made to ride far and long… Taste.

If the Ulysses allowed its pilot and its passenger to make beautiful trips (read), its lack of protection and the absence of suitcases – standard in any case – seriously handicapped it on the "real" long journeys….

Attentive to the complaints of his customers, Erik Buell (chairman and development director of Buell Motorcycle Company, read) has therefore decided to offer a GT version of his "Sport Adventure" model..

Essentially, the Ulysses XB12XT – that’s its name – takes the recipe from the big XB12 family. Of course, the Thunderstorm 1203 V-Twin engine remains the – big! – heart of the bike, developing 94 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and delivering 104 Nm from 5,500 rpm.

The cycle part continues to respect the eternal "Trilogy of Technology"made in Buell: mass centralization, chassis rigidity and reduction of unsprung mass. However, we note that compared to the" large "Ulysses, the XT version responds more to the first" law of centralization "…

Indeed, while the suspensions of the XB12X have travel slightly greater than 160 mm, those of the XB12XT are limited to 124.4 mm – yes, 49 inches..

Likewise, the saddle of the "standard" Ulysses peaks at 808 mm – 2008 version, because the one tested in 2006 was perched at 841 mm! -, while that of the XT is more accessible at 780 mm height.

Another consequence of this lowering, the ground clearance also decreases (151 mm on this new model): a point which will not be detrimental to the XB12XT, whose vocation is resolutely road. For proof, the Pirelli Diablo "Strada" tire fitting which judiciously replaces the Pirelli Scorpion Sync..

But to allow its owner to peacefully undertake long-distance trips, the XB12XT had to be a little better equipped..

The 2008 novelty will therefore be delivered as standard with a windshield which should prove to be more efficient than that of the Ulysses. It will also be armed as standard with two side bags and a top case adjoining the famous "Triple Tail", folding backrest dear to the passenger.

More discreet but just as useful when you decide to go far – north … -, the handles of the XB12XT are heated. Finally, the new Buell has two 10A / 12V accessory sockets (on the dashboard for the GPS and under the saddle for … whatever), as well as an integrated helmet holder..

When it comes to autonomy, the Ulysses XT’s tank allows you to carry the same 16.7 liters of fuel as the Ulysses X. Logical since on the Buells, the frame acts as the tank! So not easy to increase the capacity…

"The XB12XT will provide extreme comfort and outstanding performance at every turn", predicts Erik Buell himself, predicting in passing that"the new suspension and many other features will allow riders and passengers to enjoy this bike on all roads. It’s the perfect motorcycle for daily trips in town and in the countryside".

In town, the reduced turning radius of the new version of the Ulysses will certainly be welcome while on country roads, the cycle part and the engine should satisfy the heavy riders … It remains to test the XB12XT on "Highway "… to heaven ?

Displayed at the "net recommended" price of € 12,595 (ie an extension of € 300 compared to the XB12X), the Ulysses XT is guaranteed for two years, unlimited mileage. We will just have to wait until April to see it land in the concessions…

A wait that will allow you to decide on the choice of color: in addition to the discreet "Midnight Black", this big toy is available in "Thrust Blue" to play the NYPD (New-York Police Department) or "Racing Red" if you are more like "Fire Department"…

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