| Author | Message | ||
     Johnnylunchbox |
Any mention of engine modifications? suspension travel? | ||
| Eor |
Sorry Blake, I just found the thought of putting 17" knobbies on a supermotard and heading off onto a gravel road a strange concept. Perhaps it isn't. I think there is a good reason the BMW Dakar has a 90/90 X 21 on front. This new bike looks promising, but as configured here it looks like a street machine to me. Nothing wrong with that...just not what I was hoping for. Maybe that will come later? (Message edited by eor on July 23, 2005) | ||
| Blake |
So if it's not a "Dakar" machine it is a "street" machine? I think you are missing a few categories of terrain in between there Eor. | ||
| Blake |
For instance, the many gravel roads traversing East Texas, the Texas Hill Country, the road up Pike's Peak, Fall River Road atop the Rocky Mounains through Rocky Mountain National Park, the road to Alaska, lots of remote scenic roads all across the country... No need for a larger dirt type wheel on those roads. But I never relished the idea of traveling them on my Cyclone either. The XB12X seems to fit that role perfectly. Definitely not a dual sport or a dirt bike. Looks like a great Adventure Sport bike though. | ||
| Opto |
corrected rear wheel HP = 83.70 @ 6800 rpm Torque = 68.90 ft/lbs @ 5k Engine speed @ 60 mph = 2955 Measured top speed = 131 Where are the XB12 stats people? Have we lost a little power and top speed, is the overall gear ratio the same? (Message edited by opto on July 23, 2005) | ||
| Opto |
Keeping the front wheel on the ground after taking off from the traffic lights may now be a whole new ball game!... | ||
| Peter |
It's going to need a few mods, but I reckon a Dakar version is doable  Pete2 Dakar | ||
| Opto |
Just checking the archives, I never thought Buell would actually make something like the Ulysses.  | ||
| Court |
>>>>Grand Slam. Way to go ladies and gentlemen in East Troy and elsewhere. Little wonder, after all these years, I remain in awe of you.....you ALWAYS have the right thing to say. By the way, you all do realize that you are looking at the tip of today's iceberg. Expect more than motorcycles. Court | ||
| Cataract2 |
Another cool factoid - the new drive belt (which will be standard on all '06 XBs), no longer as a 25k service interval. In fact, it's been extended to the life of the bike! When it's time. I'm switching to the 06 belt!!! BTW, the time has come people.....  | ||
| Blaster_s |
I thought it'd be on the Buell website by now. Are they releasing one or two bikes today? | ||
| Court |
>>>>Are they releasing one or two bikes today? Absolutely | ||
| Blake |
Geeze Court, Have mercy on all us giddy anxious types. Otherwise we may be forced to report you to Amnesty International for perpetrating such horribly inhumane torture. Cataract, Not following the gist of your point. Aren't those images the XB9R concept art? | ||
| Blake |
"Only Honda Gold Wings and their like offer better passenger accommodations than the Ulysses." Unless that yellow tail cowling is removable, I'm having a difficult time imagining the above. Guess I better go track down the new CW. | ||
| Daves |
Are you sure the yellow is cowling? Looks like a seat to me, just a different color than the rider seat? | ||
| Court |
>>>Unless that yellow tail cowling is removable, I'm having a difficult time imagining the above. Salient difference, of course, is that it was written by someone who actually SEEN and RIDDEN the bike....be patient....you've less than 120 minutes.  | ||
| Anonymous |
One hour and thirty seven minutes... BTW, that's a two-tone seat. | ||
| Firemanjim |
Court,I say we buy a Team Elves Ulysses and let Pete take it to Dakar!!I can do $500.00-- Dave S. what kinda deal can we get?? | ||
| Daves |
That would be too cool! I'm thinking I could make the Elves a REALLY good deal on one! | ||
| Anonymouss |
BUELL GETS DIRTY WITH THE NEW ULYSSES XB12X An Adventure Sportbike Ready for On and Off Pavement EAST TROY, Wis. -- (Sunday, July 24, 2005) The pavement may end, but the ride continues. For 2006, Buell plays dirty with the Ulysses XB12X, a new adventure sportbike that takes its rider to the end of the road, even if that road is unpaved. With special Dunlop tires optimized for both street and off-pavement performance and longer-travel suspension, the XB12X is one sport motorcycle that’s not afraid of a little dirt. Under this rugged new profile beats the heart of a Buell with the willing torque of the Thunderstorm 1203 V-Twin engine and a chassis tuned to tame the tightest turns. “If you ride the back roads, there always seems to be a new adventure waiting beyond the pavement,” said Erik Buell, chairman and chief technical officer at Buell Motorcycle Company. “I think we’ve built a bike that’s very capable off the pavement, but will perform well on urban roads and rural twisties. The Ulysses XB12X is a motorcycle for any road that takes our core design principles of frame rigidity, low unsprung weight and mass centralization in an entirely new direction.” A dry weight of just 425 pounds combined with the 103-hp output of a Thunderstorm V-Twin engine gives the Buell Ulysses an outstanding power-to-weight ratio. The engine’s broad power band, with abundant grunt at low rpm, suits the demands of low-speed, off-pavement travel. A new transmission provides smooth, quick shifting and quiet operation. To enhance control and comfort in all riding conditions, the Ulysses XB12X has a 54-inch wheelbase, which is two inches longer than other XB models. The longer wheelbase, a high, wide handlebar, and neutral footpeg location combine to provide a comfortable riding position. The wide, textured seat is designed for all-day rider and passenger comfort. Handlebar-mounted deflectors and a two-piece windscreen designed to limit buffeting also enhance the ride. The hollow aluminum Ulysses frame doubles as a 4.4-gallon fuel tank. Seat height is 33.1 inches. The Ulysses is supported by fully adjustable, premium Showa front and rear suspension components with 6.5 inches of front travel and 6.4 inches at the rear. Rear spring preload can be adjusted instantly by turning a dial located just below the left side of the seat. Ground clearance is 6.75 inches. A dual front fender system provides good debris protection for the rider and the bike. The 17-inch, six-spoke, cast-aluminum wheels are designed for durability. Dunlop D616 tires created specifically for the Ulysses have an aggressive, open tread pattern for excellent performance on paved and unpaved roads. The touring versatility of the Ulysses is enhanced by the Triple Tail system. The Triple Tail folds through three positions to function as a luggage rack over the rear seat position, as an upright backrest/grab rail for a passenger, or as a luggage rack over the full-coverage license plate bracket. The Ulysses has two 10 amp/12-volt accessory power outlets (one on the dash, another under the seat) and a large under-seat storage compartment. Color-matched side cases and top case will be available for the Ulysses, as well as a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) receiver. The Buell Trilogy of Technology principles – frame rigidity, mass centralization and low unsprung weight – are applied to great advantage in the Ulysses XB12X design. The lower center of gravity achieved by carrying fuel in the frame, oil in the swingarm, and locating the muffler below the engine makes the Ulysses extremely flickable on paved roads and inspires rider confidence when riding off pavement. The Buell Ulysses XB12X will be offered with Barricade Orange or Midnight Black bodywork with Graphite Gray frame and swingarm and magnesium-tone wheels. | ||
| Whosyodaddy |
Maybe it's just me but it's the little things on the Ulysses that have me excited - I guess coming from a BMW sport tourer, I've gotten a little spoiled. a) Accessory outlets. Not one, but two (On most beemers, the 2nd outlet is an additional cost item.) Aside from the obvious benefits of being able to plug in heated clothing, GPS, radar detector, MP3 player, etc., it can also be used to attach a battery tender. And in the case of beemers, you can actually jump start another bike by using an outlet-to-outlet jumper cable. (I have no idea if Buell will support this so I'm just speculating.) An outlet is handy for those small electric tire pumps. b)remotely adjustable rear preload. Short of an electronic adjusting system (BMW's ESA), it doesn't get any easier or quicker to adjust your preload for a passenger or luggage. A true MUST HAVE for a touring bike IMHO. c) No maintenance final drive. Wow. No messy lubing, tensioning or fluid changes necessary. Ever. d) And of course, the stuff Buellers take for granted: air/oil cooling, self adjusting valves, etc. On the other hand, I'm a little surprised to see no center stand included. Since final drive maintenance is a non-issue, the lack of a center stand isn't a deal killer. But for tire work and parking on those surfaces (hot asphalt ???) which aren't friendly to side stands, a center stand is a god-send. I've yet to see one in person - much less test ride one. However, based strictly on the CW review, I'm ready to put down a deposit today and (gasp) possibly even trade in the CBR. But... being only 5'6" with a 30" inseam, I seriously doubt I'm going to be able to take the plunge. Even with the low seat, the seat height is still ~33". My only hope is that the low seat has a narrow enough profile so that I can get my feet down but at the same time, not bang "Mr. Happy and the twins" into the tank every time I come to a quick stop. Makes me hurt just thinking about it. WYD (Message edited by whosyodaddy on July 23, 2005) (Message edited by whosyodaddy on July 23, 2005) | ||
| Blake |
Good call Dave, and Court! How cool, another in a long line of one part serving two functions. Outstanding stuff! | ||
| Firemanjim |
If you do any dirt riding on a modern bike you should be used to the high seat heights that they all have.I have a 29" inseam and just put one foot down and am always aware of terrain where that foot is going.Not a big deal.Just be glad you don't have to kick start a bike with this seat height---and no side stand as most dirtbikes have none. | ||
| Court |
>>>Court,I say we buy a Team Elves Ulysses and let Pete take it to Dakar!!I can do $500.00-- Exactly why I have been moot on the Peter deal....I'd love to see him on this Ulysses! | ||
| Peter |
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| Cataract2 |
I WANT THIS I WANT THIS I WANT THIS. I'm going to pick up a CW mag today! | ||
| Blake |
Peter on a Ulysses Dakar run in '06? Let's do it! Court, you are obviously in charge. ![: ]](http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/clipart/proud.gif) Make it happen. See how easy that was? I tell ya, I'm a born leader.  | ||
| Chainsaw |
Peter on a Ulysses Dakar run in '06? What are the chances of him being given a bike (or use of) by the BMC? Seems to me it would be a great press opportunity. | ||
| Chainsaw |
...and with the 06 slots all sold out, it may be the only opportunity for Buell to show off the Ulysses in a world-class event till 2007! | ||
| Jima4media |
Too late for Dakar this year. Entry spots have all been filled. KTM decided the 950 was too heavy for Dakar two years ago, and it is lighter than the XB12X. Then, where are you going to go for spares? KTM can rebuild every bike overnight. |
