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Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/128391
nimble despite weighing more than most current sportbikes. The steering is lighting fast and makes weaving
through urban congestion a breeze. Once out on the
open road, the comfortable seating position, well-placed
wide handlebars and incredibly comfortable seat made
stacking on the miles a joy.
Despite the more-than-mile-high elevation, the motor
seemed torquey and spirited, so I can't wait to see what
the bike feels like back home in California at sea level.
The short wheelbase and torquey motor ensure that the
front wheel is clawing for the sky every chance it gets.
Once the going got rough and dusty, the Ulysses did
just fine. I really expected the bike to struggle a bit more
on the gravel roads than it did. My primary concern was
the relatively high center of gravity and the short wheelbase. Once on the gravel roads and accustomed to its
characteristics. I was quite comfortable yanking on the
throttle and letting the bike get sideways. Of course, with
the hybrid tires. care had to be taken, especially under
braking, but the bike did a good job overall of dealing with
the rough, loose dirt roads.
If a V-twin powered Adventure bike is your cup of tea,
the Ulysses has to be a consideration. It's really hard to
argue with a bike this enjoyable to ride, with plenty of
features to make longer journeys a no-brainer. The
Ulysses will be available in two colors, either Barricade
Orange or Midnight Black, and both options feature
magnesium-tone wheels and Graphite Grey frames. The
suggested retail price will be $1 1,495.
eN
SPECIFICATIONS
Buell Ulysses XB 12X
LIST PRiCE
$11 ,495
DiSPLACEMENT
1203cc
ENGINE TYPE
Air/oil-cooled 45-degree V-twin
BORE x STROKE
,
88.9 x 96.82mm
COMPRESSION RATIO
10.0:1
CARBURETION
Fuel injection
IGNITION
,
,
,Electronic
TRANSMISSION
Five-speed
STARTING SYSTEM
Electric
FUEL CAPACITY ..,
.4.4 gal.
WHEELBASE
54.4 in.
RAKE/TRAIL
22·/122mm
SEAT HEIGHT
33.1 in.
FRONT TIRE
:
I 20/70-1 7
REAR TIRE
180/55-17
FRONT·WHEEL TRAVEl..
6.5 1 in.
REAR·WHEEL TRAVEL
6.4 in.
FRONT BRAKE
.5ingle 375mm ZTL Disc
REAR BRAKE
.Disc
FINAL DRIVE
Belt
CLAIMED DRY WEIGHT
.425 Ibs.
'.'''111' AMA MOTOCROSS
~:~ CHAMPIONSHIP
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