Buell XB12X Ulysses

Buell has just introduced their new XB12X Ulysses, what they call an Adventure Sportbike. I have yet to see this bike in person, my exposure is the same as yours on the Internet and in the magazines but I will say it seems to have a lot of good things going for it, enough, in fact, that I am getting that dangerous feeling of, you know, just trying one on for size. That, too, is saying a lot, because as a former owner of an early Buell I swore I would never get near one again after swearing so much at the bike. It’s the only motorcycle I have ever owned where pieces literally fell off! What is encouraging is Buell has finally acknowledged the early models weren’t the best and with that glimmer of hope and their stated intention to build the highest quality and most reliable motorcycles possible, I might have to see what this one is all about.

Readers of The Kneeslider know I am high on real world performance, the kind of thing you experience commuting or taking a weekend sport ride, sometimes solo, sometimes two up. You might ride a few dirt roads or trails, too, and you don’t want to think about the bike, you want to ride. This bike is tailor made for just that sort of use and it’s why I’m getting itchy. It doesn’t help that magazine reviewers are writing really nice things, however, I’ve been sucked into that trap before so I’ll form my own opinions.

Another interesting thing is the international make up of this “All American” bike. Cycle World has a little graphic pointing to all of the different pieces and all of the different countries they come from. That’s an indication that Erik Buell wants the best, no matter where they’re made. Cool.

I’ll keep you posted.

The Kneeslider: Buell Motorcycles for sale