Words and Pictures by: Dean Devito

On my first ride on Buell’s sport touring ST back in the mid ‘90’s things didn’t go too well. During their factory sponsored demo rides at Daytona’s Bike Week, I rode with a bit too much enthusiasm, not enough brains, and was asked by the nice folks at Buell not to return. No crash, damage, or bruises…just what they deemed, “careless operation.” I left quietly, my feelings a bit hurt, but that ride solidified Buell in my mind as a hell of a fun bike to ride. I returned year after year on whatever bike I owned at the time to check out the new Buell lineup…

Fast forward to today, and there is no way Buell can kick me off as I just picked up the keys to my brand new 2008 XB12X Ulysses, thank you very much; evidence that it may take a decade or more, but the demo ride program is a successful one, even if they do have to protect teenagers from themselves sometimes.

This bike was purchased right off the dealer floor at Seminole Buell Shop in Fern Park, Florida. I own it, but it will be the basis for a long term test bike for 2wf.com. Buell Motor Company is aware of the project and has agreed to support it with accessories to evaluate and include in the report. Having spent my own money I will not, as journos are often accused of doing, be writing the review to please the factory. Over the course of the next year or so, I will report like any other rider that has saved their money and spent it on a bike.

As a potential buyer, I studied the bike and read all of the internet forums carefully. Out of everything I learned one thing was certain; internet forums can be a scary place. The Uly is either loved or loathed in these circles. There seems to be an enthusiasm surrounding this model, but a lot of buyers are scared that it will self destruct as soon as they sign their name, or their friends and family will disown them. Oftentimes a buyer will opt for a model with more universal approval instead of the bike they really want. For this reason, I will be “journaling” life with my 2008 Ulysses for the next year (10,000-15,000 miles). Hopefully this “journal” can be used as a resource for first time Buell owners as it is written by a first time Buell owner.

Honestly, I caught a bit of hell and some ribbing from friends and family for buying a Buell. After meeting some friends for breakfast, my dad and I loaded up for a 300+ mile day and got set to head out. A few friends of mine on V-Stroms offered their cell phone numbers in case the American bikes broke (me on a Buell and my dad on a Harley), and they had to come rescue us. Very nice of them, no doubt, but we didn’t need their services. 

The Ulysses is different, and may cause a few furrowed brows and curious looks when it shows up. Rest assured, you’ll hardly ever stop for gas without being asked, “What is that?” It seems even in the motorcycle industry Buell is viewed as somewhat of an outsider. After all, one look at the bike and you’ll see features no other company employs. There are several innovations and patents, touted by the company’s namesake, Erik Buell, that make up this package and add to its unique character.

The aluminum frame’s large beams are hollow, and double as a fuel tank carrying 4.4 gallons of premium unleaded, as the plastic cover on top where the fuel tank would be is the air box cover. The swing arm pulls double duty as well and acts as the oil reservoir. 

Look more closely and you’ll see the muffler is tucked beneath the 1203cc air cooled V-twin to further lower the center of gravity, and the 6 piston front caliper squeezes the massive floating rotor from the inside out. All of these characteristics are said to reduce overall mass and un-sprung weight, increase rigidity, eliminate unnecessary parts, and all together function to create a better handling motorcycle.

The 12X was designed to be a rider’s motorcycle; the final belt drive is maintenance free, and there are no valve adjustments necessary for the air cooled, 4 cam mill thanks to the hydraulic lifters. There’s no coolant to drain, and services are as simple as draining engine oil and primary fluid every 5,000 miles, and swapping spark plugs and fork oil at twice that interval. Keep an eye on clutch adjustment and primary chain tension when you freshen up fluids, and you’re off and riding for another 5K miles.