After reading a bunch of compelling information on on the new bike from Buell, I called some local dealers and tracked one down in Folsom California. On July 31st I headed out to the Buell dealer to check out the new Ulysses XB12X that everyone has been buzzing about on the motorcycle boards online. I have to admit that I was already drooling about this bike before I even left the house after spending a couple days reading about all it's goodness online. I figured the proof would be in the face-to-face so I headed out.
They say it's important to make a good first impression, so I checked my look in the mirror before I entered the dealership.
A quick glance around the showroom and I found my way to a group of Buells hiding out behind the requisite collection of Harley Davidson models up by the front door. It was as if the Buells knew their stable mates, the good ole' boys if you will, would need a head start out the door if they were going to keep up with fresh young blooded group in the back.Leading the Buell pack was the new 2006 Ulysses XB12X. I found a couple of other riders at the shop checking out the new pony. I had some good conversation with the other riders about the new bike. One of the guys was lucky enough to have ridden the Ulysses and he seemed pretty excited about the bike.
After chatting for a while the guys took off and I had a chance to look over the bike. My first reaction to the new bike was about what I had hoped. Overall I was impressed with the bike. The fit and finish seemed pretty well sorted out. I have to admit I didn't want to expect too much from this bike. I guess I didn't want to get my hopes up and then be disappointed. After reading all the hype in the forums online, I figured it would be easy to be under-impressed with this bike. I was however, pleasantly surprised.
As I mentioned earlier the fit and finish on this bike is quite nice. I really like the look and the feel of this beast. I tossed my leg over and like so many others have already stated in magazines, on websites and in user forums, this bike is big (by Buell standards) and quite tall. I am 5'-11" and I can only get one foot down on the ground with the height of this bike. I didn't feel uncomfortable but if I was even an inch shorter I don't think I would consider this bike without the lower seat. This is quite a change from the other XB series bikes and all Buells that have come before for that matter.
Speaking of the seat, it's quite large and it's covered with a neoprene (wet suit) like material instead of the typical vinyl you find on a factory seat. I don't know how this material will hold up but I'm sure time will tell. The seat seems firm but comfortable. It's hard to judge though by just sitting on it in the showroom. A 300 mile day trip would be a much better test of the seat comfort. From what I have read online and in magazines the seat has been getting good reviews in this area. Bleeding edge owners seem to be quite happy with the seat comfort. I would personally like to see more of a contour to the seat to give your butt a more positive position to be placed but this design allows for a lot of fore and aft movement which could be good. Being able to move around in the seat will allow you to reposition in flight to put your legs in a different position possibly relieving some fatigue.
I liked the Barricade Orange color of this bike. I'm sure that some people will prefer the black over the loud, LOOK AT ME, Orange but for me this color is the only way to go. It's possibly a little safer as well. It never hurts to be seen well on your motorcycle. Like other Buells there is no paint on these body panels they are actually plastic that is molded in color. While this may not look as nice as a custom paint job it has it's advantages. It's more scratch resistant and if you do get a scratch the color is the same all the way through. In fact the only colored pieces on the Ulysses are the air box cover (where the gas tank would normally be located) and the base of the fly screen.
The dash layout and the handlebar controls seem reasonable. I have never been a fan of the funky fonts Buell has used on the dash of their bikes. The Ulysses is toned down a bit which is a good thing. I want to be able to look at the dash for about a half second and instantly get the information I need. I think funky fonts only make the process more difficult, meaning more time your eyes are off the road. The controls for the turn signals, high beam, horn, etc. are in the basic standard layout. They could be improved in the ergonomics department but they are functional none the less. One area that is an issue for is the placement of the clutch cable which obstructs the view of the odometer. However, I have learned that an enterprising individual is already working on a Clutch Cable Clamp that holds the cable closer to the crossbar on the handlebars to prevent this problem. This may very well be the first aftermarket part for the Ulysses.
The Ulysses also features a number of nice details that round out the package well. There are two 12 volt power outlets, one is located on the dash and the other under the seat toward the back of the bike. There was also one helmet lock but the addition of a second one would be a nice idea. There should be no problem riding two up on this bike. Bungie cord hook points under the passenger seat are yet another nice addition to the package. A full set of factory hard bags are also available, manufactured by Hepco & Becker for Buell. I didn't get to see the bags in person but the bags look large and well intergrated with the bike from the photos I have seen online.
From a design standpoint I like the way the Ulysses package comes together. The Black and Magnesium colors on the engine and primary cover work well together. I also like the treatment that is found on the exhaust headers; here again in a magnesium color. This magnesium tone is also carried through to the wheels and a few other bits on the bike so the look is consistent throughout the bike.
The Ulysses frame looks better to me in black rather than the silver found on other XBs in the lineup. The honeycomb pattern on the air intake is also a nice touch that works well with the overall style of the bike.
Even the rather small exhaust tip on the under the frame muffler has a nice drilled plate that echos the ascetics of the bike.
Overall I think this bike could be a winner for Buell. I hope it does well and lives up to the expectations everyone seems to have for this bike. As for me, I'm thinking about one for myself.
Next up, my test ride report. Stay tuned.
If you would like more details about the Buell check out the specifications in the 2006 New Models section here on TMW.
