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.