Not for everybody
The adventure starts as soon as you straddle the bike. Of course, with a 808-mm high seat, you'd better have long legs. That's why the Ulysses XB12X is not made for everybody. In the city, it delivers honorable performances, except in dense traffic where the engine seethes with impatience and rejects excess heat through the fan -- a pretty unpleasant sensation during hot weather.

Although very high, the seat offers reasonable comfort.

On winding roads, the Ulysses XB12X needs to be tamed, so having some experience comes in quite handy. Once you're familiar with the beast, it becomes very fun to ride. The engine launches you from one corner to the next in disconcerting fashion. There's no need to pressure it since power is massive and readily accessible. In fact, this mill gives the impression of never running out of steam. When riding with a passenger, the XB12X proves to be very comfortable thanks to the small adjustable backrest that folds up and down. Meanwhile, the low-mounted footpegs and the wide, ideally firm seat provide your passenger a fair amount of comfort. The seemingly tireless engine allows excellent accelerations and passing maneuvers at all times, even with a passenger and some luggage.

Guaranteed fun
The ultra-rigid frame and fully-adjustable suspensions are a perfect fit for any type of road surface. The XB12X sends a good dose of adrenaline running through your veins and keeps delivering moments of pure pleasure to the rider. Flexible, torquey and melodic, the engine creates non-stop ecstasy when the road starts to wind.

Facing highly competitive models like the Suzuki V-Strom, the Ulysses XB12X might seem pricey, but the reward is an unparalleled motoring experience as well as a provocative, adventurous styling. Yet again, Buell surprises us by offering a motorcycle that's totally different from what we've been used to. It's the first foray into this market segment for the American brand; such boldness -- and the resulting product -- are certainly worth applauding.


Impressive styling
Long list of features
A true two-seater
Generous and convenient power


Little protection against the elements
Very high seat



Excessive heat directly thrown at the rider's thighs


Photo Credit : Philippe Champoux