A direct descendant of the Ulysses XB12X adventure bike, the XB12XT exchanges off-road capability for the high lean angles of sport touring. Some of the changes are immediately noticeable when viewing the two bikes together—factory panniers and top box, tall windscreen, and Pirelli Diablo Strada tires. The not-so-noticeable changes are the heated grips, shorter sport-tuned suspension, and lighter cast aluminum wheels.

The centerpiece of the XB12XT is the Harley-Davidson Thunderstorm 1203cc, push-rod V-twin. For those not used to American sport bikes, the low rpm power may take a little getting used to. The easily found 7100 rpm rev-limiter is a constant reminder that this bike does not have overhead cams. Short shifting is the technique needed to apply the ample torque to the ground. With 84 ft/lbs of torque at 6,000 rpm and a short wheelbase, a light hand on the throttle is all that is needed to launch the bike out of corners; a heavy hand on the throttle causes the light front end to lift and skitter around, which is exacerbated by the addition of a passenger. (Click image to enlarge)

Touring accoutrements include spacious panniers and top box, hand guards, heated grips, and power outlets. The panniers are clamshell design with bungee retention straps on both the lid and body of the case. The bungee straps in the lid are a nice addition because without them anything placed in the lid tends to fall when the lid is closed. A judicious packer can easily spend two or three weeks on the road with what can be carried inside the Ulysses’ luggage.

Protection from the elements is minimal, afforded mostly by the hand guards and heated grips. The windscreen lends itself more to the adventure side of the equation than for touring. It is four inches taller than the original Ulysses windscreen, but it provides less protection from the elements than a more touring-oriented rider would require. The fairing covers the instrument cluster, but provides no wrap-around protection. The XB12XT keeps the adventure bike ruggedness of its predecessor and rewards a rider who possesses the same degree of ruggedness with a versatile mount. 

A novel feature on the Ulysses is the three-position rack and backrest called the Triple Tail. Set horizontally forward, it is a rack over the pillion where a duffle bag can be strapped. Set upright, it is a backrest for the passenger. Set horizontally back, it is a rack for a tail bag. The Triple Tail is slightly flexible to conform to the passenger’s back and has cutouts to accommodate tie-down hooks. To fully open the top case the backrest must be set in the forward horizontal position. A slight annoyance, but the backrest is easily adjusted and the inconvenience is well made up for by its utility. Buell offers an accessory gel cover for the backrest to afford the passenger even more comfort and a slip over backpack.