REVIEW - buell ulysses xb12x

REVIEW BY WILLIAM MORRIS

Matthew, Max and Riaan from Harley-Davidson Durban have been my rst introduction to Buell and the lifestyle surrounding it; you guys make outsiders feel welcomed, thanks. FIRST IMPRESSION This big Buell really appealed to me; the thick, owing frame and gorgeous rims look so different than anything else out there. The tyre-hugging front and rear mudguards are really well constructed and add much to the overall allurement. Just seeing the big 1200cc V-twin bouncing around on its rubber engine-mounts as the power-plant warmed up got me excited, here goes my rst ride on some real American muscle! PERFORMANCE I must admit this was nothing like I expected. The performance is not eye-popping or intense - demanding excessive rider input; it is relaxed and comfortable, almost lazy and hardly any rider input is required. The rst thing I noticed as I began my journey was my lack of concentrated focus on the Buell, usually a bike will take a while to get used to, but the Ulysses just seems to know what you want to do and does it without hesitation, allowing your mind to focus on your surroundings and experience the thrill of the open road. The big V has buckets of torque low down offering real-world fun without the need to exceed. It is a dream to wheelie roll on the power and up it comes, smooth, solid, and absolutely delicious! HANDLING On every Buell you will nd three similar design principles: Mass Centralization (keeping the weight as centred as possible), Chassis Rigidity, and Low Unsprung Weight (keeping the weight of components not supported by springs or shocks, as light as possible). These three principles, called the Trilogy of Tech, were developed to enhance the ride and are found on every Buell. Mass Centralization the signature underbelly exhaust system and the placement of the rear shock are the most obvious contributors. This is also why oil is found in the swingarm and petrol in the frame (which holds almost 17lts). Chassis Rigidity a highly rigid aluminium wrap-around frame and short wheelbase keep wheels aligned avoiding unwanted corner ex. Low Unsprung Weight enormous front single disc is mounted on the rim rather than the spindle. When the brake is applied it transfers braking forces directly to the rim instead of through the spokes. Without the need for load-bearing spokes or even a second disc, the bikes front end weighs in about 2 kgs lighter than what youd nd on most dual disc set-ups. Combine these three principles and things just start to make sense. Superb road-holding and handling that allows you to enjoy cornering at any speed, and I dont just mean carving at hyper speed, tight knee-down rst and second gear bends put a grin on my face every time! Endos are unbelievably effortless and super smooth; braking is powerful, yet without the harsh bite associated with other effective braking systems. I think this is due rstly to the braking force up front, which is sent directly to the tyre through the rim instead of through the spindle and spokes, and secondly to the lightness of its tail. So lacking was the biting sensation that I was beginning to regard the front brake as spongy until I noticed the rear tyre hovering half a metre off the ground! SUSPENSION & COMFORT A refreshingly rider focused position suited the overall feel of the Ulysses perfectly. I felt relaxed in the comfortable upright position, hands up quite high on the tall, wide handlebars. Seat height at a tiptoed 84cm initiates mental condence to tackle any obstacle in its path, or perhaps off the path just a little. The Ulysses enjoys a bit of off-road and the fully adjustable Showas do a fantastic job soaking up all the bumps. B grade roads (potholes with the odd bit of tar in between) can be ventured safely and with condence. Pillion position is well catered for with low pegs, sturdy grab rails and a supportive backrest. Talking of the backrest this neat little thing can be easily moved into three different positions: upright for the pillions comfort, dropped backwards to be used as a luggage rack when trekking 2-up, or dropped forward to negate wind resistance when travelling alone. OVERALL RATING The ride is the all-important focus in the design of every Buell, and it works! What an enjoyable bike to ride! In Eric Buells own words, Because in the end its not how quickly you get there. Its how much fun you have on the way. PRICE R102 000.00 incl. VAT

Tel: Gateway (031) 1000 Hills (031) www.harley-dbn.co.za www.harley-1000hills.co.za

2008 Buell Ulysses XB12X Engine Rotation Chart See page 3-7 of Manual 99490-08Y

Manual Wrench Page Type

3-13 2-115 4-3 2-142 4-9 6-23 6-23 2-113 6-23 2-144 4-37 4-37 4-37 4-37 2-111 3-12 3-11 3-11 3-11 3-11 3-11 3-12 Box Torx Torx Torx Hex Hex Socket Torx Socket Torx Hex Socket Socket Socket Hex Hex Socket Socket Hex Hex Hex box

Part Description

Torque
72-96 in-lbs 12-36 in-lbs 84-120 in-lbs 12-36 in-lbs 120-144 in-lbs 40-45 ft-lbs 23-27 ft-lbs 12-36 in-lbs 33-35 ft-lbs 36-48 in-lbs 192-216 in-lbs = 16-18 ft-lbs 108-120 in-lbs 48-60 in-lbs 45-50 ft-lbs 132-144 in-lbs 120-144 in-lbs 25-27 ft-lbs 25-27 ft-lbs 25-27 ft-lbs 49-51 ft-lbs 49-51 ft-lbs 36-40 in-lbs Too much torque?
10 mm Battery Terminals (Phillips) T27 T27 T27 3/16 3/8 7/8 T27 9/16 T27 1/4 7/16 7/16 9/16 3/16 3/16 7/16 7/16 5/16 3/8 3/8 Intake Cover Air Intake Baseplate Left & Right Air Scoops Ignition Coil Rear Axle Pinch Bolt Rear Axle (with adapter) Sprocket Cover Bolts Idler Pulley Bracket Nuts Chin Fairing Bolts Front Muffler Mount Front Muffler Strap Rear Muffler Straps Torca Clamp Footpeg Bracket Mount Bolts "V" Bracket to Frame Center Tie Bar (Heim joint) to Engine Rear Tie Bar (Heim joint) to Frame Rear Isolator Bolt Front Isolator Bolt Front Isolator Mounting Bolts
Page 2-87 calls for loctite 272 (red) on Coil bolts? Loosen Rear Axle 15 Turns to loosen Belt > Back off 2 full turns then retighten to 48-52 ft-lbs Loctite 222 (purple) Long Bolt Only Loctite 271 (red) > Back off 2 full turns then retighten to 108-120 in-lbs Always Use NEW Front Muffler Strap and Torca Clamp
10 mm Throttle Cables & Jam Nuts
Watch these or they will break! (Loosen or Remove)
Rotate (Lower) Engine Down on Jack (watch those throttle cables)
4-36 4-10 Socket O2Socket 1/2 7/8 Header Nuts Oxygen Sensor 72-96 in-lbs 40-45 ft-lbs Tighten Gradually Keep Exhaust Rings Flush to Engine Anti-Seize Lubricant 98960-97, Permatex 133A