Adventure Motorcycles

2008Buell Ulysses XB12X

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The 2008 Buell Ulysses XB12X is an adventure-sport motorcycle designed for riders seeking off-road capability with street performance. Powered by a 1203cc V-twin engine producing 103 horsepower and 114 Nm torque, it combines rugged enduro styling with practical daily-use functionality. Known for accessible handling and versatile terrain aptitude, it appeals to riders wanting adventure without extreme specialization.

Capacity: 1202.9 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 192.8 kg
Seat height: 859 mm
Power: 103.0 HP (75.8 kW) @ 6800 RPM

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What’s new for the 2008 Buell Ulysses XB12X

vs the 2007

Spec	2007	2008
Front suspension	43 mm Showa inverted forks with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload	47 mm Showa inverted forks with rearward offset axle, adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload
Rear suspension	Showa coil-over monoshock with remote, under-seat reservoir and adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload	Showa coil-over monoshock with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload

Other years 2006 2007 2008 2009

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail48%

Cornering85%

City riding68%

Daily riding62%

Touring66%

Two-up55%

Track55%

Best for: A sport-adventure crossover built for twisty backroads and light adventure touring rather than serious offroad work or outright top-speed chasing.
Built for: Delivers a gruff, high-torque Harley-derived V-twin personality wrapped in an unusually agile, mass-centralized aluminum chassis with quirky Buell engineering touches like the perimeter brake rotor and frame-mounted fuel.
Not ideal for: Not the right choice for riders wanting genuine off-road capability, plush long-distance comfort, or a smooth high-rev sportbike feel.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 859mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with tip-toe one foot on the 2008 Buell Ulysses XB12X, with a moderate knee angle of around 95 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 821-900 mm — Long Legs →

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Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1202.9 ccm
Power: 103.0 HP (75.8 kW) @ 6800 RPM
EPA CO Emissions: 4.2 CO g/km
Torque: 113.9 Nm (11.6 kgf-m)
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.5342 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 88.9 x 96.8 mm
Compression: 10.0:1
Cooling system: Oil & air
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
Valves per cylinder: 2
Lubrication system: Dry-sump

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Belt
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate, compensated

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1374 mm
Overall length: 2159 mm
Overall width: 892 mm
Overall height: 1331 mm
Seat height: 859 mm
Dry weight: 192.8 kg
Fuel capacity: 16.70 litres
Ground clearance: 171 mm
Oil capacity: 2.40 litres

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Aluminum frame with Uniplanar™ powertrain vibration isolation system, fuel in frame
Front suspension: 47 mm Showa inverted forks with rearward offset axle, adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload
Rear suspension: Showa coil-over monoshock with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload
Front wheel travel: 165 mm
Rear wheel travel: 162 mm
Rake (fork angle): 23.5°
Trail: 122 mm