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Buell Introduces Two New Models

Buell Motorcycle Company’s 2006 product line-up features two new models, the Ulysses XB12X Adventure Sportbike and the Lightning Long XB12Ss.
The total line-up features eight models: the Firebolt XB9R and Firebolt XB12R “sportfighters”; the Lightning family of “streetfighters”, including the Lightning CityX XB9SX, Lightning XB12S, Lightning XB12Scg and the new Lightning Long XB12Ss; the new Ulysses XB12X; and the 500cc Buell Blast.
An extended swingarm and increased fork rake give the new Lightning Long XB12Ss a 54-inch wheelbase, two inches longer than the Lightning XB12S. Fork rake is increased from 21 to 22 degrees and trail goes from 3.3 inches to 4.7 inches. The result is a bike with more relaxed handling and expanded ergonomics better suited to taller riders. The tail section is longer and the seat is taller and wider, and offers more room for a passenger. Larger frame side panels give the Lightning Long a fuel-in-frame capacity of 4.4-gallons, and there’s also a larger under-seat storage compartment.
Powered by the Thunderstorm 1203 V-Twin engine, the bike is offered in Sunset Orange with Sunset Orange wheels, Midnight Black with Translucent Amber wheels, and Thrust Blue with Translucent Amber wheels, all with a Graphite Gray frame.
Buell calls the new Ulysses XB12X an “adventure sportbike.” Also powered by the Buell Thunderstorm 1203 V-Twin engine producing 103 hp and 84 lbs. ft. of torque, the bike weighs just 425 lbs.
Fork rake is 22 degrees, while the wheelbase is 54 inches. A 43mm Showa inverted fork has adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload. Front suspension travel is 6.5 inches. Rear spring pre-load can be adjusted without tools using a control dial located below the left side of the seat. Rear suspension travel is 6.4 inches.
The six-spoke, cast-aluminum wheels are wrapped in 120/70R-17 rubber in front and a 180/55R-17 tire in the rear.
“I’m really excited about the 2006 Buell line, because we are taking our proven XB platform in some bold, new directions, creating motorcycles that will appeal to more riders,” said Erik Buell, chairman and chief technical officer at Buell Motorcycle Company. “We also significantly improve our existing models.”
Other design changes to the 2006 XB models include: a lighter and stiffer swingarm with a new oil-fill cap and reshaped upper and lower belt guards; a redesigned transmission with oil change interval for the primary/transmission case extended from 5,000 miles to 10,000 miles, reduced clutch effort, and a new Goodyear Hibrex final drive belt; a redesigned and relocated engine air intake; and new rear reflector brackets with an eye designed to act as a tie-down point for cargo.

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