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The 1203cc Thunderstorm engine thumps out big torque and is a pleasant, relaxed plodder at 70mph. There are no fuelling issues to talk of because the bike gets a new ECU with much more brain power for a greater range of predetermined fuel/ignition maps. But its the heat from the air-cooled engine that makes congestion riding a warm affair – the noisy electric fan is on constantly and is bloody annoying.

Arguably the biggest bugbear of Buells is the quality of finish eg exhaust coating giving up and engine running niggles. But Buell assures us all past ills are behind them and the future’s on par with other makes. Owners clubs/forums speak volumes.

The Ulysses model the Buell XB12XT is based on runs with taller suspension for that off-road stance. This version sees the Showa suspension reduced down to normal road bike height, and is very plush. Being fully adjustable there’s a setting available for every riding scenario, from solo to pillion with luggage. Handling is typical Buell: agile, surefooted and manageable for a 211kg bike.

With the Ulysses XB12XT Buell has entered the touring segment. Obviously the Buell isn’t aimed at displacing or competing with the likes of BMW and so it’s fighting against bikes like BMW’s F800ST, Honda Deauville and Suzuki’s budget tourers eg Bandit GT-range and even Suzuki GSX650F – bikes either cheaper or more in tune with touring.

Panniers, topbox, useful tall screen, hand protectors and mounting kit are all standard, as is the useful 12v accessory socket. The topbox mount also doubles up as a fold up pillion backrest when the box isn’t used. Arguably the best device is the belt final drive; no lubing, minimalist adjustment and super reliable.

The new 2008 Buell Ulysses XB12XT. They took the Ulysses adventure sportbike, outfitted it with shorter travel suspension and lower standard seat height plus a windscreen and luggage, then focused on paved road performance. The result is what looks like a fun bike. The XB12XT is offered in Racing Red and Thrust Blue.

The XB12XT provides the rider and passenger abundant storage space with lockable and detachable side and top luggage cases. There is also an additional storage compartment under the textured seat, while the 4.4 gallon fuel-in-frame reservoir gives the XB12XT substantial riding range.

In addition to its substantial storage capacity, the Ulysses XB12XT is also ideally suited for two-up riding with a comfortable passenger seat, innovative multi-function Triple tail backrest and sturdy grab rails.

The XB12XT features fully adjustable Showa suspension front and rear for ample ride comfort, agility and versatility. The 43 mm inverted front forks and rear shock with remote reservoir and dial adjust spring preload accommodate a wide range of riding styles and conditions, as well as passenger and luggage weight. A new progressive urethane bumper spreads compression forces to help absorb the rigors of uneven road conditions while the XB12XT is fully loaded. Overall suspension travel is 4.9 inches, while ground clearance is 5.9 inches with a seat height of 30.7 inches. When the road is exhilarating and twisty, the XB12XT is a truly exciting sport motorcycle, propelled by a 1203 Thunderstorm V-Twin that is growling with 84 ft. lbs. of torque and delivers 103 hp of air-cooled punch.

Unfortunately this is the Buell’s weak point. It’s charming 984cc V-twin motor has character, makes a reasonable 84bhp and pulls hard from very low revs (handy in town). But the XB9SX has very little in the way of top end. It also vibrates heavily and the gearbox occasionally rewards undetermined changes with false neutrals. It’s great for squirting out of hairpins on B-roads, not so good on lengthy straights.

Buell have come a long way since their tubular frame models and reliability has improved, but some owners do still have occasional problems. Buell may have closed down now, but Harley are promising a further 10 years of dealer and parts back-up.

This is what the Buell XB9SX Lightning is all about. Make no mistake, it’s razor sharp and will fall on its ear like its name suggests. Erik Buell is obsessed with mass centralisation – to keep everything tight and low the exhaust is under the engine, fuel is in the frame and oil is in the swingarm. The rim mounted disc brake has a lot of initial bite and the wide motocross bars make weaving through traffic easy. Oddly though the XB9SX comes fitted with dual-purpose Pirelli Scorpion Sync tyres – probably mostly to fit the urban scrambler styling. They grip well enough and will come in handy if you happen to find yourself on a dirt road, but for most riders some standard sports or sports touring rubber would make more sense.

The hard truth is, many bikes do more for less. Now that Buell has closed down though, there are some great deals on new bikes as dealers try to shift their remaining stock. Harley have promised dealer support for a further 10 years, so if you always wanted a Buell now is the time to grab a bargain – just don’t expect it to hold its value well.

The Buell XB9SX is as simple and uncluttered as its styling and the pillion seat is for ornamental use only. On the plus side the clocks are clear and easy to read and the mirrors are better than you would think. This is the City-X (pronounced ‘city cross’) version of the XB9 so you do get hand-guards, a grill over the dual-headlights and pucks on the frame to protect it in a spill. The overall effect is a stylish-looking urban scrambler. Available in 3 colours: ‘Villain black’, ‘Kick Ash Translucent’ or ‘Cherry Bomb Red Translucent’, but the translucent options are £370 more.