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New Ulysses and Lightning Long top Buell line-up Buell will extend the reach of its product line in 2006 with the introduction of two models, the Ulysses XB12X adventure sport bike and the Lightning Long XB12Ss, a longer, more comfortable version of the original Lightning XB12S.
"I’m really excited about the 2006 Buell line," said Erik Buell, chairman and chief technical officer, "because we are taking our proven XB platform in some bold, new directions with motorcycles that will appeal to more riders.
A wider frame and extended swingarm stretch the wheelbase of the Lightning Long XB12Ss to 1360mm, 40mm more than the Lightning XB12S, to give this model a more relaxed personality and a seating position suited to taller riders.
The tank holds 16.7 litres. Handling, Buell says, remains quick and responsive and the thrust of the Buell Thunderstorm 1203 cc V-Twin is undiminished. All Buell XB models benefit from the following design changes for 2006: New swingarm: It's been designed significantly lighter and stiffer - 6.75kg or 0.25kg less than the previous part - but still doubles as the engine oil reservoir. The oil-filler has a new, easy-to-open design with better access. The upper and lower belt guards and rear inner fenders have also been reshaped. New transmission, lighter clutch, stronger belt: All Buell XB transmissions will be lighter, quieter, have a better shift quality and have longer service intervals. This transmission replaces moving/sliding gears with thin steel "dog rings" that slide to cause gear changes, a design commonly used in automotive racing gearboxes. Shifts will be quicker because the dog rings are l ighter than gears. New helical-cut gears are smoother and quieter than straight-cut gears and oil-change intervals for the primary/transmission case have been doubled from 8 000 to 16 000km. Clutch effort has been reduced by 15 percent (984cc powertrain) and 22 percent (1203cc powertrain) due to a lighter spring. Finally, a new Goodyear Hibrex final-drive belt with Flexten Plus technology has 10 cords per inch (25.4mm) compared to nine on the previous Buell belt) for greater durability. The new belt weighs only 0.48kg compared to drive chains that weigh 1.8 to 2.2kg. New air-intake system: The engine air intake has been moved and integrated with a wraparound fuel cap cowling in the airbox cover where air flows through an aluminum hex screen. The system replaces an intake duct that passed through the left-side frame section and has allowed a bigger tank to be installed as the frame doubles as the fuel tank. A new duct on the left of the motorcycle will deliver cool air to the rear cylinder. New tie-down connection: All XB models will feature new rear reflector brackets with an eye designed to act as a tie-down point. The passenger heel guard can also act as a tie-down. |
