Performance Review: Buell-EBR XB12XT Ulysses - [2008]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Buell-EBR XB12XT Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Buell-EBR XB12XT Ulysses is the 5 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 2008. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2008 Suzuki GSX-R 1000 Limited Edition and the 2008 Suzuki GSX-R 1000 Akrapovic.This particular Buell-EBR XB12XT has a 1203cc Air cooled, Two stroke, V3 Petrol powerplant with 2 cylinders and Electronic Fuel Injection.

An alternative V3 engine, Adventure style motorbike includes the Honda X Eleven Four Stroke - [1999]

The 2008 XB12XT shares its V3 engine and Adventure style configuration with the likes of the 1999 Honda X Eleven Four Stroke and the 2018 Honda VFR 1200 X Crosstourer DCT. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the XB12XT's Adventure style with a similar size of engine then how about the 1999 Honda X Eleven Four Stroke | 1999cc.2018 Honda VFR 1200 X Crosstourer DCT | 2018cc.

Power and Torque:

Weighing in at 0 kgs (0 lbs) this makes the Buell-EBR XB12XT Ulysses in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT or the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+, give or take 50kg.

The 2008 Buell-EBR XB12XT shares the same bhp with the Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT - [2025]

In terms of power the 1203cc 4 valve V3 2 cylinder engine produces 103 bhp (76 kW) @ 6800 rpm similar to the 2025 Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT [117.4 bhp (87 kW) @ 10000 rpm] or the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ [119 bhp (88 kW) @ 10000 rpm].

The OHV Two stroke unit throws out torque of 84.0 lb-ft (114.0 Nm) @ 6500 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT [68.5 lb-ft (93.0 Nm) @ 7000 rpm] and the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ [68.5 lb-ft (93.0 Nm) @ 7000 rpm].

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Buell-EBR XB12XT you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 1982 Honda CB 1100 R BC has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 2008 Buell-EBR XB12XT Ulysses.

The 2008 Buell-EBR XB12XT Ulysses has a Power to weight ratio of 445.8 bhp per ton and 363.9 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2008 XB12XT competing with the 1982 Honda CB 1100 R BC [470.5 bhp\ton] and the 1981 Honda CB 1100 R BB [470.5 bhp\ton].

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Buell-EBR XB12XT generating around 363.9 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2002 Honda CBR 900 RR Fireblade 954 [387.9 lb-ft per ton] and the 2022 Yamaha MT-10 SP [385.9 lb-ft per ton].

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 8.3 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 8.5 secs, this makes the Buell-EBR XB12XT Ulysses similar in acceleration to the 2024 Suzuki GSX-S 950 DOHC (8.3 secs) and the 2023 Suzuki DL 1050 V-Strom (8.3 secs). This Buell-EBR XB12XT Ulysses also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 2008 Buell-EBR XB12XT Ulysses and the 2002 Honda FTR 223 Tricolor Street Flat Tracker

When talking about the performance of the 2008 Buell-EBR XB12XT Ulysses on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 0 secs @ 0 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 2002 Honda FTR 223 Tricolor Street Flat Tracker (0 secs) and the 2014 Honda DR 200 S (0 secs).

Top Speed:

The 2008 version of the Buell-EBR XB12XT Ulysses has a maximum speed of 131mph.

Top Speed of the 2008 XB12XT equals the 2017 Honda CB 1000 R

If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 2008 Buell-EBR XB12XT Ulysses then how about a 2017 Honda CB 1000 R (142 mph) and the 2015 Honda CB 1000 R (142 mph).

Related Links:

2008 Buell-EBR XB12XT Rivals List.

A Brief History of Buell-EBR

Bike Comparison