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The XB powertrain still had its roots with the Harley Sportster powertrain and was designed for both projects.

Unfortunately, it was designed by Harley with minimum input from Buell. A turbocharger was to be sourced from Aerocharger to help pump the XB horsepower to 150 hp (110 kW), but the Aerocharger supplier deal fell through when Harley-Davidson decided to engineer one in house. That project was a failure, despite "millions of dollars" spent.

Before the first XB was sold, the cost was well over the target, leading to a sales price increase from the original price of $7,995 to $9,995. It was a popular bike, but never sold at Harley marketing department's expected volume, partly due to the significantly higher price.

Buell introduced the XB frame in the 2002 Firebolt XB9R sportbike. The Firebolt XB12R was introduced in 2004 and was initially sold alongside the smaller displacement Firebolt XB9R. The Lightning came in 2003 and was marketed by Buell as a streetfighter motorcycle. The XB9 engines had a displacement of 984 cc (60.05 cu in), and the later XB12 engines had 1,203 cc (73.4 cu in). The XB12 engine had a longer stroke of 96.82 mm (3.812 in) compared to that of 79.38 mm (3.125 in) on the XB9. The cylinder bore size between both engines was identical at 88.9 mm (3.50 in).

The Buell Ulysses XB12X debuted in July 2005. It had seating, ergonomics, and long-travel suspension that are suited for use on unpaved and rough roads. Buell advertised the Ulysses as "the world's first adventure sportbike." For 2008, among other changes, XBRR oil pump and ignition timing systems have been changed tapping into the XBRR race bike as well as the addition of heated grips and increased turning fork swing from 54° to 74°. The Ulysses XB12XT differs from the Ulysses XB12X in several areas. It has a different front fender, unlike the Enduro-front fender that comes on the XB12X and lower fork protection is not as pronounced as on the XB12X, due to the intended purpose of the XB12XT which is more street than dirt oriented. Other major differences include the suspension which is completely different between the two bikes, being about an inch lower on the XB12XT and tuned more for street riding, vs. the XB12X's slightly taller and softer suspension better tuned for dirt use. Along with factory Hepco & Becker hard panniers and top box, tall windshield and a 30.9 in (785 mm) seat height, the XB12XT also has wheels that are approximately 1 lb (450 g) lighter than those found on the XB12X, which have added mass to make them stronger for off paved road use. The XB12XP is a police model that was available for the 2009 model year.

Buell Ulysses XB12XT model was introduced today as the second model in the Buell Ulysses family of adventure sportbikes.

Below is the press release from Buell:

Boasting the intuitive handling and tremendous torque that Buell has come to symbolize, the XB12XT creates a stirring sport riding experience on a capable long-distance motorcycle. Based on the Buell Ulysses adventure sport bike, the XB12XT features a specially-tuned shorter travel suspension and lower standard seat height, standard tall windscreen, Pirelli Strada sport touring tires and standard lockable top box and side luggage cases.

"The XB12XT will dish out considerable comfort and potent performance at every turn," said Erik Buell, Chairman and Chief Technical Officer at Buell Motorcycle Company. "The new suspension and many other features will let riders and passengers enjoy this motorcycle on all kinds of roads. It's the perfect bike for zipping through the city, getting out to the country and back again, or the other way around."

By focusing on paved road performance, the XB12XT suspension springs and damping were optimized to soak up road imperfections, which allowed a reduced suspension travel, resulting in a lower ride height and thus a lower center of gravity.

With a commanding riding position behind wide athletic handlebars, the XB12XT has a tall front screen to buffer the wind. Standard heated hand-grips warm the rider's hands in colder climates. The grips are rated at 18 watts per side on the high setting and 11 watts per side on the low setting. The XB12XT has two 10 amp/12-volt accessory power outlets (on the dash and under the seat) and an integrated helmet lock for additional convenience.

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.

The superior handling of the XB12XT comes from Buell's Intuitive Response Chassis and a combination of patented innovations which focus on the Buell Trilogy of Technology: mass centralization, chassis rigidity and low unsprung weight.

Mass centralization is achieved through innovations like carrying fuel in the frame and oil in the swing arm, as well as Buell's underslung InterActive Exhaust system. Low unsprung weight is provided by the patented Zero Torsional Load (ZTL) braking system, which transfers braking force directly to the rims allowing a lighter front wheel, while Buell's Immediate Throttle Response Goodyear Hibrex drive belt reduces unsprung weight at the rear. Reduced unsprung weight also helps the Pirelli Diablo Strada tires stay in contact with irregular road surfaces for uncompromising control.

A commemorative Buell 25th Anniversary graphic with Erik Buell's signature is placed on the handlebar clamp.