Exploiting the Sub-Sub Genre: Buell Introduces the XB12XT, an "Adventure Sport Tourer"
Tuesday January 22, 2008
Once upon a time, motorcycles could be categorized in just a handful of genres, but those days are long gone... now we've got power cruisers, sport tourers, and-- as recently released by Buell, an adventure sport tourer. The Buell XB12XT features:
- Standard side and top cases
- Standard heated grips
- Two 10 amp/12-volt accessory power outlets
- An elevated rear seat with a backrest and grab rails
- A tall, touring-friendly windscreen
- An air-cooled 1,203 cc 45-degree V-Twin that produces 103 horsepower at 6,800 RPM, and 84 ft. lbs. of torque at 6,000 RPM
The 2008 Buell XB12XT starts at $12,995; for more details, check out Buell.com.
Photo © BuellClick to enlarge
Comments
Lot of the Ulysses folks already use that bike as a adventure/sport tourer. Interesting how they differentiate between the two.
In stock form, this bike does appear better equipment to fulfill satisfy folks in this market segment.
Adventure bikes currently dominated by BMW and Honda (in that order) exist for one purpose and are aimed at one market….to get lost and spend 1000’s of miles and hours in the most out of the way places on this rock. I would not take a Harley any further from an H-D dealer than I was wiling to push it….and they’re awful friggin heavy. This ranks right up there with going for a ride in a H-D built airplane….not quite as dangerous.
Thanks…If I’m gonna get lost and have an adventure, it’ll be on a Varadero.
Agreed.
It’s arguable anyone who is willing to take a 1000cc+ bike off-road beyond anything more than a gravel fireroad has got a little sado-masochistic streak (or Paris-Dakar ambition) in them.
Wonder why Buell doesn’t build a bike around the VRod engine…
Everyone who hates Harleys seems to NEED to comment on them. Drawn like moths to a flame!
It’s not so much being drawn to a flame. It’s more a case of ample supplies of easy targets….
The Evolution engine that is in the VROD is too bulky and too heavy for use in a Buell.
Buell turned to Rotax to custom build a watercooled engine to their specs and that’s the 1125R. In years to come, I have a hunch we’ll see that motor used in more models.