New Transmission and Stiffer Swingarm for All XB Models
EAST TROY, Wis., July 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Buell Motorcycle
Company will extend the reach of its product line in 2006 with the
introduction of two new models, the Ulysses XB12X Adventure Sportbike and the
Lightning Long XB12Ss, a longer version of the original Lightning XB12S that
maximizes comfort. In addition, all 2006 Buell Lightning and Firebolt models
are enhanced with a new swingarm design, a new transmission and a redesigned
intake system.
The 2006 Buell product line features eight models: the Firebolt XB9R and
Firebolt XB12R sportfighters; the Lightning family of streetfighters,
including the Lightning CityX XB9SX, Lightning XB12S, Lightning XB12Scg and
the new Lightning Long XB12Ss; the new Ulysses XB12X adventure sportbike and
the versatile Buell Blast.
"I'm really excited about the 2006 Buell line, because we are taking our
proven XB platform in some bold, new directions, creating motorcycles that
will appeal to more riders," said Erik Buell, chairman and chief technical
officer at Buell Motorcycle Company. "We also significantly improve our
existing models. Call it evolution. At Buell, we will never stand still."
Buell Gets Dirty and Goes Long
The new Ulysses XB12X is an Adventure Sportbike with long-travel
suspension and aggressive tires designed to offer outstanding performance on
paved and unpaved roads. With a dry weight of just 425 pounds and the broad
powerband of the 103-hp Buell Thunderstorm 1203 V-Twin engine, the Ulysses
will offer an outstanding power-to-weight ratio and sporting performance on
the tight-and-twisty back roads that often lead to dirt roads. (See Ulysses
XB12X releases for details.)
A larger frame and extended swingarm stretch the wheelbase of the new
Lightning Long XB12Ss to 54 inches, two inches longer than the Lightning
XB12S, to give this model a more relaxed personality and a cockpit that may
better suit taller riders. Fuel capacity of the Lightning Long is 4.4 gallons,
compared to 3.8 gallons for the Lightning XB12S. Handling remains quick and
responsive, and the thrust of the Buell Thunderstorm 1203 V-Twin is
undiminished. (See separate Lightning release for details on the Lightning
Long XB12Ss.)
Updates Enhance All 2006 XB Models
All Buell XB models benefit from the following design changes in 2006:
New Swingarm
Designed to be significantly lighter and stiffer, the new XB swingarm
weighs 0.56 pounds less than the previous swingarm, a significant reduction in
already low unsprung weight. The XB swingarm continues to double as the engine
oil reservoir, and the oil-fill cap has a new easy-to-open design and is
relocated for better access. The upper and lower belt guards and rear inner
fenders have also been reshaped.
A New Transmission, Lighter Clutch, Stronger Belt
A redesigned transmission for all Buell XB models offers reduced mass and
improved shift quality, quieter operation and extended 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 gear
boxes. Because the dog rings have less mass than gears, shifting is quicker.
New helical-cut gears are smoother and quieter than straight-cut gears. The
new transmission requires Buell Formula + Oil, and the oil change interval for
the primary/transmission case is extended from 5,000 miles to 10,000 miles.
Clutch effort has been reduced by 15 percent (on 984cc powertrain) and 22
percent (on 1203cc powertrain) due to a lighter spring. Finally, a new
Goodyear Hibrex final drive belt with Flexten Plus technology has been
reinforced for enhanced durability. The new belt weighs just over one pound,
compared to drive chains that can weigh up to five pounds, a significant
contribution to the Buell philosophy of minimizing unsprung weight.
New Air Intake System
The engine air intake is relocated and integrated with a wrap-around fuel
cap cowling in the airbox cover, where air flows through an aluminum hex
screen. The new intake system replaces the intake duct that previously passed
through the left-side frame section, and thus also results in increased fuel
capacity to 3.82 gallons, as the frame doubles as the fuel tank. The duct on
the left side of the motorcycle below the frame now delivers cool air
exclusively to the rear cylinder.
New Tie-Down Connection
All XB models feature new rear reflector brackets with an eye designed to
act as a tie-down point for cargo. The passenger heel guard can also act as a
tie-down point.
Buell Motorcycle Company, a subsidiary of Harley-Davidson, Inc.
(NYSE: HDI), produces sport motorcycles, motorcycle parts, accessories and
apparel. To learn more about Buell motorcycles, visit your local Buell dealer
today and experience the pure streetfighter attitude, style and performance
only found on board a Buell. Pull into http://www.buell.com for the Buell
dealer nearest you.
SOURCE Harley-Davidson, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.harley-davidson.com
http://www.buell.com
CONTACT:
Paul James of Harley-Davidson, Inc.,
+1-414-343-8735, paul.james@harley-davidson.com
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