Sharing technology across the XB platform, the Ulysses chassis construction consists of a lightweight, stiff frame that carries 4.4 gallons of fuel inside its members. This, along with a stiff aluminum swingarm that doubles as the bike's oil reservoir, helps keep weight low. Adding to this concept is the revolutionary InterActive exhaust system, which Erik has placed beneath the bike's 103hp at 6,800 rpm and 84 lb-ft of torque at 6,000 rpm (measured at the crank) Thunderstorm engine. By locating the exhaust under the bike as opposed to higher up on the side of the bike, the Ulysses is able to take full advantage of better balance and a lower center of gravity.
Unsprung weight on the Ulysses has been drastically reduced through the use of Buell's ZTL braking system. ZTL (short for zero torsional load) utilizes a 375mm stainless-steel front rotor mounted directly to the wheel's perimeter. When the six-piston caliper applies pressure, braking forces are transmitted directly to the outer portion of the wheel without transferring this energy through the wheel's hub or spokes. When compared to equivalent systems using a dual-disc setup, the Ulysses front wheel/rotor assembly weighs somewhere in the vicinity of 6 lbs less than the competitors. The reduction in weight has a direct correlation to better handling, as it allows the tire to remain in better contact with the road when it encounters bumps. The rear brake utilizes a single-piston floating caliper and a more familiar 240mm stainless-steel one-piece rotor.
Keeping the 54.5-inch-wheelbase bike off the ground is the job of Showa components in the front and rear. Allowing for 6.51 inches of suspension travel, the front employs a 43mm inverted frontend with adjustments for compression damping, rebound damping, and spring preload. Out back, the Ulysses enlists the services of a coilover monoshock designed to give the bike 6.38 inches of travel, complete with all the adjustments available on the frontend. Adding to the uniqueness of the rear Showa is a remotely mounted fluid reservoir and preload adjuster. Accessible from the left side of the bike for quick adjustments, this setup makes for dealing with changing loads a breeze.
Buell worked closely with Dunlop to develop a pair of tires specifically for the Ulysses. The skins are designed with an aggressive open tread pattern to give the bike excellent traction on both paved and off-road environments. Tire sizes are 180/55R-17 out back and 120/70R-17 between the forks.
The Ulysses is powered by Buell's 1,203cc Thunderstorm V-Twin engine. Cooling is provided by a combination of both air and oil, with assistance coming from a fan-cooled oil cooler mounted to the left downtube. Bore and stroke numbers are 3.5x3.812 inches, creating a displacement of 73.4 inches. Air and fuel find their way to the heads via a combination of a 49mm downdraft DDFI II fuel injection and Buell's zero-resistance airbox. Once inside the 10:1 combustion chamber, the mixture is ignited and flows out through a pair (one per cylinder) of self-adjusting, pushrod-activated overhead valves and makes its way to the tuned, tri-pass resonance-chamber InterActive exhaust. Once inside the exhaust system, the gasses are routed based on the position of an ECM-controlled valve designed to optimize torque and horsepower based on different riding conditions.