At Mid-Ohio, we also got a chance to take two other Buells — the 2008 Ulysses, and the Lighting Super TT.
The Lightning Super TT is a single-seat hooligan bike of the first dimension. The upright seating, the wide bars, the feet-back position all make for a feeling of power and control The 1,200cc breathed-on Harley-Davidson v-twin is a joy and delight, with a torque band as broad as barn.
This would be a great bike on a tight, twisty road, and even just something to wheelie into work every day.
The Ulysses is a whole different skin of cat. With its upright seating, good wind protection and heated grips, this is for those folks who go over the horizon and don't look back. Dirt road? No problemo. Tight twisties? No problemo. Slap on some saddlebags, a tank bag, and you're good to go as far as you want.
On the track? On the track, the TT shines. Torque ansd seating and handlebars all come together for a great party.
The Ulysses? Softly sprung, but still willing, the Uly was at ease passing novice riders with aplomb. Spooling easily up past 80 mph, the Uly begs for some ICBM — intra continental Buell motorcycling.