When Erik Buell added the Ulysses XT, re-focused for "adventure sport touring," to the range for 2008, we signed up to find out whether he had hit a Homer.

The introduction of the Ulysses XB12X in 2006 marked an obvious departure from the Buell Motorcycle Company's high-performance, track-bred roots. They put aside their knee pucks, toe sliders, and pristine pavement for dual-sport boots, hand guards, and the oft-graveled (or worse) road less traveled. For 2008, the departure theme has struck again for this Wisconsin wanderer and this time, it's a return to the hard road in the form of the new Ulysses XB12XT.

Buell promotes the XB12X as an "adventure sportbike," and that's a pretty fair description. The big twin offers speed and handling approaching that of a sport bike, and it doesn't sniff at getting its paws dirty either. The Ulysses also approximates the comfort and carrying capacity (with optional luggage system) of a sport-tourer and the frisky attitude of a naked bike. Best of all, it's one of those rare machines that seems to possess a personality distinct from its technical attributes.