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Buell · Pushrod four-stroke twin, dry sump, separate gearbox oil, belt drive

Ulysses (1203 cc)

Library entry covers 2006-2010

21 factory 47 guideline

Published source

Buell Ulysses XB12X 2008 Owner's Manual, Regular Service Intervals: 2008 XB Models (ManualsLib viewer pp.131-133)

Factory source. Covers Buell Ulysses XB12X 2008 owner's manual (ManualsLib title); table headed Regular Service Intervals: 2008 XB Models; other years not compared.

68 items for a 2010 model, grouped by interval the way a factory chart is laid out.

How this bike is built (what the schedule is based on)

Engine cycle: Four-stroke
Engine lubrication: Dry sump (separate oil tank)
Oil filtration: Replaceable cartridge or spin-on filter
Valve gear: Overhead valve, pushrods, adjustable tappets
Ignition: Electronic (CDI / transistor / ECU)
Charging: Alternator / stator with rectifier
Battery: Wet cell (flooded lead-acid, needs topping up)
Fuel system: Fuel injection
Cooling: Air / oil cooled
Primary drive: Gear or chain inside engine, shares engine oil
Gearbox oil: Separate gearbox oil
Clutch control: Hand lever, cable
Final drive: Toothed belt
Front suspension: Telescopic fork
Rear suspension: Swingarm, single shock / cantilever
Front brake: Disc, hydraulic
Rear brake: Disc, hydraulic
Wheels: Spoked, tubed
Sidecar: No sidecar

Maintenance schedule

2010 Buell Ulysses (1203 cc)

On the road: every 300 km

1 item

Check engine oil level

Pre-ride / on the road

Guideline

Each fuel stop on old machines. Dry sump: check the tank hot, engine idling or just stopped, per your manual.

On the road: every 500 km

2 items

Check lights, horn, brake light switches

Pre-ride / on the road

Guideline
Check tire pressures

Pre-ride / on the road

Guideline

Every 1,600 km or 6 months

1 item

Inspect tire tread, sidewalls and date codes

Wheels and tires

Guideline

Every 5,000 km or 12 months

8 items

Check throttle cable(s) free play and return

Fuel and air

Guideline
Check steering head bearing adjustment

Front end

Guideline
Inspect fork seals, stanchions and fork boots

Front end

Guideline
Check footrests, pegs, rear brake and gear lever pivots

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline
Grease and check center / side stand and springs

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline
Check brake pads and discs

Brakes

Guideline
Check spoke tension and wheel true

Wheels and tires

Guideline
Check wheel bearings for play

Wheels and tires

Guideline

Every 6,500 km or 12 months

2 items

Inspect, clean and gap spark plugs

Engine

Guideline
Adjust clutch free play, lubricate cable and lever pivot

Primary and gearbox

Guideline

Every 8,000 km or 12 months

3 items

Change engine oil

Engine

Guideline

Pre-1970 machines: many owners run non-detergent or classic-spec oil with no filter, so short intervals matter. Dry sump: drain the tank and the crankcase/sump, flush the tank and clean the feed and return screens.
Replace oil filter

Engine

Guideline
Inspect drive belt, pulleys and tension

Final drive

Guideline

Every 8,047 km

14 items

Electrical switches and equipment (check)

Engine

Factory

Factory: Regular Service Intervals: 2008 XB Models (owner's manual, ManualsLib viewer pp.131-133): at 1,000 mi and every 5,000 mi. Columns as printed: 1,000 mi (1,600 km), then 5,000, 10,000, 15,000, 20,000 and 25,000 mi (8,000 to 40,000 km). Note 1: should be done by an authorized Buell dealer unless you have the tools, data and skills. Note 2: change brake fluid every two years. Service more often under adverse conditions.
Engine oil and filter (replace)

Engine

Factory

Factory: Regular Service Intervals: 2008 XB Models (owner's manual, ManualsLib viewer pp.131-133): at 1,000 mi and every 5,000 mi. Columns as printed: 1,000 mi (1,600 km), then 5,000, 10,000, 15,000, 20,000 and 25,000 mi (8,000 to 40,000 km). Note 1: should be done by an authorized Buell dealer unless you have the tools, data and skills. Note 2: change brake fluid every two years. Service more often under adverse conditions.
Oil cooler fins (clean)

Engine

Factory

Factory: Regular Service Intervals: 2008 XB Models (owner's manual, ManualsLib viewer pp.131-133): at 1,000 mi and every 5,000 mi. Columns as printed: 1,000 mi (1,600 km), then 5,000, 10,000, 15,000, 20,000 and 25,000 mi (8,000 to 40,000 km). Note 1: should be done by an authorized Buell dealer unless you have the tools, data and skills. Note 2: change brake fluid every two years. Service more often under adverse conditions.
Rear belt and idler sprockets (inspect)

Engine

Factory

Factory: Regular Service Intervals: 2008 XB Models (owner's manual, ManualsLib viewer pp.131-133): at 1,000 mi and every 5,000 mi (note 1). Columns as printed: 1,000 mi (1,600 km), then 5,000, 10,000, 15,000, 20,000 and 25,000 mi (8,000 to 40,000 km). Note 1: should be done by an authorized Buell dealer unless you have the tools, data and skills. Note 2: change brake fluid every two years. Service more often under adverse conditions.
Road test (verify component and system functions)

Engine

Factory

Factory: Regular Service Intervals: 2008 XB Models (owner's manual, ManualsLib viewer pp.131-133): at 1,000 mi and every 5,000 mi. Columns as printed: 1,000 mi (1,600 km), then 5,000, 10,000, 15,000, 20,000 and 25,000 mi (8,000 to 40,000 km). Note 1: should be done by an authorized Buell dealer unless you have the tools, data and skills. Note 2: change brake fluid every two years. Service more often under adverse conditions.
Air cleaner (inspect, service as required)

Fuel and air

Factory

Factory: Regular Service Intervals: 2008 XB Models (owner's manual, ManualsLib viewer pp.131-133): at 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 15,000 and 25,000 mi. Columns as printed: 1,000 mi (1,600 km), then 5,000, 10,000, 15,000, 20,000 and 25,000 mi (8,000 to 40,000 km). Note 1: should be done by an authorized Buell dealer unless you have the tools, data and skills. Note 2: change brake fluid every two years. Service more often under adverse conditions.
Clutch adjustment (check)

Primary and gearbox

Factory

Factory: Regular Service Intervals: 2008 XB Models (owner's manual, ManualsLib viewer pp.131-133): at 1,000 mi and every 5,000 mi (note 1). Columns as printed: 1,000 mi (1,600 km), then 5,000, 10,000, 15,000, 20,000 and 25,000 mi (8,000 to 40,000 km). Note 1: should be done by an authorized Buell dealer unless you have the tools, data and skills. Note 2: change brake fluid every two years. Service more often under adverse conditions.
Primary chain adjustment (check)

Final drive

Factory

Factory: Regular Service Intervals: 2008 XB Models (owner's manual, ManualsLib viewer pp.131-133): at 1,000 mi and every 5,000 mi (note 1). Columns as printed: 1,000 mi (1,600 km), then 5,000, 10,000, 15,000, 20,000 and 25,000 mi (8,000 to 40,000 km). Note 1: should be done by an authorized Buell dealer unless you have the tools, data and skills. Note 2: change brake fluid every two years. Service more often under adverse conditions.
Brake system, oil lines, forks, rear shock, exhaust and mounting, evaporative system (inspect)

Front end

Factory

Factory: Regular Service Intervals: 2008 XB Models (owner's manual, ManualsLib viewer pp.131-133): at 1,000 mi and every 5,000 mi (note 1). Columns as printed: 1,000 mi (1,600 km), then 5,000, 10,000, 15,000, 20,000 and 25,000 mi (8,000 to 40,000 km). Note 1: should be done by an authorized Buell dealer unless you have the tools, data and skills. Note 2: change brake fluid every two years. Service more often under adverse conditions.
Steering head bearings (resistance test)

Front end

Factory

Factory: Regular Service Intervals: 2008 XB Models (owner's manual, ManualsLib viewer pp.131-133): at 5,000 mi and every 5,000 mi (note 1). Columns as printed: 1,000 mi (1,600 km), then 5,000, 10,000, 15,000, 20,000 and 25,000 mi (8,000 to 40,000 km). Note 1: should be done by an authorized Buell dealer unless you have the tools, data and skills. Note 2: change brake fluid every two years. Service more often under adverse conditions.
Brake fluid levels and condition (check)

Brakes

Factory

Factory: Regular Service Intervals: 2008 XB Models (owner's manual, ManualsLib viewer pp.131-133): at 1,000 mi and every 5,000 mi (note 2). Columns as printed: 1,000 mi (1,600 km), then 5,000, 10,000, 15,000, 20,000 and 25,000 mi (8,000 to 40,000 km). Note 1: should be done by an authorized Buell dealer unless you have the tools, data and skills. Note 2: change brake fluid every two years. Service more often under adverse conditions.
Brake pads and discs (inspect wear)

Brakes

Factory

Factory: Regular Service Intervals: 2008 XB Models (owner's manual, ManualsLib viewer pp.131-133): at 1,000 mi and every 5,000 mi. Columns as printed: 1,000 mi (1,600 km), then 5,000, 10,000, 15,000, 20,000 and 25,000 mi (8,000 to 40,000 km). Note 1: should be done by an authorized Buell dealer unless you have the tools, data and skills. Note 2: change brake fluid every two years. Service more often under adverse conditions.
Throttle, brake and clutch controls, sidestand, active muffler and intake cables (check, adjust, lubricate)

Brakes

Factory

Factory: Regular Service Intervals: 2008 XB Models (owner's manual, ManualsLib viewer pp.131-133): at 1,000 mi and every 5,000 mi (note 1). Columns as printed: 1,000 mi (1,600 km), then 5,000, 10,000, 15,000, 20,000 and 25,000 mi (8,000 to 40,000 km). Note 1: should be done by an authorized Buell dealer unless you have the tools, data and skills. Note 2: change brake fluid every two years. Service more often under adverse conditions.
Tires (check condition and tread)

Wheels and tires

Factory

Factory: Regular Service Intervals: 2008 XB Models (owner's manual, ManualsLib viewer pp.131-133): at 1,000 mi and every 5,000 mi. Columns as printed: 1,000 mi (1,600 km), then 5,000, 10,000, 15,000, 20,000 and 25,000 mi (8,000 to 40,000 km). Note 1: should be done by an authorized Buell dealer unless you have the tools, data and skills. Note 2: change brake fluid every two years. Service more often under adverse conditions.

Every 9,500 km or 12 months

6 items

Clean / inspect air filter

Fuel and air

Guideline

Mesh or oiled foam: clean and re-oil. Paper: blow out or replace. Some very early machines have no filter at all.
Check charging voltage and regulator / cut-out

Ignition and electrics

Guideline
Check swingarm bushes for play

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline
Inspect rear shocks for leaks and damping

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline
Lubricate control cables and lever pivots

Controls and cables

Guideline
Lubricate speedometer / tachometer cables, check drive

Controls and cables

Guideline

A dry speedo cable whips the needle and eventually kills the instrument.

Every 13,000 km or 2 years

1 item

Check and adjust valve clearances

Engine

Guideline

Every 16,000 km or 2 years

2 items

Compression test (or leak-down)

Engine

Guideline
Change gearbox oil

Primary and gearbox

Guideline

Every 16,093 km

5 items

Critical fasteners (check tightness)

Engine

Factory

Factory: Regular Service Intervals: 2008 XB Models (owner's manual, ManualsLib viewer pp.131-133): at 10,000 and 20,000 mi (note 1). Columns as printed: 1,000 mi (1,600 km), then 5,000, 10,000, 15,000, 20,000 and 25,000 mi (8,000 to 40,000 km). Note 1: should be done by an authorized Buell dealer unless you have the tools, data and skills. Note 2: change brake fluid every two years. Service more often under adverse conditions.
Engine mounts, stabilizer and links (inspect)

Engine

Factory

Factory: Regular Service Intervals: 2008 XB Models (owner's manual, ManualsLib viewer pp.131-133): at 10,000 and 20,000 mi (note 1). Columns as printed: 1,000 mi (1,600 km), then 5,000, 10,000, 15,000, 20,000 and 25,000 mi (8,000 to 40,000 km). Note 1: should be done by an authorized Buell dealer unless you have the tools, data and skills. Note 2: change brake fluid every two years. Service more often under adverse conditions.
Spark plugs (replace)

Engine

Factory

Factory: Regular Service Intervals: 2008 XB Models (owner's manual, ManualsLib viewer pp.131-133): at 10,000 and 20,000 mi (note 1). Columns as printed: 1,000 mi (1,600 km), then 5,000, 10,000, 15,000, 20,000 and 25,000 mi (8,000 to 40,000 km). Note 1: should be done by an authorized Buell dealer unless you have the tools, data and skills. Note 2: change brake fluid every two years. Service more often under adverse conditions.
Transmission lubricant (replace)

Primary and gearbox

Factory

Factory: Regular Service Intervals: 2008 XB Models (owner's manual, ManualsLib viewer pp.131-133): at 1,000, 10,000 and 20,000 mi. Columns as printed: 1,000 mi (1,600 km), then 5,000, 10,000, 15,000, 20,000 and 25,000 mi (8,000 to 40,000 km). Note 1: should be done by an authorized Buell dealer unless you have the tools, data and skills. Note 2: change brake fluid every two years. Service more often under adverse conditions.
Front fork oil (replace)

Front end

Factory

Factory: Regular Service Intervals: 2008 XB Models (owner's manual, ManualsLib viewer pp.131-133): at 10,000 and 20,000 mi (note 1). Columns as printed: 1,000 mi (1,600 km), then 5,000, 10,000, 15,000, 20,000 and 25,000 mi (8,000 to 40,000 km). Note 1: should be done by an authorized Buell dealer unless you have the tools, data and skills. Note 2: change brake fluid every two years. Service more often under adverse conditions.

Every 19,500 km or 2 years

4 items

Replace air filter element

Fuel and air

Guideline
Synchronize throttle bodies

Fuel and air

Guideline
Clean and grease rear suspension linkage

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline
Grease swingarm pivot

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline

Every 24,000 km or 3 years

1 item

Change fork oil

Front end

Guideline

Some early telescopic forks are grease filled or use very small oil quantities. Check your manual.

Every 25,500 km or 4 years

1 item

Replace spark plugs

Engine

Guideline

Every 32,000 km or 4 years

2 items

Repack / replace steering head bearings

Front end

Guideline

Many old machines use loose balls in cups and cones. Taper roller conversions are common.
Repack / replace wheel bearings

Wheels and tires

Guideline

Cup-and-cone and taper roller hubs need periodic repacking and adjustment.

Every 32,187 km

1 item

Air cleaner filter element (replace)

Fuel and air

Factory

Factory: Regular Service Intervals: 2008 XB Models (owner's manual, ManualsLib viewer pp.131-133): at 20,000 mi. Columns as printed: 1,000 mi (1,600 km), then 5,000, 10,000, 15,000, 20,000 and 25,000 mi (8,000 to 40,000 km). Note 1: should be done by an authorized Buell dealer unless you have the tools, data and skills. Note 2: change brake fluid every two years. Service more often under adverse conditions.

Every 38,500 km or 4 years

1 item

Replace fuel filter

Fuel and air

Guideline

Every 40,000 km or 6 years

1 item

Replace swingarm bushes / bearings

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline

Every 48,500 km or 6 years

1 item

Rebuild forks: seals, bushes, springs

Front end

Guideline

Every 80,500 km

1 item

Replace drive belt (wear or damage based)

Final drive

Guideline

Every 6 months

1 item

Clean battery terminals, check charge and strap

Ignition and electrics

Guideline

Every 2 years

4 items

Inspect wiring, bullet connectors and ground points

Ignition and electrics

Guideline
Inspect frame, welds and lugs for cracks

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline
Brake fluid (change)

Brakes

Factory

Factory: Regular Service Intervals: 2008 XB Models (owner's manual, ManualsLib viewer pp.131-133): every two years (note 2). Columns as printed: 1,000 mi (1,600 km), then 5,000, 10,000, 15,000, 20,000 and 25,000 mi (8,000 to 40,000 km). Note 1: should be done by an authorized Buell dealer unless you have the tools, data and skills. Note 2: change brake fluid every two years. Service more often under adverse conditions.
Replace brake fluid

Brakes

Guideline

Every 4 years

3 items

Replace fuel lines

Fuel and air

Guideline

Old rubber and modern ethanol fuel do not mix well.
Inspect brake hoses; replace old rubber

Brakes

Guideline
Rebuild calipers and master cylinders (seals)

Brakes

Guideline

Every 6 years

2 items

Replace inner tubes and rim tape with tires

Wheels and tires

Guideline
Replace tires on age (regardless of tread)

Wheels and tires

Guideline

Guideline lines: Intervals here are general guidelines for the machine's era and layout, compiled for this app. They are not factory manual figures. Check your workshop manual, and edit any interval in the bike's Schedule tab.