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Buell XB12R Firebolt

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Make Model.

Buell XB12R Firebolt

Year

2004

Engine

45° V-Twin, four stroke, pushrod actuated overhead valve. hydraulic self-adjusting lifters, 2 valve per cylinder.

Capacity

1203 cc / 73 cu in
Bore x Stroke 88.9 x 96.8 mm
Compression Ratio 10.0:1
Cooling System Air cooled
Exhaust Free breathing, 2-into-1 Buell Interactive exhaust system

Induction

Ø49 mm downdraft DDFI II fuel injection

Starting

Electric

Max Power

86.9 kW / 103 hp @ 6800 rpm

Max Torque

114 Nm / 11.6 kgf-m / 84 ft-lbs @ 6000 rpm

Transmission 

5 Speed

Final Drive

Belt
Frame Aluminium frame with Uniplanar™ Powertrain vibration isolation system

Rake

21°

Trail

83 mm / 3.3"

Front Suspension

Showa inverted forks compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload adjustable

Front Wheel Travel

120 mm / 4.7"

Rear Suspension

Showa coil-over monoshock, remote underseat reservoir and adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload, 127mm wheel travel

Rear Wheel Travel

127 mm / 5.0"

Front Brakes

ZTL type brake, 6 piston, fixed caliper, Ø375 mm single-sided, inside out, stainless steel, floating rotor

Rear Brakes

Single Ø240 mm disc, 1 piston floating caliper

Front Wheel

3.50 x 17"

Rear Wheel

5.50 x 17"

Front Tyre

120/70 ZR17

Rear Tyre

180/55 ZR17

Dimensions

Length: 1924 mm / 75.7"

Width:     768 mm / 30.2"

Height:  1092 mm / 43.0"

Wheelbase 1320 mm / 52.0"
Ground Clearance 127 mm / 5.0"
Seat Height 775 mm / 30.5"

Dry Weight

179 kg / 395 lbs

Fuel Capacity

14 L / 3.7 US gal

Average Fuel Consumption

5.6 L/100 km / 17.9 km/L / 42 US mpg

Standing ¼ Mile

11.4 sec, 182 km/h / 113 mph

Top Speed

249 km/h / 155 mph

Colours

Midnight black, Racing red/Graphite grey/Translucent amber
Reviews Motorcycle News

The synthesis of brute power and track-tuned agility, the Firebolt XB12R puts 103 horsepower and 84 f t. lbs. of torque in its rider's hand. The Buell InterActive Exhaust system utilizes a valve in the dual- chamber muf fler that is controlled by the ECM and adjusts exhaust flow according to riding conditions to smooth torque delivery and optimize engine power. It is available in Midnight Black, Racing Red or Thrust Blue with stunning Translucent Amber wheels and Graphite Gray frame.

Buell Firebolt XB12R features:

Buell Thunderstorm 1203 fuel-injected air/oil/fan-cooled V-Twin engine
103 peak hp, 84 ft. lbs. peak torque
Buell InterActive Exhaust
New transmission design
New Goodyear Hibrex drive belt with Flexten Plus technology
New lighter, stiffer swingarm design
New air intake location
Fuel-in-frame, oil-in-swingarm
43mm fully adjustable Showa upside-down fork
Fully adjustable Showa rear shock absorber
Buell ZTL front brake system
Translucent Amber wheels
Dropped handlebars
Fairing with projector-beam headlights and Amber windscreen

Review

The Buell XB12R Firebolt is a real Frankenstein’s monster of a motorcycle – but it works. Ancient Harley-Davidson engine mated to a stubby, innovative, high-tech aluminium frame with lots of well thought out touches makes a superb, nimble sports bike. The Buell XB12R may not be the fastest thing in a straight line but awesome in corners and stacks of fun.

As a sports bike or even a track day tool, the Buell XB12R Firebolt’s handling works. Steering’s so rapid you look and the motorcycle turns. But it manages this without being unstable too – testament that Buell’s innovations work. On the road it can be a handful. Instant power, fast steering and firm suspension make it a committed rather than relaxed ride.

Yes the Buell XB12R Firebolt engine's crude and lumpy. But that’s part of its charm. Nothing could be further than the in-line fours the Japanese power their sports motorcycles with. This 1203cc air cooled, narrow angle V-twin is an old-school charmer with plenty of brawny torque. The refinement’s not there or the manic top end power but it’s immensely satisfying to use and it digs in and drives out of corners superbly.

Always a Buell bugbear, although they claim issues have been sorted out. Older bikes had major problems, newer ones only seem to have minor niggles. The finish on some parts chucks in the towel at the first sign of winter and electrical glitches are not unheard of. No match for Honda.