Buell XB12R Firebolt

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 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

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.