presentation of the XB-12 R Firebolt 2007
when it came out, the Buell XB-9R represented a superb concentration of ideas from Erik Buell's ebullient mind. Adopting original, innovative and... surprising technical solutions, given the engine used (a Harley mill, fortunately seriously reworked). This atypical motorcycle is now available in a 1200 cm3 version, offering even more power and torque to its magical, lively chassis. The frame is made up of two aluminum spars and doubles as a fuel tank. The rake is so narrow that a Ducati could pass for a custom bike: just 21° and an ultra-short wheelbase. The result - outstanding liveliness. The engine is based on the 1200 of the Harley Sportster, but Buell has increased it from 58 to 100 hp. The engine's weak point is its lack of extension - the original powertrain was not designed for sport - so long straightaways don't seem to be a problem.
As a result, long straights are not the new Buell's preferred terrain. No matter, it's not made for them. By adopting a 2-stage driving style, winding up on the first half of the operating range (approx. 6,000 rpm), attacking on the 2nd, the XB-12 R is particularly fun. The huge 375 mm perimeter brake disc is irreproachable on the road, but lacks a little feel on the track when braking hard. The machine is bluffly agile; the same cannot be said of the gearbox. The excessively firm gear selection will soon make your left foot ache. The XB-12R is, so to speak, a 9 that's got more watts in it, and you end up dreaming of a machine equipped with a good V2 like the Suzuki or KTM 1000s. But don't expect it to make any practical sense. The Buells are designed as super-toys and assert their extreme identities - their use is very limited, but they're a blast to ride!
M.B
(inspired by E. Malherbe's article - Moto-journal n° 1 577
manufacturer's photos)
Key facts Buell XB-12 R Firebolt (2007) : What you need to know before you buy
Highlights
- Frame balance
- Original technical solutions
- Gueule Atypique
Weak points
- Slow, hard gearbox
- Feeling of braking on circuit
- Comfort
Prices
| Basic version | |
|---|---|
|
11,995€
|
Performance
- Max speed : 220 km/h (136.70 mph)
- Average fuel consumption : 5.70 liters/100km (0.41 mpg)
-
Estimated range
: 246 km (153 miles)
Calculated range until tank is empty, not verified.
Specifications Buell XB-12 R Firebolt 2007
- Chassis
- Frame : aluminum perimeter
- Fuel capacity : 14 liters (3.70 US gallons)
- Seat height : 775 mm (30.51 in)
- Length : 1,924 mm (75.75 in)
- Width : 768 mm (30.24 in)
- Min height : 1,092 mm (42.99 in)
- Wheelbase : 1,320 mm (51.97 in)
- Dry weight : 179 kg (395 lb)
- Weight when fully loaded : 209 kg (461 lb)
- Front axle
- Showa telehydraulic upside-down forks Ø 43 mm / Showa, Wheel travel : 120 mm (4.72 in)
- Braking 1 disc Ø 375 mm (14.76 in), caliper 6 pistons
- Front tire : 120 / 70 - 17 → Order this type of tire
- Pressure : 2.34 bar
- Transmission
- 5 stage gearbox
- Secondary belt drive
- Rear axle
- Showa monoshock / Showa, Wheel travel : 127 mm (5 in)
- Braking 1 disc Ø 240 mm (9.45 in), single-piston caliper
- Rear tire : 180 / 55 - 17 → Order this type of tire
- Pressure : 2.48 bar
- Motor
- two-cylinder 45° V-shaped , 4 strokes
- Injection Ø 49 mm
- Cooling system : by air
- tumbled
- 4 valves per cylinder
- 1,203 cc
- 100 ch (98.60 hp) to 6,600 rpm
- 11 mkg to 6,000 rpm
- Power-to-weight ratio : 1.82 kg/ch
- Weight / torque ratio : 16.27 kg/mkg
- Compression : 10:1
- Practical information
Essentials
Gallery
Used
Competitors
Compare the XB-12 R Firebolt to its competitors
Acceleration
Fuel consumption
Range
Torque
Power
Power-to-Weight ratio
Torque-to-Weight ratio
Speed
FAQ Your frequently asked questions about the XB-12 R Firebolt 2007
- What is the power of the XB-12 R Firebolt?
-
The XB-12 R Firebolt 2007 develops a power of 100 ch (98.60 hp)
- What is the torque of the XB-12 R Firebolt?
-
The maximum torque of the XB-12 R Firebolt 2007 is 11 mkg to 6,000 rpm.
- What is the maximum speed of the XB-12 R Firebolt?
-
The XB-12 R Firebolt 2007 is capable of reaching a top speed of 220 km/h (136.70 mph) on the track.
- What is the weight of the XB-12 R Firebolt?
-
The XB-12 R Firebolt 2007 has a a dry weight of 179 kg (395 lb), a weight when fully loaded of 209 kg (461 lb).
- What is the fuel consumption of the XB-12 R Firebolt?
-
Average fuel consumption is estimated at 5.70 l/100km (0.41 mpg) according to the WMTC cycle.
- QWhat is the seat height of the XB-12 R Firebolt?
-
To ensure good accessibility, the XB-12 R Firebolt 2007 offers a minimum seat height of 775 mm (30.51 in).
- What is the price of the XB-12 R Firebolt?
-
The price of the XB-12 R Firebolt 2007 is 11,995€ in France
- What size tires should I put on my XB-12 R Firebolt?
-
The standard size for a XB-12 R Firebolt 2007 is 120 / 70 - 17 for the front, and 180 / 55 - 17 for the rear.
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