The Buell Firebolt XB9R and XB12R are a pair of American streetfighters, motorcycles built to amaze. Created by Buell, a subsidiary of the Harley-Davidson concern, these vicious urban hooligans resemble each other like twins and differ from each other mainly in engine capacity. However, the engine itself is the same, the only difference is the CPG.
The aforementioned engine shares similarities between both Buell Firebolts and
the Harley-Davidson Sportster . The XB9R received the engine from the 883 Sportster, and the XB12R, respectively, from the 1200. In both cases, the air-cooled V-twin was heavily boosted to get the most out of it. Both Buell Firebolts have a belt drive and a five-speed transmission. Both motorcycles are equipped with fuel injection. The characteristics of the “Sportster” engine, which has been modified with a file, are impressive - 92 hp. and 94 nM of torque for the Buell Firebolt XB9R, and 103 hp. and 110 nM for XB12R. True, the engine turned out to be ambiguous.
The air-cooled V-twin, forced to the limit and also cooling worse due to the plastic body kit, gets very hot; information about this feature of the motorcycle is found in every second review of Buell Firebolt owners. In addition, the engine vibrates monstrously, and not only at idle, like most Harley-Davidsons. Unlike many other motorcycles with an “air” engine, it is quite possible for a Buell Firebolt to overheat while sitting in a traffic jam, especially in hot climates. However, this motorcycle is not designed to stand in traffic jams - it is designed to pass through them, practically without slowing down. The gas tank capacity, by the way, is 14.5 liters for both Firebolts. The gearbox works hard and rough, but without problems, that is, there are no “false gears” or anything like that. Sometimes it is not possible to immediately find neutral on the spot, but these are, in general, trifles. But when you sit on a Buell Firebolt, you immediately feel that this motorcycle, even if its creators were not guided by issues of comfort, is very comfortable. There is a load on the arms, but this position of the body in the saddle helps to control the bike better. In addition, both Buell Firebolts are quite light - dry weight is 175 kg for the XB9R and 5 kg more for the XB12R. In addition, the center of gravity is noticeably shifted down, which makes it easier to control the motorcycle.
The American bike got suspensions exactly like those that should be found on a streetfighter - hard and not very comfortable, but providing excellent handling during sharp maneuvers, which the Buell Firebolt regularly provokes its rider into. Lightweight, obediently controlled, this motorcycle simply does not want to ride quietly - it wants horse doses of adrenaline to enter the biker’s blood. And, by the way, the brakes are not the best, with only one disc per wheel; they should be improved - at least, reinforced brake hoses should be installed.
Both the Buell Firebolt, the XB9R, and the XB12R, turned out to be very controversial motorcycles. Lightweight and with a perky character, they quickly rush through the streets, deftly slipping between cars and announcing the surrounding area with the powerful roar of a V-twin. But with all its undeniable advantages, the hellish heat from a very hot engine and strong vibrations will accompany the owner of a Buell Firebolt, if not constantly, then at least very often.
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