Buell Firebolt XB12R

INTRODUCTION

Offering a perfect balance of V-Twin torque and track-inspired agility, the 2007 Buell Firebolt delivers performance certain to move the soul of the most demanding sportbikers. Exotic styling and a roster of premium components further set the middleweight Buell Firebolt XB9R and the muscular Buell Firebolt XB12R apart from the sportbike pack.

The broad powerband of a Buell Thunderstorm V-Twin engine and the application of the Buell Trilogy of Technology principles – frame rigidity, low unsprung weight and mass centralization – allows both Buell Firebolt models to excel in the hands of a dedicated rider seeking the challenge of twisting backloads.

Firebolt Changes for 2007

New Pirelli Tires: Pirelli Diablo T tires will be standard equipment on both Firebolt models in 2007, replacing the Dunlop tires used previously. Buell engineers have determined that advances made in the Pirelli Diablo T make it a better tire for all-around, real-road riding. Pirelli tires are state-of-the-art for cornering, high speed stability and grip.

New Airbox Cover Design: The revised design of the inner airbox cover increases airflow potential to the engine without adversely affecting intake noise levels.

New Colors: The Firebolt XB12R now comes in Sunfire Yellow with Designer Black Powdercoat wheels and Kick Ash Translucent windscreen and Midnight Black with Cherry Bomb Translucent wheels and windscreen.

Performance Through Technology

The Buell Firebolt is intended for assertive sport riding. Inspired by the geometry of GP racing motorcycles, the Firebolt wheelbase is just 52 inches and rake is a radical 21 degrees, with 3.3 inches of trail. It’s an aggressive chassis that’s quick, but never twitchy. A Showa rear shock and 43 mm Showa upside-down fork are fully adjustable for pre-load, compression and rebound damping. Low handlebars and rear-set pegs put the rider in a sporting position. A lightweight magnesium front module carries dual projector-beam headlamps, instrument panel and a sweeping fairing and windscreen. A removable, body-colored cover over the passenger seat pad gives the Firebolt a sleek, race-ready appearance.

In most street-riding situations, torque and a wide power band are more rewarding than peak horsepower, and the Buell Thunderstorm V-Twin engine is an ideal powertrain for this application. Compact and narrow in profile, this 45-degree, air/oil/fan-cooled powertrain also features Buell DDFI II fuel injection for crisp throttle response in any riding situation. The Buell Uniplanar engine mounting system reduces vibration to the rider and enhances rigidity by incorporating the engine as a stressed member of the chassis. A Goodyear Hibrex final drive belt with Flexten Plus technology is three to four pounds lighter than a drive chain, and requires no scheduled service or replacement.

Like all Buell motorcycles, the Firebolt applies the elements of the Buell Trilogy of Technology design philosophy: frame rigidity, mass centralization and minimum unsprung weight. The massive, rigid aluminum frame doubles as a 3.8-gallon fuel tank, which helps lower the center of gravity and centralize mass. For the same reasons, engine oil is stored in the aluminum swingarm, and the muffler is located below the engine. The Buell Zero Torsional Load (ZTL) front braking system mounts a single 375 mm rotor near the wheel rim, gripped by a six-piston caliper. Braking forces are transmitted directly from the rim to the rotor, so torsional load acting on the rest of the wheel is virtually eliminated. This permits the use of a very lightweight wheel that also helps reduce steering inertia. ZTL and a lightweight belt final drive contribute to a significant reduction in unsprung weight.

SPECIFICATIONS

DIMENSIONS

Overall Length: 76.2 in. (1935 mm)
Overall Width: 28.2 in. (715 mm)
Seat Height: 30.5 in. (775 mm)
Ground Clearance: 4.35 in. (110 mm)
Rake (steering head): 21°
Fork Angle: 21°
Lean Angle:
Soft Contact, Right: 47°
Soft Contact, Left: 47°
Hard Contact, Right: 50°
Hard Contact, Left: 48°
Trail: 3.3 in. (83 mm)48° Wheelbase: 52.0 in. (1320 mm)48° Tires (Pirelli® Scorpion Sync):
Front: 120/70 ZR-17
Rear: 180/55 ZR-17
Fuel Capacity: 3.82 gal. (14.5 L)
Reserve Fuel Capacity: 0.75 gal. (2.8 L) warning light
Fuel Economy (EPA urban/highway test): 50/65 mpg (4.7/3.6 L/100 km)
Weight:
As Shipped: 385 lbs. (175 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 850 lbs. (386 kg)
Load Capacity: 398 lbs. (181 kg)


ENGINE

Engine: Air/oil/fan-cooled, 4-stroke, 45˚ V-Twin
Valve Train: OHV, two valves per cylinder, self-adjusting
Bore x Stroke: 3.500 in. x 3.125 in. (88.90 mm x 79.38 mm)
Displacement: 60.0 cu. in. (984 cc)
Compression Ratio: 10.0:1
Fuel Delivery: 45 mm down draft DDFI II fuel injection
Air Cleaner: Zero-resistance airbox
Exhaust: Tuned, tri-pass resonance chamber with mass-centralized mounting
Torque (North America per SAE J607): 70 ft. lbs. @ 5500 rpm 95 NM @ 5500 rpm)
Horsepower (North America per SAE J607): 92 hp @ 7500 rpm
Lubrication: Dry-sump
Oil Capacity: 2.5 qts. (2.4 L)
Oil Filtration: Screw-on disposable element


DRIVETRAIN

Primary Drive: Chain, 1.676:1 (57/34) ratio
Final Drive: Constant path, 14 mm pitch aramid-reinforced Hibrex® belt with Flexten® Plus technology, 2.407:1 (65/27) ratio
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate, compensated
Transmission: 5-speed, helical gear
Gear Ratios:
1st: 2.648
2nd: 1.892
3rd: 1.407
4th: 1.166
5th: 1.000


CHASSIS

Frame: Aluminum frame with UniplanarTM powertrain vibration isolation system, fuel in frame
Front Fork: 43 mm Showa® inverted forks with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping, and spring preload
Rear Shock: Showa coil-over monoshock with remote, under-seat reservoir and adjustable compression damping, rebound damping, and spring preload
Wheels: Designer Black Powdercoat (new)
Front: 6-spoke, ZTLTM cast aluminum, 3.5 in. x 17 in. (89 mm x 432 mm)
Rear: 6-spoke, cast aluminum, 5.5 in. x 17 in. (140 mm x 432 mm)
Brakes:
Front: ZTL-type brake, 6-piston, fixed caliper, 375 mm single-sided, inside-out, stainless steel, floating rotor
Rear: Single-piston, floating caliper; 240 mm stainless steel, fixed rotor
Suspension Travel:
Front Wheel: 4.72 in. (120 mm)
Rear Wheel: 5.00 in. (127 mm)

ELECTRIC

Battery (per Battery Council International Rating): Sealed lead acid, maintenance-free, 12V, 12 amp/hour, 200 cca
Charging: 38-amp, permanent magnet, 3-phase alternator with solid-state regulator (481W @ 3000 rpm, 494W peak)
Starting: 1.2 kW electric with solenoid shift starter motor engagement
Lights (as per country regulation):
Headlamps: 55-watt low beam, 55-watt high beam (twin projector beam [H3])
Tail/Stop Lights: 5W/21W
Turn Signal Lights: 10W manual canceling
License Plate Light: 5W


INSTRUMENTS

Electronic speedometer, tachometer, odometer; dual resettable tripmeter; high beam, neutral, oil, low fuel (plus, odometer shows miles traveled on reserve), turn signal and engine diagnostic indicator lamps; clock

COLORS

Racing Red

WARRANTY

Warranty: 24 months (unlimited mileage) 1 Specifications for non-U.S. markets might differ. Buell reserves the right to discontinue models or change specifications at any time without incurring any obligation. Vehicle specifications may vary from country to country depending on local laws. Some models are not available in certain countries.

Price $8,895