Motorcycle specifications BuellXB-12 R Firebolt 2007 A big, original toy

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)