Firebolt XB12R
FIREBOLT® XB12R Discover the key features in styling, handling, and innovation.
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Handling

  • Buell Intuitive Response Chassis (IRC)

    With its 52-inch wheelbase, the Firebolt handles with surgical precision. The 21-degree rake and 3.3-inch trail improves agility. And because the chassis is so rigid, it keeps you stable and confident through the turns.

  • Frame and swingarm

    Handling is key to everything we do. It’s why our massive frames and swingarms are made of aluminum. Lightweight and extremely rigid, they won’t flex or bend in the corners. Better handling is also why our nearly 4-gallon fuel tank is incorporated into the frame and the oil reservoir into the swingarm. When you lower the placement of the fluids, the center of gravity shifts downward. That explains why a Buell® flicks so effortlessly through corners.

  • Front brake

    Buell Zero Torsional Load (ZTL²) front brake utilizes a four pad, eight piston caliper inspired by the XBRR race motorcycle. A single 375mm rotor mounts directly to the rim producing outstanding stopping power. The caliper casting was optimized for torsional stiffness, yielding a more progressive and connected braking feel to the rider.

  • Front suspension

    Fully adjustable, 43 mm Showa® inverted fork features a high performance damping cartridge that lets you adjust the set up for any situation. Whether it’s at the track or the ride home, you can optimize the suspension for excellent feedback and razor sharp handling. When combined with the adjustable rear shock, it’s the most tunable suspension in the business.

  • Exhaust

    Exhaust cans are heavy. It doesn’t make sense to hang them up high and off the back of the bike. Our underslung exhaust concentrates the weight underneath the chassis for Mass Centralization and it’s been a Buell staple since 1985. The result is a clean, uncluttered look and improved flickability and superior handling. In addition – the XB12R features an InterActive(TM) Exhaust system, which delivers super-smooth torque while optimizing engine power and efficiency across a wide variety of engine performance conditions. Using sophisticated modeling software, engineers identified distinct engine tuning improvements that could be made by electronically altering the gas flow path between two different length chambers within the muffler. The result? Strong, smooth acceleration with legendary Buell torque-pull and a rich exhaust note.

  • Rear suspension

    A top-shelf, Showa® push shock with a fully adjustable damping cartridge allows you to fine-tune the compression, rebound and preload to maximize handling and feedback for any condition.

  • Tyres

    Pirelli Diablo Corsa III feature a three zone compound for optimum street and track use

  • 6 spoke Cast Aluminium Wheels

    With braking forces distributed through the entire rim due to the ZTL perimeter mounted brake rotor, the Buell 6-spoke front wheel can be made extremely light, which reduces steering inertia and unsprung weight for better handling on the racetrack or the less-than-perfect streets you’ll ride everyday.

  • Immediate Throttle Response Belt drive

    A unique constant tension pulley eliminates slack in the driveline, resulting in smoother on/off throttle transitions no matter what position the swingarm is in. Clean, quiet and extremely strong, the Veyance Hibrex belt with Flexten Plus technology never needs replacing, maintenance or adjustments of any kind and weighs just 1.06 pounds, compared to drive chains that weigh four to five pounds.

Power

  • 1203cc Thunderstorm Engine

    The Thunderstorm® 1203 cc, 45-degree V-Twin delivers the iconic look, thunderous sound, and power-pulsing feel that only an V-Twin engine can offer. Following the style of an American Muscle machine, you can tap into maximum torque in any gear, regardless of where the tach needle is pointing. Performance and dependability are enhanced with a large crank pin, a large capacity oiling system, and an electronic timing system and ECM that controls a DDFI 3 fuel injection system. Combined, these features improve drivability and performance, and reduce service maintenance costs.

  • A 12 Litre Air box

    The large 12 Liter airbox is designed to optimize air intake and accommodate a large easy serviced air filter.

  • Uniplanar Mounting System

    Using two rubber isolators to reduce unwanted vibration and three tie-bars in inhibit lateral movement, the Uniplanar isolation Mounting System decreases rider fatigue while contributing to chassis tortional rigidity for improved handling.

  • Enhanced Air Cooling

    After you turn off a motorcycle, the oil begins to break down, causing potentially harmful engine damage. Unless that motorcycle is a Buell®. The thermostatically-controlled fan continues to cool the oil even after you pull the key. It also has you covered if you happen to get stuck in traffic. It’s one more thing we’ve done to keep the Thunderstorm engine primed for top performance.

Rider Focused Design

  • Ergonomics / seating position

    Everyone feels connected to their bike. But not like this. Tuck your legs into this corner-carver and the line between man and machine starts to get a little fuzzy. The bike seems to respond to mental as well as physical input. Pretty heady stuff.

  • Weight

    At just 395 lbs. dry, the XB12R is extremely lightweight. It feels quick and nimble, and makes cornering transitions effortless.

  • Fairing

    Aerodynamic front fairing provides outstanding rider wind protection while still maintaining a naked exposed view of the 45 deg, V-Twin motor.

  • Footpegs

    The foot peg placement keeps you in an aggressive riding stance to optimize your ability to quickly shift your weight around the bike while still allowing for a comfortable body position that reduces weight and pressure on your hands.

  • Instrument panel

    Clean, simple and made of featherweight magnesium, this classically designed dash features: speedometer, tachometer, odometer, two tripmeters, reserve tripmeter, clock, low fuel light, engine check light, oil pressure warning light, indicator for high beam, turn signals and neutral light.

  • Tail Section

    The rear section is clean and sleek with a passenger seat hidden under an easily removable cowling.

  • Handle Bars

    Clip-on style bars. The riding position helps use your body’s weight to move the bike through turns. Confident and in control, it offers great communication between rider and machine.

  • Windscreen

    Colored windscreens add some style to provide a custom look.

  • Adjustable levers

    With rider comfort in mind - Buell features brake and clutch levers which are adjustable for reach.

  • Durability Features

    Standard frame pucks help prevent costly repairs.

  • Convenience Features

    Tie-down hooks on the tail section make it easy to secure extra gear.