Forum post about Buell Firebolt XB12R
I bought my Buell this past summer 2005. It was a leftover and I got a killer deal on it. But that’s beside the point. I have owned many bikes before and I have ridden plenty of sportbikes. This bike is definitely my favorite overall. They have definitely worked out all the kinks in the design.
The XB models are almost perfect. The only downside is it could use a few more horses but that can be easily fixed with a few performance mods.
The handling is phenomenal, and it is much easier to ride than most sportbikes.
I have to say the thing I like the most is the powerband. While my buddies are riding with me, I watch that left foot shifting through the gears, whilst I stay in third the whole time.
The power delivery is great with the belt drive, especially now with the new belt, there’s no maintenance at all. If you get an ‘06, the trans is all redone for much smoother shifting.
Don’t let anyone scare you telling you that Buells are lemons. The XBs are a far cry from the older tube frame models. If you’re looking at the Blasts I don’t know much, but they haven’t changed them yet, so they might have the same problems. But the rest of the lineup is pretty much the same besides riding position and looks.
I have put nearly 10,000 miles on this bike and had only one issue — the electric fan shorted out. It wasn’t that big a deal, but if it had happened out of warranty, it would have been pricey if you don’t work on your bike yourself. Other than that, nothing but fluid changes and primary adjustments.
It’s a great bike, if you like handling, and you’re not going for 190 miles an hour. Definitely check these out.
General
Model: Buell Firebolt XB12R
Year: 2006
Catecory: Sport
Engine and transmission
Displacement: 73.40 ccm (4.48 cubic inches)
Engine type: V2
Stroke: 4
Power: 103.00 HP (75.2 kW)) @ 6800 RPM
Torque: 113.90 Nm (11.6 kgf-m or 84.0 ft.lbs) @ 6000 RPM
Compression: 10.0:1
Bore x stroke: 88.9 x 96.8 mm (3.5 x 3.8 inches)
Starter: Electric
Lubrication system: Dry sump
Cooling system: Oil & air
Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type final drive: Belt
Clutch: Wet, multiplate, compensated, reduced lever effort
Physical measures
Dry weight: 179.2 kg (395.0 pounds)
Overall height: 1,100 mm (43.3 inches)
Overall length: 1,935 mm (76.2 inches)
Overall width: 716 mm (28.2 inches)
Ground clearance: 110 mm (4.4 inches)
Wheelbase: 1,318 mm (51.9 inches)
Chassis and dimensions
Frame type: Aluminium
Rake (fork angle): 21.0°
Trail: 84 mm (3.3 inches)
Front suspension: 120 mm (4.7 inches)
Front suspension travel: 129 mm (5.1 inches)
Rear suspension: Showa® Fully adjustable, coil-over monoshock with remote, underseat reservoir
Rear suspension travel: 129 mm (5.1 inches)
Front tyre dimensions: 120/70-ZR17
Rear tyre dimensions: 180/55-ZR17
Front brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes: Single disc
Speed and acceleration
Power/weight ratio: 0.5749 HP/kg
Other specifications
Fuel capacity: 14.45 litres (3.82 gallons)
Color options: Midnight Black/Racing Red/ Thrust Blue
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March 23rd, 2007 at 3:15 am
i have an xb12 also and im tring to find the original race exhaust but no luck and i was wonderdin if you have modified your exhaust yet i heard that it is possible to tig weld an outlet on the right side and the inproved exit lets it breath better which adds extra hp & torque do you have any insite ?
March 27th, 2007 at 7:14 pm
hello,
no i have not..
i like the new bike just like they are! they look bretty good as they gome from the factory:)
but if you will find enything, you must tell me, i will consider the oppritunety.
thanks
crew of bikeintro.com
June 27th, 2007 at 5:45 am
I have the 2006 buell xb12r firebolt, and I love it. The acceleration is insane, the cornering is awesome…and this bike will pull right off the ground so far in any gear (but I’m a 135 lb 16 yr old ). I’ve got the racing exhaust stage 1, and it sounds great. Overall from the looks of the bike I love being able to see my V2 engine as compared to the other jap bikes with plastics covering them up.
The only downside, even though I have never maxxed out on the top speed, is I wish there was a 6th gear (They are really expensive though, from what I’ve researched). I’ve had an easy 135 mph in 5th gear at about 5250 rpms, and I would be very confident that It is possible to have the bike rolling up to at least 150 mph before hitting the rev’ limiter.
And P.S. the Harley Davidson Night Rod is NOT faster than the buell xb12r…it may be close but it is not. (thats my dads bike, he always says he is faster…)
July 11th, 2007 at 2:12 pm
Hi Bryan,
I understand you wish to Max out the top speed, but i know this, that if you own a V-motor, then it’s not very much. Because, the V-engine do not have the Power near the end.. the scale will drop faster then eny
japanese R4 motor. V engine has more power from the ground zero, and from the low.. thats the pleasure of this kind of a engine…
But XB12R is one of my favorite engines.. i don’t have eny bad words for it:)
SO godspeed to ya
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Crew of bikeintro.com