2009 Buell Firebolt® XB12R

1203-cubic centimeter Thunderstorm Engine

• The Thunderstorm® 1203-cubic centimeter, 45-degree V-twin delivers the iconic look, thunderous sound, and power-pulsing feel that only a 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. In fact, you'll find that over 75-percent of the motor's torque is available at just 3,000 rpm. Performance and dependability are enhanced with a large crank pin, a large-capacity oiling system, and an electronic timing system and ECM that control a DDFI 3 fuel injection system. Combined, these features improve drivability and performance while reducing maintenance costs.

A 12-liter Airbox

• The large, 12-liter airbox is designed to optimize air intake and accommodate a large, easy-to-service air filter.

Adjustable Levers

• With rider comfort in mind, Buell features brake and clutch levers that are adjustable for reach.

Buell Intuitive Response Chassis (IRC)

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

Convenience Features

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

Durability Features

• Standard frame pucks help prevent costly repairs.

Enhanced Air Cooling

• As soon as you turn off a motorcycle, the hot oil begins to break down, potentially leading to engine damage. Unless, that is, 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.

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, as the bike seems to respond to mental as well as physical input.

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 – a Buell staple since 1985 – concentrates the weight underneath the chassis to provide greater mass centralization. The result is a clean, uncluttered look, improved flickability and superior handling. In addition – the XB12R features an InterActive™ 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.

Fairing

• The aerodynamic front fairing provides outstanding rider wind protection while still maintaining a naked exposed view of the 45-degree, V-twin motor.

Footpegs

• The footpeg 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 hanDual Sport.

Frame and Swingarm

• Handling is key to everything we do. That’s why our massive frames and swingarms are made of aluminum. Lightweight and extremely rigid, they won’t flex or bend in the corners. Incorporating the nearly four gallon fuel tank into the frame and the oil reservoir into the swingarm also improves handling. By lowering the placement of the fluiDual Sport, the center of gravity shifts downward, which explains why a Buell® flicks so effortlessly through corners.

Front Brake

• Buell Zero Torsional Load (ZTL-2) front brake utilizes a four-pad, eight-piston caliper inspired by the XBRR race motorcycle. A single 375-millimeter 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

• The fully adjustable 43-millimeter Showa® inverted fork features a high performance damping cartridge that lets you adjust the setup 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.

Handlebars

• 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.

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 neeDual Sport replacing, maintenance or adjustments of any kind. In addition, it weighs just 1.06 pounDual Sport, compared to drive chains that weigh four to five pounDual Sport.

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.

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.

Six-spoke Cast Aluminum Wheels

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

Tail Section

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

Tires

• Pirelli® Diablo Corsa III tires feature a three-zone compound for optimum street and track use.

Uniplanar Mounting System

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

Weight

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

WinDual Sportcreen

• Colored winDual Sportcreens add some style to provide a custom look.