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2005 Buell XB12R Firebolt: Lightning Quick
I consider myself one of the fortunate journalists
that get to test new motorcycles all year round, primarily because
of my geographical location – Florida, the sun capital of the
world – or should I say, the bike capital of the United States.
But, like most of us, I’m not privileged enough to live on
a canyon road or near the surroundings that resemble the environment
for which some of these sportbikes were created for – that
long, winding road that in a word is motorcycle “nirvana.”
For years I rooted for the concept of an American-made sportbike,
but after testing some Buell products a few years ago and listening
to the constant complaints about quality and service, I sort of put
that idea on hold until a few weeks ago, when I finally got to test
Buell’s new XB12R for the first time. And boy was I surprised,
for this new model mates the intuitive handling and innovative technology
of the original Firebolt XB9R with a torque-monster engine - a new
1203cc lightweight 45 degree, air/fan and oil-cooled fuel-injected
V-Twin rated at 103 peak horsepower and 84 ft. lbs. of tire-twisting
torque. Its entire displacement boost comes through an increase in
stroke, from 3.125 inches to 3.812 inches with a compression ratio
of 10:1.
Torque comes from the big cylinders, of course, but the linearity
of the powerband is due to the fact that this new engine comes equipped
with Buell InterActive Exhaust, thus broadening its torque band by
way of an electronic actuator that activates a butterfly valve in
the muffler to adjust back-pressure by alternating between two exhaust
gas flow paths. The engine computer monitors engine speed and throttle
position while activating the valve to optimize torque and horsepower
for the riding condition. The valve opens at low rpm for the best
flow, and then closes in the midrange for optimum torque before opening
again at high rpm. As part of the system, header pipe diameter is
increased from 1.50 inches to 1.75 inches. The intake throttle body
diameter is increased from 45mm to 49mm, and a stiffer clutch spring
and new Aramid reinforced Hibrex drive belt are fitted to handle
the torque demands of the 1203cc engine. The primary drive ratio
is lowered from 1.68:1 to 1.50:1. Gear ratios in the five-speed transmission
remain unchanged.
The rigid aluminum frame is a light-weight, multi-functional structure
that serves as a solid foundation for the bike as well as a support
for the 3.7-gallon fuel tank. Using the frame to carry fuel significantly
lowers the center of gravity and reduces the moment of inertia, both
of which improve the bike's reaction to rider input. Mass centralization
and a low center of gravity are further enhanced by locating the
muffler below the Firebolt’s engine. A massive aluminum swingarm
doubles as the engine oil reservoir, and is supported by an adjustable
Showa shock absorber.
  
The Buell Zero Torsional Load front brake system feeds
braking forces from a six-piston caliper through a 375mm inside-out
rotor mounted near the wheel rim to virtually eliminate torsional
loads to the front wheel. This permits the use of a light-weight,
six-spoke cast aluminum wheel that significantly reduces unsprung
weight and steering inertia. The front end is suspended by a fully
adjustable 41mm Showa inverted fork.
It surely feels like the best sportbike ever built by Buell; definitely
the smoothest drivetrain I’ve experienced on a sportbike, with
not a hint of abruptness many other injected bikes have when re-applying
the throttle coming out of corners. Simply put, one that will satisfy
the needs of most sport riders, and it’s not just the peak
horsepower, but the ground-pounding, mid-range torque you can command
to accelerate almost instantly in any given situation. I felt comfortable
all the time I was riding -- my average 5’7” body wasn’t
too crumpled up, and the close-coupled riding position on the new
Firebolt didn’t force too much pressure on my wrists, although
it might be different for taller riders, who might get cramped from
the high pegs that offer plenty of ground clearance.
At speeds of up to 80 mph, it’s a smooth cruise, as the engine
turns at just 3800 rpm thanks to a taller primary drive ratio than
fitted to the XB9s, but when you go past that 80 mark, vibration
becomes an issue and could get intrusive, eventually numbing the
rider’s hands. Despite the vibration-isolating engine mounts,
vibration sneaks through the solid-mounted clip-on handlebars and
the firm seat; a skinny butt will get sore after more than an hour
in the saddle.
There are two colors to choose from; either the Racing Red color
that I tested, or Midnight Black. The bike features a Graphite Grey
frame and swingarm, black-and-amber tail and airbox graphics, magnesium-toned
clutch and cam covers, and a wild amber windscreen. The cast aluminum
wheels receive an exclusive, high-gloss translucent paint process
that produces a beautiful amber color with natural variations and
depth. The perforated seat cover completes the premium look.
Though a terrific bike, I would like to see a few changes made or
at least addressed -- the unfinished (non-glossy) inner fairing panels
look inexpensive, the bar control housing and the plastic turn signal
switch looks and feels tacky, the clutch cable rubbed against the
plastic lower fairing, and the yellow-tinted windscreen causes the
yellow fuel light to appear illuminated in daylight.
There’s plenty to like about the XB12R, starting with the
fact that they have totally abandoned the barrel-type key and separate
fork lock of previous models in favor of a regular slot key and integrated
fork lock. The analog instruments with two tripmeters and a clock
are easy to read, and one of my favorites are the wheels with thin
spokes and that translucent amber color that glows in sunlight.
I say this bike is worth considering for many reasons, but at $10,995
with the new two-year unlimited warranty (unlike one-year coverage
for models prior to 2003), plus the comfort and dynamics, and the
uniqueness of riding this proud American bike, makes it worth every
penny. And if you ever felt the power was not cutting it for you,
there are always plenty of aftermarket parts for the engine to make
it DYNOMITE.
All in all, this new Buell XB12R Firebolt is one to think
about, for it not only gives you plenty of fun riding, but you’ll
look plenty good while riding it!
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