2008 Buell Firebolt XB12R

– 2008 Buell Firebolt XB12R

2008 Buell Firebolt XB12R

A premium sportfighter motorcycle, the Firebolt XB12R utilizes a compact wheelbase and race-inspired chassis geometry for nimble, intuitive handling. The 1203cc Buell Thunderstorm V-Twin engine makes 103 peak horsepower at 6800 rpm, and 84 ft. lbs. of peak torque at 6000 rpm, with 75 percent of peak torque available at 3500 rpm. The Buell InterActive Exhaust system utilizes a valve in the dual-chamber muffler that is controlled by the ECM and adjusts exhaust flow according to riding conditions to smooth torque delivery and optimize engine power. The Firebolt features clip-on handlebars for optimal control, an aerodynamic quarter-fairing with dual projector-beam headlamps, and a sleek, covered passenger pillion. The suggested retail price of the Firebolt XB12R has been reduced by $500, to $9,995.

In a convergence of American V-Twin muscle and track-inspired chassis dynamics, the 2008 Buell Firebolt XB12R offers sportbike riders an unrivaled riding experience. Powerful, well-balanced, reliable and also easy to own, the Buell Firebolt is a sport motorcycle designed to take its rider to a new level of performance, whether as a track-day champ or as an exhilarating canyon carving tool. A winner of multiple pro and amateur roadracing championships around the world, the Firebolt was also presented with the coveted “Best Cornering Motorcycle of All Time” award by Britain’s Bike magazine.

The Firebolt XB12R is powered by the air/oil/fan-cooled 1203cc Thunderstorm V-Twin engine tuned to deliver immediate, usable power over a broad rpm range and launch the Firebolt out of corners and down the road. The Buell Trilogy of Technology principles – frame rigidity, low unsprung weight and mass centralization – are employed to give the Firebolt uncanny, intuitively responsive handling. Styled to reveal its pure, mechanical beauty, the Buell Firebolt looks and performs like no other motorcycle on the road.

What’s New on the Firebolt XB12R for 2008
Modifications enhance the performance of the Thunderstorm 1203 V-Twin powertrain, reduce maintenance costs, and allow a redline of 7100 rpm (see separate Thunderstorm release for details)

The Firebolt is pre-wired for installation of accessory heated hand grips, with 18 watts per side and High and Low heat settings.

The instrument panel styling is refreshed and the tachometer reflects the new 7100-rpm redline.

A commemorative Buell 25th Anniversary graphic with Erik Buell’s signature is placed on the upper triple clamp.

Cosmetic frame protectors help reduce damage to the frame in case of a tip-over incident.

A new color choice: Arctic White body panels, Hero Blue Translucid wheels and windscreen, and a Graphite Grey frame.

FEATURES:

Buell Thunderstorm 1203 V-Twin engine
103 peak hp @ 6800 rpm (per SAE J607)
84 ft. lbs. peak torque @ 6000 rpm (per SAE J607)
Buell InterActive Exhaust
New DDFI 3 Electronic Fuel Injection ECM
New eight-row oil cooler with Jiffy-tite fittings
Dry Weight: 395 pounds
Wheelbase: 52 inches
Fully adjustable 43 mm Showa inverted fork
Fully adjustable Showa rear shock absorber
Buell ZTL front brake
Goodyear Hibrex drive belt with Flexten Plus technology
New Cosmetic Frame Protectors
New Pre-Wired for Available Heated Grips
New Instrument Panel Graphics
Pirelli Diablo T tires
New Arctic White/Hero Blue Translucent colors
Commemorative Buell 25th Anniversary badge

SPECIFICATIONS:

Dimensions
Overall Length6 76.20 in. (1935.48 mm)
Overall Width8 28.20 in. (716.28 mm)
Seat Height7 30.50 in. (774.70 mm)
Ground Clearance6 4.35 in. (110.49 mm)
Rake7 (steering head) 21°
Fork Angle7 21°
Lean Angle9:
Soft Contact, Right – 47°
Soft Contact, Left – 47°
Hard Contact, Right – 50°
Hard Contact, Left – 48°
Trail7 3.30 in. (83.82 mm)
Wheelbase6 52 in. (1320.80 mm)
Tires4 (Diablo T):
Front – 120/70 ZR-17
Rear – 180/55 ZR-17
Fuel Capacity 3.82 gal. (14.46 L)
Reserve Fuel Capacity 0.75 gal. (2.84 L)
Fuel Economy2
(EPA urban/highway test)
48/65 mpg (4.90/3.62 L/100 km)
Weight:
Dry Weight 395 lbs. (179.17 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 850 lbs. (385.55 kg)
Load Capacity 391 lbs. (177.35 kg)

Engine
Engine Air/oil/fan-cooled, 4-stroke, 45° V-Twin
Valve Train OHV, two valves per cylinder, self-adjusting
Bore x Stroke 3.50 in. x 3.81 in. (88.90 mm x 96.82 mm)
Displacement 73.40 cu. in. (1202.81 cc)
Compression Ratio 10.0:1
Fuel Delivery 49 mm down draft DDFI III fuel injection
Intake (Air Cleaner for Blast®) Zero-resistance airbox
Exhaust Tuned, tri-pass resonance chamber with
InterActive valve and mass-centralized mounting
Torque (North America per SAE J607) 84 ft. lbs. @ 6000 rpm (113.9 NM @ 6000 rpm)
Horsepower (North America per SAE J607) 103 hp @ 6800 rpm
Lubrication Dry-sump
Oil Capacity 2.50 qts. (2.37 L)
Oil Filtration Screw-on disposable element

Drivetrain
Primary Drive Chain, 1.500:1 (57/38) ratio
Final Drive3 Constant path, 14 mm pitch aramid-reinforced
Goodyear Hibrex® belt with Flexten® Plus technology,
2.407:1 (65/27) ratio
Clutch Wet, multi-plate, compensated, reduced
lever effort
Transmission 5-speed, helical gear
Gear Ratios:
1st 2.648
2nd 1.892
3rd 1.407
4th 1.166
5th 1.000

Chassis4
Frame Aluminum frame with Uniplanar™ powertrain vibration isolation system, fuel in frame
Front Fork 43 mm Showa® inverted forks with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping, and spring preload
Rear Shock Showa® coil-over monoshock with remote, under-seat reservoir and adjustable compression damping, rebound damping, and spring preload
Wheels: Cherry Bomb Translucent or Hero Blue Translucent (new)
Front 6-spoke, ZTL™ cast aluminum,
3.50 in. x 17 in.
(88.90 mm x 431.80 mm)
Rear 6-spoke, cast aluminum,
5.50 in. x 17 in.
(139.70 mm x 431.80 mm)
Brakes:
Front ZTL™-type brake, 6-piston, fixed caliper, 375 mm single-sided, inside-out, stainless steel, floating rotor
Rear Single-piston, floating caliper; 240 mm stainless steel, fixed rotor
Suspension Travel:
Front Wheel = 4.72 in. (1119.89 mm)
Rear Wheel = 5.06 in. (128.52 mm)

Electric
Battery (per Battery Council International Rating) Sealed lead acid, maintenance-free, 12V,
12 amp/hour, 200 cca (per Battery Council International Rating)
Charging 30-amp, permanent magnet, single-phase alternator with solid-state regulator
Starting 1.2 kW electric with solenoid shift starter motor engagement
Lights (as per country regulation):
Headlamp (twin projector beam [H3]) – 55-watt low beam, 55-watt high beam
Tail / Stop Lights – 5W/21W
Turn Signal Lights – 10W manual canceling

Instruments
Electronic speedometer, tachometer, odometer; dual tripmeter; high beam,
neutral, oil, low fuel (plus, odometer shows miles traveled on reserve), turn signal and
engine diagnostic indicator lamps; clock

Colors5
Midnight Black, Arctic White (new)

Warranty
Warranty 24 months (unlimited mileage)
1 Specifications for non-U.S. markets might differ. Buell reserves the right to discontinue
models or change specifications at any time without incurring any obligations. Vehicle
specifications may vary from country to country depending on local laws. Some models are
not available in certain countries.
2 Based on tests conducted under lab conditions per U.S. E.P.A. test procedures. Mileage willvary depending on personal riding habits, weather conditions, trip length and vehicle condition.
3 Hibrex® and Flexten® are registered trademarks of the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.
4 Showa®, Dunlop® and Pirelli® are registered trademarks of their respective owners.
5 Availability may vary from dealer to dealer, and subject to change without notice.
6 Unladen, wet configuration (no rider, all fluids).
7 Laden, wet configuration (design rider, all fluids).
8 Without mirrors.
9 Bottomed-out configuration (100% suspension compression).
2008 specifications1 FIREBOLT ® xb12r

Media Press Release:

BUELL FIREBOLT BLENDS TRACK AND STREET PERFORMANCE
Engine Upgrades Enhance Performance and Durability of 2008 XB12R

EAST TROY, Wis. (July 8, 2007) – In a convergence of American V-Twin muscle and track-inspired chassis dynamics, the 2008 Buell Firebolt XB12R offers sportbike riders an unrivaled riding experience. Powerful, well-balanced, reliable and also easy to own, the Buell Firebolt is a sport motorcycle designed to take its rider to a new level of performance, whether as a track-day champ or as an exhilarating canyon carving tool. A winner of multiple pro and amateur roadracing championships around the world, the Firebolt was also presented with the coveted “Best Cornering Motorcycle of All Time” award by Britain’s Bike magazine.

The Firebolt XB12R is powered by the air/oil/fan-cooled 1203cc Thunderstorm V-Twin engine tuned to deliver immediate, usable power over a broad rpm range and launch the Firebolt out of corners and down the road. The Buell Trilogy of Technology principles – frame rigidity, low unsprung weight and mass centralization – are employed to give the Firebolt uncanny, intuitively responsive handling. Styled to reveal its pure, mechanical beauty, the Buell Firebolt looks and performs like no other motorcycle on the road.

What’s New on the Firebolt XB12R for 2008
Modifications enhance the performance of the Thunderstorm 1203 V-Twin powertrain, reduce maintenance costs, and allow a redline of 7100 rpm (see separate Thunderstorm release for details)

The Firebolt is pre-wired for installation of accessory heated hand grips, with 18 watts per side and High and Low heat settings.

The instrument panel styling is refreshed and the tachometer reflects the new 7100-rpm redline.

A commemorative Buell 25th Anniversary graphic with Erik Buell’s signature is placed on the upper triple clamp.

Cosmetic frame protectors help reduce damage to the frame in case of a tip-over incident.

A new color choice: Arctic White body panels, Hero Blue Translucid wheels and windscreen, and a Graphite Grey frame.

Buell Firebolt XB12R
A premium sportfighter motorcycle, the Firebolt XB12R utilizes a compact wheelbase and race-inspired chassis geometry for nimble, intuitive handling. The 1203cc Buell Thunderstorm V-Twin engine makes 103 peak horsepower at 6800 rpm, and 84 ft. lbs. of peak torque at 6000 rpm, with 75 percent of peak torque available at 3500 rpm. The Buell InterActive Exhaust system utilizes a valve in the dual-chamber muffler that is controlled by the ECM and adjusts exhaust flow according to riding conditions to smooth torque delivery and optimize engine power. The Firebolt features clip-on handlebars for optimal control, an aerodynamic quarter-fairing with dual projector-beam headlamps, and a sleek, covered passenger pillion. The suggested retail price of the Firebolt XB12R has been reduced by $500, to $9,995.

Buell Firebolt XB12R highlights:

Buell Thunderstorm 1203 V-Twin engine
103 peak hp @ 6800 rpm (per SAE J607)
84 ft. lbs. peak torque @ 6000 rpm (per SAE J607)
Buell InterActive Exhaust
New DDFI 3 Electronic Fuel Injection ECM
New eight-row oil cooler with Jiffy-tite fittings
Dry Weight: 395 pounds
Wheelbase: 52 inches
Fully adjustable 43 mm Showa inverted fork
Fully adjustable Showa rear shock absorber
Buell ZTL front brake
Goodyear Hibrex drive belt with Flexten Plus technology
New Cosmetic Frame Protectors
New Pre-Wired for Available Heated Grips
New Instrument Panel Graphics
Pirelli Diablo T tires
New Arctic White/Hero Blue Translucent colors
Commemorative Buell 25th Anniversary badge

Buell Motorcycle Company, a subsidiary of Harley-Davidson, Inc., produces premium sport performance motorcycles, motorcycle parts, accessories and apparel. To learn more about Buell motorcycles, visit your local Buell dealer and experience the aggressive attitude, style and performance only found on board a Buell. For the Buell dealer nearest you, pull into www.buell.com