Engine Upgrades Enhance Performance and Durability of 2008 XB12R.

2008 Buell Firebolt XB12R

Specifications
  • Segment: Array
  • Engine/Motor: Air/oil/fan-cooled, 4-stroke, 45˚ V-Twin
  • Horsepower: 103 HP@ 6800 RPM
  • Torque: 84 lbs/ft@ 6000 RPM
  • Transmission: 5-speed

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.

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.

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

 

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SPECS


Dimensions
Overall Length: 76.20 in. (1935.48 mm)
Overall Width: 28.20 in. (716.28 mm)
Seat Height: 30.50 in. (774.70 mm)
Ground Clearance: 4.35 in. (110.49 mm)
Rake (steering head): 21°
Fork Angle: 21°
Lean Angle:

  • Soft Contact, Right: 47°
  • Soft Contact, Left: 47°
  • Hard Contact, Right: 50°
  • Hard Contact, Left: 48°

Trail: 3.30 in. (83.82 mm)
Wheelbase: 52 in. (1320.80 mm)
Tires (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 Economy (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 Drive: 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



Chassis
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 ): 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

Colors:

  • Midnight Black
  • Arctic White (new)


Warranty
Warranty: 24 months (unlimited mileage)