The Buell Firebolt has been evolving in parallel with the 1125R and in 2010 we find it being characterized by the same qualities as the American company’s superbike model: light weight, razor-sharp agility and torque-rich V-Twin powerplant. These make a potent canyon carver out of this apparently innocent model, but in fact there is much more to it. Buell created the Firebolt for real-world and race track performance, while the unique styling and aggressive ergonomics are meant to deliver intuitive sport bike riding performance at the highest level.

buell-firebolt-xb12r

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: buell-firebolt-xb12r

2010 Buell Firebolt XB12R

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2010 Buell Firebolt XB12R
  • Engine/Motor: Thunderstorm 1203 air/oil/fan-cooled, 4-stroke, 45 degree V-twin
  • Horsepower: 103 hp @ 6800 rpm
  • Torque: 114 Nm @ 6,000 rpm
  • Transmission: 5-speed, Helical gear design
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array


PRESS RELEASE

BUELL CONTINUES TO PUSH SPORTBIKE RIDING LIMITS
New Lightning® CityX XB12SX brings more power to the streets


The Buell® riding experience embodies radical designs and intuitive performance that rewards uncompromising riders. From the race track to the back road, a Buell® motorcycle will take any path necessary to put its rider out front because Buell believes a deep bond between rider and machine is the essence of motorcycling.

Buell maintains its defiant stance in 2010 with a versatile line-up of motorcycles designed to inspire riders to achieve ultimate performance. For the street, the 1125CR™ café racer with new upright handlebars, and the extended XB Lightning® line-up for Europe – including the new Lightning® CityX XB12SX motorcycle – are now packing more style and power than ever. In the sportbike category, in a nod to Buell’s increasing victories and success on track, riders will see even more of Buell’s convention-breaking liquid-cooled 1125R™. For adventures that go way beyond the road, the Ulysses® XB12 range sees various upgrades make it the most exhilarating ride yet.

“The story of Buell® motorcycles shows that great things can happen with creativity, vision and hard work,” said Erik Buell, Chief Technical Officer, Buell Motorcycle Company. “A dream that started with a few of us getting our hands dirty in garages and on racetracks in the 1980s is now providing riders with quality American-built motorcycles and winning at the top levels of AMA Pro Racing.”

In 2010 Buell continues to focus on the ride with the addition of features like front brake master cylinder piston seals and rotor mountings, LED taillights and rear turn signals, oxygen sensors and tyres, as well as new graphics and bodywork. Whether it’s the 1125cc Helicon® liquid-cooled, four-stroke, fuel-injected 72-degree V-Twin engine or the 1203cc Thunderstorm™ air/oil/fan-cooled, four-stroke, fuel-injected 45-degree V-Twin engine, Buell blends original design with productive power and dynamic performance for a light and tight ride.

Always willing to challenge conventional motorcycle design with leading edge innovations like fuel in the frame, oil in the swing arm or a perimeter-mounted front brake, Buell continues to give its riders what they want in a performance sport bike. The Buell Trilogy of Technology principles of low unsprung weight, mass centralisation and chassis rigidity have long guided the Buell ruthless approach to motorcycle engineering. This approach ensures that riding a Buell motorcycle is a fully satisfying experience, whether weaving through the city streets, taking on a tight corner on the track, or tackling off road terrain.

2010 Buell Highlights


Out in the Street

For those looking for a bike with agile handling, as well as serious torque and acceleration for real urban power, MY10 sees the introduction of the new Lightning® CityX XB12SX. Receiving its debut in Europe, the XB12SX marries the sheer power of the Thunderstorm™ 1203cc V-Twin engine with Buell’s popular Lightning CityX XB9SX chassis and suspension, inspired by the needs of today’s urban rider. Delivering a whopping 104 Nm/ 77 ft lbs of torque, the bike is available in Valencia Orange Translucent & Hero Blue Translucent, both with black wheels.

Meanwhile the Lightning® CityX XB9SX, is readier than ever for a street fight, with the broad, smooth power of its Thunderstorm™ 984 V-Twin engine, wind deflectors, frame pucks, headlight grille, airbox cover X-guard and new Designer Black wheels. Features such as the upright rider position, wide Supermoto style handle bars and intuitive handling help the Lightning CityX XB9SX and XB12SX dodge through back streets and effortlessly pull away from the traffic – enabling the ultimate urban riding experience.

Buell® XB Lightning® streetfighters, powered by an air/oil/fan-cooled Thunderstorm V-Twin engine, have a ferocious look with new airbox cover graphics added to blacked-out frame, forks, engine and other components. Lightning XB models receive new oxygen sensor with updated calibration, fuel pump and sensor, front brake piston seal and LED taillight, and front and rear turn signals. The XB12Ss with supermoto-inspired long suspension has size, comfort and convenience, and the Lightning® XB12Scg road-hugging suspension for a low centre of gravity.

As a modern café racer, the Buell® 1125CR™ motorcycle is powered by a 146-hp, liquid-cooled Helicon® 1125 V-Twin engine with Buell Intuitive Response Chassis (IRC), new upright tapered aluminium streetfighter handlebar, and new graphics to deliver top sportbike handling in style. Final-drive gearing optimises acceleration and performance, along with new water pump bearing, front brake piston seals and rear wheel bearings and axle. The 1125CR will be available in Arctic White, Midnight Black or new Racing Red bodywork.

Taking it to the Track

Whether on the street or the track, Buell® sportbikes are engineered for high levels of performance and handling – providing a ride no less exhilarating than a bike built specifically for racing. This is perfectly illustrated by the Buell® 1125R™. European sport performance riders will see more of this convention-breaking, large capacity sport motorcycle in 2010. With its 72 degree liquid-cooled V-Twin 1125cc BRP-Rotax® engine – exclusively designed to Buell specifications; all-new Buell IRC (Intuitive Response Chassis) - the stiffest chassis ever offered by Buell; Quiet Zone™ aerodynamics; and fully-adjustable Showa® piggyback suspension, the 1125R™ motorcycle offers power, torque, handling and agility that takes its owner to a new level of riding experience. Available in Arctic White, Racing Red or Midnight Black bodywork and with distinctive styling that leaves many of its mechanical components exposed, the bike has a uniquely aggressive look. This is further enhanced by an athletic riding position allowin
g for unparalleled comfort whilst in pursuit of superior street or track performance.

On and off road


The sport-touring Buell® Ulysses® XB12XT and the versatile, all-road Ulysses® XB12X are equally exhilarating rides in the Buell Adventure Sportbike category. Both Ulysses models feature a new right-side air scoop, fan shroud, header shield, and ECM calibration that work together to reduce heat and improve rider comfort.

Light and agile on any kind of road, the Ulysses XB12X is equipped with a broad, usable Thunderstorm™ 1203cc V-Twin engine, rugged protective features like frame pucks, headlight grille and wind deflectors. The XB12X has a new blacked out Phantom Metallic frame, swingarm, and footrest supports, and triple clamps, as well as new Sunfire Yellow bodywork and smoked windscreen. The Ulysses XB12XT is ready to carve the continents on new Pirelli® Angel ST tyres with side and top cases, heated grips and a tall windscreen. Both Ulysses models feature the patented Triple Tail™ system that adjusts between three functional positions.

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SPECIFICATIONS


Engine and Transmission

Engine Thunderstorm 1203 air/oil/fan-cooled, 4-stroke, 45 degree V-twin
Displacement 73.4 cu in (1,203 cc)
Bore 3.5 in. (88.9 mm)
Stroke 3.812 in. (96.82 mm)
Peak Torque per SAE J607, North America 84 ft-lb (114 Nm)
Peak Torque RPM per SAE J607, North America 6,000
Peak Horsepower per SAE J607, North America 103 hp (77 kW)
Peak Horsepower RPM per SAE J607, North America 6,800
Compression Ratio 10.0:1
Mileage per US EPA Urban Trace, CITY6
48 mpg (4.9 l/100 km)
Mileage per US EPA HIGHWAY Fuel Economy Test6
65 mpg (3.6 l/100 km)
Intake Zero-resistance airbox

Primary Drive Type Chain
Primary Drive Ratio 1.500 (57/38)
Secondary Drive Type7
Constant path, 14mm pitch aramid reinforced Hibrex(R) belt with Flexten(R) Plus technology.
Secondary Drive Member Pitch Length (# of Teeth or # of Links) 128
Secondary Drive Ratio 2.407 (65/27)
Transmission type 5-speed, Helical gear design
Transmission Ratio, 1st 2.648
Transmission Ratio, 2nd 1.892
Transmission Ratio, 3rd 1.407
Transmission Ratio, 4th 1.166
Transmission Ratio, 5th 1
Transmission Ratio, 6th

Chassis and Dimensions

Front Brake ZTL-2 (tm) Braking System
Front Rotor and Caliper Configuration 8-piston, fixed caliper. Single-sided, inside-out, floating rotor.
Front Rotor Size, OD 14.77 in. (375 mm)
Number of Front Brake Rotors 1
Rear Rotor and Caliper Configuration Single-piston, floating caliper. Fixed rotor.
Rear Brake
Rear Rotor Size, OD 9.45 in. (240 mm)
Rear Suspension Type and Configuration Fully adjustable (adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload), coil-over monoshock with remote, underseat reservoir.
Front Suspension Type and Configuration Fully adjustable (adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload) inverted forks.
Front Fork Slider Tube Diameter 1.69 in. (42.9 mm)
Fork Lock Availability (true or false) True
Suspension Travel, Front Wheel, Along Fork Line 4.72 in. (120 mm)
Suspension Travel, Rear Wheel, Vertical 5.06 in. (129 mm)

Lean Angle at Full Suspension Compression, Soft Contact, Left (degrees)8
47°
Lean Angle at Full Suspension Compression, Soft Contact, Right (degrees)8
47°
Lean Angle at Full Suspension Compression, Hard Contact, Left (degrees)8
48°
Lean Angle at Full Suspension Compression, Hard Contact, Right (degrees)8
50°

Frame Aluminum frame with Uniplanar Powertrain vibration isolation system - FUEL IN FRAME
Swingarm Description Cast aluminum swingarm with detachable brace. OIL IN SWINGARM.

Overall Length 276.2 in. (1,935 mm)
Seat Height, Laden 330.5 in. (775 mm)
Seat Height, Unladen 31.9 in. (810 mm)
Overall Width without mirrors428.1 in. (714 mm)
Ground Clearance, Unladen24.35 in. (110 mm)
Rake (Steering Head Angle) at Ride Height (degrees) 21
Fork Angle at Ride Height (degrees) 21
Trail at Ride Height 3.3 in. (84 mm)
Wheelbase, Unladen 52 in. (1,321 mm)
Fuel Capacity, Total 3.82 gal. (14.5 l)
Fuel Capacity 0.75 gal. (2.8 l)
Oil Capacity 52.5 qt. (2.4 l)
Dry Weight 395 lb. (179 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 850 lb. (386 kg)
Load Carrying Capacity 379 lb. (172 kg)

Wheels and Tires

Tire Brand and Model, Front Pirelli Corsa III
Tire Brand and Model, Rear Pirelli Corsa III
Tire Size Designator, Front 120/70 ZR-17
Tire Size Designator, Rear 180/55 ZR-17
Wheel Type, Front 6-spoke, ZTL, cast aluminum front wheel.
Wheel Type, Rear 6-spoke, cast-aluminum rear wheel.
Wheel Size, Front (width x dia) (in) 3.5x17
Wheel Size, Rear (width x dia) (in) 5.5x17

Electrical

Battery Type and Specifications Sealed Lead Acid, maintenance-free, 12-volt, 12 amp-hour (per Battery Council International rating), 200 cca.
Charging System Specifications 30-amp max permanent magnet single-phase alternator with solid-state regulator (405 watts@3,000 rpm, 405 watts peak)
Starter System Specifications 1.2 kW electric with solenoid shift starter motor engagement
Headlamp Type and Wattages (high, low and position lamp) Twin-projector beam (H3). 55-watt low beam, 55-watt high beam. 3-watt position lamp (EUR, ENG, JPN, AUS).
Tail Light Wattages (stop and running) .55W for tail light, 5W for stop light
Turn Signal Lights Type (manual or self-canceling) and Wattage Manual canceling, 10w.
License Plate Lamp Wattage 5w

Miscellaneous

Windscreen or Flyscreen

U.S. MSRP

Sunfire Yellow $10,299
Midnight Black $10,299

Color Options

Midnight Black, Racing Red, Arctic White/Black

Colors/Finishes/Graphics

Body Work (molded in color) Sunfire Yellow, Midnight Black Frame Phantom Metallic
Wheels Hero Blue Translucent (on Midnight Black body) or Midnight Black (on Sunfire Yellow body)

Model Highlights


  • New Sunfire Yellow color choice
  • New Master cylinder piston seals for improved brake feel
  • New LED taillight
  • New Clear-lens front and rear turn signals
  • New Thin-film airbox graphics and fly cut brake logos
  • New Second oxygen sensor and updated EFI
  • calibration improves fuel economy and drivability
  • Buell® ZTL2™ four-pad, eight-piston front brake
  • Blacked-out engine, frame, forks and other components
  • Pirelli Diablo Corsa III tires
  • Cosmetic frame protectors
  • Clip-on style handlebar
  • Aerodynamic front fairing with tinted windscreen
  • Perforated textured seat
  • Removable tail cowl over passenger seat
  • Dual projector-beam headlamps
  • Aggressive, athletic riding position
  • Key Features


  • Buell Thunderstorm® 1203cc air/oil/fancooled 45-degree V-Twin engine with DDFI 3 Electronic Fuel Injection ECM
  • Fuel in Frame Intuitive Response Chassis
  • Rigid cast-aluminum swingarm doubles as engine oil reservoir
  • Eight-row oil cooler with Jiffy-tite fittings
  • Goodyear® Hibrex® final drive belt with Flexten Plus technology with a constant-tension pulley for smoother on/off throttle transitions
  • Underslung Buell InterActive Exhaust
  • 6-spoke, cast aluminum wheels
  • Steel braided brake lines
  • Fully adjustable 43 mm Showa® inverted fork
  • Fully adjustable Showa® rear shock absorber
  • Adjustable hand controls