2004 Buell XB12R Firebolt

From Buell's Press Material:

Buell Motorcycle Company offers sportbike riders a wallop of American muscle with the introduction of the Buell Firebolt XB12R, a new model that mates the intuitive handling and innovative technology of the original Firebolt XB9R with a torque-monster engine-a 1203cc air/fan and oil-cooled V-Twin rated at 103 peak horsepower and 84 ft. lbs. of tire-twisting torque.

"We developed the ultimate sportbike architecture around the Firebolt XB9R," said Erik Buell, Chairman and Chief Technical Officer at Buell Motorcycle Company. "With the new engine in the Firebolt XB12R, we offer power that will satisfy the most demanding sport rider. Not just peak horsepower, but the kind of ground-pounding, mid-range torque you can use to accelerate instantly in any situation."

Tuned For Torque

The heart of the new Buell Firebolt XB12R is its XB1200 engine-a 1203cc light-weight 45-degree, air/fan and oil-cooled, fuel-injected V-Twin based on the 984cc engine that debuted in the Firebolt XB9R. The XB12R engine achieves its displacement boost through an increase in stroke, from 3.125 inches to 3.812 inches. Both engines have a bore of 3.5 inches. The compression ratio is 10:1.

To further broaden its torque band, the new XB1200 engine is equipped with Buell InterActive Exhaust. An electronic actuator activates a butterfly valve housed in the muffler to adjust back-pressure by alternating between two gas flow paths. The engine ECM monitors engine speed and throttle position while activating the valve to optimize torque and horsepower for the riding condition. At wide-open throttle, for example, the valve is opened at low rpm to reduce back-pressure so the engine can gain rpm quickly. The valve closes in the mid-range to increase acceleration torque, and then opens again at high rpm to maximize horsepower. Buell InterActive Exhaust enhances the rich, throaty rumble of the Firebolt exhaust tone. 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 14mm pitch 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 XB1200 engine is the same physical size as the XB984 engine, so it offers an even better torque-to-weight ratio. High-flow heads and lightweight valve train give the engine crisp throttle response, but power delivery is smooth and steady, thanks to the engine's broad torque band, Buell InterActive Exhaust, and lash-free belt drive.

The Trilogy of Technology

The Firebolt XB12R is the latest expression of the Buell Trilogy of Tech design philosophy, focused on three elements: frame rigidity, mass centralization, and minimal unsprung weight.

The rigid aluminum frame is a light-weight, multi-functional structure that serves as both a solid foundation for the motorcycle and as a 3.7-gallon fuel reservoir. 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 XB1200 engine. The 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.

The final key to the uncanny agility of the XB12R Firebolt is a chassis geometry that combines a 21-degree fork angle and 83mm of trail with a compact, 52-inch wheelbase. Fifty-two percent of the bike's mass is carried on the front wheel. The result is a sport motorcycle with the quick reflexes of a GP racer, a bike that will flick into a corner instantly and hold a line that other sportbikes can't touch.

Dramatically Sexy, Too

If Firebolt performance and technology are not enough to make its rider the center of attention, its styling will finish the job. With durable Surlyn bodywork offered in either Midnight Black or Racing Red, the XB12R features a Graphite Grey frame and swingarm, Black-and-Amber tail and airbox graphics, Magnesium Tone 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.

All 2004 Buell motorcycles will be covered by a two-year, unlimited mileage warranty replacing the previous one-year warranty.

Premium components. Razor-sharp reflexes. A bottomless supply of torque. The Buell Firebolt XB12R was built to dominate the Sportfighter category.

Buell Motorcycle Company, a subsidiary of Harley-Davidson, Inc., produces sport motorcycles, motorcycle parts, accessories and apparel. To learn more about Buell motorcycles, visit your local Buell dealer today and experience the pure streetfighter attitude, style and performance only found on board a Buell. Call 1-800-490-9635 for the Buell dealer nearest you. Or pull into www.buell.com

XB12R Firebolt images
XB12 engine and chassis detail images
XB12R Firebolt specifications

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