| Author | Message | ||
     Anonymous |
O.K. here's the deal. I've been shopping around for a bike, for the past couple of years. I am now getting close to the point, financially, where I can make a purchase, finally. Well I think I have found the one I want....the XB9S, yes "S" not "R". Since the bikes are going to be pretty much identical performance wise, my question is to 9R owners. What do you think? Give me all the juicy details. IS the motor lacking in power, or rather does it feel like it lacks power? That seems to be a popular topic of debate on this site. I personally would like a few more ponies, and will eventually mke the mods to get some. But how does the motor feel stock. Give me the straight facts. Does it wheelie freely? If you crank it open will it roast the tires? I have read articals on the bike and they say "it handles great, the seat is this high, the motor has this much horse power, this much torque, blah blah blah." I want to know from guys who ride em every day, just what is the fun factor. Will I have a shit eatin grin when I get off one? Will I dream about cranking one open every night when I sleep at night? Or are you guys feeling like you wish there was a little more beef under the bun? And you guys that do have one, what have you ridden to compare it to? Well I could go on and on. Please spare no detail. Help me in my time of descision...Thanx | ||
| Fasteddieb |
If you want to shoot me your email address, I can send you a 1,000 mile impression report. As to the power, it probably depends on what you're used to. If you're coming off a high perf. jap bike, it'll probably feel "soft". When I was playing around in N. GA, the combination of hp and torque felt just about right to me. I like being able to nail it when exiting a corner without worrying about losing traction. Or getting on it between tight curves without scaring myself on the entry to the next curve. That said, I do have a race kit on order - a little more hp/torque couldn't hurt. Then again, I'm 53 and my "wuss factor" has been gradually increasing over the years! Photo from the turnaround at Deal's Gap.  | ||
| Darthane |
Anony, You'll notice, after reading comments about the XB series motor's performance, that the people who have one, LOVE it. The people who don't bitch about the 'lack of power'. As Fasteddieb pointed out, it will greatly depend on what you're used to. The engine isn't as torquey as the tubeframers, but make no mistake, when you twist the throttle the thing GOES. Granted, I weigh in at a whopping 135 pounds after dinner, but even my buddy with a Cyclone, who's quite a bit bigger than me, likes the Firebolt. I have the race kit on mine, and it is a dramatic improvement that the dyno sheets do not do justice to (mine pulled 82.7HP and 66.2ft/lbs uncorrected). I never fail to have a smile on my face while riding and afterwards. Come to think of it, even before the mere thought of taking my 'bolt out makes me grin. Go to a Buell dealer and take a test drive on one. You'll be hooked, especially if they've got some nice twisties you can carve around. The handling on this bike is mind-boggling. Bryan | ||
| Reepicheep |
Wasn't there a post a while back here that showed the stock XB9R beating a stock X1 pretty consistently on the drag strip (quarter mile I think). This suprised me... if true it says a lot. | ||
| Court |
Fasteddieb: Please post that 1,000 mile impression here as well. Court | ||
| Starr |
In my garage are a '00 Aprilia Mille RSV, a '92 Ducati 900SS, and an '03 XB9R. Guess which one has been accumulating the most mileage recently? Yup, the Firebolt. Most fun to ride, and fastest through the corners. | ||
| Fasteddieb |
I think I posted it to another thread, but here goes: My Buell Firebolt is about to go in for it's 1,000 mile service. Impressions so far: 1) Motor: Though some of the cycle mags have berated the Firebolt for it's archaic lump of an engine, it feels fine to me. Power seems on par with a Ducati 900SS or the typical oilhead BMW - 92 rated hp with about 78 to the rear wheel. It might have to strain to keep up with the K12's on 120+ mph sweepers, but for "normal" riding is feels fine, the torque allowing it to pull with authority. The fuel injection seems well sorted out - the only flaw I've noticed is an occasional "hiccup" when accelerating from a stop when the engine is cold - it's only happened twice. Rubber mounting keeps the vibrations in check - again, the vibration is reminiscent of a boxer BMW, not at all like the Sportster I owned for a few years back in the late 80's. The vibration is never objectionable. A race kit is rumored to be in the offing, with different exhaust, ECM and air filter for maybe an extra 10hp. More is always better! 2) Transmission: five speeds is enough, thank you, and shifting seems quick and positive with nicely spaced ratios. Haven't found any false neutrals to date. 3) Handling: Can't really say, due to lack of twisties around here. Feels very "planted" - at 200 lbs. less than the K12 control inputs seem more positive. Will have to wait to get it to N. GA for a real report. 4) Ride: A little firm as delivered. I went down one "step" in compression front and rear and it seems a nice compromise. There's a very clear and comprehensive section in the owner's handbook about how to adjust the suspension. Both front and rear are adjustable for preload, compression and rebound damping. 5) Brakes: The front rim-mounted brake takes maybe 30% less effort than the K12 for a similar effect (the bike's lower weight could contribute to that, of course). Rear brake feels a bit "dead" - similar to the K12 but firmer. 6) Reliability: No issues in the first 1,000 miles. While that seems trivial, most of my BMW's (with the exception of the K12) have had some teething problems early on. As Motorcyclist said, "Nothing broke, burned or fell off...and that's saying something".The front brake makes a "tick-tick-tick" noise on light application, but the Bad Weather Bikers website (www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/board.html - more on that later) indicates that it's a common "problem" or trait. 7) Ergonomics: Not all that bad. Bars are probably comparable to the early "non-comfort" bars on the K12. Pegs are very high, but that's never bothered me. The stock seat is terrible - a "custom" seat is available (for $149) and I've ordered one. If that doesn't do it, I'll send the stocker to Sargent. Another company is working on bar risers. 8) Controls: Clutch is a bit heavier than the K12, but not an issue. Everything else (turn signals, starter, throttle, lights, etc.) seem logically placed. The bike mags called the mirrors "useless" but they're no worse than other sportbikes I've ridden - I juist need to tuck my elbows to see directly behind me. 9) Instruments: Nice looking and very nicely backlit at night. I've never cared for digital odometers (I like to look at the odometers on parked bikes) but this one is nice. A button toggles it through Odometer/Trip 1/Trip 2/Time/Miles since reserve. The two trip meters can put to rest the ongoing debate Pete Lewis and I have had about the proper use of a TRIP-meter (he seems to think it has something to do with trips!) When the low fuel light goes on the display automatically switches to miles traveled since the light came on - nice. 10) Mileage: About 50 mpg both during break-in and the subsequent 3 tanks. The <smallish> 3.7 gal "tank" (fuel is in the frame) allows for 130 to 140 miles before the low-fuel light comes on. At that point it appears that between 1 and 1 1/2 gallons remain, which would be good for another 50+ miles. 11) Final Drive: The belt is great - really NO "snatch" at all. My K1200RS has quite a bit of driveline "slop" that I've gotten used to over time. It's a treat to feel the throttle so directly linked to the pavement. The belt is almost entirely enclosed, at least it's upper and lower runs. That should decrease the possibility of a rock or road debris wedging into the rear pulley and causing problems. The belt and idler pulley get replaced at 15,000 mile intervals. With the tensioner no adjustment is required (or possible) 12) Lighting: Brighter than the K12 as delivered. Well-focused "projector" lenses. 13) Price/Value: I was surprised to find that lots of people on the Buell site think the Firebolt is overpriced. I looked at the components (Verlicchi frame, Brembo brakes and swingarm, Showa full-adjustable suspension) and put it in a Bimota-type class. Viewed that way, $9,995 seems like a loss-leader bargain. On the other hand, there's no waiting list around here, and new ones seem to be cropping up on eBay for less than list. Odds and Ends: 1) The exhaust exits just below and behind the rider's left peg. Not an issue unless you "paddle" along (I rarely do, except when backing) or straighten your legs to stand up at a light. In that case you feel the exhaust pulsing against your ankle, but it doesn't seem hot enough to be an issue. 2) The brackets for the passenger pegs come off with 2 bolts a side leaving no visible bracketry behind. The rear aspect of the bike is very "clean" with no exhasut blocking the view. 3) The blue (or white) colors are not painted on - the plastic itself is blue or white all the way through. I'm not sure how surface or deeper scratches will get handled. 4) The rear cylinder is completely hidden and uses a <noisy> fan to keep it cool in slow, and not so slow, going. The fan also comes on when the bike is turned off, on high for a minute or so, then on low for another couple of minutes. Bystanders DO comment. The fuel pump is also noisy when the ignition is first turned on, and gets noisy again when the fuel level gets low. 5) Oil level is checked via a dipstick in the swingarm. No measurable consumption in the first 1,000 miles. 6) Routine maintenance seems straightforward. Once the seat is off (2 screws) the "tank" cover somes off with 4 more screws. Then a few clips and you're looking at the air filter. Compare this with the not-so-minor sub-assembly required on the K12. OTOH, replacing the drive belt invloves dropping the swingarm <since confirmed as false>, and I've heard rumors that getting at the rear cylinder spark plug requires dropping the engine <also false> (I'm still waiting for the service manual I ordered to confirm this). Someone on the Buell board mentioned that pivoting the engine down is 15-minute procedure <also also false>, so that might not be such a big deal) 7) It's been interesting and enlightening to visit another site regularly (I know Vic went through this on the 'busa site). It's common knowledge on the K12 <www.i-bmw.com>and IBMWR <www.ibmwr,com> sites that Buells suck. On the Buell sites you find people every bit as enamored of their Buells as we are of our K12's. Rather than bitch and moan about their bikes, they seek solutions to maintenance and reliability issues much like we do. Like our site, there are some complaining malcontents, but most are there to share their love of the marque. So far I'm having fun on the bike, even in <boring and rainy> S. Florida. Within a month the bike should be at it's new home in N GA. If you head south from my house on Highway 60 you're rapidly in GREAT mountain roads (TWO in Suches, GA is on Highway 60). If the bike is still in one piece I'll try to bring it to DGRIII <a BMW K1200RS rally in late Sept. near Deal's Gap> (if I'm allowed). Hopefully I won't be ready to give it away by then!  | ||
| Darthane |
Reepicheep, Not sure if you're referring to my drag strip posts or not, but my race kitted Firebolt kicks the tail of the modifed X1 my buddy rides (V&H, ECM, Forcewinder). Even stock I think the 'bolt could have held it's own, so I'm reasonably sure a stock 'bolt could outpull a stock X1 on the strip. Bryan | ||
| Court |
Mr. Benson: Wow....wow.....wow! I LOVED that report. This bike is everything Erik & Co. promised and more! Thank you for a detailed and interesting account of the first 1,000. The part about "nothing fell off. . ", in my mind, is a tribute, by the folks at Buell, to attention to detail. THANKS! Court | ||
| Daves |
I have a blue one available! It's the last one I have in stock! Been selling them fast. Ride to the edge! Dave HD/Buell Cycle Center Waterloo Iowa 1-800-342-7539 ext 14 | ||
| Reepicheep |
Thats what I was thinking about Darthene... thanks. | ||
| Blake |
DaveS, You give a ten percent discount to BadWeBrs right? ![:]](http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/clipart/proud.gif) | ||
| Daves |
Well, on anything but the bikes! Not much room on them. Good point though. Ride to the edge! Dave HD/Buell Cycle Center 4022 Sergeant Rd Waterloo Ia 50701 1-800-342-7539 ext 14 | ||
| Blake |
C'mon, go for it... make it up in volume.   | ||
| Rocketman |
I saw the little Bolt, in blue, last week. First time I'd seen one 'on the road'. It does look way cool. I'm wanting to ride one and I'm sure it won't dissapoint. However, I've no desire to own one. See, I'm a huge fan of the S1's, period. I find it the best looking motorcycle around, still. I get turned on by weird things like Sachs Beast's and Munch Mammoths. Concept stuff, all that, Quasars, Customs whatever. If ever you get the chance get hold of a copy of Dream Bikes by Alan Cathcart, my kinda bikes litter this book. I like the look of that weird streetfighter Bimota thing too. You know the one, the naked one based on the Tesi leftovers. It still features the hub centre steering of the original Bimota creation. Too cool. Oh well I forget its name now. Virus or something ? So to me it's important that a bike looks awesome. When Buell brought out the S1's, mixing a V twin lump I liked with the best looking 'Fighter' motorcycle, I was hooked instantly. It looked awesome, no question, all it had left to do was GO better than any of my Sportsters did, both of those been a little hotter than stock. Of course, when funds were sorted I got the S1W. It had the looks and the GO. As for the little Bolt, I asked Aaron a couple of days ago about his opinions of the little Bolt, and he wrote me something that made me really glad to own my S1W. So without Aarons permission, but it needed to be shared with you all honest....... I dunno, Rocket, the Firebolt just doesn't float my boat. Yeah, it's all refined and has some trick technology here and there, but man, I like HOT ROD bikes. Bikes with an attitude, crude and rude, that shake and snarl and pound the ground and look like they're ready to pounce, even sitting still. Like your S1......... Thanks Aaron, if I read something like that in a road test, that alone would probably sell me the bike!! As for Anony, reading between the lines, I'd say ya should blag a ride on a well sorted 'hot' S1 before you take the Firebolt deal, unless of course, the 'look' of the Bolt does it for you. Great luck whatever you do  Rocket | ||
| Blake |
One of each please. XB9R for track duty, my M2 for the street. | ||
| Two_Buells |
Firebolt @ 4000 miles: First to make this short I'd like to ditto what Fasteddieb said. My impressions.... This bike is just TOO MUCH FUN! The riding position is just a little aggressive for me, But I like it! (I still don't know why I put my 5’11” 225 lbs body through this torture) I thought my S1 was an aggressive riding position but when I ride the S1 now, it feels like a chopper with ape hangers. (and my S3 feels like a chopper with REALLY HIGH ape hangers and my feet dragging on the ground) Back to the XB9R…. As for horsepower, Don’t believe what you read in the Moto rags. This bike cooks! Take one out for a test ride and make your shift points around 7000 rpms. You see the ground going by VERY FAST! Compared to my S1….When I blast down the street with my 85 hp race kitted S1 I can feel the rear tire ripping the pavement while shifting into second and the front tire skimming off the ground. It’s a great feeling, raw, naked, hot rod, American type horsepower but, the XB already flew by…like a bullet…….! Handling….The XB is the most sensitive bike I’ve ever ridding. The bike just talks to me. Push me harder, push me harder…… (not x rated) I have never felt the confidence that this bike gives me. I have never entered corners with such speed! Back to the sensitive part….The XB is very responsive to adjustments. Follow the owners manual or the aggressive suspension settings guide in the latest Battle 2win and take a Sat afternoon and set-up the bike. The only issues I’ve had so far is the front brake pad wear. I just bought another set. I might get another 1000 miles (total 5000) out of my first set. It might just be my riding. I’m diving deeper into corners, braking really hard and dragging (trail braking) my brakes through the corners. I used to get 8,000 to 10,000 miles out of the front pads on my other Buells. | ||
| Court |
Mike: Excellent report and your ability makes it all the more credible. The brake pad wear, I am guessing here, is to be expected. I mean look at the simple physics of the rotor diameter. My advice would be to get good at changing them. Thanks for the "smile of the day", I'm shuttling these reports to folks who smile much wider than I. Court | ||
| Captainplanet |
Here is my very early report. 200 miles since last Friday. The new firebolt is great. This thing turns by justing thinking about where you want to go. I have been completely comfortable with the handling of the bike, it just works. I love this bike in town. I just came from a jap bike that you had to rev the piss out of to go anywhere, so the low rpm power of the firebolt is great. The brakes are very strong. Mine did the click click click thing for the first 100 miles or so on the front brake, but that seems to have gone away now. I very suprised at how much wind protection the bike offers. I too, have a problem with the reach on the clutch lever. It is very far away from the grip. I will try to find on with less of a bend to replace it with. On the other side, the brake handle is adjustable. It works great. When the bike first heated up enough for the fan to come on (like in 5 minutes of run time here in Texas in 100 degree weather), I thought, wow this fan is loud. Now I am used to it. The right side of the frame gets really hot on the inside of your leg. I wonder if some exhaust wrap will help with that? The fuel injection has been flawless as long as I let the bike warm up for a few minutes (2 to 3). I just idle around my neighborhood for a few minutes before taking to the streets. The suspension works well. On rough areas of road where my previous bike would try to throw you, this bike is smooth. So far, I am thrilled with this bike. I can't wait to get it broken in. Jeff | ||
| Archer |
Hey Captain Planet, I live here i Houston but love riding. We've got a pretty good bunch of guys that love to ride. We ought to hook up sometime and rip some pavement. Turned over 2200 miles on my Bolt' and I've had it three weeks!!! Thanks Ross Republic H-D/Buell | ||
| Kcfirebolt |
3100 miles in 100 days Hi folks, I would like to confirm what others have already said. My experience has been very similar. It is almost as if I had written a few of these posts. I am a little different in that this is the first bike I have ever owned (please be kind to the old squid). First, this bike has met or exceeded every expectation I have had for the sport of motorcycling. I have been staring into the window of motorcycling for over 20 years (I'm 31), watching all of the other people having so much fun. Now I am on the inside. From the first ride (home from the dealeship), this bike latched onto my DNA and completed me. Sounds corny, but with every curve, the bike provided me with the confidence to enjoy the sensations. And as a rookie, the bike makes me feel like a hero even while I was "driving Miss Daisy" for the first 1000 miles. Over the past 2000 miles, my skills have evolved noticably. Second, the power is nothing like I expected. I had ridden several inline fours and loved the fact that they were zippy, kind of like my Miata. The Firebolt is not zippy, more like a tractor on crack. Twist the throttle and it is like the hand of God starts pushing you in the back. Nothing violent, but very firm, purposeful, and intense. I think that this has been good for my developing skills. I read that one Buell racer has his Firebolt bored out to 1350cc, so if I ever want more power, it appears that it can be had. I too had ticking from the front rotor. I feel like the back brake is improving with use. The seat is a rack after 250 miles. I hope to buy the custom this fall. I'd live to hear feedback from others as to whether or not it is worth it. Fabulous lights. As good as my car's. The Buell tankbag is a must have if you ride long distances. Fill it up, and it gives you something to lean into. Takes a lot of weight off of your wrists, and it is not really in your field of view unless you want it to be. I hope to own and ride lots of different motorcycles in the coming years, but I believe that if I had to keep this bike for the next ten years, I probably couldn't exceed its limits. KCFirebolt | ||
| Aaron |
You can't bore a Firebolt to 1350cc, well, at least not with the stock cases. The amount of material available in the cases and the head bolt pattern won't support more than about a 3-13/16 bore, which works out to 1169cc. A 1350cc Firebolt has likely been stroked as well, probably to about 3.6". | ||
| Captainplanet |
Archer, I come to Houston 5 or 6 times a year, since my wife's father lives there. I am working on getting a trailer so that I can bring the bikes with us when we travel. As soon I as get one, your on. I just can't quite get my wife to make that long of a trip on her Blast just yet. I'll keep working on that. She did about 80 miles with me on Sunday. | ||
| X1glider |
That long of a trip!? It's only 2 hours bud! Lessee, I've ridden the MS150 for 10 years now. Last year's MS150 was 168! Now that's hard on the butt! That's alright, I'll convince Ross to do a kinda sorta hill country ride out your way. Hang out on 6th street for a night too. Whaddaya say? | ||
| Captainplanet |
I never did the MS150, but I did the Katy Flatland 100 a couple of times, once on a mountain bike with a headwind, so that sucked. I am always up for rides in the hill country on the weekends. There are some great roads here. Sixth street, some good food, and a few beers is good too. Jeff | ||
| X1glider |
Eeewwww!!! The Katy Flatland. Yech. ABout the most boring ride yet. I used the mountainbike for all the rides. Does better climbing. Sold the road bike. Going 15-25 on the staightest roads in the state isn't fun to me. Gimme dirt or gimme death. Always headwinds on the MS150. I'll admit to riding in the SAGwagon for a couple legs the last 2 years. My fitness isn't what it used to be. Hill country. Haven't been there since spring. Favorite rides are further west of you. Roads like 55, 39, 336 and 337. Kind of the Texas "Dragon." A little far for the wifey maybe. I can be relentless when riding long distances. Have you mingled with the other Buellers in Austin? I realize a Thrills in the Hills ride is coming up, but I'll be in Bonneville that same weekend. I need to get out there again on another date. Possibly camp as well. My time in Texas is running short. Perhaps I should throw this out on the Storm Front too. | ||
| Captainplanet |
I mingled a bit with some of the local Buell guys when I did the Battletrax at the ROT rally this year. There were quite a few Buells at that event. I was still riding the kawa at that time. I can't do the thrills in the hill this time either, have to be out of town that weekend. | ||
| Archer |
Hey Glider I am all for a Hill Country ride. Me an Girders Have been wanting to take a trip to Austin anyways. Lets get something together and go run with Captainplanet. Hey CAPTAINPLANET we got a place to crash if we're up your way??? This ought to be interesting, Ross Republic H-D/Buell (281)295-1000 ext 109 | ||
| X1glider |
Ross, You have any bags on the bike yet? Or plan on it? Tenting would be cool and I have room on the back of mine. All you would need to carry is some spare clothes, rainsuit and sleeping bag. Sorry I won't share that with you! My weekends are free mostly, you being in cust serv is another issue. When your schedule allows, it's a go. We'll work out details at the Hooters next to Republic. No reason Spiderman and his gang should have all the fun and good profile pics. On another note, Blake called yesterday. I mentioned some of us should "unexpectedly CRASH" his house. Although he said, "sure", I don't think he knows trouble when he hears it.  | ||
| Dynarider |
Fasteddieb you posted this....The belt and idler pulley get replaced at 15,000 mile intervals. With the tensioner no adjustment is required (or possible) Are you sure thats correct? I would think the belt should last longer than that. The one on my Dyna has 51,000 on it & shows no signs of wear at all. My X1 has a little over 10,000 & looks like new. I realize the Lil Bolts is smaller but still that seems ridiculous. |
