Beschreibung
The NSW Collectors' Motorcycles & Cars Auction - Live-online sale starting 12:00PM AEDT Sunday 12th December, 2021
LOT 12 - 2006 Buell XB12R Firebolt
Estimate AUD: $10, 000 - $15, 000
Big Block Second Type Buell XR Firebolt.
When it was released in 2002 as a 2003 model, the XB9R Firebolt was the most innovative motorcycle available at the time. Apart from its unique perimeter brake, fuel-in-frame and oil-in-swingarm design, no one could understand how Buell had produced such an agile, compact and stable bike around an old-style Harley-Davidson motor. The XB9R gained Buell many converts, but the high revving 9R didn’t appeal to everyone. Many also argued the innovative chassis could handle considerably more power so only a year after the XB9R’s release Buell offered the XR12; a big-block brother to the XB9.
Basically, the XB12 was very similar to the XB9. The 45-degree V-Twin shared the same 88. 9mm bore but with a longer 98. 6mm stroke displaced 1, 203cc. With a 49mm throttle body for the downdraft DDFI II electronic fuel injection the XB12 produced 103 horsepower at 6, 800rpm. The torque increased from 70 ft/ lbs at 7, 000rpm to a massive 84 ft/ lbs at 6, 000rpm. The larger engine wasn’t as rev happy as the XB9 and delivered outstanding low rpm torque, resulting in significantly improved mid-range performance. It also reduced the need for excessive gearshifting of the sometimes-recalcitrant Harley five-speed gearbox. The XB12R continued Buell’s “Trilogy of Tech” design philosophy. This included maximum frame rigidity, mass centralisation and low unsprung weight. The aluminium frame and swingarm represented the ultimate in integrating parts reduction and rigidity. The minimalist frame integrated the fuel tank, oil reservoir, shock mount and air intake, while the swingarm carried the oil close to the pivot point and the Showa push pull shock was designed to directly input road forces into the adjustable damper. Along with the XB9’s unique perimeter front disc brake another XB innovation was the belt drive idler. Mathematical calculations determined the idler position so the belt was always under tension throughout the suspension travel cycle. As the belt never required adjustment the rear axle was fixed. A new belt was introduced with the XB12 that was designed to last the life of the motorcycle without replacement. Although the XB12 was physically identical to the XB9, the weight increased slightly, to a still incredibly light 179kg. The power to weight ratio remained exceptional.
The 2006 Buell XB12R Firebolt offered here is a Japanese import. It is in exceptional condition and the odometer displays 21, 300km. It is provided with full Australian compliance, the tyres have 60% tread, the battery is near new and all the electrics work.
This motorcycle is being sold unregistered.
