Buell Firebolt XB9R reviews

I recently got a chance to ride the XB9R with it's 'race' kit installed. The new mufffler makes the bike louder (of course) and the new computer and air filter seem to be doing their jobs well. The increase in HP is not really noticable until you get on the throttle. The bike accelerates smoothly thanks to it's really nice fuel injection system and almost doesn't feel like your going as fast as you are, then as you reach the top of the tach you feel it kick in. With a grunt of torque and the familure pull on the bars that you get from most other sport bikes finally hitting you. Turns even at high revs with high speeds (ok, I was only doing about 85 in a 40) are easy and quick. The bike has an incredibly light feel to it with all the weight centered and lowered to allow you to really flick it over, even if your a little lighter than the guys that ride. Careful if you light (compared to some of the guys I ride with) you may change lanes without realizing it. Compared to a GSXR or bike of that ilk, this is not a screaming fast crotch rocket, however, once in the turns there is a confidence that makes you unaware of how far your leaning over. This thing has a 45* lean angle.. on both sides.. and you can find your knees a lot closer to the ground than you thought they were in a hurry! I did have to wonder about the popping and mini backfire sounds that I kept hearing. Did the 'race' kit cause this or is the bike not set up right first off? Brakes on this bike are incredible and you will want to play with the adjustable levers so that you don't high side yourself, it's a one finger stop on the front brake, while the back wouldn't stop you from 60mph in less than 150 yards (at least that's how it feels).. Of course, you just lay on the rear going into a turn, and with all that torque you pull right out of it with power to spare. The 'race' kit does up the rear wheel HP which this bike needs. At stop lights, I couldn't help but think I was sitting on a large vibrator but once it's rolling, that almost obscene and annoying buzz goes away for the most part. If like me, you like to carry a few extras for when you stop.. well the 'trunk' really isn't. I could fit maybe a small wallet, 2 tampons, a lip stick and a small cell phone in, barely. The CBR's have a much nicer trunk and a girl does need her carry space. The odd look of the bike (marvin the martian?) makes it kind of neat, it's not a 'every' bike. The colors are kind of woeful though. I like the blue but wish you had a choice of something other than that orange some color blind stylist picked for the lettering on that bike. The white version has blue and orange for lettering. Oh well.. it's minor and cosmetic but I get to worry about things like that, you may not care. The riding poisition, compared to a gixer or CBR is almost relaxed, your handlebars are a little higher up and your tuck is not as severe, this keeps less of your weight on the arms and lower back. don't get me wrong, this is no toursport type ride. You will want to stop and take those stretch brakes while carving back roads, maybe just not as fast you would on a full bred sporter. Overview? If your looking for really fast, this is not it. If your looking for handling.. Grab this bike and hang on. If you want looks, it's unique enough to draw a lot of glances and even a few 'what is that?' at gas stations or other places you meet riders. It's fast enough for any back road or twisty, but on the super slab there are cruiser bikes (not just v-rod or Mr. Max) that I think can outrun it. But out turn.. never. For what it's worth.. I'd like to see a few better color choices. A little more power stock. Less backfire pop, pop while I'm riding and perhaps a little more room under the tail cowling. Hey, where do I hang my helmet on this thing? Show less

Over the past few years, i have had a wide range of bikes. I have been waiting to get on one of these since I first saw the pics.My current bikes are a 1998 honda ace750 and a 2001 kawasaki zrx1200r. I recently bought sold a 2001 triumph daytona because of the riding position on my bad back! I did a 10 mile demo ride and here are my thoughts: styling: refreshing and different,, quality was impressive. Handling: fantastic, loves to fall into turns and very light on it's feet! Power: needs about 30 hp and it would be awesome! Engine: idles rough and shakes like a paint shaker. Horrible compared to the competition///NEEDS THE VROD MOTOR! Like it, but wont buy one. Show less

Little? you say? Yes, that's right. i am only 5'6" with boots on and i feel very comfortable at stops( I use the one foot method, due to reasons listed earlier). My reason for 4 stars and not 5 are as follows. The mirrors suck, and I wish it was more in the 95- 100 HP ball park. However, I'm a bit spoiled you see, I work in a dealership. i get to ride all sorts of rockets. My buddies I ride with are on GSX-R 750, Triumph Daytona 955i, and Yamaha R1. I do have a hard time keeping up on the long straights, but in the twisties it's all about the rider!! I only have 550 miles on my new XB so I have only pushed it slightly. It seems to wheelie OK in 1st and 2nd around 5500 rpm's, But it's no liter bike. Overall, a very fun little bike. Handles like a dream, accelerates nicley. If more HP is my only complaint than so be it. Ride the son of a b@*ch!!! Show less

I have not had a chance to ride one yet but love everything about it. The only thing that i am worried about is the fact that there are only three go fast parts put out for it so far and they will give it another 10 ponies or so not the 110 hp at the wheel that any other V-twin can easily put out. I love the new wheel and brake assembly up front. It makes the bike look a little custom. The new xb9s is the bike to have if you like twins and dont need 110 hp. Show less

Ok, I know what your thinking.. what does he mean by 'amost'? Ok, here's my experiance on the bike. First off, let me tell you about the good and the better.. The bikes got a new engine that produces TONS of torque. The brakes are the most incredible (almost deadly) thing I've ever felt. The frame is one big leap forward in design. Tiny (52") wheel base, 52% of the weight on the front tire.. Get the idea? This bike will turn on the edge of the dime, it's almost thought controled. The brakes stop you so fast that more than one finger application could high side you at moderate to high speeds. I was able to 'acidentally' pull a wheelie through second without really trying. The digital fuel injection seems dialed in and ready to produce as much power as the engine can, the forced air intake works. Dings? A couple.. That cooling fan is a little odd when you shut it down and listen to it hum. Why is it not water cooled? The steering is kind of twitchy, so beginners or idiots this bike is for..NOT! For those of you that crave all out straight line flight.. it's got some, but not enough power to rival the big liter bikes from the Japanese names.. However. if you want to turn, and turn now.. like on the back roads, you can't beat it.. This bike is almost perfect and shows that some Americans can think in terms outside the usual box. There is nowhere that I know of where 165mph plus speeds are usable on the open roads.. So this is a greater joy to ride and to turn.. it's designed with real riding in mind.. and if you have what it takes.. grab a hold and straighten some curves! This is a spetacular ride! Show less

This thing flat out shocked me. I swear I thought about turning and it did. I've never ridden anything so effortless. Show less

Doesn't make great reading from the spec sheet, and most critics of this bike have pre-judged it before riding it or going by Buell's slighlty dodgy reliability history. Ride one. I've just took delivery of mine and still breaking it in. But the demo ride sold the bike to me. It's so easy to ride very fast. the Dunlops give loads of confidence, it sounds great and looks good. If BHP numbers are really important to you, then spend a load on big bore kits and ignition modules etc. But the Ride is in the chassis, handling and grunt - a real riders bike - take it by the scruff and you'll be rewarded. Show less

Rode one at the Honda Hoot. Looks great and sounds good. Brakes fine. Suspension is very nice and ride good. Tailpipe exhaust exits on your left foot at stop lights. Rear cylinder fan is noisier than my central air unit. Weird nasty harmonics from fairing at different speeds. Engine is a modified design from 1903. Please install the V-rod engine. This is a fine performing machine if you've only ridden Harleys, everyone else will be disapointed. Show less

Harley-Davidson of Miami let me take a trip on their demo ride. I parked my 95 FZR to the side and took the new XB9R to the streets. Incredible! At the red light, the bike just sat there, idling, sending messages of smooth vibrating notes through my spine. It's alive! I played with the throttle while curious passing motorists turned rubber-neckers. The familiar rumbling Harley potatoe sound coming from this GP looking petite bike had attracted the attention of many. The green light came; first speed clicked in smoothly, right before I released the clutch half way. The bike had an surprisingly strong acceleration in first, carrying my 6'2" and 210 lbs frame with no effort. I discovered that I had to watch it coming in second: In-line four riders such as myself tend to rev between gears, racing style. Second gear on a XB9R ridden four-cylinder style tends to brings to front wheel up if one is not careful. Plenty of grunt! The bike will give you a kick in the rear end. I coasted on regular streets, filling them up with the rumble of the V-twin, and finally took the motorcycle on a stretch of Interstate 95, just between two exits. I kept my promise to the dealer not to open it up beyond 3~4 thousand RPM, because it was not broken in yet. Therefore, I never discovered the top end capabilities of this little monster. However, at the exits into the expressway, I had a lucky all out green light, in and out. I went for it. I easily put my left knee down in the double left turn out of and back onto the highway, turns where I usually exercise more caution. I discovered that the XB9R might become my next weapon for turns, because it invited me to take turns at a higher speed than I did on the FZR. I returned to the dealer to drop off the bike. After the experience, I was shaking my head in disbelief. Buell is finally doing it to my satisfaction now. The XB9R is different from the X1 Lightning which I rode in the past. The seating position, styling, design and handling is radically different. Although the XB9R is underpowered for 984cc, yet understandably light, it will probably be my next bike. The air intake in the front, the air box, the racing-like handle bars, the bug lights, the pointy rear cowling, the slightly rear set foot pegs, the light weight, the GP-like wheels, the GP-looking swingarm, the Ducati-like rear view mirrors and the inverted front forks are all tremendously attractive features for a sport rider like me. I wish the XB9R had come with a full fairing similar to the one Cicotto races to protect the transmission, clutch covers and exhaust manifolds, . I also wish it had two air intakes instead of one. Maybe the next model will have that. I was thinking about buying a TL1000R, but after I rode the XB9R, the light weight and homemade combo restarted my thinking process. Show less

This Bike is SOOOO, Awsome. I say let the hate begin for two reasons. This bike out performs anything I or you have ever riden! Imagine how proud you were when you first learned to balance your bicycle. that's how great this bike is. It begs you to lean over in the curves. I personally have leaned over further than ever before on this bike. The pick up is great, twist your wrist and she's out of there! No questions, No down shifting, No grunting and moaning, JUST PLAIN OUT OF THERE!!! What a feeling! No I don't work for Buell, No I have never owned a Buell before... But I am the proud owner of one of these beautiful machines!!! Now, I have only been riding about two years, and personally I feel like it was a little bit early to go up from a 600cc to 1000 cc (984 to be exact) machine. But the bike is so light that you have to remind yourself that your on a 1000cc and not one of those Sport 600's. She's quick and nimble and gives you confidence from the moment you press the ignition button. I just love this bike. I picked it up on May 28th. It's her one week anniversary, I think I'll throw her a party, cause everytime I ride, she throws one for me!!! What a rush!!! Now I remember why I started riding, The Firebolt, leaves you with a Kool-Aid Smile, before, after and during... Show less