possibly interested in buying a firebolt

[zx6enick]

Im considering buying a firebolt. i currently ride a 1997 ninja zx6r and was wondering how the firebolts would compare with my current bike? would they be faster? ive never ridden a v-twin bike and was wondering witch would be closer to my current bike in power and acceleration,the xb9r or xb12r? there seem to be a lot of them for sale in the st.louis area right now and im trying to get some info on the bike before i spend a ton of money on a new bike i wont like?

[onelogue]

was wondering how the firebolts would compare with my current bike? would they be faster? ive never ridden a v-twin bike and was wondering witch would be closer to my current bike in power and acceleration,
Possibly buying a firebolt [confused]
A bike is like love at first site, either you really want it or you dont. Firebolt are not all about power and that seems like all you want is a bike that goes fast in a straight line.
GET A HAYABUSA and let an enthusiast pick up the Buell.
Bye.
http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/3100_20101201072618_L.jpg

[J_Undisputed]

*Wince* damn, onelogue...lol. Points for honesty though.

ZX6enick,
I think you'll find that the the majority guys here have become connoisseurs of Buells. Its not that we are appreciative of other bikes. The essence of a Buell xb is in the soul of the naked look and how it handles in the corners. Performance is an apples to oranges comparison of high end speed vs. Low end torque. If you're thinking of upgrading from your bike because, you find its not fast enough or powerful enough for you, everything else withstanding... You would probably be happier with a liter bike of a Jap make.
If you're looking for something different, with some growl, extra agility with tight cornering, and want to get out from behind all that plastic and you like pulling up to light and having people stare while trying to figure out what you're riding and why the hell its making so much damn noise sitting still (with modded/aftermarket exhaust)... Thats closer to what many of the guys here and other Buell enthusiasts love about our bikes. Its a style choice.

If you're looking for something you can drag with, consider another jap bike, or a buell 1125r or cr that will give you the growl with some go also. Also while there are still quite a few places that support Buellers with after market parts and some with service, many of the guys here put in their own wrench and fabrication time... customizing, maintaining, tweaking and learning about their bikes... its a bike that will reward you for what you put into it.
Jap bikes can do the same but you'll probably still have trouble finding "yours" in a sea full of plastic fairings parked outside a bar on bike night, no matter how new it is or how big the displacement is.

[upthemaiden]

If you really like the power of your bike, or really like it but might want a little more, I'd definitely get the 12. If you're 100% satisfied with what your bike does and don't need anymore, or would even do with less power you'd be happy with a 9. I think the 9 compares pretty closely with the 98-02 zx6, with a bit more of a mild top end, but I'm not sure what the power is like on the 97 zx6.

My last bike was a 2003 triumph speed four, and it compared pretty closely to the 98-02 zx6 in power and weight and I was definitely a little dissapointed the first time I hit a straight on my xb9 and went full throttle. The RPMS rose, and unfortunately my front wheel didn't, and I just remember thinking "where the hell is this 1000cc of power?!". I rode my friends speed four a few months later and it definitely pulled a bit harder than my xb9 does. My bike has a much better low end, but it all depends what you do with it. My 9 is seriously fun, but I'm looking to trade in for an xb12.

[onelogue]

J Undisputed [up] for a more patient answer than mine :)

[nitto12ss]

That was classy RJ.
I wonder what you would say to your lady friend if she asked you if her dress made her look fat. LOL

[onelogue]

I wonder what you would say to your lady friend if she asked you if her dress made her look fat. LOL
"I could pull it off better" .....

[agfish18]

I used to have an XB9R, but have upgraded to the 1125R. I have since picked up a 2005 honda CBR to use as a track bike. I can say that the XB got up to speed quicker, but stopped at its small 7200RPM redline. The CBR has a much higher top end speed, and once it gets higher in revs, it accelerates quite nicely...but it does have a 15K+ redline.

The power of the Buell should be available almost automatically, while the 600 I4's seem to take a couple moments to "wind up." Like others have said, it is a preference as to which you would like more, they are fairly comparable until about 90 MPH, but then the 600 will pull away...in a straight line. Buells are more usable in corners because of their power range. 600 I4's slow down in corners (unless you know how to handle your bike) because it takes longer for the RPM's to go up...

[Jobe Zeebuh]

By the new 1190. The carbon fiber edition is very very light. Its only $30,000 + LOL!

[zx6enick]

i really like my 600 it just looks a little dated. i love the look of the firebolts and was just wondering where the two stood in the performance of what im already riding. i dont go to the race track yet and i dont go 150mph on the street, but i do live in the country with lots of beautiful twisty windy roads. i dont think i made a single reference to drag racing, straight line performance, or a busa witch definately does not interest me. i really appreciate most of the feed back i got thank you for the information.... some of you.

[Bullxb12r]

If you like burning up the twistys, I sincerely think you will love a Buell. There's really nothing like the way they handle. I have an 09 xb12r firebolt and it has handled everything I feel comfortable throwing at it. (I am positive it can handle more, but don't know that I can.)There is a slight learning curve when going from an I4 to a V-twin, but once you get used to it, it is a real (for lack of a better word) blast.
Also, you must excuse some of the guys on this sight, we are very passionate about our Buells. A lot of the guys here are very knowledgable on these bikes too, so if tou have technical questions or concerns, this is a good resource.I'm sure no disrespect was intended toward you since none was given by you.
They really are awesome bikes and certainly noy for everyone, but i can guarantee you will not find a more loyal following from any other brand. Hope this helps. Keep us posted if you do decide on the american sportbike

[Jobe Zeebuh]

I sincerely think you will love a Buell. There's really nothing like the way they handle.

I agree. Once you learn to lean and take control..... The xb series's will take your breath away. I have rode alot of bike's. I might not go 200mph but I lean through sick turns and the sound of the v-twin is just plain the best sound of any bike period.

[nativeXb12Rbuell]

maybe these videos will help your desisions and tell you what a BUELL XB9R/XB12R FIREBOLT is really all about and what it is meant for & what it will DO and not do !!!

and the last video is what a BUELL AND A TRUE BUELLER IS !!!






Listen to this video very well it gives the best short explanation of what the FIREBOLT is !!!
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TxNllKrMINA


NkDT0oKIRRM


oh you can't forget this !!

http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/1714_20100208161754_L.jpg

http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/1714_20110311183546_L.jpg
http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/1714_20110309105828_L.jpg

[Loki]

I love my bike and even tho i can keep up/beat 600s up to certain speeds, get stomped by anything else. I wouldnt have it any other way. And alot of my sport bike friends are envious of my bike.

Can i ask some help? Everyone talks about the lean, i have my bike set up to specs (the sport specs mind you) and it still feels very "heavy" through turns and not very flickable. It does lean good but it feels like i have to force the thing to lean and force it back up, which leads me to leaning half buttcheek off, and even pulling slightly on the bars. Im wondering if there is something i can do to make it feel alittle more "light" in the turns so i can flick it easier and feel better on it. I have some videos of my riding trying a few different entries and exits/ lean angle i can upload if need be. Is this how our bikes feel or what? Please help, its hard to brag about being able to out turn my friends if i cant.. lol Sorry for the thread hijack, but its good for everyone to know.

[04Bolt]

I like going fast..But no good is going to come of me going 165+ MPH. the only way id want to do that is on a straight drag strip anyways.. Id rather chase you down in a twisty than go fast in a straight line. If you want a bike that you fall in love with riding.. a firebolt will definatly suit you. Your not going to go 160mph with the Ricer Boys.. But you will be able blow by them in any corner. It comes down to if you want to go 165mph, a Buell wouldnt be for you. If you want to love riding for hitting the corners and loving the way it feels, and looks. then a Buell will be just what your looking for.
I always say.. How often do you see a CBR600/100 or a GSXR at a stoplight? all the time.. A Buell? rare.. and ppl love them.

[zx6enick]

thats awesome info... i also have the problem that nothing good will come of me going 165mph down the highway. i play on my bike as im sure we all do but i have two lovely children that i would love to come home too every night. i am definately on the prowl for a firebolt. i dont know the proper color names yet but i love the white with blue bikes and the ones ive see that are mostly red with black like in the above video. still not sure on the 9 or the 12 yet. im about 6ft tall and 190-200lbs and i would like something maybe a little quicker than my 600 so maybe the 12.

[04Bolt]

12 for sure.:)

[wolfo68]

get whatever bike performs best for you, don't worry about the color you can find it later and talk someone into switching or paint em

[Alfatango1]

Either a 9 or 12 will be great for you, both are quick enough for a 600 rider. Once you dial in the suspension it's a wonderful thing :D

[poppinsexz]

As the wife has a 2000 ninja 6 and I have a firebolt 12
I can tell you its really about where the power is
Firebolt 2-7000rpm
Ninja 7-13000rpm
If we really take off hard I will walk away until 80 or so then she starts coming back and will eventually pass me.

For street riding i feel the bolt is a better bike just because of where the power is, its easier to use legally whereas the ninja always requires rpms

Of course the handeling isn't even close, newer tech and a great chassis design give the Buell the advantage.

[captain chaos]

thats awesome info... i also have the problem that nothing good will come of me going 165mph down the highway. i play on my bike as im sure we all do but i have two lovely children that i would love to come home too every night. i am definately on the prowl for a firebolt. i dont know the proper color names yet but i love the white with blue bikes and the ones ive see that are mostly red with black like in the above video. still not sure on the 9 or the 12 yet. im about 6ft tall and 190-200lbs and i would like something maybe a little quicker than my 600 so maybe the 12.

There is very little difference between the 9 and the 12 as far as power. Obviously the 12 has more but it's not that pronounced. The 12 has a more laid back feel to it with lots of grunt down low where the 9 feels more high strung. The 9 is more fun to wring the living crap out of but the 12 is better for riding sensibly. I've had both and they are both great bikes, just very different in how they deliver their power.
As far as how they compare to your Ninja? The 9 will probably be very similar in terms of accelleration (up to about 100mph or so) and the 12 may be a hair faster. The big difference will be in HOW the bikes accellerate. Pin the throttle at 2-3000rpm on a 600 and not much happens. Pin it on a Buell and it will pull like a freight train. It makes for an EXCELLENT street bike.

Also, you're just about the same size as me (I'm 6' and 185) and I can tell you right now, the Buell is a COMFORTABLE ride. I got a set of pegs for mine off of a Lightning (1" lower than the stock Firebolt) and my knees are quite happy with the result.:D The stock pegs aren't bad but I ride a lot of miles so I chose to have a little more leg room. For $40 brand new I couldn't resist.

[zx6enick]

is there a weight difference between the 9 and the 12? and how are parts for these things? are they pretty comparable in cost to a jap bike?

[williegoat]

If you see your motorcycle as a series of numbers, the Buell is not for you; but if you see a motorcycle as art, the Buell is a masterpiece. It is a monument to machinery; the forte of “form follows function”.

If your mission is to challenge others, any bike will do; but if you want to challenge yourself, the Buell is the platform which will allow you to continue to improve your abilities. It is infinitely capable and forgiving.

It is also very satisfying to be able to buy an American machine. I hope you decide to join us. [up]

[xtreme]

The reason I went with the xb12r is because I have been riding Harleys since I was 18. I love the American Vtwin and it was only natural to get a Buell. So far I am very happy with it. From what I have seen so far the Buell community is very tight knit awesome group of people that will offer any help at any time. You won't find that in a Jap bike community.

[Bullxb12r]

They pretty well weigh the same. For the time being, parts are pretty easy to get. As far as cost, it depends on what u r looking to buy.

[iman501]

Can i ask some help? Everyone talks about the lean, i have my bike set up to specs (the sport specs mind you) and it still feels very "heavy" through turns and not very flickable. It does lean good but it feels like i have to force the thing to lean and force it back up, which leads me to leaning half buttcheek off, and even pulling slightly on the bars. Im wondering if there is something i can do to make it feel alittle more "light" in the turns so i can flick it easier and feel better on it. I have some videos of my riding trying a few different entries and exits/ lean angle i can upload if need be. Is this how our bikes feel or what? Please help, its hard to brag about being able to out turn my friends if i cant.. lol Sorry for the thread hijack, but its good for everyone to know.

what tires are you using?

[cavaradossi]

Motorcycles are just tools. Whether a given bike is for you depends on what job you're doing. Your ZX6 will shred the Firebolt in every measure of speed & acceleration. And it's far easier to ride with no wacky handling quirks. The Firebolt has lethal handling quirks. However, if you are a skilled rider & you know the bike no Jap sportbike will be able to hang with you on a nasty mountain road. Beyond this, in my opinion the Firebolt has the simplest, most elegant engineering avaiable. My last outing was a 6000 mile tour of the southwest. It's been as reliable as any bike I've owned.

Don't get a 'Bolt unless you're a corner freak...

[nativeXb12Rbuell]

cavaradossi;
The Firebolt has lethal handling quirks. What Exactly do you mean by that??




Don't get a 'Bolt unless you're a corner freak... I agree and add (for any buell XB) if you love torque and LOTS OF IT , right away , right now , any time, any where!!

[pyrat]

Here's one I'm possibly interested in selling. Just got her ready for the season...

http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/4824_20110411114518_L.jpg