possibly interested in buying a firebolt

[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. 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...