Inside the Road and Sport Collection: 2004 Buell XB12R Firebolt – Innovation on Two Wheels
16th May 2021
One of the great aspects of Road and Sport is that Barry the Boss is a genuine enthusiast for the Harley-Davidson brand, its history and heritage, and the lifestyle. He's been adding to the shop collection of significant motorcycles, and bringing in a little more from a Motor Company side hustle - Buell.
This is a first-year 2004 model Buell XB12R Firebolt, a motorcycle so packed with innovations that it, along with subsequent models, remains unique even today. Powered by a heavily modified 1203cc Sportster-based engine and transmission, everything else on the bike was designed to fulfil Erik Buell's "Trilogy of Technology" goals:
- mass centralization
- low unsprung weight
- frame rigidity
A new perimeter frame replaced the older Buell tube frame, and to get more weight low on the bike the hollow frame carried the fuel inside it, and the hollow swingarm contained the oil. There was also a Factory Race Kit which opened out the torque and power of the engine to better match the incredible handling. Here's a quote from Motorcycle News: "As a sports bike or even a track day tool, the Buell XB12R Firebolt’s handling works. Steering’s so rapid, you look and the motorcycle turns. But it manages this without being unstable too – testament that Buell’s innovations work. On the road it can be a handful. Instant power, fast steering and firm suspension make it a committed rather than relaxed ride."
And we agree! The XB-series Buells were unlimited fun to hack through the twisties! The Buell brand was discontinued by H-D in 2009, as the global financial crisis hit the world hard. So when you're in-store here, check out this little gem of a bike, find the features such as the Zero-Torsion-Load front disc, 43mm fully adjustable Showa upside-down forks, the muffler (and everything else) brought in as centered as possible and down as low as possible, the belt drive with tensioner for permanent perfect adjustment, fully adjustable Showa rear shock, and of course the brilliant frame and swingarm designs.