I must have a Firebolt

[kebrider]

My fellow riders constantly laugh at me and criticsize my adoration of the Buell Firebolt. I have wanted one since my first Daytona demo ride manyyears ago. Living close to Daytona I spend every spring at bikeweek and I demo everything that is available and there are 3 bikes that I have tested that I will own one day and I list them in no particular order...Buell Firebolt (XB9R or 12R), Guzzi Breva 1100, and the Harley XR1200R.

Buell had one of the better demo ride set-ups in that you only signed up once for the week and you could get a bike without having to sign up early so we would always using the Buell demos as filler-rides between the scheduled stuff. Some days I would do 5 or 6 Buell rides and I loved riding the Firebolts. Like riding a motorcycle video game.

I have 2 VFRs which I will always have my 01 but I have wanted a Firebolt since the first time I rode one. I have been thinking of selling my 96 VFR and making room for a Firebolt. I am a regular visiter at the Badweather forum and I have a solid handle on whats what with the Buell model year updates but I prefer the 9s over the 12s for their smoother engine with the exception of the later 12s with the revised crank pin/oiling system/ECU which really felt good during my demo rides.

So my question for Buellers is now the factory is shut down what is Harley's stance on future parts availability? I am not too concerned with the mechanicals as much as I would be with electrics or anything that is Buell specific. I have a chance at a 07 9R that I may offer on this weekened and knowing parts will continue to be available will help me part with more cash if I need to. Looking a a 800 mile 9R that I would like to bag in the low 4K range.

[Tyrroneous]

Harley has stated that they will support Buell repairs for 7 years.  Good luck with your hunt for Firebolt.  I know I'm really enjoying my 1125R (which, coincidently is replacing a VFR).  

[kebrider]

I woould replace my 96 VFR for something new but it is a real beater which i bought for a $1,000. It has 57K, runs and handles like new, but has no lower failrings on it due to the PO having been rear-ended. The tail piece is cracked in several places but i drilled and zip-tied it to keep it in place and i run the wheels off that thing. I may let it go to a guy who has been trying to buy it from me since I bought it to make room for the XB.

I will never let go of my 01. I let my last one go. Never again.

Funny that you replaced a VFR with a Buell. I was on the way to purchase an 08 XB12R a couple of years ago when I stopped at a bike shop along the way to see how much they were asking for an 01 VFR they had sitting in front of the store. Never got the XB. Never regretted getting the VFR.

KEB

[Brad1445]

After having two of them I think its a big bang for the buck.  Ducati Handling 84ft pounds of torque skills the inlines in the corners.  GREAT FUN>

[kebrider]

I have logged roughly 600 demo miles on Buells which doesn't make me an expert but I think I get how they handle. As much as I enjoy their unique turning characteristics I never considered them a real backroad threat. My 01 VFR turns in pretty quick with high end sport rubber such as 2cts or power ones and quick turn in is a huge advantage on the street. I always felt the Buell turned in more like a track bike which I never cared for on the street when hustling through the turns.

I don't consider the XB bikes poor handling or really slow by any means. The eternal truth of sport riding is it's 99% rider, 1% bike. I wait at stop signs for 1098s, R1s, Gixxers, and the odd Hyabusa with my 14 year old sport tourer so I never figure its one bike that schools another...it is always the rider.

I want the Buell simply for the way it feels. That crazy air compressor of an engine is so relaxing to me when tooling along I just love it. The whole uniplanar thing flat works at highway speeds. The handling of the bike is just as strange as the motor with the ultra short wheelbase and ultra dense bike having you think it will turn on a dime but when you hit that first turn and feel the resistance to turning and bank vault solidity it just flat makes me smile when i complete a corner. Totally addictive.

I always tell my fellow busa riders (the ones that are slower than me anyway) that Hyabusa translated isn't a Japanese bird of prey; what it really means is "disappearing dot in VFR mirror". I've swapped rides with many of them and they can't believe how slow my VFRs are and they always tell me when the get to the stop sign. Then we swap back and I can't believe how slow my VFR is. I have plenty of time to think about it as I wait at the stop sign.

I agree with you Brad when you say Ducati handling and big torque but its all you when schooling the inlines.

KEB

[chornbe]

I have logged roughly 600 demo miles on Buells which doesn't make me an expert but I think I get how they handle. As much as I enjoy their unique turning characteristics I never considered them a real backroad threat. My 01 VFR turns in pretty quick with high end sport rubber such as 2cts or power ones and quick turn in is a huge advantage on the street. I always felt the Buell turned in more like a track bike which I never cared for on the street when hustling through the turns.

I don't consider the XB bikes poor handling or really slow by any means. The eternal truth of sport riding is it's 99% rider, 1% bike. I wait at stop signs for 1098s, R1s, Gixxers, and the odd Hyabusa with my 14 year old sport tourer so I never figure its one bike that schools another...it is always the rider.

I want the Buell simply for the way it feels. That crazy air compressor of an engine is so relaxing to me when tooling along I just love it. The whole uniplanar thing flat works at highway speeds. The handling of the bike is just as strange as the motor with the ultra short wheelbase and ultra dense bike having you think it will turn on a dime but when you hit that first turn and feel the resistance to turning and bank vault solidity it just flat makes me smile when i complete a corner. Totally addictive.

I always tell my fellow busa riders (the ones that are slower than me anyway) that Hyabusa translated isn't a Japanese bird of prey; what it really means is "disappearing dot in VFR mirror". I've swapped rides with many of them and they can't believe how slow my VFRs are and they always tell me when the get to the stop sign. Then we swap back and I can't believe how slow my VFR is. I have plenty of time to think about it as I wait at the stop sign.

I agree with you Brad when you say Ducati handling and big torque but its all you when schooling the inlines.

KEB

This is a really, really good post. So many riders should consider this post required reading.  

I've taken to telling people lately, on the topic of how much better their bikes are than mine, "While you're using a scalpel to cut a steak, I've been doing surgery with a steak knife."

[kebrider]

Wished I hadn't been in a hurry when I posted, might have a few less grammar goofs. Funny, I never have had anyone I ride with question my choice in bikes. On the Internet occasionally, but never in the flesh.

Strange

KEB

 

[chornbe]

Would you be interested in recording that, verbatim, and allowing us to run it in the opinions section on the podcast?

[2DFlyer]

...but I have wanted a Firebolt since the first time I rode one.

Forget the distraction of any rational thought.  The simple fact  - and you KNOW it - is this will continue to eat at you until either you or the last XB is too old to ride.  Tic toc tic toc tic toc.

[Mastros2]

I want to add a firebolt to the stable as well.  Beautiful bikes and they handle nice to boot.

Nice pic Brad!

[kebrider]

Would you be interested in recording that, verbatim, and allowing us to run it in the opinions section on the podcast?

Don't know when I could find the time but I could do a brief, politically correct (sort of...maybe), nondemoninational, utterly subjective and virtually useless opinion on something related to motorcycling.

I do have 32 years of squidliness riding under my belt so at least my useless opinion is based on my own experience.

KEB

[chornbe]

Don't know when I could find the time but I could do a brief, politically correct (sort of...maybe), nondemoninational, utterly subjective and virtually useless opinion on something related to motorcycling.

I can get all that bullshit from any magazine.

I want exactly what you typed.  

[kebrider]

I can get all that bullshit from any magazine.

I want exactly what you typed.  

I though that WAS what I typed.

[chornbe]

I though that WAS what I typed.

I thought you were offering to make it more PC and such. I like it just the way it is.

[Kootenanny]

I want the Buell simply for the way it feels. That crazy air compressor of an engine is so relaxing to me when tooling along I just love it. The whole uniplanar thing flat works at highway speeds. The handling of the bike is just as strange as the motor with the ultra short wheelbase and ultra dense bike having you think it will turn on a dime but when you hit that first turn and feel the resistance to turning and bank vault solidity it just flat makes me smile when i complete a corner. Totally addictive.

Well said, and very true!  I find most other bikes feel insubstantial after five seasons on the Buell.

My "9" (now a classic...):

[whodom]

As stated HD has promised parts support for 7 years, and I think aftermarket suppliers like American Sport Bike will step up in the meantime to provide replacement parts.  Everything but the engine is supplied by outside suppliers anyway, and they aren't going anywhere.

BTW- if you haven't noticed, they've added a "find a bike" feature to buell.com:  http://www.buell.com/en_us/tools/find-a-bike/index.asp

It lets you search by state and model.  As of this afternoon, they are showing 1082 new Buells still for sale in the U.S.

[cooter]

Don't know where you are or how far you would travel, but a central Tn dealer on Badweb with a fair selection left and good prices.

http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/290431/529573.html?1263708284

[Rogue]

Did you ever get that Firebolt yet?

You remind me of me back when I first test road an XB9R.  I knew I had to have one.  I finally got mine in 2006 after Buell did a great deal of improvements of the original.  However, I knew I wanted more power so I went for the XB12R.  Never looked back since then because even to this day, after owning a Hayabusa and two other VFR's, I do not regret that decision to get a Firebolt.  

Mine now has 26k miles on it and she is still running like new and almost looking like new.  I have done 90% of the maintenance on her and followed everything down to the factory service manual.  I have just a few basic mods like  the Helibars, Zero Gravity ST screen, Lightning footpegs, upgraded LED tailights, and upgraded headlight bulbs.  Occassionally I have lusted after an aftermarket exhaust but it really doesn't need it as it sounds great when it's at WOT yet sneaky quiet when at small throttle openings.  

If you are lusting after one, now is the time to buy.  Buy an '06 or later.  Preferably one that is totally stock and has not been ruined with too many Boy-Racer modifications.  The bike will be unique forever and you will never see one like it again.  It's kind of like a cross between an 600SS with a pushrod V-twin.  It's intoxicating if you enjoy that kind of synergy and don't care what others say.

There has been two things I had to replace with my Firebolt:
1)  Electric fan - the original one had its bearings wear out and get ratty, although it still worked.
2)  Fuel Pump Wiring Harness- I had the dreaded fuel pump wiring loom scuffed due to insufficient insulation of the early, stock wiring loom.  Replaced using a new Buell wiring loom for $100.

[ninegear]

i loved the firebolt. everything but the belt drive and the looks. it was ugly. very very ugly. to me the fire bolt was like an ugly girl. you want to ride it but not be seen on it. well thats just how it was for me though.

i wanted it to be my first bike. i was going to buy one brand new because i wanted my first to be new. that way i could only blame the dealers,the company and myself if something went wrong. i wouldn't have to worry about others and their squid riding messing it up.

i wound up going with a 2010  hyosung gt250. i hear so much bad about hyosung yet the only problems i have had with this is how ugly it is. soon i plan put diffrent forks on it. the forks are crap.

[Brad1445]

i loved the firebolt. everything but the belt drive and the looks. it was ugly. very very ugly. to me the fire bolt was like an ugly girl. you want to ride it but not be seen on it. well thats just how it was for me though.

i wanted it to be my first bike. i was going to buy one brand new because i wanted my first to be new. that way i could only blame the dealers,the company and myself if something went wrong. i wouldn't have to worry about others and their squid riding messing it up.

i wound up going with a 2010  hyosung gt250. i hear so much bad about hyosung yet the only problems i have had with this is how ugly it is. soon i plan put diffrent forks on it. the forks are crap.

God I love belt drive. What dont you like about it?

[falconati]

i loved the firebolt. everything but the belt drive and the looks. it was ugly. very very ugly. to me the fire bolt was like an ugly girl. you want to ride it but not be seen on it. well thats just how it was for me though.

i wanted it to be my first bike. i was going to buy one brand new because i wanted my first to be new. that way i could only blame the dealers,the company and myself if something went wrong. i wouldn't have to worry about others and their squid riding messing it up.

i wound up going with a 2010  hyosung gt250. i hear so much bad about hyosung yet the only problems i have had with this is how ugly it is. soon i plan put diffrent forks on it. the forks are crap.

so much lol included here

[Rogue]

I have logged roughly 600 demo miles on Buells which doesn't make me an expert but I think I get how they handle. As much as I enjoy their unique turning characteristics I never considered them a real backroad threat. My 01 VFR turns in pretty quick with high end sport rubber such as 2cts or power ones and quick turn in is a huge advantage on the street. I always felt the Buell turned in more like a track bike which I never cared for on the street when hustling through the turns.
KEB

KEB, demo miles is hardly something that will allow you to experience the Firebolt's true personality.  I think this is true of most bikes especially not Honda's!  Many bikes will reveal many of their good, desirable traits until many miles later.  Some of them even need the right tires before they function their best.  The Firebolt and other XB's are one of those bikes that normally indear themselves to their owners many miles later.  That's probably not a good thing because first impressions are so important--you either love them or hate them the first time out!  

I had an '01 VFR too and I know that bike reacts and handles differently depending on what tires you put on them and how much you tune their suspension.  The 5th Generation VFR's come very softly tuned and their Dunlop D205 rubber give it a slightly lazy steering.  However, you can only adjust their suspension a small degree before they become harsh and bouncy.  Having said that, careful tinkering with the suspension will actually reveal a more sporting side to the VFR.  And like you said, spooning on sportier rubber adds another dimension of sportiness and quick turn in to the bike.

The Firebolt is like that in many ways.  Depending on the year, suspension adjustment, and tire, the Firebolt will behave differently in the handling department.  In fact, the difference in handling behavior based on the suspension tuning and tire choice is quite noticeable.  The good part is, Buell has already done the homework for you, and so has many moto-magazines.  Simply reading the owner's manual will reveal the correct (or close to correct) suspension adjustment for a variety of riders.  Unlike the VFR, the Firebolt has a fully adjustable suspension that allows you to tune the F & R.  And unlike the VFR and many other sportbikes, Buell tells you the ideal suspension setting based on your weight.  Switching to the correct tire will also change the Firebolt's handling noticeably.  Once you have the suspension tuned for you and the right tires (Diablo Rossos and BT016's work great), the Firebolt's handling is wonderful.  It has just the right amount of turn in response (not too twitchy or overly light), yet holds a smooth line no matter the road surface.  Even under braking it holds its line at big lean angles.  Because of its short wheelbase, it can easily negotiate tight turns with ease.  I believe a Firebolt can make a U-turn inside the same circle that a VFR can.  In other words, it can easily out turn a VFR.  Out on a back country road when you are really turning and burning, you will be huffing and puffing it on the VFR and running out of ground clearance.  Meanwhile, the Firebolt driver is working half as hard as you.  The harder you ride in the twisties, the bigger the advantage in handling the Firebolt has over either the 5th or 6th Generation VFR.  

In any case I think I'm preaching to the choir here.  I hope you get make your Firebolt dream a reality.  It truely is a very satisfying motorcycle to own and ride.  

[ninegear]

God I love belt drive. What dont you like about it?

chains are more durable. though they require much more atention and maitainance. though if a chain broke in the middle of a trip it probobly would be more of a pain to fix.

[Kootenanny]

chains are more durable.

Sez who?  A chain may have an advantage in ultimate tensile strength, but it is not "more durable" than a belt--in fact, just the opposite.  A belt won't wear and stretch over time, the way a chain does (this is why the Buell XBs don't have any mechanism for adjusting the belt --it never changes length, so the drive can be designed to accommodate a set belt length).  Belt pulleys don't wear the way chain sprockets do, so you can put a new belt on used pulleys.  Durablity aside, the belt drive is lighter, quieter, and more positive than a chain.  What's not to like?

[Brad1445]

I like the no drive train lash.  Yes I broke a belt, and never a chain, but the trade off is worth it to me. I wish every bike was as smooth and responsive as a belt.

My Busa has the WORST chain lash of any bike I have ever ridden.

[Rogue]

chains are more durable. though they require much more atention and maitainance. though if a chain broke in the middle of a trip it probobly would be more of a pain to fix.

Chains are more durable if you ride in the dirt.  Chains will crush most "soft" rocks and dirt and keep on ticking, belts won't.  Having said that, the Buell belts last 100k miles while most bike chains will last 25k mile if properly maintained.  Ignore it and it may last 15k miles if you're lucky.  

[kebrider]

KEB, demo miles is hardly something that will allow you to experience the Firebolt's true personality.  I think this is true of most bikes especially not Honda's!  Many bikes will reveal many of their good, desirable traits until many miles later.  Some of them even need the right tires before they function their best.  The Firebolt and other XB's are one of those bikes that normally indear themselves to their owners many miles later.  That's probably not a good thing because first impressions are so important--you either love them or hate them the first time out!  

I had an '01 VFR too and I know that bike reacts and handles differently depending on what tires you put on them and how much you tune their suspension.  The 5th Generation VFR's come very softly tuned and their Dunlop D205 rubber give it a slightly lazy steering.  However, you can only adjust their suspension a small degree before they become harsh and bouncy.  Having said that, careful tinkering with the suspension will actually reveal a more sporting side to the VFR.  And like you said, spooning on sportier rubber adds another dimension of sportiness and quick turn in to the bike.

The Firebolt is like that in many ways.  Depending on the year, suspension adjustment, and tire, the Firebolt will behave differently in the handling department.  In fact, the difference in handling behavior based on the suspension tuning and tire choice is quite noticeable.  The good part is, Buell has already done the homework for you, and so has many moto-magazines.  Simply reading the owner's manual will reveal the correct (or close to correct) suspension adjustment for a variety of riders.  Unlike the VFR, the Firebolt has a fully adjustable suspension that allows you to tune the F & R.  And unlike the VFR and many other sportbikes, Buell tells you the ideal suspension setting based on your weight.  Switching to the correct tire will also change the Firebolt's handling noticeably.  Once you have the suspension tuned for you and the right tires (Diablo Rossos and BT016's work great), the Firebolt's handling is wonderful.  It has just the right amount of turn in response (not too twitchy or overly light), yet holds a smooth line no matter the road surface.  Even under braking it holds its line at big lean angles.  Because of its short wheelbase, it can easily negotiate tight turns with ease.  I believe a Firebolt can make a U-turn inside the same circle that a VFR can.  In other words, it can easily out turn a VFR.  Out on a back country road when you are really turning and burning, you will be huffing and puffing it on the VFR and running out of ground clearance.  Meanwhile, the Firebolt driver is working half as hard as you.  The harder you ride in the twisties, the bigger the advantage in handling the Firebolt has over either the 5th or 6th Generation VFR.  

In any case I think I'm preaching to the choir here.  I hope you get make your Firebolt dream a reality.  It truely is a very satisfying motorcycle to own and ride.  

When, not if, I get the Firebolt I plan using it as a casual sportbike. I really push the limits of the VFR with lots of full throttle, top speed sweepers and I don't see the Firebolt as something that could take that kind of abuse for 100K like the Honda can. I may be wrong but I don't see the Buell as a package that would hold up to continous full throttle, redline shifting. I see the Buell as a more relaxed but still quick-enough-to-have-fun, backroad funbike. Durable enough if ridden more reasonably.

As for tuning a VFR suspension I just drop the forks a couple of mm and crank everything to max on the 01 and it handles well enough for my 220 lbs. The bike is heavy and you feel it push in 140 MPH sweepers but I am so in tune with the thing I never work hard to hang with the sportbikes. There are some sportbike riders that I ride with that punk the VFR but only a couple and only in the 120+ stuff where the extra weight and lower power really stifle the VFR. When I ride their Gixxer 1K's I realize what a pig the VFR is but I can't wait to get back on my bike. Something about the VFR's combination of V4 growl, light steering and comfort that keeps me entertained as no other bike can.

I never get tired hustling the VFR, even on the track, as I have a really low effort riding style. I hang off a lot  because the VFR has craptacular ground clearance but I don't have a death grip on the bars and the relaxed seat to peg and bar allows me to stay comfy all the time, even in a crouch. I never come in early during a track session and when we do the underground track thing (Unoccupied subdivisions mostly) I stay out as long as anyone. Testimony to the sporting comfort of a VFR.

My Buell demo rides were a little more than just your average demo ride so I really do have a feel for what they can do. That is why I am so hooked on them. I ride everything and I get lots of seat time on many different bikes, last year I did some quality time on a Tri-color 1098 and did extended rides on everything from Gixxer 1Ks to Street Triples to Tuonos and I still want the Buell to share space with my two VFRs.

The only thing that could replace a Firebolt is the XR1200R Sportster which I rode about 7 times last year at Daytona. Freaking loved it. Needs a 17" front wheel (Whomever comprimised the design to the 18" is a complete tool) and an optional cafe kit to really replace the Buell but I rode it enough to know I could enjoy many miles on the thing.

Back to the 18 wheel thing. Its as if HD just wants to F@#K up anything sportbike-like. A manufacturer has got to realize that sportbike riders are the most tire-aware group of consumers on the planet. I mean come on, all a motorcycle is is a tool I use to wear out a set of tires every 2500 miles or so (I know it's time to change the oil whe the tires are shagged). If I were challenged to a race and I could choose any bike I would see what tire was on the bike before I chose it. Way more important than horsepower or even weight (within reason of course). Not having to slow down is the game. If you only have to accelerate once who gives a crap if your bike is 2 seconds slower in the 1/4 mile? So Harley puts an 18 wheel on the XR and cuts the tire choices down to shite.

Maybe HD didn't want the XR to compete head-to-head with the sportbikes out there but I think they missed the boat. At my age (I was born the year the Sportster engine was introduced) I could care less about top speed in a sportbike. I consider things like range, comfort, and handling as the key criteria when choosing a ride. I need a certain level of engine performance and the XR had enough. I could forgive the crappy range for the rest of the package but I have a real problem with the 18" front wheel for some reason. Might have cost HD a sale frankly because I was that taken with the bike but concerned for tire availability and choice.

Rant over.

For now.

KEB

[Rogue]

H-D most certainly does NOT want the XR1200 to compete against any sportbike.  You know why?  Because any sportbike, including its cousin the Firebolt and Lightning would kill the XR1200.  The XR is a classic case of H-D wanting to sell a bike on nostalgia, styling, and image.  They gave it some performance, as you said, just enough, but that's it.  The XR1200 would have been great 15 years ago but not now.  Not when most naked bikes are a couple of generations better than that!  

[kebrider]

I acknowledge the fact that the HD will never compete performance-wise with practically any standard or sportbike but if performance for performance sake was the sole criteria for purchase then we would all be riding the same bike. I say that HD missed the ease-of-ownership mark with the bike that is much more important to me than any performance numbers. Hell, I could, and have, passed sport bikes on a cruiser on a twisty road. Make the damn thing fun and fun to own and you will sell a motorcycle. Bad features kill a sale for me quicker than its 1/4 mile time. The 1200R is a fun bike that would be even more fun if I could choose any tire I wanted for it.

Maybe I'm holdin on a little tight but I really think tire choice is extremely important.

YMMV

KEB

[Rogue]

I think I understand where you are coming from.

I just have a hard time accepting the performance of the XR1200.  Having seen the XR1200 close up, I can easily notice a few things on it that will make life a bit irritating...at least for me.

18" front wheel-- WTF where they thinking?
100 mile range--hello Sportster--they did this to make that peanut tank look cool--another H-D trademark of compromising for the sake of looks.
Also, where and how do you put bags on that thing?  
Does the clutch cable have to loop so big and far down below?  Looks like it can catch on something!  
Finally, 75 rwhp?  C'mon!  


What's sad for me is how this is the MOST sporting H-D there is.  WHAT?    Yeah.  If this is the best Harley can offer as a go-fast bike, there is a problem with that.  That's because looking at other makes, it's clear there is more to be had using similar hardware.  Bikes like the Buell Lightning, Triumph Thruxton, BMW R1200R, Ducati SS1000, Motto Guzzi Breva, these all have similar hardware and occupy a similar segment of the market yet they all totally kill the XR1200 in performance.  You gotta wonder why!

[kevin_stevens]

Chains are more durable if you ride in the dirt.  Chains will crush most "soft" rocks and dirt and keep on ticking, belts won't.  Having said that, the Buell belts last 100k miles while most bike chains will last 25k mile if properly maintained.  Ignore it and it may last 15k miles if you're lucky.  

My Buell belt lasted 3K miles.  

KeS

[Kootenanny]

My Buell belt lasted 3K miles.  

KeS

Hmmm...over 20K miles on mine (35k km), still going strong.  And mine is the very earliest Gates belt (the one everyone complained about).   And I live on a gravel road.  Hmmm...

It's beyond it's "due date," but I'm afraid to change it!

[Rogue]

My Buell belt lasted 3K miles.  

KeS

Yes....but something else made the belt fail.  Once a belt is frayed or damaged, it must be replaced immediately.  I guess it should last 100k miles under normal use.