Sportbikes
2008Buell Firebolt XB12R
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The 2008 Buell Firebolt XB12R is an aggressive American sport bike powered by a 1203cc V-twin engine delivering 103 horsepower and strong low-end torque. Built for riders seeking raw performance and distinctive styling, the Firebolt excels in street riding with its potent acceleration and nimble handling. Its oil-cooled engine and innovative design make it best known for delivering accessible high-performance thrills.
- Capacity
- 1202.9 ccm
- Engine
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Dry weight
- 179.2 kg
- Seat height
- 775 mm
- Power
- 103.0 HP (75.8 kW) @ 6800 RPM
What’s new for the 2008 Buell Firebolt XB12R
vs the 2007| Spec | 2007 | 2008 |
|---|---|---|
| Rear suspension | Showa coil-over monoshock with remote, under-seat reservoir and adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload | Showa coil-over monoshock with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload |
| Front brakes | Single disc | Single disc. 8-piston calipers |
| Rear brakes | Single disc | Single disc. 2-piston calipers |
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Built for aggressive cornering and spirited backroad riding rather than outright top-speed runs or long-distance touring.
- Built for
- Quirky and distinctive, with a thumping V-twin, mass-centralized design, and race-derived brakes that give it a raw, engaging personality unlike typical naked bikes.
- Not ideal for
- Not a good fit for riders seeking plush comfort, pillion-friendly touring capability, or off-road versatility.
Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.
Will it fit you?
Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to usEngine
- Capacity
- 1202.9 ccm
- Power
- 103.0 HP (75.8 kW) @ 6800 RPM
- EPA CO Emissions
- 4.2 CO g/km
- Torque
- 113.9 Nm (11.6 kgf-m)
- Engine type
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.5748 HP/kg (dry)
- Bore x stroke
- 88.9 x 96.8 mm
- Compression
- 10.0:1
- Cooling system
- Oil & air
- Fuel system
- Injection
- Starting
- Electric
- Aspiration
- Naturally aspirated
- Valves per cylinder
- 2
- Lubrication system
- Dry-sump
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Belt
- Clutch
- Wet, multi-plate, compensated, reduced lever effort
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1321 mm
- Overall length
- 1935 mm
- Overall width
- 716 mm
- Overall height
- 1100 mm
- Seat height
- 775 mm
- Dry weight
- 179.2 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 14.50 litres
- Ground clearance
- 110 mm
Chassis & suspension
- Frame
- Aluminum frame with Uniplanar™ powertrain vibration isolation system, fuel in frame
- Front suspension
- 43 mm Showa inverted forks with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload
- Rear suspension
- Showa coil-over monoshock with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload
- Front wheel travel
- 120 mm
- Rear wheel travel
- 127 mm
- Rake (fork angle)
- 21.0°
- Trail
- 84 mm
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Single disc. 8-piston calipers
- Front brakes diameter
- 336 mm
- Rear brakes
- Single disc. 2-piston calipers
- Rear brakes diameter
- 240 mm
- Front tyre
- 120/70-ZR17
- Rear tyre
- 180/55-ZR17
Other
- Color options
- Midnight Black, Arctic White (New)
Specs last verified against published sources: .
Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
What changed, year to year
Differences highlighted| Specification | 2004 | 2005 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1203 cc | 1203 cc | 1203 cc | 1203 cc | 1203 cc |
| Dry weight | 179 kg | 179 kg | 179 kg | 179 kg | 179 kg |
| Seat height | 775 mm | 775 mm | 775 mm | 775 mm | 775 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 14 L | 14 L | 14.5 L | 14.5 L | 14.5 L |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Buell Firebolt XB12R?
The 2008 Buell Firebolt XB12R has a Capacity of 1202.9 ccm (73.41 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Buell Firebolt XB12R have?
The 2008 Buell Firebolt XB12R has a Power of 103.0 HP (75.8 kW) @ 6800 RPM.
How many gears does the Buell Firebolt XB12R have?
The 2008 Buell Firebolt XB12R has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
What is the torque of the Buell Firebolt XB12R?
The 2008 Buell Firebolt XB12R has a Torque of 113.9 Nm (11.6 kgf-m or 84.0 ft.lbs).
How much does the Buell Firebolt XB12R weigh?
The 2008 Buell Firebolt XB12R has a Dry weight of 179.2 kg (395.1 pounds).
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