Sportbikes
2009Buell Firebolt XB12R
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The 2009 Buell Firebolt XB12R is a aggressive naked bike built for riders seeking raw performance and distinctive character. Its oversquare 1203cc V-twin engine delivers 103 horsepower and commanding low-end torque, making it best known for its potent acceleration and unique American engineering. The belt-drive five-speed transmission and oil-cooled powerplant define a rebellious alternative to conventional sportbikes.
- 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 2009 Buell Firebolt XB12R
vs the 2008| Spec | 2008 | 2009 |
|---|---|---|
| Torque | 113.9 Nm (11.6 kgf-m or 84.0 ft.lbs) | 113.9 Nm (11.6 kgf-m or 84.0 ft.lbs) @ 6500 RPM |
| Rear suspension | Showa coil-over monoshock with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload | Showa coil-over monoshock with remote, under-seat reservoir and adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload |
| Front brakes | Single disc. 8-piston calipers | Single disc. ZTL2-type brake, 8-piston, 4 pads, fixed caliper, single-sided, inside out, stainless steel, floating rotor |
| Rear brakes | Single disc. 2-piston calipers | Single disc. Two-piston, direct mount caliper; stainless steel, fixed rotor |
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 usRange and running costs
Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to usBased on the maker's published fuel consumption and tank size. Real-world figures depend on how and where you ride, and the last litres of a tank are reserve. Prices shown greyed are examples - type your own.
Engine
- Capacity
- 1202.9 ccm
- Power
- 103.0 HP (75.8 kW) @ 6800 RPM
- CO2 Emissions
- 96 CO2 g/km
- EPA CO Emissions
- 4.2 CO g/km
- Torque
- 113.9 Nm (11.6 kgf-m) @ 6500 RPM
- Engine type
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Fuel consumption
- 4.10 litres/100 km (24.4 km/l)
- 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
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1321 mm
- Overall length
- 1935 mm
- Overall width
- 714 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 remote, under-seat reservoir and adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload
- Front wheel travel
- 120 mm
- Rear wheel travel
- 127 mm
- Rake (fork angle)
- 21.0°
- Trail
- 83 mm
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Single disc. ZTL2-type brake, 8-piston, 4 pads, fixed caliper, single-sided, inside out, stainless steel, floating rotor
- Front brakes diameter
- 336 mm
- Rear brakes
- Single disc. Two-piston, direct mount caliper; stainless steel, fixed rotor
- Rear brakes diameter
- 240 mm
- Front tyre
- 120/70-ZR17
- Rear tyre
- 180/55-ZR17
Other
- Color options
- Midnight Black, Arctic White
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 2009 Buell Firebolt XB12R has a Capacity of 1202.9 ccm (73.41 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Buell Firebolt XB12R have?
The 2009 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 2009 Buell Firebolt XB12R has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
What is the torque of the Buell Firebolt XB12R?
The 2009 Buell Firebolt XB12R has a Torque of 113.9 Nm (11.6 kgf-m or 84.0 ft.lbs) @ 6500 RPM.
How much does the Buell Firebolt XB12R weigh?
The 2009 Buell Firebolt XB12R has a Dry weight of 179.2 kg (395.1 pounds).
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