Sportbikes

2010Buell XB12R Firebolt

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The 2010 Buell XB12R Firebolt is a naked bike tailored for riders seeking aggressive performance and distinctive styling. Powered by a 1203cc V-twin engine producing 103 horsepower and 114 Nm of torque, it delivers responsive acceleration and sharp handling. Known for its unconventional design, powerful mid-range delivery, and nimble maneuverability, the Firebolt appeals to experienced riders prioritizing character and dynamic ride experience.

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)

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How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail10%

Cornering92%

City riding75%

Daily riding55%

Touring30%

Two-up30%

Track70%

Best for: Built for aggressive backroad carving and short sporty blasts rather than outright top-speed runs or long-distance cruising.
Built for: A characterful, mechanically distinctive machine with a punchy low-end V-twin growl, a mass-centralized chassis, and genuinely unique engineering touches like the frame-mounted fuel and perimeter brake rotor.
Not ideal for: Not the right choice for riders wanting 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?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 775mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2010 Buell XB12R Firebolt, with a cramped knee angle of around 65 degrees and a forward-leaning riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 751-820 mm — Middle Ground →

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Range and running costs

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Units

Currency

Fuel per litre

Riding a year

Based on the maker's published fuel consumption and tank size. Official figures come from a gentle lab test - most riders use 10-30% more fuel than this, so expect less range in real riding, and the last litres of a tank are reserve. Prices shown greyed are examples - type your own.

Reliability & safety

Bike Reliability score, safety recalls and owner complaints

Bike Reliability

How the score works →

out of 100Good

The Buell XB12R Firebolt passed its annual roadworthiness test first time 85.7% of the time, 2.9 points above expected for bikes of the same age and mileage. That beats 60% of models.

This covers every year of the model.

85.7%Passed first time

6.8%Failed outright

7.5%Fixed during test

9,000Typical miles

3,073Tests

Pass rate by miles ridden

0-10k

86.1%

10-20k

84.9%

20-30k

87.1%

30-40k

85.5%

All years of this model.

Score by year first registered

20032004200520062007

Against its rivals · ranks 6 of 6

#	Model (all years)	Score	Tests
1	BMW R1200R	96 Excellent	2,769
2	Honda CB 1300	93 Excellent	15,726
3	Moto Guzzi California Vintage	92 Excellent	121
4	Yamaha XJR1300	77 Good	97,209
5	Suzuki Bandit 1250	74 Good	1,482
6	Buell XB12R Firebolt	60 Good	3,073

Rivals are the most-viewed bikes on MotorcycleDB in the same category and engine size, from within three years of this model.

From British annual roadworthiness tests, 2005-2025. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 (DVSA MOT test data, Great Britain). How Bike Reliability works.

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1202.9 ccm
Power: 103.0 HP (75.8 kW)
CO2 Emissions: 114 CO2 g/km
Torque: 114.0 Nm (11.6 kgf-m) @ 6500 RPM
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Fuel consumption: 4.90 litres/100 km (20.4 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
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

Maintenance

Battery: Yuasa: YTX14H (12 V 12 Ah) or YTX14 (12 V 12 Ah)

Other

Color options: Midnight Black, Sunfire Yellow
Modifications compared to previous model: Second oxygen sensor and updated EFI calibration improves fuel economy and drivability

Specs last verified against published sources: November 2026.