| Author | Message | |||
     Jim_M |
Dave, I don't remeber if it was posted, but Don liked it alot, but noticed a tendancy to stand up...he thought that maybe too much mass centralization was at issue here...weebles wobble but they don't fall down  \ I like Don's review for the riding portion of it, but I like Burnsie's style (the second reviewer on the MO piece above. | |||
| Court |
Dave Ditto on Don. I can not even imagine what the XB9R (I am talking BOX STOCK) boys and girls, would be like in Shawn'd hands. Shawn Higbee is to turning what Richard Nallin is to going straight. Both share the personality attibute of being incredibly nice people. The one thing I am noting, here and on ATC, with regards to the initial XB9R reports is the "great bike/bad dealer" thread. Court | |||
| Mikej |
"... the "great bike/bad dealer" thread" And this will be perhaps Buell's greatest hurdle. Locally, even when a local H-D/Buell dealer sponsers a "sport bike night", the only sport bikes that usually show up are owned by the shops mechanics. But there are some local weekday evening gatherings (and the requisite speed/radar traps on nearby streets) that do garner large groups of the XB target market. I'd say by mid-June the issue of the dealer support should reach critical mass if the XBs start to accumulate on showroom floors. The current Buell inventory at one dealer here looks somewhat like a rummage sale with all the colorfull sales tags hanging off most of them. Sometimes a plaid sportcoat is fine, but usually it just stands out as something to avoid. Although, there is one slightly scratched XB sitting there now with a slightly ground swingarm that just might possibly become a workable sale if someone knows how to gently twist a sales manager's arm. But probably is frozen in Do Not Ride status until more XBs are received. I see good changes slowly happening, but I won't feel they have come around until I see a ThrottleMeister hanging on a rack for sale there. Only time will tell. | |||
| Jima4media |
How about this - Great bike, just buy it and have it serviced in Modesto. Buell really needs to address the service and support issue this year. I hope Erik takes the time to stop in and visit Modesto, while he is on the California Tour. He is still coming to California isn't he? California will eventually get Firebolts, won't we? Jim X-2.5 | |||
| Sparky |
Maybe someone should evaluate Metzler Sportec rubber on the XB. Sportecs are touted to minimize stand up in corners moreso than other mfgr's radials because their unique placement of steel belts puts the centerline of the contact patch closer to the centerline of the wheel resulting in less leverage to affect the lean angle of the bike. Has anyone heard of this or can confirm this claim? Sparky 96S1, 98S3 | |||
| Davegess |
I have Don's ride impression from Vegas but if MO has an actual road test published than CW probably has theirs written and in the final production stages. The next issue is due in my mailbox in 2-3 weeks so I gotta figure the test is done and somebody out there has gotta be able to steal the darn thing and risk getting fired just to satisfy my desires!!!!  Dave | |||
| Peyote |
dave, yea, I sent in $12 about a month or 2 ago. Pretty good writers @ MO, IMO. The main thing I think they could improve on is with the forum (make it a little more organized & add the year on the posting dates). btw, does ne1 know how I can get my blue xb9r to ship to dealer faster. I was thinking 'bout sending BMC some shipping money and a little bit for employee pockets?jk But seriously, the build date I think was a few weeks ago so I'm getting unbearable around the office here. | |||
| M2cyclone00 |
The heads on the Firebolt must be very well done as I believe Aaron had said. Looking at the dyno from Motorcycle.com, hp is still climbing when the rev limiter kicks in. Dave | |||
| Steve_A |
Hi Dave. Cycle World tested the Firebolt as part of a comparison for "best streetbike" that will be out in about 2 to 3 weeks. The Firebolt didn't win because the emphasis of the test was on all-around street riding qualities, including the ability to comfortably carry a passenger, tour long distance, etc. The very focused Firebolt was a little out of place among some of the very general purpose machines that were included. However, the Firebolt was the best handling bike in the test, essentially tieing a CBR600F4's time on a tight handling course despite being down 20 horsepower on the Honda's power. The suspension is incredibly well set-up, and the bike is a revelation on a really tight road -- and it doesn't handle like anything else. The bike is extremely stable, and requires some muscle to place -- it's not the twitchy thing the steering geometry might lead you to expect. But you can place it anywhere, anytime with just rock solid stability. As for trail-braking with the front brake, there is some tendency for the bike to stand up -- more so than for some sport bikes, less so than for others. It's something you quickly get use to. In fact, the more I've ridden the 'Bolt, the more I've been impressed with its combination of handling, braking, high-quality suspension and smooth power delivery. I've been riding the 'Bolt around town for the last week or so, and I find I like the riding position. BTW, Cycle World's dyno numbers were almost identical to MO numbers, but the quarter-mile times were a little slow because of the test location. | |||
| Davegess |
Thanks Steve. MO is a fun place but I trust CW's people more. Staying with the CBR is quite a feat! I will look forward to the mail. I can't wait for my bike. The dealer says "Its released to production" Can't tell when it will actually be built. It has all the earmarks of being a great bike for me. I ride my GB500 (a bike that is almost a match for the 'bolt in terms of riding position) around town and for an hour or so the riding position is fine. At speed the windblast takes any weight off my wrists so that is not an issue. The legs get a bit cramped but not to bad. I bet the rear pegs on the 'bolt will give just enough of a strech to solve that problem. | |||
| Travis |
Regarding MO, I think that John Burns recently signed on there, either as an editor or a writer, maybe both. It was a couple months ago. Trav | |||
| Blake |
Motorcycle Online DEFINITELY deserves our support if we enjoy reading their article. It take a LOT of effort to do a decent road test of a motorcycle and then write about it in an informative and entertaining fashion. Minime had a LOT of great stuff to say about the bike. He did seem to over-dwell on his sense that the XB9R wants to stand up under trail braking. Like Burns alludes to, I have not ridden a motorcycle that doesn't. It's a consequence of simple physics and cannot be eliminated. Minime's attitude sure was positive though. I anticipate a total whoopin' in their upcoming XB9R versus 900SS shootout. There is no doubt that the XB9R is FAR superior. The Duc 748 might yield a more fair comparison on the track. The MO dyno chart...   Max HP : 76.7 HP @ 7,400 RPM Max Torque : 59.8 lbs-ft @ 5,400 RPM Hmmm, MO's test bike shows over 5% better peak RWHP than Jeff's/Hoser's results but is down significantly at 4500 rpm compared to the Canuckerbolt. I know, different dynos, different days... I just can't resist. We are talking about significantly different shapes to the torque curves though. Jeff's Dyno reposted for your easy reference...  Max HP: 73.0 HP @ 7400 RPM Max Torque: 58.4 lbs-ft @ 4,500 through 5,600 RPM The more I see, the more I like the Firebolt. Can't wait to actually ride one! Dear Mr. Buell: What would it take to get BadWeB a test ride? We have the perfect track for the mission and some level of writing skill! Bring it on down to Kilgore and let's ride! We'll buy the gas and barbeque.  | |||
| Jim_M |
Speaking of the XB.... are they announcing the winner of the StD contest (me), on 5/20? I'm anxious to pick up my FireBolt | |||
| Blake |
Question: Why aren't the dyno plots running all the way to 7,500? Is the rev limit at 7,400? I though it was at 7,500. | |||
| Buellzebub |
rode the fireblast this morning,approx 20 km demo ride. very interesting... suspension was excellent, ergo's were a little tight but workable, nice and linear power. seems to me it could realy use more power, can hardly wait til i try it on the track, 28 more sleeps til [rescheduled] lightning ride! one question, how do you tighten your exhaust bolts on the rear head of the xbr? looks like ya gotta drop the engine s1's still rule | |||
| Blacksix |
BHR! Good to hear...my email has crashed so I couldn't reply. Thanks for the info. Still can't decide on a bike. Heading to Dallas Saturday morning to try on a new Ducati. Muhahahaha....having a ball shopping. If Buell had more of these Bolts around...it might help me out of my current "lack of Motorcycle" situation. | |||
| Hoser |
Duane: The exhaust nuts can be tightened without dropping the engine down , you gotta hold your mouth right and use snapon 1/4" drive swivel/wobble type sockets on a wobble extension, btw I have a "bolt" for the next three days and have been instructed to roll the dials on the odometer "some" so it can then be ready for use as a demo , ................ Let's ride . Jeff | |||
| Raymaines |
Jeff: Life is hard isn't it! Here, go ride a new Firebolt for three days. Put lots of Km on it. Sheeesh. | |||
| Buellzebub |
gotta love wobble sockets! sounds good Jeff, i'll give you a call | |||
| Henrik |
Firebolt reviews: Performance Bikes May 2002 issue: written by Mike (?) Here are some excerpts. This is the kind of the reviewer comments I've been looking for: "I was seriously impressed with the Firebolt - and not just because someone has made a Harley thet handles. It's a top little bike in it's own right, and does pretty much everything I want. I'd even be tempted to part with my own cash for one - and I'm skint". " ... and the clocks. These are crap, and look like they were subbed out to Fisher-Price". (thought that was funny ) "Although aimed for the road, Buell let us loose on the circuit, as they are "completely confident" in the handling of their new baby, and wanted somewhere the potential could be explored. And they were right to be confident. The Firebolt handles, no mistake. It turns in quickly, holds a line and leans for England. Well, America. Geometry is best described as extreme, with a steep 21 degree rake and only 84 mm of trail, and wheelbase is a dwarf-like 1320 mm, yet the 'Bolt is utterly composed. Ham-fisted use of the controls, throwing it around and clipping kerbs fail to provoke any misbehaviour. The bike is tiny. As such, pegs are quite high, but the chassis and suspenders give enough confidence to stay on the throttle and just lean until they merrily scrape away. Elbows touch knees through turns, giving a confidence boosting secure feel. Arsing around even saw elbow leather smeared on the track surface - completely pointless, but a demonstration of trust in the handling". "Part of the reason it inspires confidence is the riding position. It might be small, but Buell have managed to pull of the Honda trick of making the bike fit everyone. Pegs are quite high, but the bars are close and not too low. It's racy but relaxed at the same time. Sort of. Nobody complained of discomfort, from flyweight shorties to six-foot-plus scoffers like me". "Out on the road the lack of top-end rush and clunky shift isn't so obvious. On a suitably twisty route through the mountains the Firebolt was in its element. Forget about the gears, concentrate on the road and avoid the worryingly large drop on every other bend. The power delivery is a little deceptive, making it easier to be carrying more speed than you think, and the chassis is just as agile and taut as on the track. It even manages to stay stable when tyres leave the road over crests, still banked over. A slight kick through the bars and that's it. Cool". I'm looking forward to a test ride Henrik | |||
| Raymaines |
I'm just loving these positive reviews. The bike isn't absolutly perfect but it's pretty darn close. YES! "Though the motor is by no means a brute, it's deceptively fast....." "The power delivery is a little deceptive, making it easier to be carrying more speed than you think" "It makes the most of what it's got, and people dig it." "...the XB were [was] drawing away from me on a fresh RC51..." "It's a top little bike in it's own right, and does pretty much everything I want. I'd even be tempted to part with my own cash for one - and I'm skint." I've made a MS-Word 97 document of the
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| Dynarider |
Did they happen to do a 1/4 mile test of the lil bolt? Curious to see what kinda times it pulls. | |||
| Xgecko |
One must remember that European Magazines are not "Bought/produced" by manufacturer advertising. Nor are the journalists quite so enamored of Japanese cookie cutter bikes. I mean the Streetfighter is a valid bike style there and has been for years. Europe's roads, lacking in numerous 1000mile slabs of relativly straight concrete are much more suited to a short wheelbase bike. I have that copy of Performance Bike it's quite good, They even give a nice fair review of the new R1 (another bike I lust over...liquid silver). I just wish the magazine didn't cost so damn much her in the states or I'd subscribe to it. | |||
| Court |
Hmmmmmm. . . . anyone else notice what is becoming a common thread among those who have ridden the Firebolt? That fact about "don't be fooled by the bikes numbers, the Buell is deceptively fast". I think Mike Yasovskyvorygvy said it first, and this is a guy who KNOWS how to corner a Buell. Interestometer rising! | |||
| Cro13 |
Quick heads up for bolt owners: On page 32 of your owner's manual it says "Riders may also wish to purchase the 2003 model year Fierbolt XB9R service manual(part no. 99475-03Y)." DON'T order this part number it's not correct. It is the number for the owner's manual you already have look at the number on the back cover. See your dealer before you order. As for the bike it just keeps getting better. No matter what the reviews I'm just a normal guy on the road and I'm telling you this bike is really special. Carter | |||
| Court |
Owner's manual is P/N 99475-03Y Parts manual is P/N 99574-03Y. Service Manual is on HD.NET Both are currently on back order. | |||
| Oldman |
for anyone interested, i heard that the girl who bought the first xb at tampa hd, also works there, has it up for consignment, if someone wants to buy it i'll be more than happy to ride it anywhere in the continental u.s.. i'll pay expenses out, you pay cheap flight back. | |||
| Two_Buells |
All three front axles lined up. 99 S3, 98 S1, 03 XB  | |||
| Two_Buells |
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| Court |
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MO review of the Firebolt