| Author | Message | ||
     Adam Hetrick |
Or should I not be comparing the Firebolt and the X1? | ||
| Blake |
Adam: They haven't listed the ratio for the secondary drive yet. Other ratios appear unchanged. The rear sprocket does appear smaller and so will at least partially offset the higher revs. I'm anxious to see the ratio myself. I'm bettng it will be faster with the race kit, when it appears. Anyone think it's possible that with 3.5 quarts of oil, the XB9R may be combining engine and tranny lube in one reservour? That would be GREAT! (for maintenance anyway)  | ||
| Tripper |
The tranny is the Blast tranny. Lube is in the case, and it cluncks just like our current antiques. | ||
| Ralph |
Blake, same tranny (that's one reason I was hoping for a six speed). bighairyralph | ||
| Jasonl |
Mark_In_Ireland - yer "right on" about PB! I'm not commenting on the ride of the XB9R until they gimme the scoop. | ||
| Leeaw |
I was talking to my service manager right before he lead us on a nice twisty ride, and he thinks the Firebolt is going to come in a bit above the price of the X1, but it is pure speculation. He was telling me how there is a fan under the seat that draws the hot air out, and other cool things. He is going in Sept. to test ride it, and this is the oversquare, revvy engine he has been hoping for. But you still can't pry his X1 from his hands. At $9,500, I think it would be competing with both the M2 and X1, but I guess sales will determine the real outcome. | ||
| Jazlawyer |
Notice the parallels between the Buell progression and the Datsun Z cars and Mazda RX7 series? Initial offerings were sporting and spartan enthusiasts' cars...then began to grow fatter albeit more comfortable. Then they come up with a final model that is technologically more advanced and closer to the original concept; i.e,. 300zx and 3rd generation RX7 twin turbos. Finally they cease production only to realize there is a strong enthusiast niche and scramble to go back to their roots of more minimalist performance offerings. Let's hope this does not happen with Buell. The Firebolt is a neat piece but I'm keeping my early M2 and S1 for the same reason I've kept an early 240Z in my garage. Long live "nekkid" bikes (not naked bikes-- down south "naked" means no clothes; "nekkid" means no clothes and something naughty is going on...which would suggest that Rocket is likely from southern England). | ||
| Choptop |
The only aircraft "Firebolt" reference I could find: http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/annex/an15b.htm http://www.yellowjacketsystems.com/jimball/ctimm/firebolt.htm The Firebolt looks alot like the "JayHawk" navy missile. It might be a re-purposed design. | ||
| Drandall |
I found where I read the price: http://news.motorcycle.com/article.motml?sid=995 - "...The fact that it'll have an MSRP of less than $10,000 certainly helps things along." | ||
| Blake |
Tripper, Ralph: I assumed the XB9R has the same tranny that has lube in it's case. That would not necessarily keep an innovative engineer from combining the crankcase and tranny lube into one big system, would it? The viscosity of 75W90 trany lube is pretty darn close to 20W50 engine lube (the common SAE tranny and engine viscosity scales are not the same, 50 weight engine is nearly the same viscosity as 90 weight tranny lube). Other properties may differ since tranny lube is not subject to EPA emmisions rules like engine lube is. I dunno. Obviously though, it is perfectly acceptable to combine the two functions into a single lubrication system a'la almost every other motorcycle on the road today. Does anyone know for sure? It's just that 3.5 quarts seems like an aweful lot for just the engine. Just wondering/hoping (a single drain/fill for both engine and tranny would sure be nice!). Blake | ||
| Tripper |
Know for "SURE"? Hey, this is the internet. Guess we better ask Anon R or Anon '01 to chime in. I'm fairly certain service manuals aren't out yet. However I will bet one dollar that it is the same as our XL motor. | ||
| Blake |
Yer probably right. And I'll be happy to see teh extra quart of capacity, but... BRAAAAAD!!!! Where are ya son? | ||
| Ralph |
Blake, I think 3.5 qts is just right for these motors. I was wrong about the tranny though. It is not the same. I believe it is no longer a removable "pill". The gears may be the same, I don't know. I'll stop shooting in the dark now have I mentioned that it's really cool looking? bighairyralph | ||
| Aaron |
"The rear sprocket does appear smaller and so will at least partially offset the higher revs." Uhh, Blake, care to re-think that statement? Gearbox ... I expect no trap door (i.e. Blast) ... but I also expect a much slicker shifting gearbox with a short shifter throw. AW | ||
| Rocketman |
Jaz 'll need a lawyer if he sez I'm from the south, again ! I'm a freekin Yorkshireman, ya prat That means we drink real ale, not soft and warm beer, and we still piss in t' bath. Oh yeah, we talk kinda funny to "duz tha 'no" Rocket in England |
