| Author | Message | ||
     Barker |
My favorite line: "Bike's benefits include high agility and chuckability in the corners." chuckability? That's a good word. 1369-1962-1963_2100546%2C00.html,http://www.wheels 24.co.za/Wheels24/BikesQuads/NewModels/0,,1369-196 2-1963_2100546,00.html Buell's sizzling Firebolt 19/04/2007 08:13 Super bikes and Harley-Davidsons can be categorised in the same way as Indian curry and Swiss-made chocolate would be. Yes, both are food, but they feature on opposite ends of the scale. It is possible for these paths to cross though, as can be seen with chilli-flavoured chocolate. Erik Buell had always been interested in engines. After working at Harley-Davidson for a few years from 1979, he quit the manufacturer renowned for its big bikes and set out on his own. The Harley connection But using his contacts fostered at Harley-Davidson, Buell acquired some engines and started building is own bikes, which he also used for racing. Fast forward nearly thirty years and Buell motorcycles are officially sold through Harley-Davidson dealerships, now listed as a subsidiary of the brand. And if there was ever a perfect cross between a Harley and a superbike, this would be it. In biking terms, the Buell Firebolt can be described as a Sportfighter, a combination of a streetfighter and a sports bike. Sportfighter? This may upset a couple of riders, but the Firebolt, in many ways is actually prettier than several Harleys and super bikes. Take, for instance, the translucent Valencia Orange colour of the windscreen and matching Amber twin-spoke wheels. For 2007, colours available are the translucent yellow or Cherry Bomb Red screens with Midnight Black wheels bespoke for the Firebolt. From the front the, Buell has two spider-eye lights. The front wheel brake disc's radius is quite large and runs not far from the rim. Even the design of the disc is unique. The 1 203 cc 45°, V-Twin engine is from a Harley-Davidson Sportster. In the Buell it delivers 75 kW at what is basically maximum engine speed - 6 600 r/min - and 110 Nm torque at 6 000 r/min. A lightweight For a 1 203 cc bike the Buell tips the scales only at 179 kg and some of the main priorities for Buell are its design, keeping the bike's centre of gravity as low as possible and mass centralisation. The Firebolt's air filter is located where the fuel tank usually resides in other motorcycles, but the fuel cap sits in the usual place. When filling the tank, the petrol actually runs into a thick aluminium frame that is clearly visible from the side and suits the overall intention of the bike. Also notice the exhaust manifold on the right-hand side of the bike with the silencer box beneath the bike with one flattened exit on each side. The test bike was fitted with the optional Micron exhaust (R8 000), which I?d consider the ultimate party trick. The big bang Get on the bike, turn the key, press the starter and you can almost hear every explosion in the combustion chambers. The bike vibrates underneath you at idle, but open the throttle and, instead of changing gears quickly, pull in the clutch and close the throttle completely. Several big bangs exit the exhaust as it backfires. And underneath your helmet you can?t help but smile a naughty smile. After taking it easy for the first couple of kilometres, I pick up the pace and start to dig into the experience this XB12R has to offer. You can use the revs or simply stay in a high gear and feed off the torque. The five-speed gearbox's ratios are well spaced and as the road clears I pin the throttle. Up to 200km/h the Buell pulls strongly before it finally hits it limiter at an indicated 220km/h (a true 210km/h). Since it is relatively light, the bike's benefits include high agility and chuckability in the corners. The suspension is sporty, but not overly stiff. This can be changed should you wish to take your Buell to the race track or tackle an extended cruise. The front and rear suspensions are both fully adjustable. A pleasant surprise for me after spending a couple of hours in the saddle is that is still felt good thereafter with no pains whatsoever. The riding position is really comfortable for this type of motorcycle. If you fancy putting a passenger on the back, just remove the rear cowling for the pillion seat. You can argue that it is not as seriously fast as a Japanese super bike, but you will be missing the point of the Buell. Ride the Buell for a couple of days and you will start acting and feeling like the ultimate villain. The Buell comes with a two-year unlimited mileage warranty and the belt is guaranteed for the life of the bike. Pricing for the Buell XB12R starts from R105 000. |
