Please note: This bike is a part of the Northern California Superbike Collection. The anonymous owner is well-known and a long-term friend of both Iconic and Bike-urious. All proceeds will go towards a foundation he and his wife run to further research for sustainable agricultural and agroforestry systems worldwide.
Buell’s XB frame first arrived on the scene in 2002 with the launch of the Firebolt XB9R. The series introduced many of the brand’s innovative technologies, including an industry-first Zero Torsional Load (ZTL) perimeter floating front brake disc, a forged aluminum “fuel in frame” chassis, as well as a swingarm that doubled as an oil reservoir. In order to keep the bike’s mass even closer to the ground, Buell mounted the muffler beneath the engine.
Come 2003, Buell expanded the XB lineup via the Lightning XB12. In keeping with the series’ naming conventions, the model bumped the Harley V-twin’s displacement from 984cc up to 1,203cc. On the road, this meant that it made 103hp and and 84lb-ft of torque. Along with the naked streetfighter ‘S’ (Lightning), Buell also offered the bike in adventure ‘X’ spec (Ulysses) and faired sportbike ‘R’ (Firebolt) guise.
Moving from the XB9R to the XB12R, Buell kept the same fuel tank and swingarm put painted them black and mixed up the paint schemes with dramatic options like blue or red on gold wheels, white on blue wheels, and black on red wheels with a red windscreen.
The biggest change was to the motor, which was stroked out to 1,203cc, bumping output to a claimed 103 horsepower and 84 foot-pounds of torque. As part of their review, VisorDown said, “so what do all these changes add up to? Well, in my humble opinion these are the bikes that Buell should have launched first. The styling alterations are beside the point, it’s the changes to the motor that make the world of difference.”
Manufactured in April 2007, this example is VIN: 4MZAX03D873301523.
The odometer shows 5,836 miles.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection and the following repairs:
-New drive belt
-New battery
-New OE grips installed
-Fuel pump unit rebuilt, new submersible fuel lines
-Air filter cleaned and oiled
-Fuel injectors unstuck and cleaned
-Front brake caliper rebuilt
-Front brake master rebuilt
-Front and rear brakes flushed and filled
Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: Good
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: N/A
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New, <1.5% Moisture
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New, <1.5% Moisture
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition(Belt): New
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: Ok
Parking Light: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Ok
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 100%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 90%
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 44/13
Tire Date Code Rear: 42/13
Tire % Remaining Front: 80%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 80%
Tire Press. Front: 34 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 35 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.7V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 14.3V
Running Condition: Ok, runs on bench
Test Ride Completed: Yes
Test Ride Distance: 5 Miles, unit operates as designed
Modifications:
CRG levers, Domino grips.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin Pilot Power 3 tires with date codes of 4213 and 4413.
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Buell is offered on a clean California title. Have any XB12R Firebolt stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
