Sporttwin.com has an excellent series of photos of the 2002 Buell Firebolt XB9R Sportfighter. This is an all new machine, employing an entirely new frame, suspension, wheels and engine. It weighs a claimed 385 pounds dry!
The engine is an air cooled 984cc, 2 valve V-twin with oil cooler and ram air induction. The photos of this stunning new Buell design are courtesy of sporttwin.com and its administrator, Brad Galbraith. For many photos, visit Brad’s site here.
According to Brad’s summary, the Firebolt was revealed earlier this week at the Buell dealers’ show by Erik Buell himself, and it contains innovative design features. These include oil carried in the swingarm (3.5 quarts) and fuel carried in the dual spar aluminum frame (3.8 gallons).
We have also heard that the new front wheel, for example, is seven pounds lighter than an R1 wheel/brake set up. This new Buell has a front wheel with a single perimeter brake disc and single six piston caliper.
According to Brad’s report, some of Buell’s AMA Pro Thunder riders have tested the new Firebolt and found its handling outstanding, and its ground clearance sufficient to keep hard parts off the tarmac even with a pro at the controls.
Despite the air cooled, two valve design, the motor features downdraft fuel injection and puts out 92 crank horsepower and 68 footpounds of torque — plenty of thrust for a machine with a claimed 385 pounds of dry weight.
Brad indicates the machine will start shipping in approximately November of this year at a price in the neighborhood of $9,500 to $10,000.
By the way, Brad’s site is excellent and a must read for Buell enthusiasts. His site indicates he is attempting to arrange an online chat with Erik Buell about the new bike.
