Motorcycle tryout: Buell XB12R

January 18th, 2005 Jesper | View blog reactions

After last years tryout of the Buell XB9R, which sort of disappointed me, I where looking forward to try the 1200cc version (XB12R). It was way better than the 9. It has the power you expect for a feisty beast like that, which made it a really exciting ride. The handling, braking, riding position and controls are not far from that of the 9; Extreme, fun, raw and a little to expensive. But hell if you got the green and are out for a nasty city shredder, I’d give it a go.

First impression rating:

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6 Responses to “Motorcycle tryout: Buell XB12R”

Anonymous September 3rd
Jesper,
Have you looked at the new XB12X - The Buell Ulysses? I don’t know of its availability abroad, but it may be a great all-day machine…coming from a guy who swore off American motorcycles long ago, that means a lot!

angrybob - motorcyclebloggers.com
Jesper September 5th
Yes, angrybob.
I’ve seen the XB12X (or pictures of it a least). I think it looks a little funky. But I will certainly not miss the opportunity if I get the chance to take one for a spin. Haven’t heard anything official yet, but I think it will be available in Europe as well.

Thank you for commenting.
Cheers,
Jesper
buellmotorcycle March 20th
1200cc..man I wish I could fit into that bike..did you ever try compare with Suzuki or Honda?
midlifecrisis June 14th
I’m a Harley guy from way back before I could legally ride. After many years out of the saddle, my wife told me I could get a bike again. I went out and got a 1200 Sportster and thoroughly enjoyed being back in the wind. Fast forward 9 months and I got crazy and figured I’d get me a sportbike. i looked around and did a lot of research and finally decided to test ride the XB12R Firebolt. End of discusion. 160 HP and 180+ top speed might be a real hoot on the track but let’s face facts, On the street it’s a waste. Enter the 1200 Firebolt. Real world riding with a mountain of torque available ANYWHERE in the rev range. I always thought that the sport riding position would be like an iron maiden but for sub 200 mile rides it ain’t bad at all. This bike knows what I want to do before I do. It handles like a fantasy, has tons of grunt, sounds great and after all, the technology behind everything but the lump is so outta this world it’s just pure pleasure. I highly recommend this bike. go out and demo this thing, you won’t regret it. Even at 40 something.
JMBikerWarehouse August 31st
How is the realiabilty? Is it on the road where it should be, or in the shop more often than not?
Purefun April 22nd
Must agree with midlifecrisis. I own a roadking and just bought a XB12R for my son. I can’t keep myself off it. Great fun in town (not much can touch it stoplight to stoplight).