V-TWIN MUSCLE MAKES BUELL FIREBOLT A POTENT PERFORMER

New Pirelli Tires and Redesigned Airbox for the American Sportfighters

EAST TROY, Wis. (July 14, 2006) – Offering a perfect balance of V-Twin torque and track-inspired agility, the 2007 Buell Firebolt delivers performance certain to move the soul of the most demanding sportbikers. Exotic styling and a roster of premium components further set the middleweight Buell Firebolt XB9R and the muscular Buell Firebolt XB12R apart from the sportbike pack.

Firebolt Changes for 2007
What's New on Lightning for 2007
New Pirelli Tires: Pirelli Diablo T tires will be standard equipment on both Firebolt models in 2007, replacing the Dunlop tires used previously. Buell engineers have determined that advances made in the Pirelli Diablo T make it a better tire for all-around, real-road riding. Pirelli tires are state-of-the-art for cornering, high speed stability and grip.

New Airbox Cover Design: The revised design of the inner airbox cover increases airflow potential to the engine without adversely affecting intake noise levels.

Performance Through Technology
The Buell Firebolt is intended for assertive sport riding. Inspired by the geometry of GP racing motorcycles, the Firebolt wheelbase is just 52 inches and rake is a radical 21 degrees, with 3.3 inches of trail. It's an aggressive chassis that's quick, but never twitchy. A Showa rear shock and 43mm Showa upside-down fork are fully adjustable for pre-load, compression and rebound damping. Low handlebars and rear-set pegs put the rider in a sporting position. A lightweight magnesium front module carries dual projector-beam headlamps, instrument panel and a sweeping fairing and windscreen. A removable, body-colored cover over the passenger seat pad gives the Firebolt a sleek, race-ready appearance.

In most street-riding situations, torque and a wide power band are more rewarding than peak horsepower, and the Buell Thunderstorm V-Twin engine is an ideal powertrain for this application. Compact and narrow in profile, this 45-degree, air/oil/fan-cooled powertrain also features Buell DDFI II fuel injection for crisp throttle response in any riding situation. The Buell Uniplanar engine mounting system reduces vibration to the rider and enhances rigidity by incorporating the engine as a stressed member of the chassis. A Goodyear Hibrex final drive belt with Flexten Plus technology is three to four pounds lighter than a drive chain, and requires no scheduled service or replacement.

Like all Buell motorcycles, the Firebolt applies the elements of the Buell Trilogy of Technology design philosophy: frame rigidity, mass centralization and minimum unsprung weight. The massive, rigid aluminum frame doubles as a 3.8-gallon fuel tank, which helps lower the center of gravity and centralize mass. For the same reasons, engine oil is stored in the aluminum swingarm, and the muffler is located below the engine. The Buell Zero Torsional Load (ZTL) front braking system mounts a single 375mm rotor near the wheel rim, gripped by a six-piston caliper. Braking forces are transmitted directly from the rim to the rotor, so torsional load acting on the rest of the wheel is virtually eliminated. This permits the use of a very lightweight wheel that also helps reduce steering inertia. ZTL and a lightweight belt final drive contribute to a significant reduction in unsprung weight.

Buell Firebolt XB12R
A premium performance motorcycle, the Firebolt XB12R is powered by a 1203cc Buell Thunderstorm V-Twin engine that revs to 6,800 rpm with pounding out 103 peak horsepower and 84 ft. lbs. of torque, delivered in a powerband so broad that serious thrust is always on tap. The Buell InterActive Exhaust system utilizes a valve in the dual-chamber muffler that is controlled by the ECM and adjusts exhaust flow according to riding conditions to smooth torque delivery and optimize engine power. The XB12R has a Graphite Gray frame, and is available in Midnight Black with Translucent Cherry Bomb Red wheels and a Cherry Bomb Red Translucid windscreen, or in Sunfire Yellow with Designer Black wheels and a Kick Ash Translucid windscreen.

Buell Firebolt XB12R highlights:

• Buell Thunderstorm 1203V-Twin engine
• 103 peak hp @ 6,800 rpm (per SAE J607)
• 84 ft. lbs. peak torque @ 6,800 rpm (per SAE J607)
• Buell InterActive Exhaust
• DDFI II Electronic Fuel Injection
• Single-piece, 49mm intake throttle body
• New Pirelli Diablo T tires
• Revised functional airbox cover
• New redesigned graphics
• New wheel colors
• New windscreen colors
• Dry Weight: 395 pounds
• Wheelbase: 52 inches
• Fully adjustable 43mm Showa upside-down fork
• Fully adjustable Showa rear shock absorber
• Buell ZTL front brake
• Goodyear Hibrex drive belt with Flexten Plus technology

Buell Firebolt XB12R performance specs (PDF format- 62KB)
Buell Firebolt XB12R 2007 MSRP $10,495
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Buell Firebolt XB9R
The middleweight Firebolt XB9R is powered by a snappy Thunderstorm 984 V-Twin engine that serves up 92 horsepower at 7,500 rpm and 70 ft. lbs. of torque at 5,500 rpm. The XB9R is a scrappy performer that offers precise handling and outstanding drive out of the corners. The XB9R is available in Racing Red with Designer Black wheels and a Fluid Silver frame.

Buell Firebolt XB9R highlights

• Buell Thunderstorm 984 V-Twin engine
• 92 peak hp @ 7,500 rpm (per SAE J607)
• 70 ft. lbs. peak torque @ 5,500 rpm (per SAE J607)
• DDFI II Electronic Fuel Injection
• New Pirelli Diablo T tires
• New 3D Satin Black airbox graphic
• Revised functional airbox cover
• New smoked windscreen
• Dry Weight: 385 pounds
• Wheelbase: 52 inches
• Fully adjustable 43mm Showa upside-down fork
• Fully adjustable Showa rear shock absorber
• Buell ZTL front brake system
• Fan-cooling system and large cylinder heads
• Helical gear and "dog ring" shifting mechanism
• All-aluminum frame that holds the fuel
• Goodyear Hibrex drive belt with Flexten Plus technology

Buell Firebolt XB9R performance specs (PDF format- 62KB)
Buell Firebolt XB9R 2007 MSRP $8,895
Get FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader for PDFs here.

Buell Motorcycle Company, a subsidiary of Harley-Davidson, Inc., produces sport motorcycles, motorcycle parts, accessories and apparel. To learn more about Buell motorcycles, visit your local Buell dealer today and experience the pure streetfighter attitude, style and performance only found on board a Buell. Pull into www.buell.com for the Buell dealer nearest you. .