Six Buell XB Models Are Refined for 2007
Buell Motorcycle Company continues to challenge the sport-motorcycle status quo in 2007. Six Buell XB motorcycles, innovative in design and bold in character, offer a riding experience for uncompromising riders. Each is engineered with passion, ingenuity and one goal in mind: to wring the last ounce of fun from every mile of road.
For 2007, Buell XB motorcycles are offered in three distinct model families. Four Buell Lightning* models offer naked, Streetfighter attitude and unbridled, cut-and-thrust performance.
The Buell Firebolt XB12R defines the Sportfighter niche with a razor sharp track-proven chassis design propelled by huge American V-Twin torque.
The Firebolt features intuitive sporting ergonomics with low bars and high footrests for almost limitless cornering clearance. This motorcycle features an ultra short 1320mm wheelbase – the same as a typical 250 GP bike – and a steep 21 degree steering head angle. The result is an agile yet stable package that is immensely rewarding to ride.
The Buell Ulysses XB12X* is an Adventure Sport motorcycle with Buell’s trademark sport chassis married to long-travel suspension designed to offer control and precision on any road surface.
“Last year Buell charted new territory with the introduction of the Ulysses XB12X and the Lightning Long XB12Ss, and for 2007 we plan to keep moving forward by further enhancing the entire line of Buell motorcycles,” said Erik Buell, chairman and chief technical officer at Buell Motorcycle Company.
* Please refer to separate press releases for additional detail.
New on Buell XB Models for 2007
Pirelli tyres: All 2007 Buell XB models will roll on high-performance Pirelli tyres. The Buell Ulysses XB12X and Lightning CityX XB9SX are fitted with Pirelli Scorpion Sync tyres which combine high performance with an aggressive look, while all other XB models are on Pirelli Diablo T tyres which offer supersport performance for the road. Specific information on Pirelli tyres can be found at www.pirelli.com.
New colours: A new colour, Cherry Bomb Translucent Red, will be offered for the Lightning XB12S and Lightning XB12Scg models. An exclusive feature to Buell, the translucent airbox cover and flyscreen are made of a special see-through plastic that gives the bike unique colour but also allows some mechanical elements to be seen through the material. Also new for the Lightning models is the combination of Midnight Black with black wheels.
The Firebolt XB12R, Buell’s premium sportfighter motorcycle, powered by the 1203cc Thunderstorm V-Twin engine that revs to 6,800 rpm, will be offered in two new colour combinations: Midnight Black with new Cherry Bomb Red wheels and windscreen, and for the first time in dazzling Sunfire Yellow with black wheels. In 2007 the revised design of the inner airbox cover increases airflow potential to the engine without adversely affecting intake noise levels.
The Buell Philosophy
While intended to meet a specific performance challenge, each Buell model is shaped by a single, guiding philosophy: To deliver superior performance for real riders on real roads, with a premium placed on responsive power delivery and precise handling.
“Because most riders don’t spend all of their riding time on the race track, we don’t design our road motorcycles exclusively for the track,” said Buell. “Rather, we design our motorcycles to satisfy the performance needs of demanding road riders. Some might be on the circuits at the weekends or on track days but others will just be riding for fun on public roads or might simply be commuting to work. Either way, we give them the ability to extract the most fun from every ride.”
Every Buell motorcycle is engineered with the three principles of the Buell “Trilogy of Technology”:
Chassis Rigidity: Buell’s aluminium Intuitive Response Chassis (IRC), the front fork, rear swing arm and even the engine (as a stressed member of the chassis) are designed to contribute to unparalleled motorcycle stiffness. Limiting flex throughout the chassis results in an outstanding steering precision and enhances confidence and control for the rider.
Mass Centralisation: The motorcycle’s centre of mass is located as low as possible and centralised within the chassis. For example, the muffler is located below the engine and between the wheels, rather than the high-and-aft position typical of most sports bikes. Fuel is carried within the hollow spars of the aluminium frame, rather than high on the motorcycle in a traditional fuel tank. For the same reason, the swingarm doubles as the engine oil reservoir. The result is a motorcycle that feels almost intuitively responsive to rider input.
Low Unsprung Weight: Minimising the weight of every component not supported by the motorcycle’s suspension helps the tyres stay in contact over changing road surfaces and reduces the rotational inertia of the wheels, cutting the gyroscopic effect and contributing to handling response.
A key design element is the Buell Zero Torsional Load (ZTL) front braking system, which mounts a single 375mm disc near the wheel rim, gripped by a six-piston caliper. The large-diameter disc provides exceptional stopping power without the weight of dual discs and calipers. Because braking forces are transmitted directly from the rim to the disc, torsional load acting on the rest of the wheel is virtually eliminated. This permits the use of a very lightweight front wheel that also helps reduce steering inertia.
Belt Final Drive: Buell’s Instant Throttle Response system features an idler pulley that keeps the final drive belt tension constant, providing a direct connection between the throttle and the rear wheel. A Goodyear Hibrex final drive belt with Flexten Plus technology provides that strong link and is much lighter than a standard drive chain system. This makes another significant contribution to minimising unsprung weight. The drive belt also requires no scheduled service or replacement.
Power You Can Use
Buell Thunderstorm V-Twin Powertrain: Buell understands that in most road-riding situations, abundant torque and a wide powerband are more functional than peak horsepower. With that idea in mind, Buell Thunderstorm V-Twin engines are designed to deliver loads of on-demand torque. Power – for darting through traffic or accelerating away from a corner – is always on tap. This 45 degree, air/oil/fan-cooled powertrain is also compact and narrow in profile, another contributor to mass centralisation. Buell DDFI II fuel injection delivers 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.
Buell Ulysses Adventure Sportbike The new Buell Lightning XB12Scg
