Buell XB9R
by
Calvin Kim
Published: May 16th, 2002
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A shock that gets pulled apart as the rear wheel goes through itstravel? That was just the beginning of what was to become a trademark ofthe earliest Buells (and one that's been done away with on this newFirebolt). In its place, the newest Buell features evenmore funkiness than the original specimens--but the same basic theory(either we do it my way or we don't do it at all) remains at the heart ofevery machine.
Get Motorcycle.com in your InboxIf light makes right, then Buell's trying for completeinfallibility. Buell's "Trilogy of Design" since day one has meant optimal mass centralization, minimal unsprung weight, and chassis rigidity. Thistheory has taken the new XB9R down an interesting road that, as it turnsout, creates some new problems by so creatively solving others. After thepress introduction at Las Vegas a few months ago, Hackfu came back withan overall positive impression of the bike. He mentioned a few handlingquirks however, so we were anxious to pick up our long-term test bikeas soon as possible.
Well guess what... we got the bike. Here is our street First Ride report of the Buell XB9R Firebolt.
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