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Difference between revisions of "Buell XB9R"
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[[Buell]] introduced the XB frame in the 2002 XB9R Firebolt [[sportbike]]. <ref>[http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/roadtests/buell_xb9r_firebolt/index.html Motorcyclist.com Buell XB9R Firebolt road test]</ref> | [[Buell]] introduced the XB frame in the 2002 XB9R Firebolt [[sportbike]]. <ref>[http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/roadtests/buell_xb9r_firebolt/index.html Motorcyclist.com Buell XB9R Firebolt road test]</ref> The [[Buell XB12R|XB12R Firebolt]] was introduced in 2004 and was initially sold alongside the smaller displacement Firebolt XB9R.<ref>[http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/firstrides/122_0310_2004_buell_xb12r_xb12s/index.html Motorcyclist.com 2004 Buell XB12R and XB12S Motorcycles First Ride]</ref> | ||
The XB powertrain still had its roots with the [[Harley]] [[Sportster]] powertrain, and was designed for both projects.<ref name="cw0510">{{cite news|title=The Demise of the Buell Motorcycle Company|last=Anderson|first=Steve|date=2010-05|work=[[Cycle World]]|accessdate=24 March 2010}}</ref> Unfortunately, it was designed by Harley with minimum input from Buell.<ref name="cw0510" /> A [[turbocharger]] was to be sourced from [[Aerocharger]] to help pump the XB horsepower to 150hp, but the Aerocharger supplier deal fell through and thus Buell began development of a turbo in-house.<ref name="cw0510" /> That project was a failure, despite "millions of dollars" spent.<ref name="cw0510" /> | |||
Before the first XB was sold, the cost was well over the target, leading to a sales price increase from the original price point of $7995 to $9995.<ref name="cw0510" /> It was a popular bike, but never sold at Harley marketing departments expected volume, partly due to the significantly higher price.<ref name="cw0510" /> | |||
==2003== | ==2003== | ||