Performance Review: Buell-EBR XB12R Firebolt - [2008]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Buell-EBR XB12R Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Buell-EBR XB12R Firebolt is the 5 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 2008. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2008 Suzuki GSX-R 1000 DOHC and the 2008 Suzuki GSX-R 1000 Akrapovic.This particular Buell-EBR XB12R has a 1203cc Air cooled, Two stroke, Transverse Petrol powerplant with 2 cylinders and Electronic Fuel Injection.

An alternative Transverse engine, Sport style motorbike includes the Norton Superlight SS - [2020]

The 2008 XB12R shares its Transverse engine and Sport style configuration with the likes of the 2020 Norton Superlight SS and the 2019 Norton Superlight Twin. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the XB12R's Sport style with a similar size of engine then how about the 2020 Kawasaki Ninja H2 R 1000 | 2020cc.2019 Kawasaki Ninja H2 R 1000 | 2019cc.

Power and Torque:

Weighing in at 0 kgs (0 lbs) this makes the Buell-EBR XB12R Firebolt in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ or the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT, give or take 50kg.

The 2008 Buell-EBR XB12R shares the same bhp with the Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT - [2025]

In terms of power the 1203cc 4 valve Transverse 2 cylinder engine produces 103 bhp (76 kW) @ 6800 rpm similar to the 2025 Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT [117.4 bhp (87 kW) @ 10000 rpm] or the 2025 Kawasaki Z 900 DOHC SE [123 bhp (91 kW) @ 9500 rpm].

The OHV Two stroke unit throws out torque of 84.0 lb-ft (114.0 Nm) @ 6000 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Kawasaki Z 900 DOHC SE [73.0 lb-ft (99.1 Nm) @ 7700 rpm] and the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 Triple [68.5 lb-ft (93.0 Nm) @ 7000 rpm].

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Buell-EBR XB12R you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 1989 Suzuki GSX-R 750 RR Limited Edition has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 2008 Buell-EBR XB12R Firebolt.

The 2008 Buell-EBR XB12R Firebolt has a Power to weight ratio of 517.5 bhp per ton and 422.5 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2008 XB12R competing with the 1989 Suzuki GSX-R 750 RR Limited Edition [541.0 bhp\ton] and the 1998 Yamaha YZF750 R7 OWO2 [540.8 bhp\ton].

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Buell-EBR XB12R generating around 422.5 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2024 Norton V4SV 1200 One of One [447.0 lb-ft per ton] and the 2024 Norton V4SV 1200 125th Anniversary [447.0 lb-ft per ton].

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 7.1 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 7.3 secs, this makes the Buell-EBR XB12R Firebolt similar in acceleration to the 2019 Kawasaki Z 900 RS (7.1 secs) and the 2018 Kawasaki Z 900 RS (7.1 secs). This Buell-EBR XB12R Firebolt also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 2008 Buell-EBR XB12R Firebolt and the 2004 Honda ST 1300 Pan European

When talking about the performance of the 2008 Buell-EBR XB12R Firebolt on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 11.4 secs @ 113 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 2004 Honda ST 1300 Pan European (11.4 secs) and the 1990 Yamaha FZR 600 DOHC (11.4 secs).

Top Speed:

The 2008 version of the Buell-EBR XB12R Firebolt has a maximum speed of 155mph.

Top Speed of the 2008 XB12R equals the 2005 Kawasaki ZZR 1200 DOHC

If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 2008 Buell-EBR XB12R Firebolt then how about a 2005 Kawasaki ZZR 1200 DOHC (167 mph) and the 2004 Kawasaki ZZR 1200 DOHC (167 mph).

Related Links:

2008 Buell-EBR XB12R Rivals List.

A Brief History of Buell-EBR

Bike Comparison