Performance Review: Buell-EBR XB9R Firebolt - [2002]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Buell-EBR XB9R Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Buell-EBR XB9R Firebolt is the 5 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 2002. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2003 Suzuki GSX-R 1000 DOHC and the 2003 Suzuki Raider 150 - Satria F150.This particular Buell-EBR XB9R has a 984cc 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 2002 XB9R 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 XB9R's Sport style with a similar size of engine then how about the 2020 Norton Superlight SS | 2020cc.2019 Norton Superlight Twin | 2019cc.

Power and Torque:

Weighing in at 0 kgs (0 lbs) this makes the Buell-EBR XB9R 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 2002 Buell-EBR XB9R shares the same bhp with the Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder - [2025]

In terms of power the 984cc 4 valve Transverse 2 cylinder engine produces 92 bhp (68 kW) @ 7200 rpm similar to the 2025 Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder [73.4 bhp (54 kW) @ 8750 rpm] or the 2025 Yamaha Ténéré 700 Rally [72.4 bhp (53 kW) @ 9000 rpm].

The OHV Two stroke unit throws out torque of 71.5 lb-ft (96.9 Nm) @ 5500 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 YZF-R9 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 XB9R you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2008 Yamaha FJR 1300 AE and AS has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 2002 Buell-EBR XB9R Firebolt.

The 2002 Buell-EBR XB9R Firebolt has a Power to weight ratio of 471.7 bhp per ton and 366.8 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2002 XB9R competing with the 2008 Yamaha FJR 1300 AE and AS [496.5 bhp\ton] and the 2014 Yamaha FJR 1300 A and ES and AS [496.5 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 XB9R generating around 366.8 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 2000 Honda CBR 900 RR Fireblade 929 [391.5 lb-ft per ton] and the 2010 Kawasaki ZX-14 Ninja [390.3 lb-ft per ton].

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 7.8 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 8.0 secs, this makes the Buell-EBR XB9R Firebolt similar in acceleration to the 2019 Kawasaki Versys 1000 LT (7.8 secs) and the 2019 Kawasaki Versys 1000 Twin Cylinder (7.8 secs). This Buell-EBR XB9R 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 2002 Buell-EBR XB9R Firebolt and the 2004 Suzuki GSX 600 F Katana

When talking about the performance of the 2002 Buell-EBR XB9R Firebolt on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 12.2 secs @ 0 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 2004 Suzuki GSX 600 F Katana (12.2 secs) and the 2010 Yamaha TDM 900 A (12.2 secs).

Top Speed:

The 2002 version of the Buell-EBR XB9R Firebolt has a maximum speed of 131mph.

Top Speed of the 2002 XB9R equals the 2017 Honda CB 1000 R

If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 2002 Buell-EBR XB9R Firebolt then how about a 2017 Honda CB 1000 R (142 mph) and the 2015 Honda CB 1000 R (142 mph).

Related Links:

2002 Buell-EBR XB9R Rivals List.

A Brief History of Buell-EBR

Bike Comparison