Road Test: Buell XB9R Firebolt

Jump aboard the 'Bolt and right away you'll know that this [motorcycle] is totally different from any previous Buell model. The [motorcycle] feels tiny, and even though the fuel-carrying frame is quite tall the [motorcycle] is slim in the midsection. The reach to the bars is similar to a Japanese middleweight, even though the clip-ons are located very far forward of the triple clamp. Relative to the steering head, you sit a good couple of inches further forward than on most other sportbikes, adding to the Firebolt's forward weight bias.