2003 Buell Sport Bike reviews

I bought my 03 XB9R used with 6,000 miles on it from the original owner. It has fantastic handling, is comfortable (even 2 up), has great sound & looks, with fun while having usable power (especially on winding hills we have here in Colorado). I love the bike and, thanks to Erik Buell's unique design, I have gotten nothing but compliments on it for its looks, sound, and even its performance from the friends I've let ride it. The only troubling issues I've encountered have been high and premature (I think) maintenance costs (Intake manifold seals, injectors, and fork seals required replacement at 7,500 miles) but otherwise it runs flawessly. This probably wouldn't be half as bad if someone other than HD could provide service and parts for the bike. It seems that these cycles are not universally understood by the HD mechanics tasked with providing OEM services to them and parts, controlled completely by HD, may become an issue as present inventories lessen. But, like any piece of art, it's beautiful to behold, fun to experience, and I think someday will be considered a classic. If you have one, take care of it. Show less

2003 on up, Blasts were near flawless. Quality at Buell had peaked with regard to this model so I bought one. It is comfortable if you're under 5'10". It takes bumps admirably and handles with security if you are near 175 lbs. It is true you have to give it more gas than other bikes during take off due to its engines low rpm torque, but this unusual characteristic you get used to within a day of riding. I've ridden this on tight twisties and long days including some highway travel and it's exceeded my expectations. Hi-way travel is not recommended, not due to power but comfort as with any motorcycle short of a touring specific bike. My particular Buell has the Buell Performance intake and dual exhaust. This woke up the bike substantially in the mid to high rpm range! It seems the media has a job to criticize all it can find to substantiate their existence. They're forced to compare all sorts of different bikes of different prices from different intended purposes. This rarely serves anybody well and usually ends up misleading. This is a fun, small, light, well built bike that truly gets 70 mpg. It really is a personal thing but if you want an American designed and built bike that's fun, economical and reliable, you can't go wrong if you fit. Show less

Everything about this bike is phenomenal. Handling is superior and the brakes could stop a semi truck in a second! But most of all, if you want a flashy bike that gets a lot of attention, get a Firebolt. I have had so many compliments on how the bike looks and sounds (with a jardine rt1 exhaust) it makes me feel like im on top of the world! Flash, style, speed, handling, this bike has it all! Show less

This thing is the best purchase I have ever made in my 26 years of existence. I am absolutely, without any hesitation, in love with this bike. The throttle response is great and it pulls cleanly and hard, at least hard enough, from down low. Today, I picked it up (bought it used with a 1000 miles on it) and took it for a spin around town. I jumped on the freeway and I had it to 80mph before I even realized it. This thing has plenty of get up and go, despite other reviews I have read on it. People are in awe of it everywhere I rode it. As for support, the people at the dealership have done an excellent job catering to all of my needs, I needed the mirror spacers, as I'm too tall for stock, and they got them on in short notice. One thing about the size of the bike. It is small, but my frame fits fine on it. It is actually a very comfortable bike, at least to me. Oh, and everything that is said about the turn-on-a-dime handling and superior front brakes, they're absolutely true. Do yourself a favor and test ride one of these bikes, you will enjoy it. Show less

I am a 280 plus pound man who rides a 2003 Buell Firebolt XB9R. There aren't many people who know about Buell American Motorcycles, let alone ride them. That is a shame because it is an excellent motorcycle that has provided miles of trouble free riding for me. It provides the sort of exclusivity that exotic car owners enjoy for less than a fraction of the money. It sounds like a small block chevy at low speeds. Everyone asks me what kind of bike it is at traffic lights or while I'm posted up at the mall. My only complaints are that the bike leaves you smelling like you've been working on a car all day after short rides. And although the bike is virtually trouble free, routine maintenance is rather costly and frequent. Again it is the perfect choice if you choose to be unlike others who crave liter bike performance; however, if you want a bike that you won't lose in a parking lot, the Buell Firebolt XB9R is the only choice. Show less

Buell had the guts to design something that does not look Japaneese and that has the torque that a Mustang or Camaro owner could appreciate. The braking is awesome. The bike is a lady picker- upper. The sound of the bike gets the attention of any teenager and you are suddenly cool. The bike is so reliable most guys think it's a Japanese bike. Even my Japanese friends are buying Buells now. Show less

This 2003 Blast is my first bike . It has been a blast riding with my father. I bought it in March 2004 and have had no problems riding with my dad's 1100 vstar custom and his friend's Harleys. I was suprised it ran so well on the expressway!! Not as quick as the big guys but cruises fine at 70mph. I love it. No negatives here!! Show less

THIS IS A REALLY FUN BIKE TO RIDE. NO, IT MAY NOT BE THE FASTEST, BUT IT HAS GOT PLENTY OF POWER AND A LOT OR TORQUE. YOU CAN EASILY GET THE FRONT WHEEL UP IN FIRST OR SECOND GEAR. I BOUGHT MINE THIS PAST SEPTEMBER AND HAVE HAD A BALL WITH IT SO FAR. I HAVE NOT ADDED THE RACE KIT YET, BUT PLAN TO DO SO SOON. I LOVE THE FACT THAT YOU don't SEE THEM EVERYWHERE. Show less

First off this bike was not intended to compete with the inline four top end screamers. I had an XL lightning in which had a good amount more power, but lost it in a wreck. So I test rode a XB12r and XB9r, I bought the 9r cause it was a little less and didn't seem much slower as it would pull up in first gear pretty easy and the other 9r they had would not. I'm no motorcycle expert, but I have owned different bikes and have been able to ride many a bike. The XB9r fits me the best, good torque, good brakes, good gas mileage, comfortable at least for me, and as the add says different in every sense, isn't that what riding is about, finding a motorcycle that fits you the best and just riding it. It's not the best at anything but it does everything very well. And the 9r will do better than 120 mph. Just a little note the X1 I had would pull up into a wheelie at 2600 rpm with just throttle, how many inline fours will do that. Show less

Walked past the bike in the dealership as I thought it was a 250cc. Decided to spoil myself and had organized to ride the race kitted version of the XB9R straight up. I now believe there is such a thing as one finger brakes as coming down a grade to a stop sign I managed a fifty meter endo. My face was still hurting three days later from grinning whilst riding possibly the most fun bike ever created. If you can get over the spec sheet bulls**t and put away the egos about who has the most HP you will actually enjoy the bike for what it was designed. Show less