BUELL XB-9R FIREBOLT

What makes it unique? Just about everything! Brainchild of Erik Buell (the chap sitting), the XB-9R was meant to be the focus of Buell as Harley-Davidson’s sporting arm. Employing such radical technology as housing the fuel in the frame, oil in the swingarm and mounting the brake disc to the wheel rim. As quirky bikes go, the Buell is a superb handling machine, but it is slow, has a horrific gearbox and parts are hard to locate. Still, we all love a challenge.

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Where do you start? Wheel bearings wear at an alarming rate, drive belts snap unless you fit an aftermarket self-tensioner, oil pump drive gears snap on pre-2006 models, dents in the frame/fuel tank can write the bike off and servicing is tricky due to its compactness. And then there is the lack of spare parts…

Engine: 984cc, air-cooled V-twin, 4v Tested power: 82bhp @ 7500rpm Tested torque: 89Nm @ 5500rpm Weight: 179kg Used prices: From £3000 to £4500