2003 Buell XB9R Firebolt – 853 Original Miles – Museum Quality – the Finest Example for Sale in the U.S.A.

Stunning Electric Blue & Orange
Jardine RT-1 Polished Stainless Exhaust
Fresh Full Service – New Tires – Rotisserie Detailed & Ready to Ride or Collect

If you're looking for the finest Buell XB9R Firebolt available anywhere, your search may very well end here.

This stunning 2003 XB9R is an extraordinary survivor with only 853 original miles from new. We know the history of this motorcycle personally. It was displayed in the New England Motorcycle Museum collection and sold by us in 2021 with approximately 650 miles. Over the last five years, it has accumulated only about 200 additional miles and remains in absolutely pristine, collector-grade condition.

Finding an XB9R in this state of preservation is nearly impossible. Most were purchased by enthusiasts who rode them hard and put them away wet. This one is different. It has been meticulously maintained and carefully preserved from new.

Freshly Serviced by Kaplan Cycles

Before being offered for sale, our technicians performed a comprehensive service including:

• Fresh engine oil and filter

• Fresh transmission fluid

• Fresh front and rear brake hydraulic fluid

• New battery

• New fuel pump

• Fresh VP ethanol-free fuel

• Full inspection and detail

The bike starts instantly, idles perfectly, and runs exactly as a brand new Firebolt should.

Upgrades

The only deviations from stock are tasteful, period-correct upgrades:

• Jardine RT-1 polished stainless steel exhaust

• New Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa tires (less than 200 miles)

• Upgraded & safety-wired grips

The Jardine exhaust transforms the character of the bike, delivering a spectacular deep V-twin growl while shedding weight and enhancing performance.

The original stainless header remains intact and presents beautifully.

Revolutionary American Engineering

The XB9R wasn't just another sport bike—it was the purest expression of Erik Buell's engineering philosophy.

This was the first year of the groundbreaking XB chassis design, featuring:

Fuel-in-Frame Technology

The aluminum frame doubles as the fuel tank, lowering the center of gravity and centralizing mass.

Oil-in-Swingarm Design

The massive aluminum swingarm also serves as the oil reservoir, another patented Buell innovation.

Underslung Exhaust

The exhaust system is mounted beneath the engine to keep weight low and centralized for exceptional handling.

Uniplanar Engine Mounting System

The engine is isolated through Buell's patented mounting system, allowing movement fore and aft while virtually eliminating unwanted vibration to the rider.

ZTL Brake System

The famous Zero Torsional Load front brake features a massive perimeter rotor and six-piston caliper, reducing unsprung weight while delivering phenomenal stopping power.

Premium Suspension

Fully adjustable Showa inverted forks and Showa rear shock provide world-class handling and ride quality.

Performance

Powered by Buell's legendary 984cc air-cooled V-Twin, the XB9R produces:

• 92 Horsepower

• 68 lb-ft of Torque

• 7,500 RPM Redline

• Approximately 387 lbs Dry - A True Light Weight

Although it shares its heritage with Harley-Davidson, this is not simply a Sportster motor. The cylinder heads, cases, intake system, cam drive components, primary system, and numerous internal components were uniquely engineered for Buell performance applications.

The result is an incredibly responsive motorcycle with abundant low-end torque and a power-to-weight ratio that still makes these bikes exciting today.

Rare and Collectible

The XB9R Firebolt debuted this chassis platform in 2003 and remains one of the most important motorcycles in Buell history.

Over its production run, only approximately 7,000 XB9R Firebolts were built. The striking blue-and-orange color combination represents only a fraction of total production, making surviving low-mileage examples exceptionally difficult to find.

This motorcycle still retains:

• Original factory decals

• Original frame graphics

• Original bodywork

• Original finish throughout

It presents remarkably close to a new motorcycle.

Condition

Simply put, this is one of the nicest XB9Rs we have ever seen.

The paint, frame, wheels, bodywork, fasteners, suspension, controls, and finishes all reflect the care that only a true collector-grade motorcycle receives.

Everything works exactly as it should.

The bike runs flawlessly, handles beautifully, and is fully sorted for immediate riding enjoyment or long-term collection investment.

Why Buy From Kaplan Cycles?

We aren't just selling this motorcycle—we're passionate Buell enthusiasts.

Kaplan Cycles became the #1 Buell dealer in the world and has invested heavily in the future of the brand through sales, performance development, and aftermarket support.

We understand these motorcycles better than most and stand behind every machine we sell.

• 100% Positive eBay Feedback

• Nationwide Enclosed Shipping Available

• Financing Available

• Licensed & Insured Transport
  

Contact Information

Kaplan Cycles
Rockville, Connecticut

📞 860-454-7024

Ask for Kenny Jr.

We can arrange enclosed shipping anywhere in the continental United States and assist with financing options.

If you've been waiting for the right Buell XB9R Firebolt, this may be your last opportunity to own one in this condition with mileage this low.

Museum-quality examples simply do not come to market often.

Bid with confidence.
God Bless America.

WHY SHOULD YOU BUY FROM KAPLAN? WHAT DO YOU GET?

“You are buying from the Kaplan Cycles Family. We are not just another big auction house. We are family-owned and operated and have been buying, servicing, and selling motorcycles since 1975. You will work directly with Ken Jr., Ken Sr., and/or one of the 30+ experts on our team. We provide museum-quality, white-glove concierge service from start to finish. Every motorcycle we sell is inspected, serviced, and supported by our team, and we stand behind it after the sale. You’re not on your own — we back what we build and what we sell.

With over 17,000 units sold and still 100% positive feedback, we are the best stress-free buying experience you can have. From the first call to delivery at your door, we will handle it all — because vintage motorcycles deserve support, and so do you.

With every bike we curate you get:
• museum-level inspection & preservation services
• every machine is professionally evaluated, serviced, & rotisserie detailed
• all critical systems are checked, adjusted, or renewed
• you get professional setup, tuning, and delivery prep
• done by the best experts in the industry — we ride and restore every day
• you get post-sale phone support
• you get white-glove, insured, always-enclosed shipping to your door anywhere in the country

You’re buying from Kaplan Cycles at the New England Motorcycle Museum, one of the largest vintage motorcycle collections in North America. Free museum tours and tickets are included with every bike sold. With every bike you purchase, a portion of the proceeds is used to support, continue, and improve the 501(c)(3) nonprofit New England Motorcycle Museum.

You don’t just win an auction — YOU are creating & helping to preserve motorcycle history, and you become part of our family, a Kaplan Cycles client for life.

We do not take new clients off the street.
We do not service bikes purchased elsewhere.
We only take new exclusive clients who purchase a motorcycle from us.

You get a guided purchase experience with, and from, the experts who care about the bike as much as you do. If there’s a problem, you don’t get ghosted. You call us — you will have our cell phone numbers — we will answer your call on weekends, and we will help make it right.

Auction platforms = listing only. No support. No accountability.

Kaplan Cycles = we stand behind what we sell.

You are buying museum-curated provenance. That means:
• expert evaluation
• documented condition
• professional presentation
• long-term preservation mindset

You’re not just buying a motorcycle — you’re buying a curated piece of motorcycling history.

From the #1 family in this business — Kaplan Cycles & the New England Motorcycle Museum.

Sincerely,

Ken Kaplan Sr.
12/28/2025”

AUCTION TERMS:

All motorcycles & vehicles are sold as-is where-is.

Kaplan Cycles guarantees all motorcycles are as-described. Please read the entire description and watch the entire video before bidding.

A non-refundable deposit is due immediately on purchase. PayPal or Credit Card is accepted for the deposit.

Cash (In-Person), Card (+3% fee), or Wire Transfer are our only accepted forms of final payment.

Full payment must be made within 7 days of auction close.

Your motorcycle must be picked up within 30 days of auction close. 

Exceptions are made only for international buyers OR buyers who have ALREADY made transport arrangements with a third party.

If a motorcycle is purchased and left here for longer than 30 days without written permission from Kaplan Cycles it will be resold. In the case of a re-sale, the owner will be entitled to a refund less storage fees ($25/ day beginning 30 days from auction close) ONLY if the motorcycle was paid in full on-time within the auction terms.

We always describe our motorcycles as accurately as possible.

You are purchasing a classic motorcycle. Even in cases where a bike may be in good running/ operating condition, new problems & idiosyncrasies can arise over-time from sitting or regular use.

If you have an issue with the motorcycle you’ve received, contact us within 24 hours of delivery and before leaving feedback so that we can address your concerns.

It is important you have at least a basic mechanical knowledge before purchasing and operating a classic motorcycle.

Due to our backlog, we cannot perform any additional service work or modifications on your motorcycle after the sale (ie; adding a light kit, different tires, etc.)

We respond quickly between the hours of 9am and 5pm EST, Monday - Friday

For our fastest service please call Ken Kaplan Jr directly at 860-471-0192

We will not charge out-of-state buyers sales tax.
Out of state residents will pay sales tax with their DMV. 

We are not a registering dealership. You will receive only the documents required to register your vehicle in your state.

In our listings, title status is always listed directly below the main description.

In some cases we will sell motorcycles without title or registration. In these cases we guarantee all motorcycles sold are free and clear. We will always provide a route to obtaining title. Generally in these cases, the motorcycle will be sold at a discount to accommodate expenses involved.

Documents are mailed via USPS priority mail with a tracking number. Please allow up to 14 days after payment in full for your documents to be processed and mailed.

Keys will be shipped with the motorcycle.

Warranty:

All Motorcycles sold "as is, where is" and Kaplan Cycles does not warranty any motorcycle sold. No express warranty and/or implied warranty are made by Kaplan Cycles. No statements by us give an implied warranty.

SHIPPING:

SEND US YOUR ZIP FOR A SHIPPING QUOTE!
WE WILL MAKE ALL ARRANGEMENTS!

We have the best shipping contacts in the nation who will provide the FASTEST transport times, have a perfect track record, and are always insured and ENCLOSED! All motorcycles are shipped WHOLE (roll-on, roll-off). We do not offer a pallet or crate service.

International shipping specialist contacts are available! They will assist in ground freight, customs clearance, and ocean freight to your country. International buyers will be required to work directly with our third party shipping contacts.

We strongly recommend you insure your motorcycle at the time of purchase.

PICKUP:

We require a 24 hour notice prior to pick-up. Please call us at 860-454-7024 during office hours Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm EST.

We will provide ramps, a dock for loading, and assistance to load for free.