Buell XR9S Lightning

The Lightning XB9S has the personality of Buell's original streetfighter, the legendary Lightning S1, infused with new Buell technology that customers want. This new streetfighter touts many of the same industry-leading features first introduced on the Firebolt XB9R, including fuel-in-the-frame, oil-in-the-swingarm and a Zero Torsional Load front brake. Additionally, the Lightning rests on the same telepathic chassis geometry - the compact 52-inch wheelbase features a steep 21-degree rake with 52 percent of the bike's weight balanced on the front wheel. These traits, combined with the all-aluminum, lightweight and extremely rigid chassis, gives the XB9S exceptional agility, flickability and intuitive handling.

Key characteristics of the Lightning ® XB9S motorcycle

-Minimalist tail section, dirt track style bars and riding position, and bare essentials dash/bikini fairing combine for a more upright, in-control riding position
-Dynamic Digital Fuel Injected 984cc, 45-degree V-Twin force cooled engine delivers serious torque
-Telepathic chassis geometry - 52-inch wheelbase, 21-degree head angle, and 52-percent front weigh distribution means this motorcycle is all about exceptional agility and sport-muscle performance
-The Lightning features extremely light wheels of an all-new design concept
-Frame as fuel tank - keeps the weight lower on the bike for improved handling
-Swingarm as oil reservoir - allows for tight packaging and lower center of gravity
-Zero Tortional Load front brake - significantly reduces unsprung weight with incredible braking power; braking forces are transferred by the optimum path to the rim
-All-new, lightweight, multifunctional aluminum frame - its massive size and super rigid quality make for a tight ride, great responsiveness and flickability
-Mass centralized muffler - the weight of the exhaust system remains as low and near the center of the bike as possible, resulting in intuitive responsiveness and handling
-As with other Buell motorcycles, the XB9S builds on Buell's founding principles of mass centralization, rigid frame, and low unsprung weight.
 

Specifications:

2003 SPECIFICATIONS Lightning XB9S®
 

ENGINE
Type Air-cooled, Four-Stroke, 45° V-Twin
Displacement 984 cc
Bore & Stroke 3.5 x 3.125 in. (88.9 x 79.38 mm)
Compression Ratio 10:1
Valve Train OHV, two valves per cylinder
Valve Adjustment Self Adjusting
Fuel Delivery 45 mm downdraft DDFI fuel injection
Exhaust Free-Breathing 2 into 1 collector
Intake Zero Resistance Air Box, Ram Air Intake
Power (SAE J607) 92 HP @ 7200 rpm
Torque (SAE J607) 68 ft-lbs @ 5500 rpm
Lubrication Dry sump
Oil Capacity 2.5 qts. (2.3L)
Oil Filtration Screw-on disposable element
 

DRIVETRAIN
Transmission Five-speed, constant mesh
Ratio (1) 2.69, (2) 1.85, (3) 1.43, (4) 1.18, (5) 1.00
Primary Drive Triplex chain; 1.68:1
Clutch Wet, multiplate
Final Drive Constant path, 11 mm GT profile Kevlar Belt, 2.4 ratio
 

CHASSIS
Frame Aluminum Frame with Uniplanar
powertrain vibration isolation system
Wheelbase 52.0 in.
Rake 21.0 degrees
Trail 3.3 in. (83.0 mm)
Front Suspension Showa® inverted forks with adjustable
compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload
Rear Suspension Showa® shock absorber with adjustable compression damping
rebound damping and spring preload
Front Brake ZTL type brake, 375 mm stainless steel
floating rotor, six piston caliper
Rear Brake 240 mm stainless steel rotor, single piston floating caliper
Front Wheel 6-spoke cast, 3.5 x 17; Stardust Silver
Rear Wheel 6-spoke cast, 5.5 x 17; Stardust Silver
Front Tire Dunlop D207 FY 120/70 ZR17
Rear Tire Dunlop D207 U 180/55 ZR17
Fuel Tank Capacity 3.7 gal. (14.0L)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 850.0 lbs. (386.0 kg)
Dry Weight 385.0 lbs. (175.0 kg)
Load Capacity 465.0 lbs. (211.0 kg)
Seat Height 30.1 in. (765.0 mm)
Ground Clearance 5.0 in. (127.0 mm)
Overall Length 75.7 in. (1924.0 mm)
Overall Width 32.7 in. (831.0 mm)
Overall Height 48.5 in. (1232.0 mm)
 

INSTRUMENTS
Electronic speedometer, tachometer, odometers, 2 tripmeters, reserve tripmeter,
clock, low fuel light, engine check light, oil pressure warning light,
high beam indicators, turn signals, and neutral.
 

ELECTRIC
Charging System 540-watt trident three phase AC alternator
Battery 12 volts, 12 amp-hour
Headlight 55/55 watts
Taillight 5/21 watts
Turn Signals Manual canceling