The Buell Lightning CityX XB9SX is now available in a new, all-black paintjob, with blue and cherry-red being the other colour available for 2009. The engine is the same air-cooled, fuel-injected 948cc v-twin as before, that makes 80 horsepower at 7,500rpm and 79Nm of torque at 4,500 revs.

The usual Buell bits are all there – Intuitive Response Chassis (IRC) that’s made of aluminium, Zero Torsional Load (ZTL) braking system that comprises a single 375mm rotor mounted to the front wheel’s perimeter, with six-piston callipers, fully adjustable 43mm Showa USD fork and fully adjustable monoshock, underslung exhaust for mass centralisation, six-spoke 17-inch cast aluminium wheels shod with Pirelli Scorpion Sync tyres, and belt drive which, according to Buell, never needs replacing, maintenance or adjustments of any kind.

The CityX XB9SX weighs 177kg dry and with its upright 764 mm seating position and wide, flat handlebars, the bike is ideal for street riding.

Model Highlights


New Kick Ash Translucid color choice
New LED taillight
New Clear-lens front and rear turn signals
New Thin-film airbox graphics
New Second oxygen sensor and updated EFI calibration improves fuel economy and drivability
New Battery tender plug


• Buell® ZTL™ six-piston front brake
• Blacked-out engine, frame, forks and other components
• Pirelli Scorpion Sync tires combine street-sport and off-road technology
• Cosmetic frame protectors
• Supermoto-style crossbar handlebar with deflectors
• Minimal front flyscreen
• X-Guard protects airbox cover
• Sculpted Streetfighter seat
• Twin quartz halogen headlamps with grille
• Upright, athletic riding position



Key Features

The Lightning® CityX is an urban streetfighter designed to handle whatever the big city throws your way. The quick-revving Buell® Thunderstorm® 984cc V-Twin engine offers broad power to pull through traffic, while an upright rider position, wide Supermoto-style handlebars and intuitive handling help the CityX scat around potholes and dodge through back alleys.


Buell Lightning models and the new 1125CR™ are at the core of what Buell is all about – pure performance with a broad, seamless power delivery in a stripped down, raw and aggressive package.
Each Buell model is designed utilizing the Buell Trilogy of Technology™ – chassis rigidity, centralized mass, and low unsprung weight – to produce a motorcycle which responds instantly to rider input.


• Buell Thunderstorm 984cc air/oil/fancooled 45-degree V-Twin engine with DDFI 3 Electronic Fuel Injection ECM
• Fuel in Frame Intuitive Response Chassis
• Rigid cast-aluminum swingarm doubles as engine oil reservoir
• Eight-row oil cooler with Jiffy-tite fittings
• Goodyear® Hibrex® final drive belt with Flexten Plus technology with a constant-tension pulley
for smoother on/off throttle transitions
• Underslung exhaust
• 6-spoke, cast aluminum wheels
• Steel braided brake lines
• Fully adjustable 43 mm Showa inverted fork
• Fully adjustable Showa rear shock absorber
• Adjustable hand controls