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Responsiveness

• Buell Intuitive Response Chassis (IRC)

  With its 1320mm wheelbase, the Lightning handles with surgical precision. The 21-degree rake and 83.8mm trail improves agility. And because the chassis is so rigid, it keeps you stable and confident through the turns.

• Frame and swingarm

  The aluminium frame is both lightweight and incredibly rigid, improving the bike’s stability in corners. By housing the 14.5 litres of fuel, it also lowers the centre of gravity, making it feel light and flickable.

• Front brake

  The Zero Torsional Load (ZTL™) Braking System consists of a 375 mm rotor mounted to the wheel’s perimeter and a 6-piston caliper. When applied, it transfers braking forces (a.k.a. torsional load) directly to the rim instead of through the spokes. Without the need for load-bearing spokes or even a second disc, the bike’s front end weighs in about 2.5Kg lighter than what you’d find on most dual disc set-ups.

• Front suspension

  Fully adjustable, 43 mm Showa® inverted fork features a high performance damping cartridge that lets you adjust the set up for any situation. Whether it’s at the track or the ride home, you can optimise the suspension for excellent feedback and razor sharp handling. When combined with the adjustable rear shock, it’s the most tunable suspension in the business.

• Exhaust

  Exhausts are heavy. It doesn’t make sense to hang them up high and off the back of the bike. Our underslung exhaust concentrates the weight underneath the chassis for Mass Centralisation and it’s been a Buell staple since 1985. The result is a clean, uncluttered look and improved flickability and superior handling.

• Rear suspension

  A top-shelf, Showa® push shock with a fully adjustable damping cartridge allows you to fine-tune the compression, rebound and preload to maximise handling and feedback for any condition.

• Tyres

  The Pirelli® Scorpion® Sync® tyres combines the best street sport and off-road tyre technology available. The hybrid tyre construction delivers all the performance and confidence you need on the street, while providing the traction you need when city streets look more like the back trails.

• 6 spoke Cast Aluminium Wheels

  With braking forces distributed through the entire rim due to the ZTL perimeter mounted brake rotor, the Buell 6-spoke front wheel can be made extremely light, which reduces steering inertia and unsprung weight for better handling on the less-than-perfect streets you’ll ride everyday.

• Immediate Throttle Response Belt drive

  A unique constant tension pulley eliminates slack in the driveline, resulting in smoother on/off throttle transitions no matter what position the swingarm is in. Clean, quiet and extremely strong, the Veyance® Hibrex® belt with Flexten® Plus technology never needs replacing, maintenance or adjustments of any kind and weighs just 0.5kg compared to drive chains, which weigh 1.8-2.3kg.

Power

• 984cc Thunderstorm Engine

  The Thunderstorm® 984 cc, 45-degree V-Twin delivers the iconic look, thunderous sound, and power-pulsing feel that only an V-Twin engine can offer. Following the style of an American Muscle machine, you can tap into maximum torque in any gear, regardless of where the tach needle is pointing. In fact, you'll find that over 85% of the motor's torque is available at just 2500 RPMs. Performance and dependability are enhanced with a large crank pin, a large capacity oiling system, and an electronic timing system and ECM that controls a DDFI 3 fuel injection system. Combined, these features improve drivability and performance, and reduce service maintenance costs.

• Enhanced Air Cooling

  After you turn off a motorcycle, the oil begins to break down, causing potentially harmful engine damage. Unless that motorcycle is a Buell®. The thermostatically-controlled fan continues to cool the oil even after you pull the key. It also has you covered if you happen to get stuck in traffic. It’s one more thing we’ve done to keep the Thunderstorm® engine primed for top performance.

• Uniplanar Mounting System

  Using two rubber isolators to reduce unwanted vibration and three tie-bars in inhibit lateral movement, the Uniplanar isolation Mounting System decreases rider fatigue while contributing to chassis tortional rigidity for improved handling.

• A 12 Litre Air box

  The large 12 litre airbox is designed to optimise air intake and accommodate a large easy serviced air filter.

Rider Focused Design

• Ergonomics / seating position

  Wide bars and naturally positioned footpegs provide great leverage, enabling you to ride confidently and aggressively.

• Weight

  At just 177Kg dry, the XB9SX is extremely lightweight. It feels quick and nimble, effortlessly flicking, swerving and dodging around whatever the road throws your way.

• Fairing

  A minimal, front flyscreen faring creates a clean, aggressive look.

• Footpegs

  Located in a comfortable, neutral position, the foot peg placement keeps you upright and positioned perfectly to quickly shift your weight around the bike.

• Instrument panel

  Clean, simple and made of featherweight magnesium, this classically designed dash features: speedometer, tachometer, odometer, two tripmeters, reserve tripmeter, clock, low fuel light, engine check light, oil pressure warning light, indicator for high beam, turn signals and neutral light.

• Handle Bars

  A nod to flat-track racers, these wide, flat handlebars are perfect for aggressive street riding. The upright, athletic position offers great communication between rider and machine.

• X-Guard

  The X-guard provides a great look for this streetfighter while protecting the airbox cover.

• Adjustable levers

  With rider comfort in mind - Buell features brake and clutch levers which are adjustable for reach.

• Durability Features

  Standard frame pucks, headlight grille, handlebar deflectors and X-Guard help prevent costly repairs.