Buell XR9S Lightning (2003)

Buell XR9S Lightning (2003)

The naked-bike class has evolved significantly since Ducati’s iconic Monster sparked this trend in 1992. Today, it’s all about showcasing a torquey engine and a rigid chassis, with minimal bodywork to let the mechanical components shine.

Buell’s Lightning series has been at the forefront of this movement, and its latest iteration is the XR9S. Powered by a 45-degree V-Twin engine, this bike boasts an impressive 120 horsepower and 92 lb-ft of torque, making it an exhilarating ride on twisty roads. The Showa upside-down forks and adjustable shock absorber provide exceptional handling and stability.

As you ride the XR9S Lightning, you’ll feel its exceptional mass centralization and frame rigidity, thanks to Buell’s innovative Trilogy of Technology. The result is a bike that accelerates with ease and hugs corners like a champ. Whether carving through mountain roads or cruising down the highway, this naked bike delivers an unforgettable experience.

The XR9S Lightning embodies the perfect blend of power, handling, and style, cementing its place as one of the top contenders in the naked-bike class.

Key Specifications

Engine Type45 V-Twin, four stroke, pushrod actuated overhead valve.hydraulic self-adjusting lifters,2 valve per cylinder
Engine Capacity984 cc / 60 cu in
Max Power67.1 kw / 92 hp
Max Torque97 Nm / 9.9 kgf-m / 71.5 ft.lbs @ 5500 rpm
Fuel Tank Capacity3.7 US gallons / 14.0 L
Seat Height30.5 inches / 775 mm
Buell XR9S Lightning (2003)

All Specifications

Make & Model

ModelBuell XR9S Lightning
Year2003

Engine

Engine Type45 V-Twin, four stroke, pushrod actuated overhead valve.hydraulic self-adjusting lifters,2 valve per cylinder
Displacement984 cc / 60 cu in
Bore x Stroke88.9 x 79.4 mm
Compression Ratio10.0:1
Max Horsepower67.1 kw / 92 hp
Max Torque97 Nm / 9.9 kgf-m / 71.5 ft.lbs @ 5500 rpm
Engine Management System45 mm Downdraft DDFI fuel injection
Lubrication SystemDry sump
Cooling SystemAir cooled
ExhaustTwo-into-one, free breathing

Performance

Top Speed210.2 km/h / 130.6 mph

Transmission

ClutchWet, multi-plate
Gearbox5 Speed, constant mesh
Gear Ratios1st2.69 / 2nd1.85 / 3rd1.43 / 4th1.18 / 5th1.00
Final DriveKevlar belt

Electrical & Electronics System

Battery12V, 12Ah
StarterElectric

Chassis & Suspension

Frame TypeHollow aluminium twin-spar frame doubles as the fuel tank
Front SuspensionShowa upside-down forks, adjustable for preload, compression & rebound damping
Front Suspension Travel4.7 inches / 119 mm
Rear SuspensionShowa shock absorber, adjustable for preload, compression & rebound damping
Rear Suspension Travel5.0 inches / 127 mm
Rake21
Trail84 mm / 3.3 in

Wheels & Brakes

Wheels6-Spoke cast
Front Wheel/Rim Size3.50 x 17 in
Front Tire Size120/70ZR17, Dunlop D207 FY
Rear Wheel/Rim Size5.50 x 17 in
Rear Tire Size180/55ZR17, Dunlop D207 U
Front BrakesZTL-typebrake,6-pistonfixedcaliper,375mmsinglesided,insideout,stainlesssteel,floatingrotor
Rear BrakesSingle 230 mm disc, 1 piston caliper

Dimension & Weights

Overall Length1924 mm / 75.7 in
Overall Width831 mm / 32.7 in
Overall Height1232 mm / 48.5 in
Seat Height30.5 inches / 775 mm
Wheelbase52 inches / 1320 mm
Ground Clearance127 mm / 5.0 in
Fuel Tank Capacity3.7 US gallons / 14.0 L
Dry Weight175 kg / 386 lbs

Features

  • 45 V-Twin engine
  • Four-stroke pushrod actuated overhead valve design
  • Hydraulic self-adjusting lifters
  • 2 valves per cylinder
  • 5-speed transmission with specific gear ratios (1st: 2.69, 2nd: 1.85, 3rd: 1.43, 4th: 1.18, 5th: 1.00)
  • Hollow aluminum twin-spar frame doubles as fuel tank
  • Showa upside-down forks with adjustable preload, compression, and rebound damping
  • Showa shock absorber with adjustable preload, compression, and rebound damping
  • ZTL-type brake system with 6-piston fixed caliper and single-sided stainless steel floating rotor
  • Length: 1924 mm / 75.7 in
  • Width: 831 mm / 32.7 in
  • Height: 1232 mm / 48.5 in
Buell XR9S Lightning (2003)

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