2004 Buell XB9S Lightning

From Buell's press material:

EAST TROY, Wis. (July 14, 2003)-Brimming with torque and a bad attitude, the Buell Lightning XB9S is back for another season of hooligan fun. America's middleweight streetfighter is leaner and meaner than ever, with ground-pounding V-Twin power and naked styling that's all business.

Inspired by dirt-track racers, the Lightning XB9S offers comfortable, upright ergonomics and the kind of no-nonsense performance a serious rider can use to conquer the back-road curves and dominate on the street.

The Power You Need The heart of the Lightning XB9S is its XB984 V-Twin engine. Tuned specifically to put down the kind of flexible power you need on the street, the 45-degree, 984cc engine is air/fan and oil-cooled for light weight and fuel injected for crisp throttle response. A short stroke and light flywheel helps the engine snap to its 7500 rpm redline, but it also delivers outstanding torque throughout its broad powerband. Peak output through a smooth aramid reinforced Hibrex drive belt is 92 horsepower and 70 ft. lbs. of torque to lead in torque-to-weight ratio in its class.

The Buell Uniplanar engine mounting design reduces vibration and makes the engine a stressed member within the very rigid aluminum frame. An equally rigid aluminum swingarm and 41mm Showa inverted fork work to keep the Lightning on course in the tightest turns. The XB9S flicks into corners without hesitation, thanks to an ultra-short 52-inch wheelbase and 21-degree fork angle. Wide, dirt-tracker handlebars give the rider outstanding steering leverage.

Like all Buell motorcycles, the Lightning XB9S is designed around the Trilogy of Tech philosophy: frame rigidity, mass centralization and minimal unsprung weight. To lower the center of gravity, fuel is carried within the frame, while the engine oil reservoir is located within the swingarm, and the muffler is located below the engine. The Buell Zero Torsional Load braking system utilizes a single 375mm brake rotor mounted near the wheel rim. Braking forces are transmitted directly to the rim, virtually eliminating torsional load to the front wheel and enhancing overall brake feel and control. The ZTL brake permits the use of a very lightweight, cast aluminum front wheel, reducing unsprung weight and steering inertia.

Updates for 2004

The following refinements have been made to the 2004 model Lightning XB9S:

• Redesigned brackets lower passenger footpegs two inches
• New drive belt system increases belt pitch from 11mm to 14mm for enhanced durability
• A new upper and lower belt guard make it easier to remove the rear wheel
• A redesigned shift pedal has a longer metal toe shaft under rubber cover for a more positive feel

(Each of these items is also a feature on the Lightning XB12S.)

Dirt-track racers inspired the naked, aggressive styling of the Lightning XB9S. The flyscreen perched over dual headlights mimics the racer's numberplate. The tail is clipped short and trimmed with a ventilated tail section. Durable Surlyn bodywork is available for 2004 in Midnight Black or Sunfire Yellow with three-dimensional chrome graphics.

Go Low The Buell Lightning Low XB9S delivers uncompromised street performance in a package that will be more comfortable for riders who prefer a lower seat height. The Lightning Low XB9S seat height is just 28.6 inches (1.5 inches lower than the standard XB9S), achieved by altering the front and rear suspension and reshaping the seat pad. The Lightning Low retains the responsive handling and exhilarating performance of the standard Lightning XB9S while offering a lower seat and lower center of gravity.

All 2004 Buell motorcycles will be covered by a two-year, unlimited mileage warranty replacing the previous one-year warranty.

Buell Motorcycle Company, a subsidiary of Harley-Davidson, Inc., produces sport motorcycles, motorcycle parts, accessories and apparel. To learn more about Buell motorcycles, visit your local Buell dealer today and experience the pure streetfighter attitude, style and performance only found on board a Buell. Call 1-800-490-9635 for the Buell dealer nearest you. Or pull into www.buell.com

XB9S Lightning specifications

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