Just as a jagged stretch of country or canyon road offers one kind of challenge, a crowded city environment offers another. This urban streetfighter comes fully equipped to handle whatever the big city throws your way, with standard wind deflectors, frame pucks, headlamp grille, and the unique X-Guard to protect the airbox cover from your tank bag. Light, nimble, and aggressive, it’s powered by a 984 cc Thunderstorm® air/oil/fan-cooled, fuel injected 45º V-Twin. Who says a road has to be wide open to be fun?
Responsiveness
Buell Intuitive Response Chassis (IRC)
With its 52-inch wheelbase, the Firebolt handles with surgical precision. The rigid chassis keeps you stable and confident through the turns, while the 21-degree rake and 3.3-inch trail improves agility.
Frame and swing arm
The aluminum frame is both lightweight and incredibly rigid, improving the bike’s stability in corners. Using the frame to house nearly 4 gallons of fuel also lowers the center 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 6 lbs. lighter than what you’d find on most dual disc set-ups.
Front suspension
The fully adjustable 43 mm Showa® inverted fork features a high performance damping cartridge that lets you adjust the setup for any situation. Whether it’s at the track or the ride home, you can optimize 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
Exhaust cans are heavy. It doesn’t make sense to hang them up high and off the back of the bike. Our underslung exhaust – a Buell staple since 1985 – concentrates the weight underneath the chassis to provide greater Mass Centralization. The result is a clean, uncluttered look, 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 maximize handling and feedback for any condition.
Tires
The Pirelli® Scorpion Sync tires combine the best street-sport and off-road tire technology available. The hybrid tire 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 Aluminum 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. This reduces steering inertia and unsprung weight for better handling on the less-than-perfect streets you’ll ride every day.
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. In addition, it weighs just 1.06 pounds, compared to drive chains that weigh four to five pounds.
Power
984cc Thunderstorm Engine
The Thunderstorm® 984 cc, 45-degree V-Twin delivers the iconic look, thunderous sound, and power-pulsing feel that only a 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 75% of the motor's torque is available at just 3000 RPM. Performance and dependability are enhanced with a large crank pin, a large-capacity oiling system, and an electronic timing system and ECM that control a DDFI 3 fuel injection system. Combined, these features improve drivability and performance while reducing maintenance costs.
Enhanced Air Cooling
As soon as you turn off a motorcycle, the hot oil begins to break down, potentially leading to engine damage. Unless, that is, 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 to inhibit lateral movement, the Uniplanar Isolation Mounting System decreases rider fatigue while contributing to chassis torsional rigidity for improved handling.
A 12 Liter Airbox
The large, 12-liter airbox is designed to optimize air intake and accommodate a large, easy-to-service 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 390 lbs. 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 footpeg 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 that are adjustable for reach.
Durability Features
Standard frame pucks, headlight grille, wind deflectors and X-Guard help prevent costly repairs.
Dimensions U.S. Units Metric Units
Overall Length -5 76.2 in. 1935 mm
Overall Width -7 29.7 in. 755 mm
Seat Height -6
Standard -6 30.1 in. 765 mm
Low Profile N/A N/A
Ground Clearance -5 4.35 in. 110 mm
Rake (at steering head) -6 21.0º 21.0º
Fork Angle -6 21.0º 21.0º
Lean Angle:
Soft Contact, Right -8 42º 42º
Soft Contact, Left -8 42º 42º
Hard Contact, Right -8 50º 50º
Hard Contact, Left -8 48º 48º
Trail -6 3.3 in. 83 mm
Wheelbase -5 52.0 in. 1320 mm
Tires: -3
Front Pirelli® Scorpion® Sync® 120/70ZR-17 58W Pirelli® Scorpion® Sync® 120/70ZR-17 58W
Rear Pirelli® Scorpion® Sync® 180/55ZR-17 73W Pirelli® Scorpion® Sync® 180/55ZR-17 73W
Fuel Capacity 3.82 gal. 14.5 L
Reserve Fuel Capacity 0.75 gal. 2.8 L
Fuel Economy -10
Urban 50 MPG 4.7 L/100 km
Highway 65 MPG 3.6 L/100 km
Weight:
Dry 390 lbs. 177 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 850 lbs. 286 L
Load Capacity: 396 lbs. 182 kg
Engine U.S. Units Metric Units
Engine Thunderstorm® air/oil/fan-cooled, 4-stroke, 45° V-Twin Thunderstorm® air/oil/fan-cooled, 4-stroke, 45° V-Twin
Valve Train OHV, two valves per cylinder, self-adjusting OHV, two valves per cylinder, self-adjusting
Bore x Stroke 3.500 in. x 3.125 in. 88.90 mm x 79.38 mm
Displacement 60.0 cu. in. 984 cc
Compression Ratio 10.0 : 1 10.0 : 1
Fuel Delivery 45 mm down draft DDFI II fuel injection 45 mm down draft DDFI III fuel injection
Intake Zero-resistance airbox Zero-resistance airbox
Exhaust Tuned, tri-pass resonance chamber with mass-centralised mounting Tuned, tri-pass resonance chamber with mass-centralised mounting
Torque (North America per SAE J607) 70 ft. lbs. 94.9 NM @ 5500 RPM
Horsepower (North America per SAE J607) 92 HP @ 7500 RPM 92 HP @ 7500 RPM
Lubrication
Oil Capacity -10 2.5 qts. 2.4 L
Oil Filtration Screw-on disposable element Screw-on disposable element
Drivetrain U.S. Units Metric Units
Primary Drive Chain, 1.676:1 ratio Chain, 1.676:1 ratio
Final Drive -2 New constant path, 14 mm pitch aramid-reinforced Veyance Hibrex® belt with Flexten® Plus technology, 2.407:1 ratio New constant path, 14 mm pitch aramid-reinforced Veyance Hibrex® belt with Flexten® Plus technology, 2.407:1 ratio
Clutch Wet, multi-plate, compensated Wet, multi-plate, compensated
Transmission 5-speed, helical gear 5-speed, helical gear
Gear Ratios
1st 2.648 2.648
2nd 1.892 1.892
3rd 1.407 1.407
4th 1.166 1.166
5th 1 1
6th N/A N/A
Chassis -3
Frame Black aluminium frame with Uniplanar™ powertrain vibration isolation system, fuel in frame Black aluminium frame with Uniplanar™ powertrain vibration isolation system, fuel in frame
Front Forks 43 mm Showa® inverted forks with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload 43 mm Showa® inverted forks with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload
Rear Shock Showa® coil-over monoshock with remote, under-seat reservoir and adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload Showa® coil-over monoshock with remote, under-seat reservoir and adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload
Wheels:
Front 6-spoke, ZTL™ cast aluminium 6-spoke, ZTL™ cast aluminium
Diameter 17 in. 431.8 mm
Width 3.5 in. 88.9 mm
Rear 6-spoke, cast aluminium 6-spoke, cast aluminium
Diameter 17 in. 431.8 mm
Width 5.5 in 139.7 mm
Brakes:
Front ZTL™ brake, 6-piston, fixed caliper; 375 mm, single-sided, inside-out, stainless steel, floating rotor ZTL™ brake, 6-piston, fixed caliper; 375 mm, single-sided, inside-out, stainless steel, floating rotor
Rear Single-piston, floating caliper; 240 mm stainless steel, fixed rotor Single-piston, floating caliper; 240 mm stainless steel, fixed rotor
Suspension Travel:
Front Wheel 4.72 in. 120 mm
Rear Wheel 5.06 in. 129 mm
Electric U.S. Units Metric Units
Battery (per Battery Council International Rating)
Charging 30-amp, permanent magnet, single-phase alternator with solid-state regulator (405W @3000 RPM, 405W peak) 30-amp, permanent magnet, single-phase alternator with solid-state regulator (405W @3000 RPM, 405W peak)
Starting 1.2 kW electric with solenoid shift starter motor engagement 1.2 kW electric with solenoid shift starter motor engagement
Lights (as per country regulation):
Headlamp Twin Quartz Halogen [H7] 55-watt low beam, 55-watt high beam Twin Quartz Halogen [H7] 55-watt low beam, 55-watt high beam
Tail/Stop Lights 5W/21W 5W/21W
Turn Signal Lights 10W manual canceling 10W manual canceling
License Plate Light 5W 5W
Style/Comfort U.S. Units Metric Units
Instruments Electronic speedometer, tachometer, odometer; dual tripmeter; high beam, neutral, oil, low fuel (plus, odometer shows miles traveled on reserve), turn signal and engine diagnostic indicator lamps; clock Electronic speedometer, tachometer, odometer; dual tripmeter; high beam, neutral, oil, low fuel (plus, odometer shows miles traveled on reserve), turn signal and engine diagnostic indicator lamps; clock
Colors (4) U.S. Units Metric Units
Hero Blue translucid; Cherry Bomb translucid Hero Blue translucid; Cherry Bomb translucid
Warranty U.S. Units Metric Units
24 months (unlimited mileage) 24 months (unlimited mileage)
Footnotes
1 Specifications for non-U.S. markets might differ. Buell reserves the right to discontinue models or change specifications at any time without incurring any obligations. Vehicle specifications may vary from country to country depending on local laws. Some models are not available in certain countries.
2 Hibrex® and Flexten® are registered trademarks of Veyance Technologies, Inc.
3 Showa®, Dunlop® and Pirelli® are registered trademarks of their respective owners.
4 Availability may vary from dealer to dealer, and is subject to change without notice.
5 Unladen, wet configuration (no rider, all fluids).
6 Laden, wet configuration (design rider, all fluids).
7 Without mirrors.
8 Bottomed-out configuration (100% suspension compression).
9 Oil capacity at oil change with filter.
10 Based on tests conducted under lab conditions per U.S. E.P.A. test procedures. Mileage will vary depending on personal riding habits, weather conditions, trip length and vehicle condition.
Responsiveness
Buell Intuitive Response Chassis (IRC)
With its 52-inch wheelbase, the Firebolt handles with surgical precision. The rigid chassis keeps you stable and confident through the turns, while the 21-degree rake and 3.3-inch trail improves agility.
Frame and swing arm
The aluminum frame is both lightweight and incredibly rigid, improving the bike’s stability in corners. Using the frame to house nearly 4 gallons of fuel also lowers the center 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 6 lbs. lighter than what you’d find on most dual disc set-ups.
Front suspension
The fully adjustable 43 mm Showa® inverted fork features a high performance damping cartridge that lets you adjust the setup for any situation. Whether it’s at the track or the ride home, you can optimize 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
Exhaust cans are heavy. It doesn’t make sense to hang them up high and off the back of the bike. Our underslung exhaust – a Buell staple since 1985 – concentrates the weight underneath the chassis to provide greater Mass Centralization. The result is a clean, uncluttered look, 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 maximize handling and feedback for any condition.
Tires
The Pirelli® Scorpion Sync tires combine the best street-sport and off-road tire technology available. The hybrid tire 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 Aluminum 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. This reduces steering inertia and unsprung weight for better handling on the less-than-perfect streets you’ll ride every day.
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. In addition, it weighs just 1.06 pounds, compared to drive chains that weigh four to five pounds.
Power
984cc Thunderstorm Engine
The Thunderstorm® 984 cc, 45-degree V-Twin delivers the iconic look, thunderous sound, and power-pulsing feel that only a 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 75% of the motor's torque is available at just 3000 RPM. Performance and dependability are enhanced with a large crank pin, a large-capacity oiling system, and an electronic timing system and ECM that control a DDFI 3 fuel injection system. Combined, these features improve drivability and performance while reducing maintenance costs.
Enhanced Air Cooling
As soon as you turn off a motorcycle, the hot oil begins to break down, potentially leading to engine damage. Unless, that is, 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 to inhibit lateral movement, the Uniplanar Isolation Mounting System decreases rider fatigue while contributing to chassis torsional rigidity for improved handling.
A 12 Liter Airbox
The large, 12-liter airbox is designed to optimize air intake and accommodate a large, easy-to-service 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 390 lbs. 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 footpeg 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 that are adjustable for reach.
Durability Features
Standard frame pucks, headlight grille, wind deflectors and X-Guard help prevent costly repairs.
Dimensions U.S. Units Metric Units
Overall Length -5 76.2 in. 1935 mm
Overall Width -7 29.7 in. 755 mm
Seat Height -6
Standard -6 30.1 in. 765 mm
Low Profile N/A N/A
Ground Clearance -5 4.35 in. 110 mm
Rake (at steering head) -6 21.0º 21.0º
Fork Angle -6 21.0º 21.0º
Lean Angle:
Soft Contact, Right -8 42º 42º
Soft Contact, Left -8 42º 42º
Hard Contact, Right -8 50º 50º
Hard Contact, Left -8 48º 48º
Trail -6 3.3 in. 83 mm
Wheelbase -5 52.0 in. 1320 mm
Tires: -3
Front Pirelli® Scorpion® Sync® 120/70ZR-17 58W Pirelli® Scorpion® Sync® 120/70ZR-17 58W
Rear Pirelli® Scorpion® Sync® 180/55ZR-17 73W Pirelli® Scorpion® Sync® 180/55ZR-17 73W
Fuel Capacity 3.82 gal. 14.5 L
Reserve Fuel Capacity 0.75 gal. 2.8 L
Fuel Economy -10
Urban 50 MPG 4.7 L/100 km
Highway 65 MPG 3.6 L/100 km
Weight:
Dry 390 lbs. 177 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 850 lbs. 286 L
Load Capacity: 396 lbs. 182 kg
Engine U.S. Units Metric Units
Engine Thunderstorm® air/oil/fan-cooled, 4-stroke, 45° V-Twin Thunderstorm® air/oil/fan-cooled, 4-stroke, 45° V-Twin
Valve Train OHV, two valves per cylinder, self-adjusting OHV, two valves per cylinder, self-adjusting
Bore x Stroke 3.500 in. x 3.125 in. 88.90 mm x 79.38 mm
Displacement 60.0 cu. in. 984 cc
Compression Ratio 10.0 : 1 10.0 : 1
Fuel Delivery 45 mm down draft DDFI II fuel injection 45 mm down draft DDFI III fuel injection
Intake Zero-resistance airbox Zero-resistance airbox
Exhaust Tuned, tri-pass resonance chamber with mass-centralised mounting Tuned, tri-pass resonance chamber with mass-centralised mounting
Torque (North America per SAE J607) 70 ft. lbs. 94.9 NM @ 5500 RPM
Horsepower (North America per SAE J607) 92 HP @ 7500 RPM 92 HP @ 7500 RPM
Lubrication
Oil Capacity -10 2.5 qts. 2.4 L
Oil Filtration Screw-on disposable element Screw-on disposable element
Drivetrain U.S. Units Metric Units
Primary Drive Chain, 1.676:1 ratio Chain, 1.676:1 ratio
Final Drive -2 New constant path, 14 mm pitch aramid-reinforced Veyance Hibrex® belt with Flexten® Plus technology, 2.407:1 ratio New constant path, 14 mm pitch aramid-reinforced Veyance Hibrex® belt with Flexten® Plus technology, 2.407:1 ratio
Clutch Wet, multi-plate, compensated Wet, multi-plate, compensated
Transmission 5-speed, helical gear 5-speed, helical gear
Gear Ratios
1st 2.648 2.648
2nd 1.892 1.892
3rd 1.407 1.407
4th 1.166 1.166
5th 1 1
6th N/A N/A
Chassis -3
Frame Black aluminium frame with Uniplanar™ powertrain vibration isolation system, fuel in frame Black aluminium frame with Uniplanar™ powertrain vibration isolation system, fuel in frame
Front Forks 43 mm Showa® inverted forks with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload 43 mm Showa® inverted forks with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload
Rear Shock Showa® coil-over monoshock with remote, under-seat reservoir and adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload Showa® coil-over monoshock with remote, under-seat reservoir and adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload
Wheels:
Front 6-spoke, ZTL™ cast aluminium 6-spoke, ZTL™ cast aluminium
Diameter 17 in. 431.8 mm
Width 3.5 in. 88.9 mm
Rear 6-spoke, cast aluminium 6-spoke, cast aluminium
Diameter 17 in. 431.8 mm
Width 5.5 in 139.7 mm
Brakes:
Front ZTL™ brake, 6-piston, fixed caliper; 375 mm, single-sided, inside-out, stainless steel, floating rotor ZTL™ brake, 6-piston, fixed caliper; 375 mm, single-sided, inside-out, stainless steel, floating rotor
Rear Single-piston, floating caliper; 240 mm stainless steel, fixed rotor Single-piston, floating caliper; 240 mm stainless steel, fixed rotor
Suspension Travel:
Front Wheel 4.72 in. 120 mm
Rear Wheel 5.06 in. 129 mm
Electric U.S. Units Metric Units
Battery (per Battery Council International Rating)
Charging 30-amp, permanent magnet, single-phase alternator with solid-state regulator (405W @3000 RPM, 405W peak) 30-amp, permanent magnet, single-phase alternator with solid-state regulator (405W @3000 RPM, 405W peak)
Starting 1.2 kW electric with solenoid shift starter motor engagement 1.2 kW electric with solenoid shift starter motor engagement
Lights (as per country regulation):
Headlamp Twin Quartz Halogen [H7] 55-watt low beam, 55-watt high beam Twin Quartz Halogen [H7] 55-watt low beam, 55-watt high beam
Tail/Stop Lights 5W/21W 5W/21W
Turn Signal Lights 10W manual canceling 10W manual canceling
License Plate Light 5W 5W
Style/Comfort U.S. Units Metric Units
Instruments Electronic speedometer, tachometer, odometer; dual tripmeter; high beam, neutral, oil, low fuel (plus, odometer shows miles traveled on reserve), turn signal and engine diagnostic indicator lamps; clock Electronic speedometer, tachometer, odometer; dual tripmeter; high beam, neutral, oil, low fuel (plus, odometer shows miles traveled on reserve), turn signal and engine diagnostic indicator lamps; clock
Colors (4) U.S. Units Metric Units
Hero Blue translucid; Cherry Bomb translucid Hero Blue translucid; Cherry Bomb translucid
Warranty U.S. Units Metric Units
24 months (unlimited mileage) 24 months (unlimited mileage)
Footnotes
1 Specifications for non-U.S. markets might differ. Buell reserves the right to discontinue models or change specifications at any time without incurring any obligations. Vehicle specifications may vary from country to country depending on local laws. Some models are not available in certain countries.
2 Hibrex® and Flexten® are registered trademarks of Veyance Technologies, Inc.
3 Showa®, Dunlop® and Pirelli® are registered trademarks of their respective owners.
4 Availability may vary from dealer to dealer, and is subject to change without notice.
5 Unladen, wet configuration (no rider, all fluids).
6 Laden, wet configuration (design rider, all fluids).
7 Without mirrors.
8 Bottomed-out configuration (100% suspension compression).
9 Oil capacity at oil change with filter.
10 Based on tests conducted under lab conditions per U.S. E.P.A. test procedures. Mileage will vary depending on personal riding habits, weather conditions, trip length and vehicle condition.
2008 Kawasaki Ninja ZX10R
