Buell has the new XB9S arriving on dealer floors later this month. The new XB9S will sell alongside the XB9R in a two model line-up that will make up the 2003 Buell range.

At $17,995 + on road costs the XB9S is priced at the same level as the XB9R. While the ‘R’ offers a sportsbike style riding position, the XB9S is designed along the lines of the original ‘Lightning’ models that place the rider in a more upright ‘Street-Fighter’ style seating position. The ‘S’ model gives the rider more legroom with the pegs situated 25mm lower than on the XB9R.

The ultra short front of the motorcycle houses an attractive conventional speedometer and tachometer behind a small bikini fairing. Lighting the way are a pair of bug-eye style lights.

A truly Spartan rear end is completely devoid of bodywork, like it’s twin brother the XB9S takes minimalist design cues to a new level.

The same 45-degree 984cc V-Twin engine powers both models. This is a slow revving pushrod engine that favours a wide expanse of torque. Maximum horsepower is around 75hp delivered to the rear wheel via the Buell belt-drive system.

Buell retains their now customary under-slung muffler layout.

The frame is definitely something out of the ordinary. It’s huge aluminium spars serve double duty as the fuel tank. This way of thinking also follows to the swingarm, which holds the oil reservoir for the engine. All this clever thinking has allowed Buell to give the XB series some diminutive chassis dynamics. A 1,320mm wheelbase combines with a 21-degree fork angle and 83mm of trail to make for quick and direct handling.

A six-piston caliper clamps on a massive 375mm perimeter mounted disc rotor to provide excellent braking performance. The disc layout is another feature, which follows Buell’s ‘Dare to be different’ philosophy.

Showa supplies the inverted forks and single shock rear. Full adjustment of preload, compression and rebound damping is available at both ends.

Buell Lightning XB9S - Specifications

Engine - 984cc four-stroke, 45-degree V-Twin
Cooling - Air
Bore x Stroke - 88.9 x 79.4mm
Compression Ratio - 10:1
Valvetrain - Two valves per cylinder, pushrods & hydraulic lifters
Induction - EFI with 45mm throttle bodies
Lubrication - Dry Sump, 2.3 litres
Gearbox - Five speed
Frame - Aluminium
Wheelbase - 1320mm
Rake - 21 degrees
Trail - 83mm
Front Suspension - Showa inverted fork with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload
Rear Suspension - Showa shock absorber with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload
Front brake - ZTL type brake, 375 mm stainless steel floating rotor, 6 piston caliper
Rear brake - 240 mm stainless steel rotor, single piston floating caliper
Fuel capacity - 14 litres
Dry weight - 175kg
Seat height - 765mm
Ground clearance - 127mm
Length - 1924mm
Width - 831mm
Height - 1232mm
Colours - Midnight Black, Sunfire Yellow
Available - Late December
RRP - $17,990 + on road costs