Brand Perception:
Buell is known for its performance-oriented, American-made motorcycles with innovative engineering, often leveraging Harley-Davidson powertrain components.
Competitors 2003:
Ducati 996, Aprilia RSV Mille, Suzuki GSX-R750, Yamaha YZF-R6, Honda CBR600RR
Design Philosophy:
Mass centralization, low unsprung weight, and a focus on rider connection to the machine.
Unique Features:
Uniplanar frame (doubles as oil reservoir), under-seat exhaust, ZTL front brake system.
Engine:
V-Twin, air-cooled, 45-degree configuration, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel System:
Fuel Injection (EFI)
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition (EI)
Transmission:
5-speed constant mesh
Electrical System:
12V, includes starter, battery, charging system, lighting, instrumentation
Chassis:
Uniplanar frame, aluminum construction
Suspension Front:
Telescopic forks (e.g., Showa), adjustable preload, compression, rebound damping
Suspension Rear:
Monoshock, adjustable preload, compression, rebound damping, Uniplanar swingarm system
Brakes Front:
Single 375mm disc, 6-piston caliper (Zero Torsional Load - ZTL)
Brakes Rear:
Single 230mm disc, 1-piston caliper
Wheels Tires:
Cast aluminum wheels, tubeless tires
Fuel Tank:
Under-seat fuel reservoir with frame-mounted fuel tank
Bodywork:
Fiberglass reinforced composite body panels
Maintenance:
Routine checks, lubrication, fluid changes, filter replacements
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common issues, error code interpretation
Disassembly Reassembly:
Complete step-by-step instructions for component removal and installation
Engine Overhaul:
Engine teardown, inspection, measurement, and reassembly procedures
Transmission Repair:
Gearbox inspection, repair, and adjustment
Suspension Adjustment:
Fork and shock absorber tuning and service
Brake System Service:
Brake pad replacement, caliper service, fluid bleeding
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagram interpretation, component testing, fault finding
Fuel System Service:
Injector cleaning, fuel pump testing, sensor calibration
Wheel Bearing Replacement:
Front and rear wheel bearing service
Bodywork Repair:
Fairing removal, repair, and installation guidance
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering all aspects from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and electrical diagnostics.
Illustrations:
Hundreds of photos and detailed diagrams for visual guidance.
Wiring Diagrams:
Included, providing complete electrical system schematics.
Parts Information:
Includes parts microfiches for identification of replacement components.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin, OHV, 8-valve
Displacement:
984 cc (60 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
3.49 in x 3.13 in (88.6 mm x 79.4 mm)
Horsepower Claimed:
Approx. 103 hp @ 7500 rpm
Torque Claimed:
Approx. 70 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with automatic enrichment circuit
Oil System:
Dry sump, oil carried in the frame
Cooling Method:
Air-cooled
Length:
Approx. 78.0 inches (1981 mm)
Width:
Approx. 30.0 inches (762 mm)
Height:
Approx. 43.0 inches (1092 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 52.5 inches (1333 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 4.0 inches (102 mm)
Seat Height:
Approx. 31.0 inches (787 mm)
Dry Weight Claimed:
Approx. 385 lbs (175 kg)
Fuel Capacity:
3.7 gallons (14 Liters), including 0.5 gallon reserve
Oil Change Interval:
Refer to manual for specific mileage/time intervals (typically every 2,500-5,000 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual for specific mileage/time intervals.
Belt Tension Check:
Regular inspection as per manual recommendations.
Engine Oil Type:
Refer to manual for specific grade and type (e.g., Harley-Davidson recommends 20W-50 for air-cooled V-twins).
Clutch Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (hydraulic clutch)
Coolant Type:
N/A (Air-cooled engine)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Refer to manual (typically around 3 quarts/liters, including frame reservoir).
Common Wear Items:
Belt drive wear, suspension seals, clutch slave cylinder leaks (potential).
Electrical Connections:
Some older Buells may experience issues with electrical connectors if not properly maintained or sealed.
Fuel Delivery System:
Early EFI systems can sometimes be sensitive to fuel quality; regular cleaning of injectors may be beneficial.
Brand Focus:
Performance motorcycles, advanced engineering, and unique design.
Xb Series Introduction:
The XB series, including the Firebolt, marked a significant departure for Buell, utilizing smaller, more versatile Harley-Davidson V-twin engines and a focus on sportbike performance.
Xb9R Introduction:
The XB9R Firebolt was introduced in 2002 as a more accessible, lighter-weight sportbike compared to its larger displacement siblings.
Manual Applicability Note:
As stated, this manual is generally applicable to several model years due to minimal year-to-year changes in the XB9R platform.
