Vehicle Segment:
Sportbike / Performance Motorcycle
Key Competitors 2005:
Ducati 749/999, Aprilia RSV Mille, Yamaha YZF-R6/R1, Suzuki GSX-R600/750/1000, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R/ZX-10R, Honda CBR600RR/954RR.
Buell Unique Technologies:
DOHC V-twin engine, Uni-Planar frame (fuel in frame), Zero-Torsional-Load swingarm (oil in swingarm), Belt drive, Combined braking system (front).
Target Audience:
Buell owners, independent motorcycle mechanics, enthusiasts seeking in-depth technical knowledge.
Diagnostic Capability:
Enables advanced troubleshooting and repair, mirroring dealership-level diagnostics.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine overhaul, disassembly, assembly, component inspection, and tuning.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, troubleshooting, and diagnostic procedures.
Braking System:
Brake system maintenance, repair, bleeding procedures, and component specifications.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension servicing, component replacement, and alignment.
Chassis:
Frame inspection, component mounting, and general chassis maintenance.
Cooling System:
Cooling system diagnostics, fluid replacement, and component servicing (air-cooled engine specific details).
Power Supply:
Battery, charging system, and ignition system servicing.
Bodywork:
Fairing removal and installation, body panel repairs, and accessory fitting.
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, and general upkeep.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trees, common fault identification, and problem-solving for all major systems.
Repair Procedures:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component repair and replacement.
Special Tools:
Listing and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair and maintenance tasks.
Pre Delivery:
Pre-delivery inspection and setup procedures.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and electrical system diagnostics.
Engine Type Xb9R:
Buell Thunderstorm 984cc (984 cc) V-twin, air-cooled
Engine Type Xb12R:
Buell Thunderstorm 1203cc (1203 cc) V-twin, air-cooled
Bore Xb9R:
3.49 in (88.7 mm)
Stroke Xb9R:
3.13 in (79.5 mm)
Bore Xb12R:
3.50 in (88.9 mm)
Stroke Xb12R:
3.81 in (96.8 mm)
Compression Ratio:
9.2:1 (XB9R), 10.0:1 (XB12R)
Horsepower Xb9R:
Approx. 83 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque Xb9R:
Approx. 70 ft-lbs @ 4,500 rpm
Horsepower Xb12R:
Approx. 100 hp @ 6,400 rpm
Torque Xb12R:
Approx. 78 ft-lbs @ 3,700 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Keihin
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 91 octane (95 RON) or higher recommended.
Valvetrain:
2 valves per cylinder, pushrod-actuated overhead valves (OHV), DOHC configuration for valve timing.
Cooling Method:
Air-cooled with oil cooling via frame and swingarm.
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition (IDM - Ignition and Data Module)
Exhaust System:
Under-seat exhaust system.
Length:
Approximately 77 inches (195.6 cm)
Width:
Approximately 29.5 inches (75 cm)
Height:
Approximately 43 inches (109.2 cm)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 52.5 inches (133.4 cm)
Dry Weight Xb9R:
Approximately 385 lbs (175 kg)
Dry Weight Xb12R:
Approximately 385 lbs (175 kg)
Wet Weight Xb9R:
Approximately 417 lbs (189 kg)
Wet Weight Xb12R:
Approximately 417 lbs (189 kg)
Fuel Capacity:
3.7 gallons (14 L)
Front Wheel Size:
3.50 x 17 inches
Rear Wheel Size:
5.00 x 17 inches
Front Tire Size:
120/70ZR-17
Rear Tire Size:
180/55ZR-17
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycle safety is typically assessed differently than automobiles)
Front Braking System:
Buell Duplex-Cross Floating Rotor with 6-piston caliper (320mm disc) - integral front brake caliper.
Rear Braking System:
260mm floating rotor with 2-piston caliper.
Frame Design:
Aluminum frame with integrated fuel tank.
Lighting:
Halogen headlights, LED taillight.
Instrumentation:
Analog tachometer, digital speedometer, odometer, trip meters, coolant temperature gauge, clock, fault indicator lamp.
ABS:
N/A (Anti-lock Braking System was not standard on 2005 models)
Diagnostics Port:
Proprietary Buell diagnostic port for use with specialized tools.
Oil Change Interval:
Refer to manual for specific intervals; typically 3,000-5,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual; typically every 10,000-15,000 miles.
Belt Tension Check:
Regularly check belt tension as per manual specifications (e.g., every 5,000 miles).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 motorcycle-specific oil meeting Harley-Davidson specifications (e.g., Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Oil).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 3.0 US quarts (2.8 L) for XB9R, 3.5 US quarts (3.3 L) for XB12R (check manual for precise capacity).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 brake fluid (refer to manual for exact specification).
Primary Chaincase Oil:
Harley-Davidson Sportster Transmission & Primary Chaincase Lubricant (or equivalent).
Electrical Connectors:
Corrosion and loose connections can be a common issue, especially in the charging system and ignition components.
Fuel Line Issues:
Cracking or leaks in fuel lines can occur with age and fuel exposure.
Suspension Seals:
Fork seal leaks can develop over time, requiring replacement.
Belt Wear:
Improper tension or debris can accelerate belt wear.
Air Filter Replacement:
Servicing the air filter element as per schedule.
Clutch Adjustment:
Checking and adjusting clutch cable free play.
Throttle Body Cleaning:
Periodic cleaning of the throttle body for optimal performance.
Origins:
Founded in 1985, focused on sportbikes utilizing Harley-Davidson V-twin engines.
Xb Series Introduction:
The XB series, including the Firebolt, was introduced in 2002, representing a significant departure from Buell's earlier models.
Xb9R Introduction:
Introduced as the entry-level sportbike of the XB line, featuring the smaller 984cc engine.
Xb12R Introduction:
The higher-performance variant, featuring the larger 1203cc engine derived from the Harley-Davidson Sportster.
Manufacturing Location:
East Troy, Wisconsin, USA
Ownership Changes:
Buell was acquired by Harley-Davidson in 1993. Harley-Davidson ceased Buell production in 2009.
Industry Accolades:
Buell motorcycles, particularly the XB series, were often praised for their innovative engineering, sporty handling, and unique styling.
Performance Reviews:
Consistently received positive reviews for chassis dynamics, braking performance (especially the front brake), and torquey V-twin engines.
