Segment:
Performance naked sportbikes and adventure-touring variants.
Unique Selling Proposition:
Innovative chassis design (fuel in frame, oil in swingarm), unique styling, potent V-twin performance.
Competitors:
Ducati Monster, Triumph Speed Triple, Aprilia Shiver.
Design Philosophy:
Buell's 'Zero Degrees' design philosophy, emphasizing mass centralization and responsive handling.
Frame Design:
Cast aluminum frame incorporating the fuel tank.
Swingarm Design:
Cast aluminum swingarm housing the engine oil reservoir.
Engine:
Air-cooled, Thunderstorm V-Twin engine (1203cc and 984cc variants)
Fuel System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), fuel pump, injectors, throttle body
Ignition System:
Electronic ignition, spark plugs, ignition coils
Transmission:
5-speed gearbox, clutch assembly, primary drive
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier), starter motor, lighting, wiring diagrams
Chassis Suspension:
Frame (Truss design), front fork (Zero Degrees H-Series), rear shock absorber, swingarm
Braking System:
Duo-stop braking system (front caliper with dual pistons, rear caliper with single piston), brake lines, master cylinders, fluid
Wheels Tires:
Wheel specifications, tire types, pressure recommendations
Bodywork Fittings:
Fairings, seat, fuel tank, fenders, controls
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacement, chain adjustment, lubrication points, spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, fault code interpretation, common problem diagnosis
Engine Repair:
Top-end rebuild, piston replacement, valve adjustment, oil pump service
Transmission Repair:
Clutch replacement, gearbox disassembly/reassembly
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring harness inspection, component testing, troubleshooting electrical gremlins
Suspension Service:
Fork oil replacement, shock absorber servicing, bearing inspection
Brake System Service:
Brake pad replacement, caliper service, brake line bleeding
Component Replacement:
Detailed instructions for replacing major and minor components
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission overhauls.
Diagnostics Level:
Includes diagnostic procedures, torque specifications, and detailed component tolerances.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin, 4-stroke, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder.
Engine Code Common:
DDFI (Davenport Dynamic Fuel Injection)
Bore Xb12:
3.8125 in (96.84 mm)
Stroke Xb12:
4.125 in (104.78 mm)
Displacement Xb12:
73.4 cu in (1203 cc)
Bore Xb9:
3.44 in (87.38 mm)
Stroke Xb9:
4.125 in (104.78 mm)
Displacement Xb9:
60.3 cu in (984 cc)
Horsepower Xb12 Est:
Approx. 100 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque Xb12 Est:
Approx. 84 ft-lbs @ 6000 rpm
Horsepower Xb9 Est:
Approx. 75 hp @ 7000 rpm
Torque Xb9 Est:
Approx. 70 ft-lbs @ 5500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with twin, down-draft throttle bodies.
Fuel Type Recommendation:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane (R+M)/2.
Transmission Type:
5-speed constant mesh gearbox.
Clutch Type:
Wet, multi-plate, oil-bathed, hydraulic actuation.
Primary Drive:
Triplex chain (1.188:1 ratio).
Final Drive:
Belt drive (2.15:1 ratio).
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycle safety is typically assessed differently than automobiles, focusing on design and component integrity).
Braking System:
Buell's patented Zero Torsional Load (ZTL) perimeter front brake system (12-piston caliper on a 375mm disc) and rear disc brake.
Frame Design Benefit:
Mass centralization contributes to improved handling and stability.
Lighting:
Halogen headlamp, LED taillight.
Instrumentation:
Analog tachometer, digital speedometer, odometer, trip meter, clock, fuel level indicator, indicator lights.
ABS:
Optional on some models, not standard on all 2009 variants.
Diagnostics Port:
OBD-II compliant diagnostic connector for electronic system analysis.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km).
Belt Tension Check Interval:
Every 2,500 miles (4,000 km).
Engine Oil Type:
Buell Syn3 Synthetic or equivalent SAE 20W-50 API SG or higher.
Engine Oil Capacity:
3.0 US quarts (2.8 L) with filter change.
Clutch Fluid Type:
DOT 4 brake fluid.
Fork Oil Type:
Bel-Ray H-1R or equivalent 5W fork oil.
Fork Oil Capacity:
Approx. 14.7 fl oz (435 ml) per fork leg.
Common Quirks:
Overheating in slow traffic (especially earlier models, mitigated by fan), occasional electrical gremlins, clutch lever free play adjustment.
Maintenance Tips:
Regular belt tension checks are crucial. Ensure proper torquing of frame and engine mounts. Monitor for exhaust header pipe leaks.
Affiliation:
Historically associated with Harley-Davidson, which owned a significant stake and later full ownership before its discontinuation.
Xb Series Introduction:
Launched in 2002, representing a radical departure from traditional motorcycle design.
Key Innovations:
Fuel-in-frame, oil-in-swingarm, perimeter front brake, underslung exhaust.
Production Period:
2002-2010
Manufacturing Location:
East Troy, Wisconsin, USA
Discontinuation:
Buell Motorcycle Company ceased operations in October 2009; production of the 2009 models concluded shortly after.
Historical Acclaim:
Buell motorcycles, including the XB series, were lauded for their innovative engineering, handling prowess, and unique design.
Market Perception:
Highly regarded by enthusiasts for their performance and distinct character, despite a smaller market share.
Emissions Compliance:
Meets EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions standards for the model year.
