Manufacturer Focus:
Harley-Davidson subsidiary focused on sport performance motorcycles
Competitors 2009:
Ducati Monster series, Triumph Speed Triple, Aprilia Tuono, Yamaha FZ1
Design Philosophy:
Unique 'Trilogy of Technology' design: frame as fuel reservoir, swingarm as oil reservoir, mass centralization
Engine Type:
V-Twin, air-cooled, fuel-injected (based on Harley-Davidson Evolution engine, but significantly modified for performance)
Chassis Innovation:
Aluminum frame with integrated fuel cell, Duolever front suspension (on some models), Zero-Torsional-Stress (ZTS) swingarm
Engine:
Disassembly, inspection, assembly, troubleshooting, specifications
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system (EFI), throttle body, injectors, fuel pump, fuel lines, pressure regulator
Lubrication Cooling:
Engine oil, oil pump, oil filter, oil cooler, cooling system (radiator, fan, coolant)
Transmission Drive:
Clutch operation, transmission gears, shifting mechanism, primary drive, final drive belt, sprockets
Steering:
Handlebar assembly, steering head bearings, fork assembly
Suspension:
Front forks (preload, compression, rebound adjustment), rear shock absorber (preload, rebound adjustment), swingarm
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems, master cylinders, calipers, brake pads, brake lines, brake fluid specifications
Electrical System:
Ignition system, lighting, starter system, charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier), battery, ECM (Electronic Control Module), wiring diagrams, sensor diagnostics
Bodywork:
Fairings, fenders, seat, fuel tank, frame components, mounting hardware
Intake Exhaust:
Airbox, intake manifold, exhaust system, muffler, O2 sensors
Maintenance:
Routine checks, fluid changes, filter replacement, belt tensioning, spark plug service
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common issues, fault code interpretation (where applicable)
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair
Overhaul:
Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures
Diagnostics:
Advanced diagnostic strategies for electrical and mechanical systems
Calibration:
TPM (Tire Pressure Monitoring) system calibration (if equipped), throttle position sensor calibration
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and advanced electrical diagnostics)
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin, four-stroke
Displacement 1200Cc Models:
1203 cc (73.4 cu in)
Displacement 900Cc Models:
984 cc (60.1 cu in) for XB9SX
Bore X Stroke 1200:
88.9 mm x 96.8 mm (3.50 in x 3.81 in)
Bore X Stroke 900:
84.7 mm x 88.3 mm (3.33 in x 3.48 in)
Compression Ratio 1200:
10.0:1
Compression Ratio 900:
9.2:1
Horsepower 1200 Approx:
100 hp @ 6600 rpm (Flywheel Horsepower)
Torque 1200 Approx:
84 ft-lbs @ 6000 rpm (Flywheel Torque)
Horsepower 900 Approx:
78 hp @ 6600 rpm (Flywheel Horsepower)
Torque 900 Approx:
70 ft-lbs @ 6000 rpm (Flywheel Torque)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with individual throttle bodies
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane (RON+MON)/2
Fuel Tank Capacity Ulysses:
5.4 gallons (20.4 L)
Fuel Tank Capacity Lightning Firebolt:
3.7 gallons (14 L)
Cooling Method:
Air-cooled with fan-assisted oil cooler
Oil Type Recommendation:
Harley-Davidson SYN3 (SAE 20W-50) or equivalent API SG or higher, JASO MA certified motorcycle oil
Oil Capacity With Filter:
3.5 US quarts (3.3 Liters)
Transmission Type:
5-speed constant mesh
Clutch Type:
Wet, multi-plate
Primary Drive:
Helical gear, 1.507 ratio
Final Drive:
Perimeter belt drive, 1.50:1 ratio (32/21 tooth sprockets)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Harley-Davidson Sportster Transmission and Primary Chaincase Lubricant (SAE 80W-90) or equivalent API GL-5 gear oil
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
24 US fluid ounces (0.71 Liters)
Safety Certification:
Meets or exceeds all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) for motorcycles
Brakes Type:
Dual front disc brakes with 4-piston calipers, Single rear disc brake with 2-piston caliper. ZTL (Zero Torsional Load) floating rotor design.
Lighting:
Halogen headlamp, LED taillight and brake light
Frame Design:
Unique DDF (Dynamically Damped Frame) or aluminum frame providing chassis rigidity and housing the fuel cell
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or annually
Air Filter Inspection:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
Belt Tension Check:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km)
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years or as per manual recommendation (DOT 4)
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 20W-50 API SG or higher, JASO MA motorcycle oil
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4
Fork Oil Specification:
Typically a 5W or 10W fork oil, refer to manual for specific model and fork type
Common Wear Items:
Belt drive, rear tire, wheel bearings, fuel pump
Potential Electrical Issues:
Voltage regulator/rectifier, stator, ECM issues can occur with age and mileage
Fuel System Concerns:
Potential for injector clogging or fuel pump degradation if fuel quality is poor or storage is extended
Founding:
Founded by Erik Buell, focused on American sport motorcycles with advanced technology and performance.
Ownership:
Subsidiary of Harley-Davidson from 1993 until 2009.
Xb Series Introduction:
The XB series, introduced in 2002, represented a significant departure from earlier Buell models, emphasizing mass centralization and a unique design language.
2009 Updates:
Refinements for the 2009 model year included updated styling, suspension tuning, and potentially minor engine mapping adjustments.
Production Period:
Buell motorcycles ceased production in late 2009.
