Segment:
        
        
            Sportbike / Naked Sportbike
        
     
    
        
            Target Audience:
        
        
            Performance-oriented riders seeking a unique, American-made sportbike experience.
        
     
    
    
        
            Competitors:
        
        
            Dominant Japanese sportbikes of the era (e.g., Yamaha R6, Suzuki GSX-R600, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R), Ducati Monster series.
        
     
    
        
            Unique Selling Proposition:
        
        
            Buell's distinctive 'Chassis as a Fuel Tank' design, central exhaust, perimeter front brake rotor, and the torquey Harley-Davidson derived V-twin engine offered a different character and riding feel.
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Layout:
        
        
            Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin
        
     
    
        
            Frame Design:
        
        
            Aluminum frame with integrated fuel cell
        
     
    
        
            Suspension Innovation:
        
        
            Zero-rise rear suspension linkage, Showa adjustable front forks
        
     
    
        
            Braking Innovation:
        
        
            6-piston perimeter front brake caliper
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Primary Coverage:
        
        
            Full Service, Repair, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Electrical Schematics, Assembly/Disassembly
        
     
    
        
            Secondary Coverage:
        
        
            Specifications, Torque Values, Wiring Diagrams, Component Identification
        
     
    
    
        
            Total Pages:
        
        
            Estimated 500-700+ pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)
        
     
    
    
        
            Type:
        
        
            Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
        
     
    
    
    
    
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine:
        
        
            Complete Engine Assembly, Disassembly, Rebuild, Performance Tuning, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Ignition System, Fuel System (Carburetion)
        
     
    
        
            Transmission:
        
        
            5-Speed Gearbox, Clutch Assembly, Drive Chain, Primary Drive
        
     
    
        
            Chassis Frame:
        
        
            Frame Design, Swingarm, Suspension Components (Front Forks, Rear Shock Absorber), Steering Headset
        
     
    
        
            Electrical:
        
        
            Wiring Diagrams, Battery System, Lighting System, Ignition System, Starter System, Charging System, Instrumentation, Sensors, ECM/ECU Diagnostics
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Front and Rear Braking Systems, Brake Calipers, Master Cylinders, Brake Lines, Rotor Specifications
        
     
    
        
            Fuel System:
        
        
            Fuel Tank, Fuel Lines, Carburetor Tuning and Rebuild (Mikuni BDSR40), Airbox Assembly
        
     
    
        
            Wheels Tires:
        
        
            Wheel Bearing Service, Tire Pressure Specifications, Wheel Balance
        
     
    
        
            Bodywork:
        
        
            Fairing Removal and Installation, Seat, Handlebars, Footpegs, Body Panel Fasteners
        
     
    
    
        
            Routine Maintenance:
        
        
            Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Chain Adjustment, Spark Plug Service, Brake Bleeding, Air Filter Cleaning
        
     
    
        
            Major Repairs:
        
        
            Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Servicing, Carburetor Rebuild, Electrical System Troubleshooting
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics:
        
        
            Troubleshooting Guides for Common Issues, Symptom-Based Diagnostics, Fault Code Interpretation (if applicable)
        
     
    
        
            Technical Specifications:
        
        
            Torque Specifications for all fasteners, Clearance Measurements, Gap Settings, Fluid Capacities
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Type:
        
        
            Air-cooled, 4-stroke, 45-degree V-twin
        
     
    
        
            Displacement:
        
        
            984 cc (60.0 cubic inches)
        
     
    
        
            Bore X Stroke:
        
        
            3.49 in x 3.25 in (88.7 mm x 82.5 mm)
        
     
    
    
        
            Valve Train:
        
        
            OHV, 2 valves per cylinder
        
     
    
        
            Power Delivery:
        
        
            Known for strong mid-range torque
        
     
    
    
        
            Horsepower:
        
        
            Approx. 95-100 hp @ 7500 rpm (manufacturer figures vary slightly)
        
     
    
        
            Torque:
        
        
            Approx. 70-74 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm (manufacturer figures vary slightly)
        
     
    
    
        
            Carburetor:
        
        
            Mikuni BDSR40 (Dual Flatslide Carburetor)
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Capacity:
        
        
            3.4 gallons (12.9 L) (including a reserve of approx. 0.7 gallons)
        
     
    
    
        
            Oil Type:
        
        
            Typically Harley-Davidson 20W50 Motorcycle Oil or equivalent API SG, SH, SJ.
        
     
    
        
            Oil Capacity:
        
        
            3.0 US quarts (2.8 L) with filter change.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Type:
        
        
            5-speed constant mesh
        
     
    
        
            Primary Drive:
        
        
            Triple-reduction, zero-stretch belt drive
        
     
    
        
            Final Drive:
        
        
            520 O-ring sealed chain
        
     
    
    
        
            Clutch:
        
        
            Wet, multi-plate, cable-actuated
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Oil:
        
        
            Harley-Davidson Transmission and Primary Chaincase Lubricant (or equivalent SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Length:
        
        
            Approximately 77.0 inches (1956 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Width:
        
        
            Approximately 28.7 inches (729 mm) at handlebars
        
     
    
        
            Height:
        
        
            Approximately 44.0 inches (1118 mm) at seat
        
     
    
        
            Wheelbase:
        
        
            Approximately 52.7 inches (1339 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Ground Clearance:
        
        
            Approximately 4.5 inches (114 mm)
        
     
    
    
        
            Dry Weight:
        
        
            Approximately 350 lbs (159 kg)
        
     
    
        
            Wet Weight:
        
        
            Approximately 370 lbs (168 kg)
        
     
    
        
            Load Capacity:
        
        
            Not officially specified; generally limited to rider and minimal luggage.
        
     
    
        
            Weight Distribution:
        
        
            Designed for a low center of gravity due to frame and engine design.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Safety Standards:
        
        
            Manufactured to meet applicable motorcycle safety regulations of the time.
        
     
    
    
        
            Braking System:
        
        
            Powerful dual-disc front brakes with 6-piston caliper and single-disc rear brake with 2-piston caliper.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension Handling:
        
        
            Designed for agile handling and stability, contributing to active safety.
        
     
    
        
            Lighting:
        
        
            Halogen headlight, LED taillight, turn signals.
        
     
    
    
        
            Chassis Design:
        
        
            Integral frame and swingarm design provides inherent rigidity and predictable handling.
        
     
    
        
            Rider Ergonomics:
        
        
            Aggressive sportbike riding position, which can require rider adaptation.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Instrumentation:
        
        
            Digital speedometer, analog tachometer, fuel gauge, engine diagnostics indicator (check engine light), oil pressure warning light.
        
     
    
        
            Lighting System:
        
        
            Halogen headlight for primary illumination, LED tail and brake lights for visibility.
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Not equipped with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System).
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Not equipped with traction control.
        
     
    
    
        
            Electronic Features:
        
        
            Basic electronic ignition and fuel delivery management via ECM.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change:
        
        
            Every 2,500-3,000 miles (4,000-4,800 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
        
     
    
        
            Oil Filter Replacement:
        
        
            At every oil change.
        
     
    
        
            Air Filter Cleaning:
        
        
            Inspect every 2,500 miles (4,000 km), clean or replace as needed.
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km).
        
     
    
        
            Chain Adjustment:
        
        
            Check and adjust tension every 1,000 miles (1,600 km) or as needed.
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid Flush:
        
        
            Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
        
     
    
        
            Valve Lash Adjustment:
        
        
            Refer to manual for specific mileage (often around 7,500-10,000 miles).
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Viscosity:
        
        
            20W50
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Specification:
        
        
            API SG, SH, SJ (or newer equivalent if compatible)
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Oil Viscosity:
        
        
            SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil
        
     
    
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            N/A (Air-cooled engine)
        
     
    
    
        
            Carburetor Tuning:
        
        
            Can require meticulous tuning for optimal performance and idle quality; common modification is to upgrade to aftermarket EFI.
        
     
    
        
            Belt Drive Tension:
        
        
            Proper belt tension is critical for longevity and performance; requires careful adjustment.
        
     
    
        
            Cam Chain Tensioner:
        
        
            Some earlier models may have had issues with automatic cam chain tensioners; manual adjustment or replacement with an improved unit is sometimes recommended.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension Seals:
        
        
            As with many bikes of this age, fork seals can be prone to leaks requiring replacement.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical Connections:
        
        
            Corrosion or loose connections can cause intermittent electrical faults; thorough inspection of wiring harness and connectors is important.
        
     
 
    
    
    
    
        
            Brand Philosophy:
        
        
            Innovation, performance, and a distinct American approach to sportbike design, often incorporating racing technology.
        
     
    
    
        
            Predecessors:
        
        
            Buell S2 Thunderbolt, M2 Cyclone, X1 Lightning.
        
     
    
        
            Xb Series Introduction:
        
        
            The XB series, including the XB9R, was a significant redesign for Buell, launched in 2002, focusing on mass centralization and a more compact, agile platform.
        
     
    
        
            Xb9R Specifics:
        
        
            The XB9R (Firebolt) was the faired sportbike variant, distinguished from the naked XB9S (Lightning) by its aerodynamic bodywork.
        
     
    
    
        
            Manufacturing Location:
        
        
            East Troy, Wisconsin, USA
        
     
    
        
            Parent Company Era:
        
        
            Produced during the period of Harley-Davidson ownership and support.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Industry Impact:
        
        
            Praised for its innovative engineering and unique riding experience, though niche in the market.
        
     
    
        
            Critic Reviews:
        
        
            Often cited for its taut chassis, excellent handling, and distinctive V-twin character, appealing to riders seeking something different.