Motorcycle Segment:
Sportbike / Naked Sportbike (depending on fairing status)
Design Philosophy:
Unique 'Truss' frame and 'Swingarm' fuel tank design, focused on mass centralization and performance.
Primary Competitors 2003:
Ducati Monster series, Triumph Speed Triple, Aprilia Tuono
Frame Design:
Buell's signature 'Truss' frame, which doubles as the oil reservoir.
Fuel Tank Location:
Under-seat location, integrated into the swingarm pivot area.
Braking System:
Zero-drag front disc brake with a six-piston caliper, mounted to the fork leg.
Exhaust System:
Under-slung exhaust system designed for mass centralization.
Engine:
Disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair of the Harley-Davidson Sportster-derived V-twin engine (including cooling, lubrication, and ignition).
Fuel System:
Carburetor (Mikuni BSR42) tuning, cleaning, overhaul, fuel pump, fuel lines, and filter replacement.
Transmission:
Clutch operation, gearbox disassembly/assembly, gear selection mechanism, and final drive (belt drive system).
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, battery, charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier), ignition system (ECU, spark plugs), lighting, and instrument cluster.
Suspension:
Front fork (Show internally dampened) disassembly, inspection, seal replacement, fluid changes, and rear shock absorber adjustment/replacement.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems, caliper service, master cylinder overhaul, bleeding procedures, pad replacement, and rotor inspection.
Chassis Frame:
Frame inspection, steering head bearing service, swingarm pivot bearing service.
Bodywork:
Fairing removal/installation, seat, fuel tank (Uni-Leverage Fueling System), and other body panels.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, chain adjustment), tire pressure checks, brake fluid checks.
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic flowcharts for common issues (e.g., hard starting, misfires, electrical faults).
Repair:
Detailed instructions for component replacement and repair, including torque specifications.
Specifications:
Torque values for all fasteners, fluid capacities, and recommended tolerances.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and electrical system diagnostics.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin, 4-stroke
Engine Displacement:
984 cc (60 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
3.44 in x 3.25 in (87.3 mm x 82.5 mm)
Valve Train:
OHV, 2 valves per cylinder, pushrod actuated
Engine Cooling:
Air-cooled
Horsepower Peak:
Approx. 92 hp @ 7800 rpm
Torque Peak:
Approx. 70 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm
Carburetor:
Mikuni BSR42 CV
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 89 octane recommended
Oil Capacity:
2.6 US quarts (2.5 Liters)
Oil Type Recommendation:
Buell recommended SAE 20W-50 motorcycle oil (e.g., SYN3 Synthetic or equivalent)
Type:
5-speed constant mesh
Clutch Type:
Wet, multi-plate
Final Drive:
Belt drive, 137-tooth rear belt, 34-tooth front pulley
Gear Ratios:
1st: 2.667, 2nd: 1.932, 3rd: 1.571, 4th: 1.292, 5th: 1.000
Transmission Oil Type:
SAE 75W-90 gear oil
Transmission Oil Capacity:
1.0 US quarts (0.95 Liters)
Crash Safety Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycle specific safety testing standards apply, not automotive NHTSA ratings).
Brakes:
Front: 375mm disc, 6-piston caliper; Rear: 230mm disc, 1-piston caliper.
Lighting:
Halogen headlamp, LED taillight.
Frame Design Impact:
Truss frame design contributes to rigidity and structural integrity.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 2,500 miles (4,000 km) or 6 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Check at 5,000 miles (8,000 km), replace as needed. Champion RA8HC or equivalent.
Belt Tension Check:
Check and adjust every 2,500 miles (4,000 km).
Air Filter Cleaning:
Inspect and clean every 2,500 miles (4,000 km), replace as needed. Buell Part # P0006.1AD.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid
Fork Oil Type:
Show SAE 7.5W suspension fluid (or equivalent)
Fork Oil Capacity:
Approx. 200 ml per fork leg
Common Complaints:
Carburetor jetting sensitivity, potential for stator failure, some electrical connector issues, rear shock absorber longevity concerns.
Frame Specific Checks:
Inspection of welds on the 'Truss' frame for any signs of stress or damage, particularly around the steering head.
Company Focus:
Performance motorcycles with innovative engineering and chassis design.
Xb Series Introduction:
The XB series debuted in 2002, marking a significant departure from Buell's earlier models.
Xb9R Firebolt Positioning:
The XB9R represented the entry-level sportbike in the XB lineup, focused on agility and a more accessible price point compared to the XB12R.
Manufacturing Location:
East Troy, Wisconsin, USA
Ownership Period:
Buell was a subsidiary of Harley-Davidson during this period.
