Buell Firebolt XB9R - 2005 Specifications and Reviews

The 2005 Buell Firebolt XB9R is a lightweight sport bike designed for riders seeking agile handling and nimble performance. Powered by a 984cc V-twin engine producing 92 horsepower, it delivers responsive acceleration and is best known for its innovative chassis design and rider-focused ergonomics that prioritize maneuverability over raw power.

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General information

CategorySport
Year2005
ModelBuell Firebolt XB9R
 
 

Engine and Transmission Specifications

Exhaust systemTuned, tri-pass resonance chamber
ClutchWet, multi-plate, compensated
Transmission type,final driveShaft drive (cardan)
Gearbox5-speed
Cooling systemOil & air
Lubrication systemDry sump
Fuel controlOHV
Fuel systemInjection. 45 mm down draft DDFI II fuel injection
Valves per cylinder2
Bore x stroke3.5 x 3.1 mm (0.1 x 0.1 inches)
Compression10.0:1
Torque94.92 Nm (9.7 kgf-m or 70.0 ft.lbs) @ 5500
Power92.00
Engine typeV2, four-stroke
Capacity:984.00 ccm (60.04 cubic inches)
 
 

Brakes, suspension, Frame and wheels

Rear brakes diameter240 mm (9.4 inches)
Rear brakesSingle disc. stainless steel, single piston, floating caliper, fixed rotor
Front brakes diameter336 mm (13.2 inches)
Front brakesSingle disc. ZTL type brake, 6-piston, fixed caliper, single-sided, inside out, stainless steel, floating rotor
Rear tyre dimensions180/55-ZR17
Front tyre dimensions120/70-ZR17
Rear suspension travel127 mm (5.0 inches)
Rear suspensionShowa coil-over monoshock with remote, underseat reservoir and adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload
Front suspension travel120 mm (4.7 inches)
Front suspension43 mm Showa® inverted fork with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload
Trail84 mm (3.3 inches)
Rake (fork angle)21.0°
Frame typeAluminum frame with Uniplanar™ powertrain vibration isolation system - Fuel in Frame

Physical measures and capacities

Fuel capacity14.00 litres (3.70 gallons)
Wheelbase1,321 mm (52.0 inches)
Ground clearance110 mm (4.4 inches)
Overall width716 mm (28.2 inches)
Overall length1,935 mm (76.2 inches)
Seat height775 mm (30.5 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Power/weight ratio0.5268 HP/kg
Dry weight174.6 kg (385.0 pounds)

Other specs

MaintenanceFind parts, fluids, filters, maintenance tools and service items on eBay
Color optionsSunfire Yellow with Sky White tank badge
StarterElectric

Performance Profile & Rider Fit

92 hp
Peak Power
3.4s
0-60 mph

Best For

Track75%
City78%
Cornering92%
Daily Riding60%
Touring35%
Passenger30%

Rider Profile

Best ForThis bike suits an intermediate to experienced rider who enjoys a quirky, characterful machine that rewards confident, aggressive inputs.
PurposeBuilt primarily as a light, sharp-handling sport streetfighter for tight, twisty roads rather than outright top speed or long-distance touring.
Rider FitIts low dry weight and compact, mass-centralized chassis make it easy to muscle around, though the short wheelbase and firm suspension demand an active riding style.
CharacterDistinctive V-twin torque delivery, aggressive geometry, and unconventional engineering give it a raw, mechanical personality unlike typical Japanese sportbikes.
Not Ideal ForNot a good fit for riders wanting plush comfort, pillion-friendly ergonomics, or a machine suited to relaxed long-haul touring.

Character map is an editorial estimate based on this bike's specifications, not a lab-tested measurement.

Rider Fit Visualizer

2005 Buell Firebolt XB9R Rider Ergonomics Assessment

Calculated in your browser only - your height/inseam are never sent to our servers.

Feet:

At 775mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2005 Buell Firebolt XB9R, with a cramped knee angle of around 65 degrees and a forward-leaning riding position.

Data quality: measured. Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated (a typical street-bike rule of thumb - stiffer or softer suspension will vary). This is an approximation from category-typical geometry and generic body proportions, not a measurement of this specific bike or you - sit on it before you buy.

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