14 August. Friday 2026
Buell Lightning CityX XB9SX - 2009 Specifications and Reviews
The 2009 Buell Lightning CityX XB9SX is a nimble naked bike designed for urban riders seeking agile handling and low-end torque. Its compact 983cc V-twin engine delivers punchy mid-range performance ideal for city commuting and spirited weekend rides. Known for its lightweight construction and responsive powerplant, this middleweight excels in tight quarters and quick acceleration scenarios.
General information | |
| Category | Naked bike |
| Year | 2009 |
| Model | Buell Lightning CityX XB9SX |
Engine and Transmission Specifications | |
| Clutch | Wet, multi-plate, compensated |
| Transmission typefinal drive | Belt |
| Gearbox | 5-speed |
| Starter | Electric |
| Fuel control | OHV |
| Valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel system | Injection. 45 mm down draft DDFI II fuel injection |
| Bore x stroke | 88.9 x 79.4 mm (3.5 x 3.1 inches) |
| Compression | 10.0:1 |
| Torque | 94.92 |
| Power | 92.00 |
| Stroke | 4 |
| Engine type | V2 |
| Capacity: | 983.28 ccm (60.00 cubic inches) |
| | |
Physical measures and capacities | |
| Wheelbase | 1,321 mm (52.0 inches) |
| Ground clearance | 110 mm (4.4 inches) |
| Overall width | 754 mm (29.7 inches) |
| Overall length | 1,935 mm (76.2 inches) |
| Seat height | 765 mm (30.1 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting. |
| | |
Buell Lightning CityX XB9SX dimensions and frame | |
| Exhaust system | Tuned, tri-pass resonance chamber with mass-centralised mounting |
| Rear brakes diameter | 240 mm (9.4 inches) |
| Rear brakes | Single disc. Two-piston, direct mount caliper; stainless steel, fixed rotor |
| Front brakes diameter | 375 mm (14.8 inches) |
| Front brakes | Single disc. ZTL brake, 6-piston, fixed caliper; 375 mm, single-sided, inside-out, stainless steel, floating rotor |
| Rear tyre dimensions | 180/55-ZR17 |
| Front tyre dimensions | 120/70-ZR17 |
| Rear suspension travel | 129 mm (5.1 inches) |
| Rear suspension | Showa coil-over monoshock with remote, under-seat reservoir and adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload |
| Front suspension travel | 120 mm (4.7 inches) |
| Front suspension | 43 mm Showa inverted forks with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload |
| Rake (fork angle) | 21.0° |
| Frame type | Black aluminium frame with Uniplanar™ powertrain vibration isolation system, fuel in frame |
Speed and acceleration | |
| Color options | Hero Blue translucid; Cherry Bomb translucid |
| Fuel capacity | 14.45 litres (3.82 gallons) |
Other specs | |
| Maintenance | Find parts, fluids, filters, maintenance tools and service items on eBay |
Performance Profile & Rider Fit
92 hp
Peak Power
3.4s
0-60 mph
Best For
Track65%
City82%
Cornering90%
Daily Riding68%
Touring38%
Passenger40%
Rider Profile
| Best For | Best suited to intermediate or experienced riders who appreciate a torquey, characterful V-twin with sharp handling. |
| Purpose | Built as a sporty naked streetfighter designed for aggressive backroad carving and lively urban riding rather than outright top-speed pursuits. |
| Rider Fit | The low seat height and compact, mass-centralized chassis make it approachable, though the firm sporty ergonomics favor an active riding style over long stints. |
| Character | Delivers a raw, torque-rich Harley-derived V-twin growl combined with genuinely sharp, flickable handling thanks to its low weight and steep rake. |
| Not Ideal For | Not the right choice for riders wanting plush long-distance comfort, pillion-friendly touring, or any serious off-road capability. |
Character map is an editorial estimate based on this bike's specifications, not a lab-tested measurement.
Rider Reviews
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