BUELL 2005 MOTORCYCLE RANGE AT THE MOTORCYCLE SHOW
21 October 2004 - Buell UK

Buell’s passion for motorcycles that deliver maximum levels of excitement and rider feedback in real-world riding conditions is reinforced by its new model line-up for 2005.

This year sees the debut of the Lightning CityX XB9SX, a middleweight urban Streetfighter, and an encore from the Lightning XB12S and the Firebolt XB12R.

The new urban warrior – Buell Lightning CityX XB9SX

A brawny, new black-and-blue urban hooligan, the Lightning CityX XB9SX is designed to rule the city streets with pure attitude.

This motorcycle features the first use of see-through styling on a Buell; the hi-tech translucent bodywork allows mechanical elements like the airbox to be permanently on view. The lower half of the machine is dominated by a brooding, dark look. Low gloss Midnight Black components include the front fender, heel guards and headlamp cluster.

The Villain Black cast aluminium wheels camouflage urban grime and the Pirelli Scorpion Sync tyres feature an aggressive tread pattern for outstanding grip over the ever changing streetscape. A high, wide seat, Super Motard inspired cross-braced handlebars with rugged handlebar deflectors, and a headlamp grille all help to boost attitude.

Revolutionary naked-bike styling is just one part of the equation; the Lightning CityX XB9SX pumps out the perfect amount of usable power for the streets, with 63.14lb ft of torque. The fuel-injected, 984cc V-twin engine is narrow, lightweight and produces mid-range grunt for riders that hate queuing and love getting away from the lights first.

Aggressive street machine and backroad bruiser – Buell Lightning XB12S

A bad-boy streetfighter with irresistible good looks, the Buell Lightning XB12S offers a level of brute V-twin power and premium technology only offered by Buell.

The 1203cc Thunderstorm engine belts-out out 81lb ft of torque with a peak power output of 100 hp. The Lightning XB12S is equipped with the Buell InterActive Exhaust incorporating an electronic valve that adjusts exhaust backpressure to seamlessly broaden the powerband.

The Lightning XB12S is offered in new Thrust Blue, Racing Red or Midnight Black, with high-gloss Translucent Amber wheels that catch the sunlight and contrast with a graphite grey frame and swingarm. Magnesium-tone cam/clutch cover, a coarse-texture seat cover, and special Amber nose, tail and airbox graphics are standard.

The Lightning XB12S can hustle down the streets or be unleashed on your favourite stretch of country backroad; but wherever it turns-up it’s guaranteed to turn heads and delivers a barrel-load of fun.

Take control of the curves – Buell Firebolt XB12R

Never afraid to take a risk or defy traditional thinking – Erik Buell and his team created this groundbreaking Sportfighter with one goal in mind; to give riders usable performance and excitement in real-world riding conditions. The Buell performance philosophy dictates that out on the twisty backroads, it’s the instant availability of power through the corners that delivers the biggest thrills.

Allied to this ‘power-on-tap’ is a radical chassis geometry similar to that of a GP racing motorcycle that gives the XB12R an almost uncanny agility and reflexes. The wheelbase is super-compact at just 1320mm and rake is just 21 degrees, with 83mm of trail. The end result? The Firebolt XB12R can be flicked into corners with total confidence and will power out of them all day long.

The Buell Uniplanar engine mounting system reduces vibration and incorporates the engine as a stressed member of the chassis. The rear suspension features a Showa fully adjustable shock absorber with fully adjustable upside-down front forks enhancing overall rigidity and handling.

This Sportfighter is styled to impress and is a muscular V-twin sports bike with track-inspired styling and ergonomics. The Firebolt XB12R combines a dark frame with Translucent Amber wheels and is offered in new Thrust Blue, as well as Midnight Black or Racing Red.

The Firebolt XB12R is powered by Buell’s 1203cc V-twin Thunderstorm engine and final drive is delivered by a 14mm reinforced Hibrex belt that offers smoothness, durability and ease of maintenance.

With 100 hp and 81ft.lb of tyre-twisting torque on tap, the Firebolt XB12R is the synthesis of American V-twin brawn. The Buell InterActive Exhaust system utilises a computer-controlled valve to adjust backpressure and broaden the powerband.

Innovative and exciting thinking across the range – Buell’s trilogy of technology

Exceptional handling and usable power that brings a big grin to the rider’s face doesn’t happen by accident. All three Buell motorcycles share a common design philosophy that focuses on three elements: frame rigidity, mass centralisation, and minimal unsprung weight.

The rigid aluminium frame is a lightweight, multi-functional structure that serves both as a solid backbone for the motorcycle, as well as a 14 litre fuel reservoir. Utilising the frame to carry fuel significantly lowers the centre of gravity and reduces the moment of inertia, both of which improve the bike’s reaction to rider input.

The muffler is positioned below the engine to further enhance mass centralisation and lower the centre of gravity. The massive aluminium swingarm doubles as the oil reservoir, and is supported by an adjustable Showa shock absorber.

The Buell Zero Torsional Load (ZTL) front brake system feeds braking forces from a six-piston caliper through a 375mm inside-out rotor mounted near the wheel rim to virtually eliminate torsional loads to the front wheel. This allows the use of a lightweight, six-spoke aluminium wheel that greatly reduces unsprung weight and steering inertia.

www.buell.com

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