Sportbikes

2003Buell Firebolt XB9R

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The 2003 Buell Firebolt XB9R is a lightweight sportbike built for riders seeking aggressive performance and nimble handling. Its air-cooled 984cc V-twin engine delivers 92 horsepower with excellent torque characteristics, making it ideal for street riding and track-day enthusiasts who prioritize maneuverability over raw power.

Capacity: 984.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 175.0 kg
Seat height: 775 mm
Power: 92.0 HP (67.7 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

Other years 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail10%

Cornering92%

City riding78%

Daily riding60%

Touring35%

Two-up30%

Track75%

Best for: Built primarily as a light, sharp-handling sport streetfighter for tight, twisty roads rather than outright top speed or long-distance touring.
Built for: Distinctive V-twin torque delivery, aggressive geometry, and unconventional engineering give it a raw, mechanical personality unlike typical Japanese sportbikes.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for riders wanting plush comfort, pillion-friendly ergonomics, or a machine suited to relaxed long-haul touring.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 775mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2003 Buell Firebolt XB9R, with a cramped knee angle of around 65 degrees and a forward-leaning riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 751-820 mm — Middle Ground →

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Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 984.0 ccm
Power: 92.0 HP (67.7 kW)
Torque: 92.2 Nm (9.4 kgf-m)
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.5257 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 88.9 x 79.4 mm
Compression: 10.0:1
Cooling system: Air
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Valves per cylinder: 2

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Belt
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate, compensated

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1321 mm
Overall length: 1924 mm
Overall width: 768 mm
Overall height: 1092 mm
Seat height: 775 mm
Dry weight: 175.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 14.00 litres
Ground clearance: 127 mm

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Aluminum Frame with Uniplanar powertrain vibration isolation system
Front suspension: Showa® inverted fork with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload
Rear suspension: Showa® shock absorber with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload
Front wheel travel: 120 mm
Rear wheel travel: 127 mm
Rake (fork angle): 21.0°
Trail: 83 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc
Front brakes diameter: 375 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 240 mm
Front tyre: 120/70-ZR17
Rear tyre: 180/55-ZR17

Other

Color options: Battle Blue, Arctic White/Blue, Arctic White/Orange

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007
Capacity	984 cc	984 cc	984 cc	984 cc	983 cc
Dry weight	175 kg	175 kg	175 kg	175 kg	175 kg
Seat height	775 mm	775 mm	775 mm	775 mm	775 mm
Fuel capacity	14 L	14 L	14 L	14.5 L	14.5 L