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Naked Motorcycles

2009Buell Lightning CityX XB9SX

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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.

Capacity
983.3 ccm
Engine
V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox
5-speed
Dry weight
176.9 kg
Seat height
765 mm
Power
92.0 HP (67.7 kW) @ 7500 RPM
⇄ Compare with another bike + Add to garage All model years

What’s new for the 2009 Buell Lightning CityX XB9SX

vs the 2008
Spec20082009
Rear suspension Showa coil-over monoshock with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload Showa coil-over monoshock with remote, under-seat reservoir and adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload
Front brakes Single disc Single disc. ZTL brake, 6-piston, fixed caliper; 375 mm, single-sided, inside-out, stainless steel, floating rotor
Rear brakes Single disc Single disc. Two-piston, direct mount caliper; stainless steel, fixed rotor
Other years 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 68Agility 88Comfort 55Off-road 15Touring 40Road manners 85
Off-road & trail15%
Cornering90%
City riding82%
Daily riding68%
Touring38%
Two-up40%
Track65%
Best for
Built as a sporty naked streetfighter designed for aggressive backroad carving and lively urban riding rather than outright top-speed pursuits.
Built for
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.

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

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us
At 765mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2009 Buell Lightning CityX XB9SX, with a moderate knee angle of around 110 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
983.3 ccm
Power
92.0 HP (67.7 kW) @ 7500 RPM
Torque
94.9 Nm (9.7 kgf-m)
Engine type
V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio
0.5201 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke
88.9 x 79.4 mm
Compression
10.0:1
Cooling system
Oil & air
Fuel system
Injection
Starting
Electric
Valves per cylinder
2
Lubrication system
Dry-sump
Transmission
Gearbox
5-speed
Transmission type
Manual
Final drive
Belt
Clutch
Wet, multi-plate, compensated
Dimensions & weight
Wheelbase
1321 mm
Overall length
1935 mm
Overall width
754 mm
Overall height
1074 mm
Seat height
765 mm
Dry weight
176.9 kg
Fuel capacity
14.50 litres
Ground clearance
110 mm
Oil capacity
2.40 litres
Chassis & suspension
Frame
Black aluminium frame with Uniplanar™ powertrain vibration isolation system, fuel in frame
Front suspension
43 mm Showa inverted forks with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload
Rear suspension
Showa coil-over monoshock with remote, under-seat reservoir and adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload
Front wheel travel
120 mm
Rear wheel travel
129 mm
Rake (fork angle)
21.0°
Trail
84 mm
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Single disc. ZTL brake, 6-piston, fixed caliper; 375 mm, single-sided, inside-out, stainless steel, floating rotor
Front brakes diameter
375 mm
Rear brakes
Single disc. Two-piston, direct mount caliper; stainless steel, fixed rotor
Rear brakes diameter
240 mm
Front tyre
120/70-ZR17
Rear tyre
180/55-ZR17
Other
Color options
Hero Blue translucid; Cherry Bomb translucid

Specs last verified against published sources: .

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 20052006200720082009
Capacity 984 cc 984 cc 983 cc 983 cc 983 cc
Dry weight 175 kg 175 kg 177 kg 177 kg 177 kg
Seat height 777 mm 777 mm 771 mm 771 mm 765 mm
Fuel capacity 13 L 13 L 14.5 L 14.5 L 14.5 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

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Common questions

What is the engine size of the Buell Lightning CityX XB9SX?

The 2009 Buell Lightning CityX XB9SX has a Capacity of 983.3 ccm (60.00 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Buell Lightning CityX XB9SX have?

The 2009 Buell Lightning CityX XB9SX has a Power of 92.0 HP (67.7 kW) @ 7500 RPM.

How many gears does the Buell Lightning CityX XB9SX have?

The 2009 Buell Lightning CityX XB9SX has a Gearbox of 5-speed.

What is the torque of the Buell Lightning CityX XB9SX?

The 2009 Buell Lightning CityX XB9SX has a Torque of 94.9 Nm (9.7 kgf-m or 70.0 ft.lbs).

How much does the Buell Lightning CityX XB9SX weigh?

The 2009 Buell Lightning CityX XB9SX has a Dry weight of 176.9 kg (390.0 pounds).

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