2005Buell Lightning CityX XB9SX

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The 2005 Buell Lightning CityX XB9SX is a versatile naked bike designed for urban riders seeking aggressive styling and responsive handling. Its 984cc V-twin engine delivers strong low-end torque ideal for city commuting and street riding. Known for its distinctive design and nimble performance, it appeals to riders wanting American muscle in a compact, manageable package.

Capacity: 984.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 174.6 kg
Seat height: 777 mm
Power: 92.0 HP (67.7 kW) @ 7500 RPM

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Other years 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

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?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 777mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2005 Buell Lightning CityX XB9SX, with a moderate knee angle of around 115 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) @ 7500 RPM
Torque: 94.9 Nm (9.7 kgf-m)
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.5269 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 88.9 x 78.7 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: 820 mm
Overall height: 1074 mm
Seat height: 777 mm
Dry weight: 174.6 kg
Fuel capacity: 13.00 litres
Ground clearance: 110 mm
Oil capacity: 2.40 litres

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Aluminum frame with Uniplanar™ powertrain vibration isolation system - Fuel in Frame
Front suspension: 43 mm Showa® inverted fork with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload
Rear suspension: Showa coil-over monoshock with remote, underseat reservoir and adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload
Front wheel travel: 120 mm
Rear wheel travel: 127 mm
Rake (fork angle): 21.0°
Trail: 84 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc. ZTL type brake, 6-piston, fixed caliper, single-sided, inside out, stainless steel, floating rotor
Front brakes diameter: 336 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc. stainless steel, single piston, floating caliper, fixed rotor
Rear brakes diameter: 240 mm
Front tyre: 120/70-ZR17
Rear tyre: 180/55-ZR17

Other

Color options: Hero Blue Translucid with Midnight Black and Villain Black

Specs last verified against published sources: October 2026.

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	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009
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