Buell XB9SX

So what's different about this one? Quite a lot. For a start the company has done some work on the tuning of the 984cc XB9 powerplant, to good effect. Then there's the radically revised suspension rates, plus a styling package that boasts some translucent panels and some motard cues such as hand guards. The whole visual effect is techno meets urban warrior. The resident 18-year-old, Ms A, says she'd own one in a minute, and we agree. In fact, I'll risk sticking my neck out by saying the looks alone make this one potentially collectible.

By now the engine shouldn't require a lot of introduction. It started life as a Sportster V-twin, which means 45 degree cylinder angle, two valves per cylinder, and pushrods. Buell's tuning efforts make it a fairly high-stepping version though. It's air cooled, with fan assistance for the rear cylinder. The manufacturer claims 92 horses.

What's significant about this model is the combination of things that Buell has improved. For a start, suspension is now spot on. The XB12s I rode some time back were a little harsh in this department, and some of the older generation models needed a fair bit of fine tuning to get right. This one is just about perfect.

The initial response is relatively soft, and firms as you get further into the travel. It has its limitations - big bumps will overwhelm the available travel - but the package maintains its composure and gets on with the job. Top marks.

Down in the engine room, things are equally well sorted. This is the best injected Buell I've ridden to date, and really can't be faulted on the carburetion front. If I owned one and was considering swapping the muffler for something a little more free-flowing, I'd be taking care to ensure the carburetion wasn't ruined. A Powercommander and a capable workshop with a dyno would soon fix that. Gearshifting is light and accurate, while the clutch offers good feel.

As we've already hinted, steering is very quick, and pin sharp. It's also stable at top speed.
Braking from the single rim disc up front, with six-piston caliper, is very strong with loads of feel. It's one of the nicest front brakes out there.

The only potential Achilles heel is the fuel capacity, which Buell doesn't reveal in its online spec panels. What I can tell you is the reserve light comes on around 10.5 litres (about 150-160km), and previous XB models claim 14 litres ­ which is a bit light-on. Pricing ($16k) is in the ballpark and this is one test bike I was genuinely sorry to take back.

by Guy Allen

Specifications
Engine: Air / oil / fan-cooled, 4-stroke, 45¡ V-Twin
Valve Train OHV, two valves per cylinder, self adjusting
Bore x Stroke: 3.500 x 3.125 in. (88.90 mm x 79.38 mm)
Displacement : 984 cc (60.0 cu. in.)
Compression Ratio: 10.0:1
Fuel Delivery: 45 mm down draft DDFI II fuel injection
Intake: Zero resistance air box, ram air intake
Exhaust: Tuned, tri-pass resonance chamber
Torque: 70 ft. lbs. @ 5500 rpm (95 NM @ 5500 rpm)
Lubrication : Dry sump
Oil Capacity: 2.5 qts. (2.4 L)
Oil Filtration: Screw-on disposable element
Primary Drive: Chain; 1.676:1 (57/34)
Final Drive2: Constant path; 14mm pitch aramid reinforced
Hibrex belt ; 2.407:1 (65/27)
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate, compensated
Transmission: 5-speed, constant mesh
Frame: Aluminium frame with Uniplanar(tm) powertrain vibration isolation system - Fuel in Frame
Front Fork: 43 mm Showa(r) inverted fork with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload
Rear Shock: Showa coil-over monoshock with remote, underseat reservoir and adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload

Wheels:
Front: 6-spoke, ZTL type brake, cast aluminium, 3.5 in. x 17 in. (88.9 mm x 431.8 mm), Villain Black
Rear: 6-spoke, cast aluminium, 5.5 in. x 17 in. (139.7 mm x 431.8 mm), Villain Black

Warranty: 24 months (unlimited mileage)
Price: $15,995 plus ORC