Buell unleashing Firebolt-based streetfighter

Buell is unleashing a streetfighter based on the radical XB9R Firebolt. Named the XB9S Lighting, it aims to combine the handling of the Firebolt with the aggressive looks of the original 1995 Lightning S1.

It shares the radical beam-frame of the Firebolt, with fuel held in the beams, and oil in the swingarm, along with the rim-mounted discs and Showa upside down forks and fully-adjustable shock.

The look is pure streetfighter, with a small fly screen, wide flat bars and lower pegs giving it an upright, sit-up-and-beg riding position behind the dual front headlights. It also has hot-rod inspired clocks, and a cosmetic metal spoiler at the back.

The 984cc air-cooled V-twin remains untouched, so expect 75bhp and 55ftlb of torque at the rear wheel.

The Lightning is expected to go into production in September, and will come in either Sunfire Yellow or Midnight Black. It should cost around the same as the £7345 Firebolt.

More on this in MCN, out July 17