Buell Lightning CityX 2005: A Street Fighter with American Flair Leave a comment

Buell Lightning CityX 2005: A Street Fighter with American Flair

The 2005 Buell Lightning CityX, or XB9SX, hit the streets with a bold new look and performance enhancements that quickly garnered attention. Designed by Erick Buell, this motorcycle is tailored for urban riders who crave agility, style, and a touch of aggression. In this review, we’ll explore the features that set the Lightning CityX apart and why it remains a favorite among enthusiasts.

A Glimpse into the Design and Styling

Right off the bat, the Lightning CityX strikes with its distinctive black and blue color scheme. The translucent plastic airbox cover and flyscreen add a unique visual appeal, allowing glimpses of the bike’s inner workings. This design choice not only looks cool but also underscores the bike’s rugged, industrial vibe.

Equipped with black hand guards and a headlight grille, the CityX isn’t just about looks. These features provide added protection, making it ideal for the rough and tumble of city riding. The new Skyline seat offers improved comfort with extra padding, while the wide black handlebar with an enduro-style brace ensures a commanding riding position.

Performance and Agility

Erick Buell emphasized that the Lightning CityX is “ideal for those who love zipping through traffic, taking off at lights, and using the incredible agility of a sport bike to dominate the streets.” The XB9SX indeed lives up to this promise, thanks to its sporty underpinnings and responsive handling.

The choice of Pirelli Scorpion Sync tires further enhances the bike’s performance. Known for their aggressive tread pattern and excellent grip, these tires ensure the CityX can handle tight corners and sudden maneuvers with ease. The lightweight aluminum “Villain Black” wheels and “Midnight Black” front fender complete the aggressive look and feel.

Unique Features

The Lightning CityX boasts several distinctive features that make it stand out:

• Rubber Buell X Guard: This flexible guard protects the airbox cover when a tank bag is attached, ensuring your bike remains scratch-free.
• Blue Instrument Clusters and Perforated License Plate Bracket: Adding to the aesthetic appeal, these elements tie the bike’s color scheme together.
• New Skyline Seat and Wide Handlebar: Providing both comfort and control, these features are essential for long rides and urban maneuverability.

The Market Impact

In 2003, Buell sold 9,960 motorcycles, with 3,000 units sold in Europe alone. These figures reflect the brand’s growing popularity and the strong demand for its innovative designs and performance-oriented bikes. The Lightning CityX, with its unique blend of style and functionality, likely contributed to this success.

Conclusion: Is the Lightning CityX for You?

If you’re in the market for a motorcycle that combines the agility of a sport bike with the ruggedness of a street fighter, the 2005 Buell Lightning CityX should be on your radar. Its aggressive styling, practical features, and urban-friendly performance make it an excellent choice for city riders who want to stand out from the crowd.