Performance Review: Buell-EBR XB9SX Lightning City X Limited Edition - [2006]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Buell-EBR XB9SX Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Buell-EBR XB9SX Lightning City X Limited Edition is the 5 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 2006. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2007 Suzuki RM 250 Paul Edmondson Replica and the 2007 Suzuki GSX-R 1000 Yoshimura.This particular Buell-EBR XB9SX has a 984cc Air cooled, Two stroke, Wankel Petrol powerplant with 2 cylinders and Electronic Fuel Injection.

An alternative Wankel engine, Standard style motorbike includes the Yamaha XSR 700 Twin - [2020]

The 2006 XB9SX shares its Wankel engine and Standard style configuration with the likes of the 2020 Yamaha XSR 700 Twin and the 2018 Yamaha XSR 700 Twin. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the XB9SX's Standard style with a similar size of engine then how about the 2020 Yamaha XSR 700 Twin | 2020cc.2018 Yamaha XSR 700 Twin | 2018cc.

Power and Torque:

Weighing in at 0 kgs (0 lbs) this makes the Buell-EBR XB9SX Lightning City X Limited Edition in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ or the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT, give or take 50kg.

The 2006 Buell-EBR XB9SX shares the same bhp with the Yamaha Ténéré 700 Rally - [2025]

In terms of power the 984cc 4 valve Wankel 2 cylinder engine produces 92 bhp (68 kW) @ 7200 rpm similar to the 2025 Yamaha Ténéré 700 Rally [72.4 bhp (53 kW) @ 9000 rpm] or the 2025 Yamaha Ténéré 700 [72.4 bhp (53 kW) @ 9000 rpm].

The OHV Two stroke unit throws out torque of 71.5 lb-ft (96.9 Nm) @ 5500 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT [68.5 lb-ft (93.0 Nm) @ 7000 rpm] and the 2025 Kawasaki Z 900 DOHC [73.0 lb-ft (99.1 Nm) @ 7700 rpm].

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Buell-EBR XB9SX you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 1990 Suzuki GSX-R 750 DOHC has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 2006 Buell-EBR XB9SX Lightning City X Limited Edition.

The 2006 Buell-EBR XB9SX Lightning City X Limited Edition has a Power to weight ratio of 467.0 bhp per ton and 363.1 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2006 XB9SX competing with the 1990 Suzuki GSX-R 750 DOHC [491.4 bhp\ton] and the 2008 Yamaha FZ6 N S2 [490.0 bhp\ton].

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Buell-EBR XB9SX generating around 363.1 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2002 Honda CBR 900 RR Fireblade 954 [387.9 lb-ft per ton] and the 2022 Yamaha MT-10 SP [385.9 lb-ft per ton].

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 7.9 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 8.1 secs, this makes the Buell-EBR XB9SX Lightning City X Limited Edition similar in acceleration to the 2021 Suzuki GSX-S 750 ABS (7.9 secs) and the 2020 Suzuki GSX-S 750 Team Suzuki ECSTAR MotoGP (7.9 secs). This Buell-EBR XB9SX Lightning City X Limited Edition also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 2006 Buell-EBR XB9SX Lightning City X Limited Edition and the 1982 Suzuki GS 650 E

When talking about the performance of the 2006 Buell-EBR XB9SX Lightning City X Limited Edition on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 12.7 secs @ 0 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 1982 Suzuki GS 650 E (12.7 secs) and the 1982 Yamaha XJ 650 Turbo (12.7 secs).

Top Speed:

The 2006 version of the Buell-EBR XB9SX Lightning City X Limited Edition has a maximum speed of 128mph.

Top Speed of the 2006 XB9SX equals the 2023 Yamaha YZF-R7 DOHC

If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 2006 Buell-EBR XB9SX Lightning City X Limited Edition then how about a 2023 Yamaha YZF-R7 DOHC (139 mph) and the 2022 Yamaha YZF-R7 World GP 60th Anniversary Edition (139 mph).

Related Links:

2006 Buell-EBR XB9SX Rivals List.

A Brief History of Buell-EBR

Bike Comparison