MOTORCYCLE Type
Make and model
Year
Buell Lightning XB9S reviews
4.9 (13 reviews)
Reliability
4.9
Overall quality
4.9
Performance
4.9
Comfort
4.8
Top 10 Motorcycles
Reviews
Stars Refinement
13 ratings and reviews
Voted most helpful review
Sam
Hadyai, Thailand
Reviewed on July 2, 2009
Motorcycle reviewed
2003 Buell Lightning XB9S

5.0
As I've been riding on the big bike just a little over a decade, the Lightning finally explains my 'Review Title' without any doubts. Just got it for a couple of months with excellent condition and as all the Lightning's lovers do, I take it on the road almost everyday with no burdens. Ultimately, this is one...
read more
As I've been riding on the big bike just a little over a decade, the Lightning finally explains my 'Review Title' without any doubts. Just got it for a couple of months with excellent condition and as all the Lightning's lovers do, I take it on the road almost everyday with no burdens. Ultimately, this is one of all two wheels kind that you have got to take on if you want to get into the heart of 'Live to Ride' spirit!!!
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Voted most helpful review
ray weber
santa cruz, California
Reviewed on July 16, 2007
Motorcycle reviewed
2003 Buell Lightning XB9S

5.0
I bought this bike new in Feb. '03 because it was what I had been looking for. I had also looked at the Ducatis, Triumphs, Aprilias, etc. I wanted an air cooled, belt driven,compact, light, nimble, reliable, locally serviced and if at all possible, American made. I also required a bike that needed 0 upgrades ...
read more
I bought this bike new in Feb. '03 because it was what I had been looking for. I had also looked at the Ducatis, Triumphs, Aprilias, etc. I wanted an air cooled, belt driven,compact, light, nimble, reliable, locally serviced and if at all possible, American made. I also required a bike that needed 0 upgrades to correct design/build flaws. The Buell met all the requirements on paper, received excellent reviews, and has been tons of fun to ride and live with. Thumbs up!
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Voted most helpful review
vance
reedsburg, Wisconsin
Reviewed on January 19, 2006
Motorcycle reviewed
2003 Buell Lightning XB9S

5.0
I never owned a bike before I rode a couple of bikes - a Suzuki, a Yamaha... I seen a Buell Lightning and couldn't believe it. I bought it without a test ride, AWESOME!!! I recommend this bike to a new rider, they are so easy to ride and when you want to challenge the road, it will work with you....
read more
I never owned a bike before I rode a couple of bikes - a Suzuki, a Yamaha... I seen a Buell Lightning and couldn't believe it. I bought it without a test ride, AWESOME!!! I recommend this bike to a new rider, they are so easy to ride and when you want to challenge the road, it will work with you.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Voted most helpful review
DueceDriver
Wheatland, California
Reviewed on October 19, 2005
Motorcycle reviewed
2003 Buell Lightning XB9S

4.0
Plenty of power, splendid handling and iconic good looks.
The horsepower and torque from the 984 are sufficient for any application short of actual competition on the track. Corners are cake. Even a relatively inexperienced rider can flick the bike back and forth with easy confidence. Finally, there a...
read more
Plenty of power, splendid handling and iconic good looks.
The horsepower and torque from the 984 are sufficient for any application short of actual competition on the track. Corners are cake. Even a relatively inexperienced rider can flick the bike back and forth with easy confidence. Finally, there are bikes that look better on paper, but none that look better on the street. This bike turns heads right off the showroom floor.
Reliability
4.0
Quality
4.0
Performance
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Voted most helpful review
Scott
Nashua, New Hampshire
Reviewed on September 8, 2005
Motorcycle reviewed
2003 Buell Lightning XB9S

5.0
This is the quickest turning bike I have ever ridden, it handles like a motocross machine. You've got to ride it to truly understand just how agile this thing really is....
read more
This is the quickest turning bike I have ever ridden, it handles like a motocross machine. You've got to ride it to truly understand just how agile this thing really is.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Voted most helpful review
NC Buell Rider
Greensboro, North Carolina
Reviewed on December 20, 2004
Motorcycle reviewed
2003 Buell Lightning XB9S

5.0
This bike is truely awesome. I have had the bike for several months now, and I get excited everytime I get it out of the garage. The bike is a real eye-catcher and I get compliments on it everytime I ride. It's reliable and quick with little to no drawbacks. Get the aftermarket race kit for true power and s...
read more
This bike is truely awesome. I have had the bike for several months now, and I get excited everytime I get it out of the garage. The bike is a real eye-catcher and I get compliments on it everytime I ride. It's reliable and quick with little to no drawbacks. Get the aftermarket race kit for true power and sound. A great buy.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
4.0
Voted most helpful review
John Alexander
Brick, New Jersey
Reviewed on March 12, 2004
Motorcycle reviewed
2003 Buell Lightning XB9S

5.0
I have had my Lightning for almost a year now and I love it. I traded my 03 883 Sportster for my Buell and I could not be happier with the decision. The Buell performs great and loves corners. It is not as fast as the Japanese made street bikes but they cannot touch the Buell in the appearance and quality dep...
read more
I have had my Lightning for almost a year now and I love it. I traded my 03 883 Sportster for my Buell and I could not be happier with the decision. The Buell performs great and loves corners. It is not as fast as the Japanese made street bikes but they cannot touch the Buell in the appearance and quality department. I also get looks everywhere I ride the bike. I have an aftermarket pipe (D&D) and K&N air filter installed and the bike is louder then most Harley's.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
4.0
Voted most helpful review
Rishard.H
Dallas, Texas
Reviewed on December 30, 2003
Motorcycle reviewed
2003 Buell Lightning XB9S

5.0
I was looking for a light bike with good handling characteristics and one I could do most of the maintenance on my own. I was admiring the Buell XBs for its stylish looks and innovative features for a few months. Happen to test ride a bike with a buddy of mine and we both ended up riding out the dealership wi...
read more
I was looking for a light bike with good handling characteristics and one I could do most of the maintenance on my own. I was admiring the Buell XBs for its stylish looks and innovative features for a few months. Happen to test ride a bike with a buddy of mine and we both ended up riding out the dealership with two new XBs. This was in October and wanted to wait for three months to write a review to see if my opinion will change. I must say I have no regrets for that spontaneous decision. The only regret is why I did not get this bike sooner. This bike fulfilled all my expectations and more.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Voted most helpful review
Tray
San Diego, California
Reviewed on December 13, 2003
Motorcycle reviewed
2003 Buell Lightning XB9S

5.0
I am 5'4" I wanted a sport bike. Every bike I checked out was to high. I went into the Harley dealer & sat on the XB9S. The guy asked me if I wanted to test drive it. That was it! I loved it! We went on the freeway and on some corners and I coulden't get enough. I ride it everyday....
read more
I am 5'4" I wanted a sport bike. Every bike I checked out was to high. I went into the Harley dealer & sat on the XB9S. The guy asked me if I wanted to test drive it. That was it! I loved it! We went on the freeway and on some corners and I coulden't get enough. I ride it everyday.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Voted most helpful review
Rich
San Diego, California
Reviewed on August 18, 2003
Motorcycle reviewed
2003 Buell Lightning XB9S

5.0
Can't say enough good things about this bike. Techno superior, rides great. Stay on it all day long, cruise, carve or just stand and take questions and compliments. But you must ride one to believe it. Hurry before the masses discover it....
read more
Can't say enough good things about this bike. Techno superior, rides great. Stay on it all day long, cruise, carve or just stand and take questions and compliments. But you must ride one to believe it. Hurry before the masses discover it.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
- 1
- 2
1 - 10 of 13 reviews