If Apple Built A Motorcycle...
IF APPLE BUILT A MOTORCYCLE...
THE NEW, 984cc BUELL Lightning CityX (say "City Cross") is all about attitude. In performance terms, the only things that sub stantially set it off from 2004's 984cc Lightning are the stiffer 43mm fork and the new Pirelli Scorpion Sync tires. But it looks both techier and more aggressive at the same time, thanks to its "Hero Blue Translucid" bodywork (a transparent airbox cover and flyscreen fairing with a look similar to that of Apple computer cases), "Villain Black" wheels and chin spoiler, motocross-style seat, crossbar-braced handlebar with handguards and grillwork shielding the headlights, Land Roverstyle. Those changes are actually few, but the overall visual effect is large.
slightly higher and flatter seat produces a sportier riding position, requiring slightly more forward bend while providing more choice in fore/aft positioning.
Surprisingly, the CityX's list price at $8695 is $500 less than that of the `04 984 c~
Lighting. According to Erik Buell and XB Project Leader Tony Stefanelli, the price decrease was enabled by reduced tooling amortization charges as XB production grows beyond that of the original business plan, and by increased production efficiencies.
The transparent bodywork comes from standard Lightning molds, filled with a special GE plastic rather ’s solid and
stolid Surlyn. The "Translucid" effect looks better in person than in photographs, with a gemlike quality and just enough translucency to see the components and structure underneath, emphasizing the massive and unique frame of the XB. The top of the airbox cover is protected by a rubber "X -brace," intended to keep a tankbag from scratching the surface.
The rest of the Q styling changes are supermotard - influenced. It's not that anyone is actually likely to use an XB in a supermotard race; it's just that the aggressive look matches the streetfighter appeal Buell wants for the Lighting line.
Steve Anderson
