MV Agusta Brutale 989R vs Buell XB9SX Lightning (2010)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the MV Agusta Brutale 989Rstacks up against the Buell XB9SX Lightning. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | MV Agusta Brutale 989R | Buell XB9SX Lightning |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 2009 | 2010 |
| Price | — | $8,999 |
| Engine | 982 cc | 983 cc |
| Horsepower | 139 hp | 92 hp |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Weight | 185 kg | 177 kg |
| Seat height | — | 30 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 5.0 L | 3.8 L |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | 6-speed | 5-speed |
| Front brakes | Double disc. 4-piston caliper | Single disc. ZTL™ brake, 6-piston, fixed caliper; 375 mm, single-sided, inside-out, stainless steel, floating rotor |
| Rear brakes | Single disc. 4-piston caliper | Single disc. Two-piston, direct mount caliper; stainless steel, fixed rotor |
| Tires | 120/70-ZR17 / 190/55-ZR17 | 120/70-ZR17 / 180/55-ZR17 |
MV Agusta Brutale 989R vs Buell XB9SX Lightning — which should you buy?
Picking between the MV Agusta Brutale 989R and the Buell XB9SX Lightning usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the MV Agusta Brutale 989R brings 139 hp in a 185 kg package, while the Buell XB9SX Lightning counters with 92 hp at 177 kg.
Our spec tables above highlight the winning number on each line. For the full rider-focused reviews including real-world fuel economy, service costs and available colors, click into either bike: