MV Agusta Brutale 989R vs Buell Lightning CityX XB9SX (2009)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the MV Agusta Brutale 989Rstacks up against the Buell Lightning CityX XB9SX. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecMV Agusta Brutale 989RBuell Lightning CityX XB9SX
Model year20092009
Price$8,995
Engine982 cc983 cc
Horsepower139 hp92 hp
Torque96 Nm95 Nm
Weight185 kg
Seat height30 mm
Fuel capacity5.0 L3.8 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission6-speed5-speed
Front brakesDouble disc. 4-piston caliperSingle disc. ZTL™ brake, 6-piston, fixed caliper; 375 mm, single-sided, inside-out, stainless steel, floating rotor
Rear brakesSingle disc. 4-piston caliperSingle disc. Two-piston, direct mount caliper; stainless steel, fixed rotor
Tires120/70-ZR17 / 190/55-ZR17 120/70-ZR17 / 180/55-ZR17

MV Agusta Brutale 989R vs Buell Lightning CityX XB9SX — which should you buy?

Picking between the MV Agusta Brutale 989R and the Buell Lightning CityX XB9SX 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 Lightning CityX XB9SX counters with 92 hp.

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: