XB12S Lightning (2003 - 2008) review

Fun to ride and a real talking point

XB12S Lightning (2003 - 2008) review
Brand
Category
Engine Capacity
1203cc
Price
£7,745.00
Pros
Good handling and eye-catching looks
Cons
Reliability is still an issue, gearbox is awful and the clutch is very heavy

One word sums up Buells: quirky. If you like the look of it, and want something a bit different, then the Buell is a good laugh. The 1203cc engine is far better than the 984cc of the XB9 range, but it still has its faults, namely a heavy clutch and terrible gearbox.

Get over this and you have a good, if quirky, handling bike that looks great and really draws a crowd everywhere. You have to want to own a Buell, but if you do, the XB12S is the best of the bunch. Although just bear in mind that it is a very small bike and taller riders look a bit silly on them.

One word sums up Buells: quirky. If you like the look of it, and want something a bit different, then the Buell is a good laugh. The 1203cc engine is far better than the 984cc of the XB9 range, but it still has its faults, namely a heavy clutch and terrible gearbox.

Get over this and you have a good, if quirky, handling bike that looks great and really draws a crowd everywhere. You have to want to own a Buell, but if you do, the XB12S is the best of the bunch. Although just bear in mind that it is a very small bike and taller riders look a bit silly on them.

Length (mm)1924
Width (mm)831
Height (mm)1232
Tank (litres)3.1
Dryweight (kg)179
Seats0
Seat Height (mm)765
Suspension FrontShowa® shock absorber
Suspension RearShowa® shock absorber
Adjustability FrontAdjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring prelo
Adjustability RearAdjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring prelo
Wheels Front3.5 x 17 in
Wheels Rear5.5 x 17 in
Tyres Front120/70 ZR-17
Tyres Rear180/55 ZR-17
Brakes FrontZTL™ type brake, 375 mm stainless steel floating r
Brakes Rear240 mm stainless steel rotor, single piston floati
Tank Capacity (litres)14
Ground Clearance (mm)127
ChassisAluminium Frame with Uniplanar Powertrain Vibration Isolation system
Cubic Capacity (cc)1203
Max Power (bhp)100
Max Power Peak (rpm)6600
Torque (ft/lb)81
Torque Peak (rpm)6000
Bore (mm)88.9
Stroke (mm)96.82
Valve GearOHV
Compression Ratio10
Valves Per Cylinder2
Exhaust LayoutFree breathing 2 into 1 Buell Interactive exhaust system
CoolingAir cooled
Fuel Delivery49mm downdraft DDFI fuel injection
Stroke TypeFour Stroke
DriveBelt
Top Speed

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