2008 Buell Lightning XB12S

– 2008 Buell Lightning XB12S

2008 Buell Lightning XB12S

A direct descendent of the notorious 1996 Buell S1 Lightning, the XB12S is ready to unleash any rider’s inner hooligan nature. The tire-twisting torque of a Thunderstorm 1203 V-Twin is paired with the athletic reflexes of the Buell Intuitive Response Chassis (IRC), a combination of throttle response, handling and sexy naked styling that is simply irresistible.

What’s New on Lightning for 2008
Updates to both the 1203 Thunderstorm V-Twin and 984 Thunderstorm V-Twin engine enhance performance and reduce maintenance cost (see separate Thunderstorm release for details).

Each Lightning model is pre-wired for installation of accessory heated hand grips, with 18 peak watts per side and High and Low heat settings.

The instrument panel styling is refreshed and the tachometer reflects the new 7100-rpm redline on models equipped with the 1203 Thunderstorm engine.

A commemorative Buell 25th Anniversary graphic with Erik Buell’s signature is placed on the handlebar clamp.

Cosmetic frame protectors help reduce damage to the frame in case of a tip-over incident.

FEATURES:

Buell Thunderstorm 1203 V-Twin engine
103 peak hp @ 6800 rpm (per SAE J607)
84 ft. lbs. peak torque @ 6000 rpm (per SAE J607)
Buell InterActive Exhaust
New DDFI 3 Electronic Fuel Injection ECM
New eight-row oil cooler with Jiffy-tite fittings
Fully adjustable 43 mm Showa inverted fork
Fully adjustable Showa rear shock absorber
Buell ZTL front brake
Goodyear Hibrex drive belt with Flexten Plus technology
Dry Weight: 395 pounds
Wheelbase: 52 inches
Seat height: 30.1 inches
New Cosmetic Frame Protectors
New Pre-Wired for Accessory Heated Grips
New Instrument Panel Graphics
Pirelli Diablo T tires
Available with Translucid bodywork
Commemorative Buell 25th Anniversary badge

SPECIFICATIONS:

Dimensions
Overall Length6 76.20 in. (1935.48 mm)
Overall Width8 29.70 in. (754.38 mm)
Seat Height7 30.10 in. (764.54 mm)
Ground Clearance6 4.35 in. (110.49 mm)
Rake7 (steering head) 21°
Fork Angle7 21°
Lean Angle9:
Soft Contact, Right – 42°
Soft Contact, Left – 42°
Hard Contact, Right – 50°
Hard Contact, Left – 48°
Trail7 3.30 in. (83.82 mm)
Wheelbase6 52 in. (1320.80 mm)
Tires4 (Pirelli ®):
Front – 120/70 ZR-17
Rear – 180/55 ZR-17
Fuel Capacity 3.82 gal. (14.46 L)
Reserve Fuel Capacity 0.75 gal. (2.84 L)
Fuel Economy2
(EPA urban/highway test)
48/65 mpg (4.90/3.62 L/100 km)
Weight:
Dry Weight 395 lbs. (179.17 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 850 lbs. (385.55 kg)
Load Capacity 391 lbs. (177.35 kg)

Engine
Engine Air/oil/fan-cooled, 4-stroke, 45° V-Twin
Valve Train OHV, two valves per cylinder, self-adjusting
Bore x Stroke 3.50 in. x 3.81 in. (88.90 mm x 96.82 mm)
Displacement 73.40 cu. in. (1203 cc)
Compression Ratio 10.0:1
Fuel Delivery 49 mm down draft DDFI III fuel injection
Intake Zero-resistance airbox
Exhaust Tuned, tri-pass resonance chamber with InterActive valve and mass-centralized mounting
Torque (North America per SAE J607) 84 ft. lbs. @ 6000 rpm (113.90 NM @ 6000 rpm)
Horsepower (North America per SAE J607) 103 hp @ 6800 rpm
Lubrication Dry sump
Oil Capacity 2.50 qts. (2.37 L)
Oil Filtration Screw-on disposable element

Drivetrain
Primary Drive Chain, 1.500:1 (57/38) ratio
Final Drive3 Constant path, 14 mm pitch aramid-reinforced Goodyear Hibrex® belt with Flexten® Plus technology, 2.407:1 (65/27) ratio
Clutch Wet, multi-plate, compensated, reduced lever effort
Transmission 5-speed, helical gear
Gear Ratios:
1st 2.648
2nd 1.892
3rd 1.407
4th 1.166
5th 1.000

Chassis4
Frame Aluminum frame with Uniplanar™ powertrain vibration isolation system, fuel in frame
Front Fork 43 mm Showa® inverted forks with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload
Rear Shock Showa® coil-over monoshock with remote, under-seat reservoir and adjustable
compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload
Wheels: Cherry Bomb Translucent or
Designer Black Powdercoat
Front 6-spoke, ZTLTM cast aluminum, 3.50 in. x 17 in. (88.90 mm x 431.80 mm)
Rear 6-spoke, cast aluminum, 5.50 in. x 17 in. (139.70 mm x 431.80 mm)
Brakes:
Front ZTL™-type brake, 6-piston, fixed caliper, 375 mm single-sided, inside-out, stainless steel, floating rotor
Rear Single-piston, floating caliper; 240 mm stainless steel, fixed rotor
Suspension Travel:
Front Wheel = 4.72 in. (119.89 mm)
Rear Wheel = 5.06 in. (128.52 mm)

Electric
Battery (per Battery Council International Rating) Sealed lead acid, maintenance-free, 12V, 12 amp/hour, 200 cca Charging 30-amp, permanent magnet, single-phase alternator with solid-state regulator (405W @3000 rpm, 405W peak)
Starting 1.2 kW electric with solenoid shift starter motor engagement
Lights (as per country regulation):
Headlamp (twin quartz halogen [H7]) – 55-watt low beam, 55-W high beam
Tail / Stop Lights – 5W/21W
Turn Signal Lights – 10W manual canceling
License Plate Light – 5W

Instruments
Electronic speedometer, tachometer, odometer; dual tripmeter; high beam,
neutral, oil, low fuel (plus, odometer shows miles traveled on reserve), turn signal and
engine diagnostic indicator lamps; clock

Colors5
Cherry Bomb Translucid, Valencia Orange Translucid, Midnight Black

Warranty
Warranty 24 months (unlimited mileage)
1 Specifications for non-U.S. markets might differ. Buell reserves the right to discontinue
models or change specifications at any time without incurring any obligations. Vehicle
specifications may vary from country to country depending on local laws. Some models
are not available in certain countries.
2 Based on tests conducted under lab conditions per U.S. E.P.A. test procedures.
Mileage will vary depending on personal riding habits, weather conditions, trip length,
and vehicle condition.
3 Hibrex® and Flexten® are registered trademarks of the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.
4 Showa® and Pirelli® are registered trademarks of their respective owners.
5 Availability may vary from dealer to dealer, and is subject to change without notice.
6 Unladen, wet configuration (no rider, all fluids).
7 Laden, wet configuration (design rider, all fluids).
8 Without mirrors.
9 Bottomed-out configuration (100% suspension compression).
2008 specifications1 Lightning® XB12S

Media Press Release:

BUELL LIGHTNING SERIES OFFERS STREETFIGHTER ATTITUDE
Engine and EFI Enhancements Boost all 2008 Lightning Models

EAST TROY, Wis. (July 8, 2007) – the Buell Lightning series is a family of motorcycles with a strong strain of American Streetfighter DNA. Packing a one-two combination of V-Twin muscle and innovative engineering, the Lightning is a motorcycle designed to excel in the real world, where torque trumps horsepower and credibility is earned on the streets and backroads.

Wide, flat handlebars and athletic ergonomics put the Lightning rider in control of any situation. A broad, V-Twin powerband means thrust is always just a twist of the throttle away. The Thunderstorm 1203 features electronic fuel injection and dry-sump oiling, and is equipped with the Buell InterActive Exhaust system, which utilizes a valve in the dual-chamber muffler that is controlled by the ECM and adjusts exhaust flow according to riding conditions to smooth torque delivery and optimize engine power.

A short wheelbase and stiff chassis – the pure application of the Buell Trilogy of Technology philosophy – produce a motorcycle that is agile and intuitively responsive to rider input. There are five Buell Lightning models for 2008.

What’s New on Lightning for 2008
Updates to both the 1203 Thunderstorm V-Twin and 984 Thunderstorm V-Twin engine enhance performance and reduce maintenance cost (see separate Thunderstorm release for details).

Each Lightning model is pre-wired for installation of accessory heated hand grips, with 18 peak watts per side and High and Low heat settings.

The instrument panel styling is refreshed and the tachometer reflects the new 7100-rpm redline on models equipped with the 1203 Thunderstorm engine.

A commemorative Buell 25th Anniversary graphic with Erik Buell’s signature is placed on the handlebar clamp.

Cosmetic frame protectors help reduce damage to the frame in case of a tip-over incident.

Buell Lightning XB12S
A direct descendent of the notorious 1996 Buell S1 Lightning, the XB12S is ready to unleash any rider’s inner hooligan nature. The tire-twisting torque of a Thunderstorm 1203 V-Twin is paired with the athletic reflexes of the Buell Intuitive Response Chassis (IRC), a combination of throttle response, handling and sexy naked styling that is simply irresistible.

Buell Lightning XB12S highlights

Buell Thunderstorm 1203 V-Twin engine
103 peak hp @ 6800 rpm (per SAE J607)
84 ft. lbs. peak torque @ 6000 rpm (per SAE J607)
Buell InterActive Exhaust
New DDFI 3 Electronic Fuel Injection ECM
New eight-row oil cooler with Jiffy-tite fittings
Fully adjustable 43 mm Showa inverted fork
Fully adjustable Showa rear shock absorber
Buell ZTL front brake
Goodyear Hibrex drive belt with Flexten Plus technology
Dry Weight: 395 pounds
Wheelbase: 52 inches
Seat height: 30.1 inches
New Cosmetic Frame Protectors
New Pre-Wired for Accessory Heated Grips
New Instrument Panel Graphics
Pirelli Diablo T tires
Available with Translucid bodywork
Commemorative Buell 25th Anniversary badge

Buell Lightning Super TT XB12STT
The Lightning Super TT brings Supermoto-inspired styling and performance to the street. A narrow-and-flat solo seat makes it easy to move and set up for the next turn. Wide, flat handlebars provide outstanding leverage and centered foot peg placement puts the rider in an athletic position. The clipped, black cast-aluminum tail section shows off the 180 mm rear tire. White number plate side panels and flyscreen add a competition look, and are designed to be personalized and are easy to change. Fork slider protectors, handlebar deflectors, cosmetic frame protectors, a high front fender and headlight grille protect the Super TT from the abuse of the street. The 54-inch wheelbase gives the rider room to work, but retains that trademark Buell agility, while 6.25 inches of suspension travel keeps the Super TT well-planted on rough pavement.

Lightning Super TT XB12STT highlights

Buell Thunderstorm 1203 V-Twin engine
103 peak hp @ 6800 rpm (per SAE J607)
84 ft. lbs. peak torque @ 6000 rpm (per SAE J607)
Buell InterActive Exhaust
New DDFI 3 Electronic Fuel Injection ECM
New eight-row oil cooler with Jiffy-tite fittings
Fully adjustable 43 mm Showa inverted fork
Fully adjustable Showa rear shock absorber
Buell ZTL front brake
Goodyear Hibrex drive belt with Flexten Plus technology
Dry Weight: 400 pounds
Wheelbase: 54 inches
Seat height: 31.4 inches
4.4-gallon fuel capacity
Narrow Supermoto-style solo seat
Supermoto-inspired upper front fender design
Racing style white Surlyn flyscreen and tail section number plates
Supermoto-style crossbar handlebar with deflectors
Cosmetic Frame Protectors
New Pre-Wired for Accessory Heated Grips
New Instrument Panel Graphics
Pirelli Diablo T tires
Commemorative Buell 25th Anniversary badge

Buell Lightning XB12Scg
CG stands for center of gravity, and the Lightning XB12Scg keeps it low with a reshaped seat and lowered front and rear suspension that reduces the seat height to 28.6 inches. It’s all accomplished with no compromise to handling or performance.

Buell Lightning XB12Scg highlights

Buell Thunderstorm 1203 V-Twin engine
103 peak hp @ 6800 rpm (per SAE J607)
84 ft. lbs. peak torque @ 6000 rpm (per SAE J607)
Buell InterActive Exhaust
New DDFI 3 Electronic Fuel Injection ECM
New eight-row oil cooler with Jiffy-tite fittings
Fully adjustable 43 mm Showa inverted fork
Fully adjustable Showa rear shock absorber
Buell ZTL front brake
Goodyear Hibrex drive belt with Flexten Plus technology
Dry Weight: 395 pounds
Wheelbase: 52 inches
Seat height: 28.6 inches
New Cosmetic Frame Protectors
New Pre-Wired for Accessory Heated Grips
New Instrument Panel Graphics
Pirelli Diablo T tires
Available with Translucid bodywork
Commemorative Buell 25th Anniversary badge

Buell Lightning Long XB12Ss
A Lightning for the long haul, the XB12Ss rolls on a 54-inch wheelbase that provides a more relaxed riding position and more room for a passenger. The seat is taller and wider than that of the XB12S, and covers an expanded storage compartment. Larger frame side panels give the Lightning Long a fuel-in-frame capacity of 4.4 gallons and extended range. Responsive propulsion is provided by the Buell Thunderstorm 1203 V-Twin with Buell InterActive Exhaust. The handling remains quick and responsive.

Buell Lightning XB12Ss highlights

Buell Thunderstorm 1203 V-Twin engine
103 peak hp @ 6800 rpm (per SAE J607)
84 ft. lbs. peak torque @ 6000 rpm (per SAE J607)
Buell InterActive Exhaust
New DDFI 3 Electronic Fuel Injection ECM
New eight-row oil cooler with Jiffy-tite fittings
Fully adjustable 43 mm Showa inverted fork
Fully adjustable Showa rear shock absorber
Buell ZTL front brake
Goodyear Hibrex drive belt with Flexten Plus technology
Dry Weight: 400 pounds
Wheelbase: 54 inches
Seat height: 30.5 inches
4.4-gallon fuel capacity
New Cosmetic Frame Protectors
New Pre-Wired for Accessory Heated Grips
New Instrument Panel Graphics
Pirelli Diablo T tires
Available with Translucid bodywork
Commemorative Buell 25th Anniversary badge

Buell Lightning CityX XB9SX
This urban assault specialist was designed to excel in the metro-madness of crazy cabbies, knee-deep potholes and back-alley shortcuts. The middleweight Thunderstorm 984 V-Twin revs quicker and higher then the Thunderstorm 1203, but still delivers all the torque required to pull away from traffic. For 2008, the Thunderstorm 984 has the new eight-row oil cooler and all of the engine updates applied to the Thunderstorm 1203. Aggressive Pirelli Scorpion Sync tires offer good bite on all road surfaces, and a tall Skyline seat with a grippy cover enhances visibility and control. For added style and function, the CityX features wide, Supermoto-style handlebars with deflectors, dual headlight grilles, and frame pucks to fend off minor cosmetic damage.

Buell Lightning CityX XB9SX highlights

Buell Thunderstorm 984 fuel-injected air/oil/fan-cooled V-Twin engine
92 peak hp @ 7500 rpm (per SAE J607)
70 ft. lbs. peak torque @ 5500 rpm (per SAE J607)
New DDFI 3 Electronic Fuel Injection ECM
New eight-row oil cooler with Jiffy-tite fittings
Fully adjustable 43 mm Showa inverted fork
Fully adjustable Showa rear shock absorber
Buell ZTL front brake
Goodyear Hibrex drive belt with Flexten Plus technology
Dry Weight: 390 pounds
Wheelbase: 52 inches
Seat height 31.4 inches
Pirelli Scorpion Sync T tires
Translucid bodywork
Supermoto-style crossbar handlebar with deflectors
Headlight grille and frame pucks
New Pre-Wired for Accessory Heated Grips
New Instrument Panel Graphics
Commemorative Buell 25th Anniversary badge

Buell Motorcycle Company, a subsidiary of Harley-Davidson, Inc., produces premium sport performance motorcycles, motorcycle parts, accessories and apparel. To learn more about Buell motorcycles, visit your local Buell dealer and experience the aggressive attitude, style and performance only found on board a Buell. For the Buell dealer nearest you, pull into www.buell.com