Motorcycle specifications Buell XB-12 S LIGHTNING 2008 To play like no other

presentation of the XB-12 S LIGHTNING 2008

the XB-12 S follows the same layout as its smaller XB-9 siblings. It's an XB-12 R with a few specific improvements: identical chassis and engine, but with the fork head removed (replaced by two nasty little headlights and a mini windscreen) and the riding position raised. What we have in our hands is a funny, ultra-compact machine that may or may not be a roadster or a supermotard, but it takes the best of both categories. As well as being as nimble as an imp, it boasts unrivalled cornering ability, superior to that of the XB-12 R thanks in particular to its more upright position and handlebars, while remaining imperiously stable. You feel as if you're spinning around the steering column while the machine laughingly digests your turn. The mechanics are generous, but the brilliant chassis would happily accept the mechanics of a modern sports car. But Buell is 95% owned by Harley-Davidson. It retains an inimitable taste: that of America.

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Published on 10/12/20
by Greg

Greg is the founder of Motoplanete—a website created in 2001 to share his passion with his friends and showcase as many motorcycle models as possible to his readers. Self-taught and a jack-of-all-trades, his discovery of the world of motorcycles led him to work as a photographer, rider, team manager, web developer, graphic designer, editorial assistant, and editor-in-chief.

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Key facts Buell XB-12 S LIGHTNING (2008) : What you need to know before you buy

Highlights

• Frame balance
• Original technical solutions
• Gueule Atypique

Weak points

• Slow, hard gearbox
• Feeling of braking on circuit
• Comfort

Prices

	Basic version
France	11,995€

Bikers' reviews

of 14 reviews Read reviews

Model sold in 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Performance

• Max speed : approximately 220 km/h (136.70 mph)
• 0-100 km/h acceleration : 3.30 s
• Average fuel consumption : 5.60 liters/100km (0.42 mpg)
• Estimated range : 259 km (161 miles)
  Calculated range until tank is empty, not verified.

Essentials

Motorcyle equipment adapted for all members of the family and security elements.

Trouvez votre casque

Trouvez des gants

Trouver un intercom

Motoblouz

Augmenter sa sécurité avec un airbag

LaBécanerie Motoblouz

Trouvez votre blouson

Gallery

Competitors

Aprilia TUONO 1000 R FACTORY 2008

Voxan 1000 BLACK CLASSIC 2008

Find others Naked of 2008

Bikers' reviews Leave a review - 14 reviews

Changer les bougies de ma Buell XB-12S ?

JPA Model 2004

Impossible for me to reach the spark plugs to change them, no place to put the spark plug wrench Help

I have 38,000 KM, should I plan to change the drive belt? 04/07/2016 16:52 Rating : 4/5 Respond to JPA

très satisfait

pépetch Model 2004

xb 12 s from late 2004 with pot jardine (too noisy for me but good j\'esquive on a net of gas the genmerderie) 34000 kms bought May 2015 to the fact under the saddle remove the white wire between the 2 boxes (very clear improvement in power).
the only downside of this machine is the BBQ that I have interviews legs living south east seaside (shorts to avoid otherwise burn right thigh) apart from that I love it pleasant and powerful, I have trouble keeping the 2 wheels on the ground. c'est tout bonne route. 10/17/2015 11:04 Rating : 4/5 Respond to pépetch

buellman Model 2005

it's the motorcycle I've always dreamed of owning, and today it's impossible to part with it.
thank you Mr Buell 06/16/2012 22:24 Rating : 5/5 Respond to buellman

Maya Model 2004

I think I've got the shit end of the stick with this brand. My first new XB12 S dates back to November 2008. I did 180 km with it and crosswise. After a month of waiting, Harley decided to give me a second one. This one (also new) lasted 50 km !!! what happiness. After a month and a half of waiting and hassle, I finally got it back and rode 80 km before breaking down again. I decided to take legal action to get my 11,000 Euros back. Don't buy this brand, because according to a very high-ranking Buell source, the 2008 series debuts have "some" problems. (sweet euphemism). Greetings to all motorcyclists and don't forget: RIDE A JAPANESE 02/13/2008 15:20 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Maya

xb12ss Model 2004

i'm from the province of quebec in canada i have a buell xb12ss 2006 color orange sunset i like this bike with its faults and its qualities.its instability is not the bike but rather the rider. the cause the handlebars a little too wide it fault hold it firm otherwise the bike can become unstable at high speed 150 to 220.before this bike i had a bandit 1200s year 2000 and before a v max.my buell it's less fast than my 2 other bikes but less heavy and more agile like a feline and barks like a PITT BULL naturally with a modified muffler.for me the season is over november the snow is coming.spring 2008 is coming fast PLEASE SALUT COUSIN. 11/08/2007 02:48 Rating : 5/5 Respond to xb12ss

alex Model 2004

i love my xb12s but i'm spoiled for choice. burnt out ignition coil at 2500km broken belt at 12000km kickstand at 14000km jumper cable 2 weeks ago (one month delay to get a new one, cool) and to top it all it turns on a dime when it's not decided. but when all goes well it's a piece of cake and the 400 m at the red light is a breeze and the sound is magic (with an adaptable) no problem for me as far as instability at high speed is concerned. 06/13/2007 02:35 Rating : 5/5 Respond to alex

benito Model 2004

for me the best. be careful over 3000rpm it's a missile. very good handling, gearbox a little hard, play ac torque, mouth no doubt it's an american. 08/02/2006 13:44 Rating : 5/5 Respond to benito

jp f 06 Model 2004

i bought 1 xb 12s new may 2006 gearbox broken after 2000kms .i've been waiting since may 16 and still nothing....buell france doesn't move parts not available...change the bike...niet the engine...niet..aucun recours ..je regretterment l'achat de cette..m...je suis pas le seul d'autres xb9 city ont la meme tare..nous sommes le 03/07/06 je vous conseilles n'acheter pas cette..m....e. 07/04/2006 18:30 Rating : 5/5 Respond to jp f 06

jerome du Model 2004

this bike is a joy to ride, just one throttle and it's off like a shot, but of course it's not designed to run like a japanese with breakers & co, it's all about torque, for those of you who have mountain passes close to home, go with it and it'll show you what it's capable of 06/20/2006 13:50 Rating : 5/5 Respond to jerome du

jseb7448 Model 2004

i'm a happy owner of a buell xb12s bought in august today in june it has 12000kms and 5 rear tires be careful the torque wears out.a lot of people criticize its gearbox it's never happened to me yet to find a second neutral.they also say that at 150kmh it's unstable i find that no it's possible to take curves on the corner at more than 180kmh.indeed, it's got character, but it's just as possible to drive pepere and enjoy the torque and the scenery, as it is to drive very fast. in short, I'm not about to change. if you're going to try it out, you need to do so for at least an hour, because it's not easy to get the hang of it, due to the way it's staggered and its brute braking. voila, bon route! 06/10/2006 18:30 Rating : 5/5 Respond to jseb7448

brutalis b Model 2004

74 moto c dla balle elle a un look qui dechire 04/12/2005 10:26 Rating : 5/5 Respond to brutalis b

zx 10 r Model 2004

slt, I tried this bike one day, it is true that it is unstable at average speed (150-160 km/h) but the 1200 harley makes a demonic noise and above all accelerates hard, very hard, having tried the 2 I can compare it to the famous 1200 VMAX a+ 12/25/2004 19:16 Rating : 5/5 Respond to zx 10 r

Linea 38 Model 2004

The second thing to do is to accept that all motorcycles are special, and then only pleasure. We are in the presence of a motorcycle that will bring us nothing but happiness in the generosity of its technical conception, which will make us accept its limits and hope for its evolution on its weak points. The opinions expressed are all fair. Depending on our sensitivities, this or that point is more or less highlighted, so it's up to us to appreciate it as users, and to accept the pluses and minuses of a bike we'd hoped for, without really having imagined it, but which we had within us. 12/25/2004 19:15 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Linea 38

Olivier Model 2004

the first thing to do is to forget all the reflexes acquired from riding Japanese sports bikes.the gearbox doesn't like to be attacked and the riding has to be done in the low revs,and then what a pleasure to feel the famous kick in the ass of the Harley engine.the angle of the forks gives a bike that's playful at low speeds but very unstable from 150 km/h onwards. 12/25/2004 19:15 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Olivier

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FAQ Your frequently asked questions about the XB-12 S LIGHTNING 2008

What is the power of the XB-12 S LIGHTNING?

The XB-12 S LIGHTNING 2008 develops a power of 94 ch (92.70 hp)

What is the torque of the XB-12 S LIGHTNING?

The maximum torque of the XB-12 S LIGHTNING 2008 is 10.40 mkg to 5,500 rpm.

What is the maximum speed of the XB-12 S LIGHTNING?

The XB-12 S LIGHTNING 2008 is capable of reaching a top speed of approximately 220 km/h (136.70 mph) on the track.

What is the weight of the XB-12 S LIGHTNING?

The XB-12 S LIGHTNING 2008 has a a dry weight of 179 kg (395 lb), a weight when fully loaded of 209 kg (461 lb).

What is the fuel consumption of the XB-12 S LIGHTNING?

Average fuel consumption is estimated at 5.60 l/100km (0.42 mpg) according to the WMTC cycle.

QWhat is the seat height of the XB-12 S LIGHTNING?

To ensure good accessibility, the XB-12 S LIGHTNING 2008 offers a minimum seat height of 765 mm (30.12 in).

What is the price of the XB-12 S LIGHTNING?

The price of the XB-12 S LIGHTNING 2008 is 11,995€ in France

What size tires should I put on my XB-12 S LIGHTNING?

The standard size for a XB-12 S LIGHTNING 2008 is 120 / 70 - 17 for the front, and 180 / 55 - 17 for the rear.