Road test of BuellXB-12 STT Lightning Super TT 2007 The weapon for the Moto Tour

By Olivier Quinten - Motoplanete exclusive

as the "two-wheeled" market opens up to a wider public to a wider public, manufacturers are bringing us motorcycles that are increasingly easy to handle, considerate, docile and incredibly practical for everyday use.
Unthinkable 10 years ago, many motorcyclists are now hesitating between a good maxi scooter and a mid-range, pseudo-nervous utility vehicle...
What's left for us old-fashioned bikers, who prefer to tame an uncertain machine rather than ride without a fight?
Fortunately, a handful of engineers with the same passion continue to produce extraordinary bikes, and Erick Buell is one of them.

le Joujou Extra

when I received my mission order to pick up apick up a Buell XB 12 STT, I couldn't help thinking it was yet another version of the XB 12 S.
After a bit of research, I discovered that this bike was a "replica" - yes, a replica, but of what?
Erick Buell put us on the right track during the press conference at the Milan Motor Show: "The new Buell offers, around an assertive design, the torque and power of a motorcycle born from the union of the urban environment and the circuit".
Replica, urban and circuit?! Yes, the Dark Dog Motor Tour! A race that takes place both day and night, on small mountain roads as well as circuits. In fact, during the test ride, I was never able to catch this STT off-guard, whatever the roads empted.

how do you make such a lively bike?

the engine.

we're back with the big V2 "Thunderstrom", cooled by air, oil and fan.
The unfortunate fan, which despite returning at night with a slight 5°C, ran for a good ten minutes in the garage! Conjugal discretion guaranteed!
Timing is still handled by the old-fashioned 2 valves per cylinder, but the fuel supply is managed by a DDFI injection system.
The original Harley engine develops 100 bhp at 6,600 rpm, and the 5-speed gearbox is perfectly spaced, so that the top speed (+ 210 km/h) is easily reached, right at the limit of the yellow zone and the resistance of your neck.
As the engine is quite high and the saddle quite thick (more for comfort than to filter the engine's heat), the rider's seat peaks at 798 mm. As this model has adopted a long chassis, the riding position is very comfortable.
Naturally, we also find the brand's own technical solutions: 16.7l fuel tank in the frame (including 3.1l reserve), oil in the swingarm, a 375mm perimeter front disc fitted with a 6-piston caliper and, of course, the 14mm belt as secondary drive.

in the saddle!

while the beast jiggles at a syncopated pace on its frail kickstand, I detail the rather unusual trim. In addition to number plates for personalization, the manufacturer has fitted this model "like a Lego" with various appendages taken from other machines in its production.
Noe recognize the front mudguard of theUlysses and the Super City's mesh headlights.
The fairly square American-style commodos are unobjectionable. Perhaps we'd have liked to see the Harley's distinctive right-left turn signal system, which is so practical!
Hop in the saddle.
Despite my height of 80 cm, I'm only able to touch the ground with my toes. On the other hand, the soft saddle is surprisingly comfortable, but can't help but delight my "little" buttocks.
The clutch also contributes to the smooth ride.
The brake lever is also adjustable.
BUT, all this sweetness and voluptuousness comes to a sudden halt when first gear is engaged. The original Harley gearbox is there to remind you that you're on a man's bike! Safety-wise, that's a plus! Since you'll always be required to wear appropriate boots. No sneakers allowed!
As already mentioned, the 5-speed gearbox is, for once on a roadster, perfectly geared, the top speed remains achievable (+ 210 km/h) and the close ratios bring an impressive nervousness for this power. As with all large-displacement Bi bikes, it's a good idea to exit corners on the torque to take advantage of the rev-up, which is quickly cut off by the breaker at 6,500 rpm.
The single-seater seat (yes, yes, there's even a logo on it saying so!) allows you to stick to the tank and use the right-hand handlebars to adopt a position that's at times super biker-like, at other times backward, without suffering too much from wind pressure when riding fast.
Stability is perfectly restored thanks to the long frame.
During my Sunday outing with my wild gang, everyone (myself first) was blown away by the bike's versatility.
The metal footrests never came into contact with the ground, despite the impressive angles. In fact, as I kept putting them back on, I ended up tucking my elbows in, as the bike felt so supine!

so ... in love?

it's not easy to find pros and cons for such an epidermal bike.
The distinctive look, the recalcitrant gearbox, the one-seat saddle and the knocking engine at low revs (perhaps due to the 17 kg crankshaft?) are quickly erased by the breathtaking behavior on all roads, a reasonable price (+ 11,000 Euros) and above all the pleasure of riding something different on a great toy!

see you soon

Oli le Belge
photos: Fred Arijs - Model: Sliderman