Naked Motorcycles
2008Buell Lightning Long XB12SS
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The 2008 Buell Lightning Long XB12SS is a roomier version of Buell's American streetfighter. Its oil- and air-cooled 1,203cc V-twin makes 103 hp at 6,800 rpm and 113.9 Nm through a five-speed gearbox and belt drive. A 777 mm seat, 181.4 kg dry weight and 16.7-litre tank complete it.
- Capacity
- 1202.9 ccm
- Engine
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Dry weight
- 181.4 kg
- Seat height
- 777 mm
- Power
- 103.0 HP (75.8 kW) @ 6800 RPM
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Built as a mass-centralized street brawler, it's tuned for aggressive backroad carving and spirited naked-bike thrills rather than outright top speed or long-distance cruising.
- Built for
- It has a raw, mechanical personality defined by big-twin torque, a distinctive frame-mounted fuel cell, and Buell's trademark single-sided front brake and mass-centralization philosophy.
- Not ideal for
- It's not the right choice for riders wanting plush touring comfort, pillion-friendly ergonomics, or any kind of off-road capability.
Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.
Will it fit you?
Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to usEngine
- Capacity
- 1202.9 ccm
- Power
- 103.0 HP (75.8 kW) @ 6800 RPM
- Torque
- 113.9 Nm (11.6 kgf-m)
- Engine type
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.5678 HP/kg (dry)
- Bore x stroke
- 88.9 x 96.8 mm
- Compression
- 10.0:1
- Cooling system
- Oil & air
- Fuel system
- Injection
- Starting
- Electric
- Valves per cylinder
- 2
- Lubrication system
- Dry-sump
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Belt
- Clutch
- Wet, multi-plate, compensated
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1372 mm
- Overall length
- 2070 mm
- Overall width
- 754 mm
- Seat height
- 777 mm
- Dry weight
- 181.4 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 16.70 litres
- Ground clearance
- 118 mm
- Oil capacity
- 2.40 litres
Chassis & suspension
- Frame
- Aluminum frame with Uniplanar™ powertrain vibration isolation system, fuel in frame
- Front suspension
- 43 mm Showa inverted forks with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload
- Rear suspension
- Showa coil-over monoshock with remote, under-seat reservoir and adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload
- Front wheel travel
- 120 mm
- Rear wheel travel
- 126 mm
- Rake (fork angle)
- 23.5°
- Trail
- 119 mm
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Single disc
- Front brakes diameter
- 375 mm
- Rear brakes
- Single disc
- Rear brakes diameter
- 240 mm
- Front tyre
- 120/70-ZR17
- Rear tyre
- 180/55-ZR17
Other
- Color options
- Midnight black with designer black wheels
Specs last verified against published sources: .
Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
What changed, year to year
Differences highlighted| Specification | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1203 cc | 1203 cc | 1203 cc |
| Dry weight | 181 kg | 181 kg | 181 kg |
| Seat height | 777 mm | 777 mm | 777 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 16.7 L | 16.7 L | 16.7 L |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Buell Lightning Long XB12SS?
The 2008 Buell Lightning Long XB12SS has a Capacity of 1202.9 ccm (73.41 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Buell Lightning Long XB12SS have?
The 2008 Buell Lightning Long XB12SS has a Power of 103.0 HP (75.8 kW) @ 6800 RPM.
How many gears does the Buell Lightning Long XB12SS have?
The 2008 Buell Lightning Long XB12SS has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
What is the torque of the Buell Lightning Long XB12SS?
The 2008 Buell Lightning Long XB12SS has a Torque of 113.9 Nm (11.6 kgf-m or 84.0 ft.lbs).
How much does the Buell Lightning Long XB12SS weigh?
The 2008 Buell Lightning Long XB12SS has a Dry weight of 181.4 kg (399.9 pounds).
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