Naked Motorcycles

2009Buell Lightning Long XB12SS

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The 2009 Buell Lightning Long XB12Ss is a muscular naked bike powered by a 1203cc V-twin engine delivering 103 horsepower and strong 113.9 Nm torque. Built for riders seeking raw American cruiser-style performance with aggressive styling, it excels at delivering low-end grunt and highway cruising capability.

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

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What’s new for the 2009 Buell Lightning Long XB12SS

vs the 2008

Spec	2008	2009
Front brakes	Single disc	Single disc. ZTL2-type brake, 8-piston, 4 pads, fixed caliper, 375 mm single-sided, inside out, stainless steel, floating rotor
Rear brakes	Single disc	Single disc. Two-piston, direct mount caliper; stainless steel, fixed rotor

Other years 2007 2008 2009

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail15%

Cornering90%

City riding68%

Daily riding60%

Touring42%

Two-up40%

Track70%

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?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 777mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2009 Buell Lightning Long XB12SS, with a moderate knee angle of around 115 degrees and a forward-leaning riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 751-820 mm — Middle Ground →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

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: 1364 mm
Overall length: 2080 mm
Overall width: 754 mm
Seat height: 777 mm
Dry weight: 181.4 kg
Fuel capacity: 16.70 litres
Ground clearance: 140 mm
Oil capacity: 2.40 litres

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Black aluminium 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: 143 mm
Rear wheel travel: 143 mm
Rake (fork angle): 23.1°
Trail: 119 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc. ZTL2-type brake, 8-piston, 4 pads, fixed caliper, 375 mm single-sided, inside out, stainless steel, floating rotor
Front brakes diameter: 375 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc. Two-piston, direct mount caliper; stainless steel, fixed rotor
Rear brakes diameter: 240 mm
Front tyre: 120/70-ZR17
Rear tyre: 180/55-ZR17