2004Buell Lightning XB12S

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The 2004 Buell Lightning XB12S is a raw, aggressive naked bike designed for riders seeking authentic performance and character. Its 1203cc twin-cylinder engine delivers 100 horsepower and impressive 109.7 lb-ft torque, making it best known for combining American V-twin muscle with lightweight agility and sharp handling characteristics.

Capacity: 1203.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 179.0 kg
Seat height: 765 mm
Power: 100.0 HP (73.5 kW)

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Other years 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail15%

Cornering92%

City riding75%

Daily riding60%

Touring40%

Two-up35%

Track65%

Best for: Built for aggressive backroad blasting and twisty-road carving rather than commuting or long-distance touring.
Built for: Delivers punchy low-end torque, a distinctive American V-twin growl, and razor-sharp cornering agility thanks to its mass-centralized design and steep steering geometry.
Not ideal for: Not ideal for riders wanting plush comfort, pillion-friendly ergonomics, or a bike suited to long highway journeys or off-road use.

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 765mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2004 Buell Lightning XB12S, with a moderate knee angle of around 110 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 →

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Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1203.0 ccm
Power: 100.0 HP (73.5 kW)
Torque: 109.7 Nm (11.2 kgf-m)
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.5587 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: 1320 mm
Overall length: 1924 mm
Overall width: 831 mm
Overall height: 1232 mm
Seat height: 765 mm
Dry weight: 179.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 14.00 litres
Ground clearance: 127 mm

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Aluminium Frame with Uniplanar powertrain vibration isolation system
Front suspension: Showa inverted fork with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload
Rear suspension: Showa shock absorber with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload
Front wheel travel: 120 mm
Rear wheel travel: 127 mm
Rake (fork angle): 21.0°
Trail: 83 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, Racing Red/Graphite-Grey/Translucent Amber

Specs last verified against published sources: October 2026.

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	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008
Capacity	1203 cc	1203 cc	1203 cc	1203 cc	1203 cc
Dry weight	179 kg	179 kg	179 kg	179 kg	179 kg
Seat height	765 mm	765 mm	765 mm	765 mm	765 mm
Fuel capacity	14 L	13 L	14.5 L	14.5 L	14.5 L