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Naked Motorcycles

2006Buell Lightning XB12S

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The 2006 Buell Lightning XB12S is a middleweight naked bike powered by a 1203cc V-twin engine producing 103 horsepower and strong low-end torque. Its aluminum frame and innovative vibration isolation system deliver nimble handling and a composed ride, making it ideal for riders seeking American muscle with European-style agility. The bike is renowned for its aggressive styling, centralized mass design, and potent acceleration in a compact package.

Capacity
1202.9 ccm
Engine
V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox
5-speed
Dry weight
179.2 kg
Seat height
765 mm
Power
103.0 HP (75.8 kW) @ 6800 RPM
⇄ Compare with another bike + Add to garage All model years

What’s new for the 2006 Buell Lightning XB12S

vs the 2005
Spec20052006
Power 92.0 HP (67.7 kW) 103.0 HP (75.8 kW) @ 6800 RPM
Torque 113.9 Nm (11.6 kgf-m or 84.0 ft.lbs) 113.9 Nm (11.6 kgf-m or 84.0 ft.lbs) @ 6000 RPM
Fuel capacity 13.00 litres (3.43 US gallons) 14.50 litres (3.83 US gallons)
Rear suspension Showa coil-over monoshock with remote, underseat reservoir and adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload Showa® Fully adjustable, coil-over monoshock with remote, underseat reservoir
Front brakes Single disc. ZTL type brake, 6-piston, fixed caliper, single-sided, inside out, stainless steel, floating rotor Single disc
Rear brakes Single disc. stainless steel, single piston, floating caliper, fixed rotor Single disc
Other years 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 70Agility 86Comfort 55Off-road 15Touring 40Road manners 90
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?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us
At 765mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2006 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.

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Full specifications

Engine
Capacity
1202.9 ccm
Power
103.0 HP (75.8 kW) @ 6800 RPM
Torque
113.9 Nm (11.6 kgf-m) @ 6000 RPM
Engine type
V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio
0.5748 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
Transmission
Gearbox
5-speed
Transmission type
Manual
Final drive
Belt
Clutch
Wet, multiplate, compensated, reduced lever effort
Dimensions & weight
Wheelbase
1318 mm
Overall length
1935 mm
Overall width
754 mm
Overall height
1074 mm
Seat height
765 mm
Dry weight
179.2 kg
Fuel capacity
14.50 litres
Ground clearance
110 mm
Chassis & suspension
Frame
Aluminum frame with Uniplanar™ Powertrain vibration isolation system
Front suspension
Showa® inverted fork with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload
Rear suspension
Showa® Fully adjustable, coil-over monoshock with remote, underseat reservoir
Front wheel travel
120 mm
Rear wheel travel
129 mm
Rake (fork angle)
21.0°
Trail
84 mm
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Single disc
Front brakes diameter
336 mm
Rear brakes
Single disc
Rear brakes diameter
240 mm
Front tyre
120/70-ZR17
Rear tyre
180/55-ZR17

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 20042005200620072008
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

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

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Common questions

What is the engine size of the Buell Lightning XB12S?

The 2006 Buell Lightning XB12S has a Capacity of 1202.9 ccm (73.41 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Buell Lightning XB12S have?

The 2006 Buell Lightning XB12S has a Power of 103.0 HP (75.8 kW) @ 6800 RPM.

How many gears does the Buell Lightning XB12S have?

The 2006 Buell Lightning XB12S has a Gearbox of 5-speed.

What is the torque of the Buell Lightning XB12S?

The 2006 Buell Lightning XB12S has a Torque of 113.9 Nm (11.6 kgf-m or 84.0 ft.lbs) @ 6000 RPM.

How much does the Buell Lightning XB12S weigh?

The 2006 Buell Lightning XB12S has a Dry weight of 179.2 kg (395.1 pounds).

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