Naked Motorcycles
2008Buell Lightning XB12S
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The 2008 Buell Lightning XB12S is a middleweight naked bike powered by a robust 1202cc V-twin engine delivering 103 horsepower and strong low-end torque. Built for riders seeking aggressive styling and nimble handling without extreme sportiness, it excels as a versatile streetbike offering genuine character and real-world performance. Known for its distinctive American cruiser-derived engine in an agile chassis, the XB12S bridges the gap between cruiser comfort and naked bike capability.
- 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
What’s new for the 2008 Buell Lightning XB12S
vs the 2007| Spec | 2007 | 2008 |
|---|---|---|
| Rear suspension | Showa coil-over monoshock with remote, under-seat reservoir and adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload | Showa coil-over monoshock with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload |
| Front brakes | Single disc | Single disc. 8-piston calipers |
| Rear brakes | Single disc | Single disc. 2-piston calipers |
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- 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 usEngine
- 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
- Lubrication system
- Dry-sump
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Belt
- Clutch
- Wet, multi-plate, compensated, reduced lever effort
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1321 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, 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 adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload
- Front wheel travel
- 120 mm
- Rear wheel travel
- 127 mm
- Rake (fork angle)
- 21.0°
- Trail
- 84 mm
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Single disc. 8-piston calipers
- Front brakes diameter
- 336 mm
- Rear brakes
- Single disc. 2-piston calipers
- Rear brakes diameter
- 240 mm
- Front tyre
- 120/70-ZR17
- Rear tyre
- 180/55-ZR17
Other
- Color options
- Midnight Black, Valencia Orange Translucid, Cherry Bomb Translucid
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 | 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 |
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 XB12S?
The 2008 Buell Lightning XB12S has a Capacity of 1202.9 ccm (73.41 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Buell Lightning XB12S have?
The 2008 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 2008 Buell Lightning XB12S has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
What is the torque of the Buell Lightning XB12S?
The 2008 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 2008 Buell Lightning XB12S has a Dry weight of 179.2 kg (395.1 pounds).
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