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Naked Motorcycles

2009Buell Lightning XB12SCG

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The 2009 Buell Lightning XB12Scg is a lightweight naked bike suited for riders seeking aggressive styling and strong mid-range torque. Known for its compact 1202cc V-twin engine delivering 103 horsepower and 114 Nm of torque, this American machine excels in urban riding and spirited cornering. The belt-drive 5-speed transmission and nimble chassis make it ideal for performance-oriented streetfighters.

Capacity
1202.9 ccm
Engine
V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox
5-speed
Dry weight
179.2 kg
Seat height
726 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 2009 Buell Lightning XB12SCG

vs the 2008
Spec20082009
Rear suspension Showa coil-over monoshock with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload Showa coil-over monoshock with remote, under-seat reservoir and adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload
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 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 75Agility 90Comfort 55Off-road 20Touring 40Road manners 92
Off-road & trail20%
Cornering92%
City riding70%
Daily riding55%
Touring40%
Two-up35%
Track75%
Best for
Designed as a light, punchy street naked built for aggressive backroad carving and canyon cornering rather than long-distance cruising.
Built for
A quirky, high-torque American V-twin with a distinctive chassis philosophy, rewarding riders who enjoy eccentric, hands-on machines with real personality.
Not ideal for
Not ideal for riders wanting plush comfort, pillion-friendly touring capability, or any serious 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 726mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2009 Buell Lightning XB12SCG, with a moderate knee angle of around 105 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 750 mm or under — Short Kings →

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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)
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
Dimensions & weight
Wheelbase
1316 mm
Overall length
1923 mm
Overall width
754 mm
Overall height
1049 mm
Seat height
726 mm
Dry weight
179.2 kg
Fuel capacity
14.50 litres
Ground clearance
90 mm
Oil capacity
2.40 litres
Reserve fuel capacity
2.80 litres
Chassis & suspension
Frame
Black aluminium frame with Uniplanar™ powertrain vibration isolation system, fuel in frame
Front suspension
41 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
79 mm
Rear wheel travel
90 mm
Rake (fork angle)
21.0°
Trail
83 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
Other
Color options
Cherry Bomb translucid; Hero Blue translucid; Midnight Black

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 20052006200720082009
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 726 mm 726 mm 726 mm 726 mm 726 mm
Fuel capacity 14 L 14.5 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 XB12SCG?

The 2009 Buell Lightning XB12SCG has a Capacity of 1202.9 ccm (73.41 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Buell Lightning XB12SCG have?

The 2009 Buell Lightning XB12SCG has a Power of 103.0 HP (75.8 kW) @ 6800 RPM.

How many gears does the Buell Lightning XB12SCG have?

The 2009 Buell Lightning XB12SCG has a Gearbox of 5-speed.

What is the torque of the Buell Lightning XB12SCG?

The 2009 Buell Lightning XB12SCG has a Torque of 113.9 Nm (11.6 kgf-m or 84.0 ft.lbs).

How much does the Buell Lightning XB12SCG weigh?

The 2009 Buell Lightning XB12SCG has a Dry weight of 179.2 kg (395.1 pounds).

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