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Naked Motorcycles

1999Buell X1 Lightning

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The 1999 Buell X1 Lightning is a raw, aggressive naked bike powered by a 1199cc V-twin engine producing 90 horsepower and strong low-end torque. Built for riders seeking unfiltered performance and minimalist American muscle, it's best known for its distinctive styling, lightweight construction, and explosive acceleration that made it a cult favorite among experienced motorcyclists.

Capacity
1199.0 ccm
Engine
V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox
5-speed
Dry weight
200.0 kg
Seat height
820 mm
Power
90.0 HP (66.2 kW)
⇄ Compare with another bike + Add to garage All model years
Other years 1999 2000 2001 2002

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 65Agility 79Comfort 55Off-road 15Touring 40Road manners 85
Off-road & trail15%
Cornering85%
City riding75%
Daily riding65%
Touring40%
Two-up40%
Track60%
Best for
Built for spirited backroad blasts and twisty-road carving rather than outright top-speed runs or long-distance cruising.
Built for
A raw, torque-heavy American naked bike with sharp handling from its short wheelbase and mass-centralized frame, delivering a visceral, mechanical riding experience.
Not ideal for
Not a good fit for riders seeking plush comfort, pillion-friendly touring capability, or any 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 820mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with balls of both feet on the 1999 Buell X1 Lightning, with a relaxed knee angle of around 125 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
1199.0 ccm
Power
90.0 HP (66.2 kW)
CO2 Emissions
13 CO2 g/km
Torque
108.0 Nm (11.0 kgf-m) @ 5600 RPM
Engine type
V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio
0.4500 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke
88.8 x 96.8 mm
Compression
10.0:1
Cooling system
Air
Fuel system
Injection
Starting
Electric
Valves per cylinder
2
Transmission
Gearbox
5-speed
Transmission type
Manual
Final drive
Belt
Performance
Top speed
216.0 km/h (134.2 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Wheelbase
1410 mm
Seat height
820 mm
Dry weight
200.0 kg
Wet weight
221.0 kg
Fuel capacity
17.00 litres
Ground clearance
125 mm
Front percentage of weight
50
Chassis & suspension
Front wheel travel
119 mm
Rear wheel travel
125 mm
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Single disc
Front brakes diameter
340 mm
Rear brakes
Single disc
Rear brakes diameter
240 mm
Front tyre
120/70-ZR17
Rear tyre
170/60-ZR17

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 1999200020012002
Capacity 1199 cc 1203 cc 1199 cc 1203 cc
Dry weight 200 kg 200 kg 200 kg 200 kg
Seat height 820 mm 749 mm 820 mm 787 mm
Fuel capacity 17 L 15.8 L 17 L 15.8 L

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

Rider Reviews

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Rider rating

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Common questions

What is the engine size of the Buell X1 Lightning?

The 1999 Buell X1 Lightning has a Capacity of 1199.0 ccm (73.17 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Buell X1 Lightning have?

The 1999 Buell X1 Lightning has a Power of 90.0 HP (66.2 kW).

How many gears does the Buell X1 Lightning have?

The 1999 Buell X1 Lightning has a Gearbox of 5-speed.

What is the torque of the Buell X1 Lightning?

The 1999 Buell X1 Lightning has a Torque of 108.0 Nm (11.0 kgf-m or 79.7 ft.lbs) @ 5600 RPM.

How much does the Buell X1 Lightning weigh?

The 1999 Buell X1 Lightning has a Dry weight of 200.0 kg (440.9 pounds).

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