Naked Motorcycles
2010Buell XB12SX Lightning City X
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The 2010 Buell XB12SX Lightning City X is a lightweight naked bike designed for urban riders seeking agile handling and straightforward performance. Powered by a 1203cc V-twin engine producing 92.5 horsepower, it delivers strong low-end torque ideal for city commuting and spirited riding. Known for its responsive DDFI II fuel injection and nimble chassis, the City X excels as a practical daily rider with genuine character.
- Capacity
- 1202.9 ccm
- Engine
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Dry weight
- 179.0 kg
- Seat height
- 726 mm
- Power
- 92.5 HP (68.0 kW)
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Built as a light, punchy urban naked with genuine backroad-carving ability thanks to its steep rake and short wheelbase.
- Built for
- It has a distinctive, characterful personality with strong low-end torque, a single-sided front brake rotor, and an unmistakable Buell exhaust note.
- Not ideal for
- It is not a good fit for riders seeking long-distance touring comfort, pillion-friendly space, or any off-road capability.
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 usReliability & safety
Bike Reliability score, safety recalls and owner complaintsBike Reliability
How the score works →82
out of 100Excellent
The 2010 Buell XB12SX Lightning City X passed its annual roadworthiness test first time 91.1% of the time, 7.0 points above expected for bikes of the same age and mileage. That beats 82% of models.
All years of this model: 90 / 100 (excellent) from 678 tests.
91.1%Passed first time
4.0%Failed outright
4.8%Fixed during test
3,000Typical miles
124Tests
Pass rate by miles ridden
All years of this model.
Score by year first registered
91
82
20092010
Against its rivals · ranks 4 of 6
| # | Model (all years) | Score | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BMW R1200R | 96 Excellent | 2,769 |
| 2 | Honda CB 1300 | 93 Excellent | 15,726 |
| 3 | Moto Guzzi California Vintage | 92 Excellent | 121 |
| 4 | Buell XB12SX Lightning City X | 90 Excellent | 678 |
| 5 | Yamaha XJR1300 | 77 Good | 97,209 |
| 6 | Suzuki Bandit 1250 | 74 Good | 1,482 |
Rivals are the most-viewed bikes on MotorcycleDB in the same category and engine size, from within three years of this model.
From British annual roadworthiness tests, 2005-2025. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 (DVSA MOT test data, Great Britain). How Bike Reliability works.
Engine
- Capacity
- 1202.9 ccm
- Power
- 92.5 HP (68.0 kW)
- Torque
- 104.0 Nm (10.6 kgf-m) @ 5500 RPM
- Engine type
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.5168 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, multi-plate, compensated
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1320 mm
- Overall length
- 1985 mm
- Overall width
- 754 mm
- Seat height
- 726 mm
- Dry weight
- 179.0 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 14.50 litres
- Ground clearance
- 110 mm
- 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
- 84 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
Maintenance
- Oil capacity
- 2.40 litres
Other
- Color options
- Valencia Orange Translucent; Hero Blue Translucent
Specs last verified against published sources: .
Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Buell XB12SX Lightning City X?
The 2010 Buell XB12SX Lightning City X has a Capacity of 1202.9 ccm (73.41 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Buell XB12SX Lightning City X have?
The 2010 Buell XB12SX Lightning City X has a Power of 92.5 HP (68.0 kW).
How many gears does the Buell XB12SX Lightning City X have?
The 2010 Buell XB12SX Lightning City X has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
What is the torque of the Buell XB12SX Lightning City X?
The 2010 Buell XB12SX Lightning City X has a Torque of 104.0 Nm (10.6 kgf-m or 76.7 ft.lbs) @ 5500 RPM.
How much does the Buell XB12SX Lightning City X weigh?
The 2010 Buell XB12SX Lightning City X has a Dry weight of 179.0 kg (394.6 pounds).
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