Naked Motorcycles
2005Buell Lightning XB12S
39 fields on record
The 2005 Buell Lightning XB12S is a potent naked bike that appeals to experienced riders seeking aggressive performance and American muscle. Known for its innovative 1203cc V-twin engine delivering 113.9 Nm of torque, it excels at delivering thrilling acceleration and distinctive character. Its lightweight, nimble handling combined with powerful braking makes it ideal for spirited riding.
- Capacity
- 1203.0 ccm
- Engine
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Dry weight
- 179.2 kg
- Seat height
- 765 mm
- Power
- 92.0 HP (67.7 kW)
What’s new for the 2005 Buell Lightning XB12S
vs the 2004| Spec | 2004 | 2005 |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 100.0 HP (73.5 kW) | 92.0 HP (67.7 kW) |
| Torque | 109.7 Nm (11.2 kgf-m or 80.9 ft.lbs) | 113.9 Nm (11.6 kgf-m or 84.0 ft.lbs) |
| Fuel capacity | 14.00 litres (3.70 US gallons) | 13.00 litres (3.43 US gallons) |
| Front suspension | Showa inverted fork with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload | Showa® inverted fork with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload |
| Rear suspension | Showa shock absorber with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload | Showa coil-over monoshock with remote, underseat reservoir and adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload |
| Front brakes | Single disc | Single disc. ZTL type brake, 6-piston, fixed caliper, single-sided, inside out, stainless steel, floating rotor |
| Rear brakes | Single disc | Single disc. stainless steel, single piston, floating caliper, fixed rotor |
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
- 1203.0 ccm
- Power
- 92.0 HP (67.7 kW)
- Torque
- 113.9 Nm (11.6 kgf-m)
- Engine type
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.5134 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
- 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
- 13.00 litres
- Ground clearance
- 110 mm
Chassis & suspension
- Frame
- Aluminum frame with Uniplanar™ powertrain vibration isolation system - Fuel in Frame
- Front suspension
- Showa® inverted fork with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload
- Rear suspension
- Showa coil-over monoshock with remote, underseat reservoir and 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. ZTL type brake, 6-piston, fixed caliper, single-sided, inside out, stainless steel, floating rotor
- Front brakes diameter
- 336 mm
- Rear brakes
- Single disc. stainless steel, single piston, floating caliper, fixed rotor
- Rear brakes diameter
- 240 mm
- Front tyre
- 120/70-ZR17
- Rear tyre
- 180/55-ZR17
Other
- Color options
- Midnight Black, Racing Red, Thrust Blue
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 2005 Buell Lightning XB12S has a Capacity of 1203.0 ccm (73.41 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Buell Lightning XB12S have?
The 2005 Buell Lightning XB12S has a Power of 92.0 HP (67.7 kW).
How many gears does the Buell Lightning XB12S have?
The 2005 Buell Lightning XB12S has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
What is the torque of the Buell Lightning XB12S?
The 2005 Buell Lightning XB12S has a Torque of 113.9 Nm (11.6 kgf-m or 84.0 ft.lbs).
How much does the Buell Lightning XB12S weigh?
The 2005 Buell Lightning XB12S has a Dry weight of 179.2 kg (395.1 pounds).
Shop this bike
Affiliate linksWe may earn a commission from qualifying eBay or Amazon purchases made through these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Please log in or register if you'd like to leave a comment.
Own one? Add it to My Garage and write an owner review with an Owner badge.