Naked Motorcycles
2008Buell Lightning XB12SS
37 fields on record
The 2008 Buell Lightning XB12Ss is a middleweight naked bike designed for riders seeking aggressive styling and accessible performance. Its 1202cc air-oil-cooled V-twin engine delivers 103 horsepower and strong 113.9 lb-ft torque, making it ideal for spirited street riding and urban commuting. Known for its distinctive design and responsive handling, the XB12Ss appeals to enthusiasts wanting American character without excessive complexity.
- Capacity
- 1202.9 ccm
- Engine
- V-Twin
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Dry weight
- 181.4 kg
- Seat height
- Not on record
Know it? Add it → - Power
- 103.0 HP (75.8 kW) @ 6800 RPM
What’s new for the 2008 Buell Lightning XB12SS
vs the 2007| Spec | 2007 | 2008 |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 103.0 HP (75.8 kW) | 103.0 HP (75.8 kW) @ 6800 RPM |
| Front suspension | Showa® inverted fork with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload | 43 mm Showa inverted forks with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload |
| Rear suspension | Showa® Fully adjustable, coil-over monoshock with remote, underseat reservoir | Showa coil-over monoshock with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload |
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- It's built for aggressive backroad carving and spirited street riding rather than straight-line top speed or long-distance cruising.
- Built for
- It rewards riders who enjoy raw, characterful engine feel, mass-centralized handling, and a distinctly American take on the sportbike formula.
- Not ideal for
- It's not a good fit for riders seeking plush comfort, pillion-friendly touring, 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.
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
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.5678 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, multiplate, compensated, reduced lever effort
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1372 mm
- Overall length
- 2070 mm
- Overall width
- 754 mm
- Overall height
- 1069 mm
- Dry weight
- 181.4 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 16.70 litres
- Ground clearance
- 118 mm
- Seat height
- Not on record - add it
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
- 126 mm
- Rake (fork angle)
- 23.5°
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Single disc
- Front brakes diameter
- 375 mm
- Rear brakes
- Single disc
- Rear brakes diameter
- 240 mm
- Front tyre
- 120/70-ZR17
- Rear tyre
- 180/55-ZR17
Other
- Color options
- Cherry Bomb Translucid (New), Valencia Orange Translucid (New), 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 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1203 cc | 1203 cc | 1203 cc |
| Dry weight | 181 kg | 181 kg | 181 kg |
| Fuel capacity | 16.7 L | 16.7 L | 16.7 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 XB12SS?
The 2008 Buell Lightning XB12SS has a Capacity of 1202.9 ccm (73.41 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Buell Lightning XB12SS have?
The 2008 Buell Lightning XB12SS has a Power of 103.0 HP (75.8 kW) @ 6800 RPM.
How many gears does the Buell Lightning XB12SS have?
The 2008 Buell Lightning XB12SS has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
What is the torque of the Buell Lightning XB12SS?
The 2008 Buell Lightning XB12SS has a Torque of 113.9 Nm (11.6 kgf-m or 84.0 ft.lbs).
How much does the Buell Lightning XB12SS weigh?
The 2008 Buell Lightning XB12SS has a Dry weight of 181.4 kg (399.9 pounds).
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