14 August. Friday 2026
Buell Lightning XB12SS - 2008 Specifications and Reviews
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.
General information | |
| Category | Naked bike |
| Year | 2008 |
| Model | Buell Lightning XB12Ss |
| | |
Engine and Transmission Specifications | |
| Clutch | Wet, multi-plate, compensated |
| Transmission typefinal drive | Belt |
| Gearbox | 5-speed |
| Cooling system | Oil & air |
| Lubrication system | Dry-sump |
| Fuel control | OHV |
| Valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel system | Injection |
| Compression | 10.0:1 |
| Torque | 113.90 |
| Power | 103.00 |
| Stroke | 4 |
| Engine type | V2 |
| Capacity: | 1202.88 ccm (73.40 cubic inches) |
| | |
Physical measures and capacities | |
| Wheelbase | 1,372 mm (54.0 inches) |
| Ground clearance | 118 mm (4.7 inches) |
| Overall width | 754 mm (29.7 inches) |
| Overall length | 2,070 mm (81.5 inches) |
| Dry weight | 181.4 kg (400.0 pounds) |
Buell Lightning XB12SS dimensions and frame | |
| Exhaust system | Tuned, tri-pass resonance chamber with mass-centralized mounting |
| Rear brakes diameter | 240 mm (9.4 inches) |
| Rear brakes | Single disc |
| Front brakes diameter | 375 mm (14.8 inches) |
| Front brakes | Single disc |
| Rear tyre dimensions | 180/55-ZR17 |
| Front tyre dimensions | 120/70-ZR17 |
| Rear suspension travel | 126 mm (5.0 inches) |
| Rear suspension | Showa coil-over monoshock with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload |
| Front suspension travel | 120 mm (4.7 inches) |
| Front suspension | 43 mm Showa inverted forks with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload |
| Rake (fork angle) | 23.5° |
| Frame type | Aluminum frame with Uniplanar™ powertrain vibration isolation system, fuel in frame |
Speed and acceleration | |
| Power/weight ratio | 0.5677 HP/kg |
Other specs | |
| Maintenance | Find parts, fluids, filters, maintenance tools and service items on eBay |
| Color options | Cherry Bomb Translucid (New), Valencia Orange Translucid (New), Midnight Black |
| Fuel capacity | 16.65 litres (4.40 gallons) |
Performance Profile & Rider Fit
103 hp
Peak Power
3.2s
0-60 mph
Best For
Track75%
City70%
Cornering92%
Daily Riding60%
Touring38%
Passenger35%
Rider Profile
| Best For | This bike suits an intermediate to experienced rider who is comfortable with a torquey, quick-revving V-twin and sharp handling. |
| Purpose | It's built for aggressive backroad carving and spirited street riding rather than straight-line top speed or long-distance cruising. |
| Rider Fit | The compact, low-slung riding position with rearward footpegs demands a fairly fit rider comfortable with a forward-leaning, sporty stance. |
| Character | 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. |
Character map is an editorial estimate based on this bike's specifications, not a lab-tested measurement.
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