2009 Buell Lightning XB12Scg

VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS

Price : $9,995.00
Body style : Sporty Naked Bike
Warranty : 24 months
Manufacturer Country : USA
Model Year : 2009
Displacement (cc) : 1203
Engine Type : V Twin

VEHICLE REVIEEW

2009 Buell Lightning XB12Scg
Having spent plenty of motorcycling time to become best chums with the Buell Lightning CityX XB9SX motorcycle, I was looking forward to meeting its more muscular larger brother, the XB12Scg. I split lanes on the congested freeways of Los Angeles during the week, and sometimes tour the unpredictable downtown streets at night or on weekends, so I appreciate the Lightning family's streetfighter style-aggressive, fast, and agile. I also enjoy the rush of a snappy ride through the canyons of the Santa Monica Mountains, and a few extra horses under the tank could add to the fun. While at 5' 6" I was comfortable, but not quite flat-footed, on the CityX, the Lightning XB12Scg has slightly lowered suspension, front and rear, and its seat height (28.6 inches) sits an inch-and-a-half closer to the ground (the "cg" appendage in the model designation refers to the lower center-of-gravity). This expands my comfort zone and, even though the XB12 is not particularly heavy (395 pounds, claimed dry), it makes handling the bike at slow speeds or at a stop that much easier. The ergonomics of the XB12 are well-suited to urban riding. The seating position is slightly aggressive, with the pegs set back behind the crankcase, controls on the wide, flat handlebars within easy reach, and the rider sits high enough to see all comers. The short wheelbase and steep rake make an extremely compact package, and the bike's narrow dimensions allow it to slip between vehicles with ease. Of course, even with its nimble size, sometimes one gets stuck in the stop-and-go pace of the four-wheel crowd. A thermostatically controlled fan kicks on at times like these to help the Thunderstorm keep its cool. Once parked, the variable speed fan continues its job, which may cause comment from non-riding co-workers who think you've left the bike on!
At almost any speed, the 1203 Thunderstorm V-twin engine produces plenty of power. The torque curve is broad and flat across the five gears, and combined with significant engine braking, there is not a lot of need to shift or tap the traditionally mounted 240 mm rear disc. If, however, you have been pushing the revs (redline is 7100) and find yourself in need of a quick slow down, Buell's rim-mounted 375mm single front rotor is at the ready. The inside-out ZTL2 disc with 8-piston caliper gets the job done handily while keeping the front end light.
Maneuverability of the machine comes from various technological features, including Buell's signature fuel-in-frame (3.8 gallons), oil-in-swingarm and under-engine exhaust mounting. Centralizing these weighty elements makes the bike light on its toes. When set loose in the twisties, the XB12 changes direction with ease, like the perfect dance partner anticipating your moves. And though the taut suspension may feel a bit uptight in a straight line, it has your back in turns. This bike does a very credible job taunting pure sport bikes in the twisties, thanks to both its secure handling and plentiful torque. The Lightning XB12Scg is an interesting character. Its gravel-voiced Harley-Davidson-built engine has a pleasing pulse at low speed, but smoothes out to a purr above 3500 rpm (at which point the mirrors actually become useful). Its tight, solid body is stripped-down, functional and a consistent head turner. From the translucent airbox and flyscreen, to the beautiful lines of the wide aluminum frame, to the underslung exhaust-which looks like a pocketknife tucked below the engine-the bike exudes cool.
Standard Features
Buell Thunderstorm 1203cc air/oil/fan-cooled, four-stroke, 45-degree V-Twin engine
103 peak hp 6800 rpm (per SAE J607)
84 ft. lbs. peak torque 6000 rpm (per SAE J607)
Buell Interactive Exhaust
DDFI 3 Electronic Fuel Injection ECM
Eight-row oil cooler with Jiffy-tite fittings
New stronger Veyance Hibrex drive belt with Flexten Plus technology
Fully adjustable 41 mm Showa inverted fork
Fully adjustable Showa rear shock absorber
New Buell ZTL2 front brake with eight-piston caliper
Dry Weight: 395 pounds
Wheelbase: 51.8 inches
Seat height: 28.6 inches
Cosmetic Frame Protectors
Pre-Wired for Accessory Heated Grips
Pirelli Diablo T tires
Available with Translucid bodywork
New black engine, frame, swingarm, powertrain and forks

OVERVIEW SPECIFICATIONS

ENGINE

Alternator Amps : 30
Battery Amp Hour : 12
Bore (in) : 3.5
Bore (mm) : 88.9
Compression Ratio :10.01
Cooling : Air / Oil
Cylinders : 2
Displacement (cc) : 1203
Displacement (ci) : 73.4
Engine Brand Name : Thunderstorm
Engine Configuration : V Twin
Engine Type : 4-Stroke
Fuel Injector : Yes
Fuel Injector Size (mm) : 49
Fuel Requirements : Regular
Fuel System Type : Fuel Injected
Ram Air Induction : Yes
Speed Governor : No
Starter : Electric
Stroke (in) : 3.81
Stroke (mm) : 96.8
Valve Adjustment : Self
Valve Configuration : OHV - Pushrod
Valves : 4
Valves Per Cylinder : 2

PERFORMANCE

Engine Displacement to Weight (cc) : 3.05
Horsepower (bhp) : 103
Horsepower (kW) : 76.9
Horsepower RPM : 6800
Horsepower To Weight (hp) : 0.26
Torque (Ft Lbs) : 84
Torque (Nm) : 113.9
Torque RPM : 5500

TRANSMISSION

Final Drive Ratio : 2.41
Gear Ratio (1) : 2.65
Gear Ratio (2) : 1.89
Gear Ratio (3) : 1.41
Gear Ratio (4) : 1.17
Gear Ratio (5) : 1
Number Of Speeds : 5
Primary Drive (Engine / Transmission) : Chain
Primary Drive (Rear Wheel) : BelT
Reverse : No
Transmission Type : Manual

SUSPENSION & STEERING

Air Adjustable : No
Front Adjustable Fork Pre-Load : Yes
Front Adjustable Rebound Damping : Yes
Front Central Suspension Strut : No
Front Fork Diameter (in) : 1.6
Front Fork Diameter (mm) : 41
Front Suspension Brand Name : Showa
Front Suspension Type : Inverted Fork
Front Travel (in) : 3.1
Front Travel (mm) : 79
Number Rear Shock Absorbers : 1
Rear Adjustable Rebound Damping : Yes
Rear Adjustable Shock / Spring Pre-Load : Yes
Rear Suspension Brand Name : Showa
Rear Suspension Type : Twin Sided Swing Arm
Rear Swingarm Material : Aluminum
Rear Travel (in) : 3.6
Rear Travel (mm) : 90

WHEELS

Chromed : No
Front Wheel Diameter : 17
Front Wheel Width (in) : 3.5
Rear Wheel Diameter : 17
Rear Wheel Width (in) : 5.5
Wheels Composition : Aluminum

TIRES

Front Tire (Full Spec) : Pirelli Diablo T 120/70 ZR17 58W
Front Tire Aspect Ratio : 70
Front Tire Speed Rating : Z
Front Tire Width : 120
Rear Tire (Full Spec) : Pirelli Diablo T180/55 ZR17 73W
Rear Tire Aspect Ratio : 55
Rear Tire Speed Rating : Z
Rear Tire Width : 180
Tire Brand : Pirelli

BRAKES

Front
ZTL2™ brake, 8-piston, fixed caliper; 375 mm, single-sided, inside-out, stainless steel, floating rotor
Rear
Single-piston, floating caliper; 240 mm stainless steel, fixed rotor

SEATS

Adjustable : No
Backrest Logo Plate : No
Grab Rail or Strap : Standard
Number Of Seats : 2
Seat Height (in) : 28.6
Seat Height (mm) : 726
Seat Location : Driver and Passenger
Seat Material : Vinyl
Seat Specifications : Standard
Seat Type : One-Piece

BODYWORK

Belt Guard : Yes
Carburetor Cover : No
Chain Guard : No
Choke Knob Cover : No
Construction : Standard
Drive Shaft Cover : No
Drive Shaft Guard :No
Engine Case Guard : Yes
Exterior Covers : Standard
Exterior Guards : Standard
Foot Peg Location : Driver and Passenger
Foot Peg Material : Steel
Fork Guards : Yes
Frame : Aluminum
Front Fender : Standard
Hand Grip Material : Rubber
Hand Grips : Standard
Hand Guards : No
Heel Guards : Yes
License Plate : Standard
Saddle Bag Guard : No
Spoiler : Standard
Stand Type : Kick
Tank Guard : Yes

INSTRUMENTATION

Electronic speedometer, tachometer, odometer; dual tripmeter; high beam, neutral, oil, low fuel (plus, odometer shows miles traveled on reserve), turn signal and engine diagnostic indicator lamps; clock

FUEL ECONOMY

Liters Per Kilometer (City) : 4.9
Liters Per Kilometer (Hwy) : 3.6
Miles Per Gallon (City) : 48
Miles Per Gallon (Hwy) : 65

ELECTRIC

Battery (per Battery Council International Rating) Sealed lead acid, maintenance-free, 12V, 12-amp/hour, 200 cca
Charging 30-amp, permanent magnet, single phase alternator with solid-state regulator (405W 3000 rpm, 405W peak)
Starting 1.2 kW electric with solenoid shift starter motor engagement
Lights (as per country regulation)
Headlamps (twin quartz halogen [H7]) 55-watt low beam, 55-watt high beam
Tail/Stop Lights 5W/21W
Turn Signal Lights 10W manual canceling
License Plate Light 5W

FUEL CAPACITY

Fuel Capacity (gal) : 3.8
Fuel Capacity (l) : 14.5
Fuel Capacity Reserve (gal) : 0.75
Fuel Capacity Reserve (l) : 2.8

DIMENSIONS

Capacities : Standard
Comment : Standard
Dimensions : Standard
Dry Weight (kg) : 179
Dry Weight (lbs) : 395
Ground Clearance (in) : 3.6
Ground Clearance (mm) : 90
GVWR (kgs) : 386
GVWR (lbs) : 850
Height (in) : 41.3
Height (mm) : 1049
Length (in) : 75.7
Length (mm) : 1923
Manufacturer Country : USA
Manufacturer Type : Sport
MIC Model Segment : ON-HWY Sport Bike Over 750cc
Payload Capacity (kgs) : 177
Payload Capacity (lbs) : 391
Previous Model Year Accessories : Yes
Rake (degrees) : 21
Revision Status : Carryover
Service Reminder : Standard
Trail (in) : 3.3
Trail (mm) : 83
Weight : Standard
Wheelbase (in) : 51.8
Wheelbase (mm) : 1315
Width (in) : 29.7
Width (mm) : 755