The new Buell Lightning XB12Scg
The Buell Lightning series of Streetfighter motorcycles is even more accessible in 2007 with the arrival of the XB12Scg – a motorcycle that’s perfectly suited for the rider with the shorter inseam but who is not prepared to compromise when it comes to performance and attitude.
Heaps of V-Twin torque, an intuitive, commanding riding position, and unique Streetfighter styling distinguish each of the four models in the Buell Lightning line: the 984cc Lightning CityX XB9SX and the 1203cc Lightning XB12S, Lightning Long XB12Ss and now the Lightning XB12Scg.
Each Lightning model is descended from the original American Streetfighter, the 1996 Buell S1 Lightning, and epitomises the core Buell “Trilogy of Technology” engineering principles in a bold, minimalist spirit. Aboard a Buell Lightning, the rider is in position to command the streets behind wide handlebars and flyscreen. V-Twin torque flows through a smooth, responsive belt drive to a fat rear tyre rolling under a stubby rear fender. Short, agile, aggressive and raucous, Buell’s Lightning motorcycles are loaded with Streetfighter attitude and offer a unique riding experience that is pure fun.
The new Buell Lightning XB12Scg
Cut for the rider with a shorter inseam, the Lightning XB12Scg offers a seat height that’s 39mm lower than the Lightning XB12S but with absolutely no concessions in handling or performance.
Shortened front and rear suspension and a reshaped seat lower the centre of gravity and reduce seat height to 726mm for enhanced rider confidence at stops and low speeds. Power comes from the same potent Thunderstorm 1203cc V-Twin with Buell InterActive Exhaust. The agile handling from the same rigid chassis and nimble 1320mm wheelbase is pure Buell.
The Lightning XB12Scg is available in Midnight Black with Black wheels; or with the airbox cover and flyscreen in Translucent Valencia Orange with Amber wheels, or new Translucent Cherry Bomb Red with Cherry Bomb Red wheels. In each case, the frame is Graphite Grey, the front fender and chin spoiler Midnight Black.
Buell Lightning XB12Scg highlights:
100 peak hp @ 6600 rpm (EU Standard EC95/1)
110 Nm peak torque @ 6000 rpm (EU Standard EC95/1)
DDFI II Electronic Fuel Injection with single-piece 49mm intake throttle body
New Pirelli Diablo T tyres
Revised functional airbox cover and redesigned 3D cover graphic
Dry Weight: 179 kg
Wheelbase: 1320mm
Seat height: 726mm
Fully adjustable 41mm Showa upside-down fork
Fully adjustable Showa rear shock absorber
Buell ZTL front brake
Goodyear Hibrex drive belt with Flexten Plus technology
Magnesium tone cam/clutch covers
What Else is New for the Lightning range in 2007?
Pirelli tyres are now standard equipment on all 2007 Buell models. Buell engineers have determined that advances made in the Pirelli Diablo T make it a better tyre for all round real-world performance on the Lightning XB12S, Lightning XB12Scg, and Lightning Long XB12Ss. The Lightning CityX XB9SX wears the aggressive tread pattern of the Pirelli Scorpion Sync.
The Buell Thunderstorm V-Twin
In the corner-to-corner, light-to-light world of the road, Buell believes that torque matters more than peak horsepower and that is why each Lightning model is powered by the Buell Thunderstorm engine, a 45 degree air/oil/fan-cooled V-Twin tuned to deliver the broad powerband and tyre-twisting torque that’s perfect for real-world road performance.
Both the middleweight Thunderstorm 984 and muscular Thunderstorm 1203 feature DDFI II electronic fuel injection for precise throttle control. The Thunderstorm 1203 engine also features the Buell InterActive Exhaust, which utilises a valve in the dual-chamber muffler that is controlled by the ECM and adjusts exhaust flow according to riding conditions to smooth torque delivery and optimise engine power whilst meeting noise and emission regulations.
Technology That’s More Than Different
Like all Buell motorcycles, each Lightning is designed around the Buell “Trilogy of Technology” – frame rigidity, mass centralisation and minimal unsprung weight – to achieve uncompromised handling performance. Fuel is carried in the compact aluminium frame, engine oil is carried in the swingarm, and the muffler is located below the engine, all in an effort to centralise mass and lower the centre of gravity, so the Lightning is easy to flick into corners and always willing to take an aggressive line.
The Buell Uniplanar engine mounting system reduces vibration to the rider and also increases frame rigidity by utilising the engine as a stressed member of the chassis. The Goodyear Hibrex final drive belt with Flexten Plus technology is lighter than a typical final drive chain and contributes to smooth, lash-free throttle response. And unlike a chain, the drive belt requires no scheduled service or replacement.
Doing its part to reduce unsprung weight, the Buell Zero Torsional Load (ZTL) front brake features a single 375mm disc mounted near the wheel rim, gripped by a six-piston caliper. The large-diameter disc provides exceptional stopping power without the weight of dual discs and calipers.
Because braking forces are transmitted directly from the rim to the disc, torsional load at the front wheel is virtually eliminated, which permits the use of a very lightweight cast aluminium front wheel. Premium suspension components include a 43mm Showa upside-down fork adjustable for pre-load, compression and rebound damping and a fully adjustable Showa coil-over rear shock.
Exclusive Translucent Bodywork
Translucent bodywork (available on selected models) makes the Buell Lightning the ultimate naked bike. An exclusive feature to Buell, the translucent airbox cover and flyscreen are made of a unique plastic that gives the bike colour but also allows some mechanical elements to be visible through the material. This “see-through” styling element is offered on certain Lightning models in Valencia Orange, Hero Blue, Kick Ash, and new for 2007, Cherry Bomb Red. Some of these models also feature cast aluminium wheels finished in an exclusive, high-gloss translucent paint that produces a beautiful Amber or Cherry Bomb Red colour with natural variations and depth.
2007 carry-over Lightning Motorcycles in detail
Buell Lightning XB12S
This is Lightning in its purest form. The Thunderstorm 1203cc V-Twin engine pounds out 110 Nm of torque, a mountain of driving force made more tractable by the Buell InterActive Exhaust and the short, 1320mm wheelbase gives the XB12S razor-sharp reflexes. A coarse-texture seat and in-command riding position offer outstanding control.
Like the XB12Scg, the Lightning XB12S is offered in Midnight Black with black wheels; or with the airbox cover and flyscreen in a unique Translucent Valencia Orange with Amber wheels, or new Translucent Cherry Bomb Red with Cherry Bomb Red wheels. In each case, the frame is Graphite Grey, the front fender and chin spoiler Midnight Black.
Buell Lightning XB12S highlights:
100 peak hp @ 6600 rpm (EU Standard EC95/1)
110 Nm peak torque @ 6000 rpm (EU Standard EC95/1)
DDFI II Electronic Fuel Injection with a single-piece 49mm intake throttle body
Revised functional airbox cover and redesigned 3D cover graphic
Dry Weight: 179 kg
Seat height: 765mm
Fully adjustable 43mm Showa upside-down fork
Fully adjustable Showa rear shock absorber
Buell ZTL front brake
Goodyear Hibrex drive belt with Flexten Plus technology
Graphite Grey frame, swingarm and passenger peg brackets
Magnesium tone cam/clutch cover
Buell Lightning Long XB12Ss
The expanded ergonomics of the Lightning Long XB12Ss make it an ideal choice for taller riders or riding two-up. The wheelbase is stretched 40mm, to 1360mm, thanks to an extended swingarm. The seat is taller and wider than that of the XB12S, and the expanded tail section offers even more room for a passenger.
There’s a larger under-seat storage compartment. Fork rake is increased from 21 to 24 degrees and trail goes from 83.8mm to 119mm. Larger frame side panels give the Lightning Long a fuel-in-frame capacity of 16.7 litres. The Lightning Long is powered by the Buell Thunderstorm 1203cc V-Twin with Buell InterActive Exhaust. The Lightning Long is available in Sunset Orange with Sunset Orange wheels or Midnight Black with Black wheels, both with a Graphite Grey frame.
Buell Lightning XB12Ss highlights:
100 peak hp @ 6600 rpm (EU Standard EC95/1)
110 Nm peak torque @ 6000 rpm (EU Standard EC95/1)
DDFI II Electronic Fuel Injection
New designer black powdercoat wheels on Midnight Black model
Revised functional airbox cover and redesigned 3D cover graphic
Dry Weight: 179 kg
Seat height: 775mm
Fully adjustable 43mm Showa upside-down fork
Fully adjustable Showa rear shock absorber
16.7 litre fuel capacity
Buell ZTL front brake
Goodyear Hibrex drive belt with Flexten Plus technology
Graphite Grey frame, swingarm and passenger peg brackets
Magnesium tone cam/clutch cover
Buell Lightning CityX XB9SX
An urban middleweight that packs a real punch, the Lightning CityX XB9SX is the perfect tool for the rider who needs to slice through congested city traffic or blast away from green lights. The tall seat helps the rider to see over traffic. A new, grippy vinyl seat cover material offers enhanced control and comfort. Wide, supermoto-style handlebars feature handlebar deflectors, the dual headlights are covered with an aggressive grille and high-impact composite frame pucks protect the frame from minor cosmetic damage.
The open tread pattern of Pirelli Scorpion Sync tyres offers outstanding, all-conditions grip and traction. The Lightning CityX is powered by the Thunderstorm 984cc V-Twin that revs quicker and higher than the Thunderstorm 1203cc while still serving up a satisfying portion of torque. The see-through Translucent airbox cover and flyscreen in Hero Blue or Kick Ash put mechanical details on display, while black wheels and Midnight Black lower body panels and front fender don’t show the grime of the city.
Buell Lightning CityX XB9SX highlights:
83 peak hp @ 7400 rpm (EU Standard EC95/1)
86 Nm peak torque @ 5600 rpm (EU Standard EC95/1)
DDFI II Electronic Fuel Injection
Revised functional airbox cover and redesigned 3D cover graphic
Dry Weight: 177 kg
Wheelbase: 1320mm
Seat height: 797mm
Fully adjustable 43mm Showa upside-down fork
Fully adjustable Showa rear shock absorber
Buell ZTL front brake
Goodyear Hibrex drive belt with Flexten Plus technology
Wide, flat bars and bikini fly screen
Headlight grille, deflectors and frame pucks
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