Please note: This bike is a part of the Northern California Superbike Collection. The anonymous owner is well-known and a long-term friend of both Iconic and Bike-urious. All proceeds will go towards a foundation he and his wife run to further research for sustainable agricultural and agroforestry systems worldwide.
Buell’s XB frame first arrived on the scene in 2002 with the launch of the Firebolt XB9R. The series introduced many of the brand’s innovative technologies, including an industry-first Zero Torsional Load (ZTL) perimeter floating front brake disc, a forged aluminum “fuel in frame” chassis, as well as a swingarm that doubled as an oil reservoir. In order to keep the bike’s mass even closer to the ground, Buell mounted the muffler beneath the engine.
Come 2003, Buell expanded the XB lineup via the Lightning XB12. In keeping with the series’ naming conventions, the model bumped the Harley V-twin’s displacement from 984cc up to 1,203cc. On the road, this meant that it made 103hp and and 84lb-ft of torque. Along with the faired sportbike ‘R’ (Firebolt), Buell also offered the bike in adventure ‘X’ spec (Ulysses) and naked streetfighter ‘S’ (Lightning) guise. Over the course of the Lightning’s production life, Buell offered the model in a number of different variants, including the XB12Scg (a lowered version) and the XB12Ss (Lightning Long) that you see here.
The XB12SS was specifically built for taller riders, providing more legroom for the rider and a thicker/longer/wider seat to help out the passenger as well. The swingarm was lengthened by 2″ (total wheelbase of 54″), while the steering-head angle and trail were increased. The air intake was relocated and extra width was added between the main frame spares so the fuel tank size increased from 3.7 gallons to 4.4. Despite the size of the motor and the bike, the XB12Ss weighed 466 pounds wet (about the same as a Ducati Monster S4).
As MCN found in its review of the XB12: “Superb handling. Buell were talking about (and using) mass centralisation years before the Japanese motorcycle manufacturers cottoned on. The Buell XB12S Lightning’s rim mounted disc brake works well plus lets the wheel be lighter for lower unsprung mass. Fuel in frame and oil in the swing arm aren’t rocket science but help keep the motorcycle’s weight where it’s best carried and the Buell XB12S Lightning corners with aplomb.”
Manufactured in July of 2005, example is VIN: 4MZJX03D463600408.
The odometer shows 5,103 miles.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, clean the fuel injectors, change the engine oil/filter, flush the hydraulic fluid, install a new battery, and install a new drive belt. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: New
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: N/A
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New, <1.5% Moisture
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New, <1.5% Moisture
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A, Cable
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: New
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: Ok
Parking Light: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Ok
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 50%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 90%
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 15/13
Tire Date Code Rear: 11/12
Tire % Remaining Front: 90%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 90%
Tire Press. Front: 32 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 33 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.6V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 13.5V
Running Condition: Ok
Test Ride Completed: Yes
Test Ride Distance: 2 Miles, unit operates as designed
Modifications:
Aftermarket windscreen.
CRG bar end mirrors.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S20 tires with date codes of 1112 and 1413.
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Buell is offered on a clean California title and is believed to be on Planned Non-Operation registration status.
Have any XB12SS Lightning stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
