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 — a respectable output considering the bike’s 179kg (394-pound) curb weight. Along with the full-faired ‘R,’ Buell also offered the bike in naked streetfighter ‘S’ guise.
Over the course of the Lightning’s production life, Buell offered the model in a number of different variants, including the XB12Scg you see here. Compared to the standard XB12S, the ‘cg’ (an abbreviation for center of gravity) came in 1.75 inches lower courtesy of a reshaped seat, some slightly lower suspension, and a shorter swingarm. Beyond being more accommodating of smaller riders (thanks in part to the 28.6-inch seat height), the shorter wheelbase also helped with cornering performance in the turns.
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 March of 2006, this example is VIN: 4MZWX03L763500218. The seller bought the bike from a previous Iconic Auction in March of 2023.
The odometer shows 16,020 miles.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, we replaced the final drive belt with an OEM replacement belt, and flushed the front and rear brake systems with fresh hydraulic fluid. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: OK
Engine Oil Level: OK
Engine Oil Quality: OK
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: N/A
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: OK
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: OK
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: OK
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: OK
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: BELT-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: 60%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 20%
Forks: OK
Shock/s: OK
Tire Date Code Front: 4822
Tire Date Code Rear: 4522
Tire % Remaining Front: 90%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 90%
Tire Press. Front: 32
Tire Press. Rear: 36
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.4
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 14.2
Running Condition: GOOD
Test Ride Completed: YES
Test Ride Distance: 2 MILES
Notes:
-Rear brake pads are low
Modifications:
Zero Gravity windshield.
CRG bar-end mirrors.
CRG adjustable levers.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop Sportmax Q5S tires with date codes of 4522 and 4822.
The sale includes three keys and the key-code.
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 on Planned Non-Operation registration status with registration fees of $163.
Have any XB12S stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
