2009 Buell Lightning Long XB12Ss Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown
Positioned in Buell's naked motorcycle lineup, the 2009 Buell Lightning Long XB12Ss relies on a 1202.9 cc (73.4 cu in) oil & air-cooled v2, four-stroke powerplant. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 103 HP (75.2 kW) at 6,800 rpm while maximum torque reaches 113.9 Nm (84 lb-ft) at 5,500 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 5-speed gearbox and belt final drive. With a specific output of 85.6 HP per liter and a 1,300 rpm working window between peak torque (5,500 rpm) and peak power (6,800 rpm), the engine character is indicating a tractable, stress-free state of tune focused on everyday usability and broad torque delivery.
Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 777 mm (30.6 in) seat height — offering a neutral standover height that accommodates most average-inseam riders without sacrificing cornering clearance, combined with a 1,364 mm (53.7 in) wheelbase engineered for quick, flickable steering geometry. The 16.65-liter (4.4 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints.
Within MotoLibrary's Buell archive, this model family spans 2 indexed model years from 2007 to 2009, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.
Specific Output
85.6 HP/L
Power Band Window
5,500–6,800 rpm
Standover Height
777 mm (30.6 in)
Engine
Displacement1202.9 ccm (73.40 cubic inches)
Engine TypeV2, four-stroke
Engine DetailsV2, four-stroke
Power103.0 HP (75.2 kW)) @ 6800 RPM
Torque113.9 Nm (11.6 kgf-m or 84.0 ft.lbs) @ 5500 RPM
Compression10.0:1
Bore x Stroke88.9 x 96.8 mm (3.5 x 3.8 inches)
Valves/Cylinder2
Fuel SystemInjection. 49 mm down draft DDFI III fuel injection
Fuel ControlOverhead Valves (OHV)
CoolingOil & air
Transmission
Gearbox5-speed
Final DriveBelt (final drive)
ClutchWet, multi-plate, compensated
Performance
ExhaustTuned, tri-pass resonance chamber with InterActive valve and mass-centralised mounting
Chassis
Frame TypeBlack aluminium frame with Uniplanar™ powertrain vibration isolation system, fuel in frame
Rake23.1°
Front Suspension43 mm Showa inverted forks with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload
Front Travel143 mm (5.6 inches)
Rear SuspensionShowa coil-over monoshock with remote, under-seat reservoir and adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload
Rear Travel143 mm (5.6 inches)
Wheelbase1364 mm (53.7 inches)
Ground Clearance140 mm (5.5 inches)
Wheels & Brakes
Front Tyre120/70-ZR17
Rear Tyre180/55-ZR17
Front BrakesSingle disc. ZTL2-type brake, 8-piston, 4 pads, fixed caliper, 375 mm single-sided, inside out, stainless steel, floating rotor
Front Brake Ø375 mm (14.8 inches)
Rear BrakesSingle disc. Two-piston, direct mount caliper; stainless steel, fixed rotor
Rear Brake Ø240 mm (9.4 inches)
Dimensions & Weight
Seat Height777 mm (30.6 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Overall Length2080 mm (81.9 inches)
Overall Width754 mm (29.7 inches)
Fuel Capacity16.65 litres (4.40 US gallons)
Other
StarterElectric
Color OptionsCherry Bomb translucid; Hero Blue translucid; Midnight Black
Use this page to compare this motorcycle by its real specifications, not only by model name. Focus on the details that affect fit, comfort, handling, range and ownership.
Power
Compare engine output with similar motorcycles if acceleration, highway use or two-up riding matters.
Torque
Torque is useful for judging real-world pull, especially for touring, commuting and loaded riding.
Seat Height
Check the seat height against your inseam and riding posture before choosing a motorcycle.
Fuel Capacity
Fuel capacity helps estimate touring range and how often you may need to stop.
Brakes
Brake setup is worth comparing if you ride in traffic, mountains or with a passenger.
Suspension
Suspension details can matter for comfort, road feel and long-distance riding.
Transmission
Transmission and final drive affect maintenance, smoothness and everyday usability.
