From Buell's press material:
LIGHTNING STRIKES AGAIN
NEW BUELL XB12S TAKES STREETFIGHTING TO EXTREMES desktops/wallpapers 1280... |  desktops/wallpapers 1280... |  desktops/wallpapers 1280... |
EAST TROY, Wis. (July 14, 2003)-The neighborhood just got tougher. The new Buell Lightning XB12S offers a new level of brute performance, a volatile blend of dirt track attitude and the latest technology powered by a new XB1200 V-Twin engine tuned to pound out a mountain of torque.
Designed in the spirit of the original American streetfighter, the legendary Buell Lighting S1, the new Lightning XB12R offers upright ergonomics, uncompromised agility and a big, rowdy engine that puts out the kind of power street riders lust for-103 peak horsepower and 84 ft. lbs. torque.
"The Lightning XB9S is our small-block bike. Its engine is quick, snappy and rev-happy," said Erik Buell, chairman and chief technical officer at Buell Motorcycle Company. "The new Lightning XB12S is like ordering the hot, big-block version of the same motorcycle. You get classic V-Twin torque. The XB12S is just as agile and sophisticated as the XB9S, but the power is almost brutal."
The Muscle
The new Buell Lightning XB1200 engine is a fuel-injected 45-degree, air/fan and oil-cooled, V-Twin. The engine is based on the XB984 engine from the Buell Lightning XB9S, stroked from 3.125 inches to 3.812 inches to achieve a new displacement of 1203cc. The bore remains 3.5 inches, and the compression ratio is 10:1. The intake throttle body diameter is increased from 45mm to 49mm, and a stiffer clutch spring and new 14mm pitch aramid reinforced Hibrex drive belt have been fitted to handle the torque demands of the 1203cc engine. The primary drive ratio is lowered from 1.68:1 to 1.50:1. Gear ratios in the five-speed transmission remain unchanged.
To keep the torque band fat, the new XB1200 engine is equipped with Buell InterActive Exhaust. An electronic actuator activates a butterfly valve housed in the muffler to adjust back-pressure by alternating between two gas flow paths. The engine ECM monitors engine speed and throttle position while activating the valve to optimize torque and horsepower for the riding condition. At wide-open throttle, for example, the valve is opened at low rpm to reduce back-pressure so the engine can gain rpm quickly. The valve closes in the mid-range to increase acceleration torque, and then opens again at high rpm to maximize horsepower. Buell InterActive Exhaust enhances the rich, throaty rumble of the Lightning exhaust tone. As part of the system, header pipe diameter is increased from 1.50 inches to 1.75 inches.
The XB1200 engine is the same physical size as the XB9S engine, so it offers an even better torque-to-weight ratio. High-flow heads and lightweight valvetrain give the engine crisp throttle response, but power delivery is smooth and steady, thanks to the engine's broad torque band, Buell InterActive Exhaust, and lash-free belt drive.
The Agility
The Lightning XB12S is designed to excel in the cut-and-thrust world of urban streets and aggressive, back-road twisties. Start with an ultra-short 52-inch wheelbase and 21-degree fork angle. Wide, flat handlebars maximize rider input in the turns. The massive aluminum frame and swingarm are designed to provide exceptional chassis rigidity, and both do double-duty. The frame carries 3.7 gallons of fuel, while the swingarm acts an the engine oil reservoir. In each case, this helps lower the bike's overall center of gravity. The muffler is located below the XB1200 engine for the same reason. The result is a motorcycle that's willing to change direction the instant rider input occurs.
It stops well, too, thanks to the Buell Zero Torsional Load front brake that mounts a 375mm rotor near the wheel rim, rather than on the hub. Gripped by a six-piston caliper, braking forces are transferred directly to the rim, virtually eliminating torsional load on the front wheel. Braking response and feel are outstanding, and a very lightweight, six-spoke cast aluminum wheel reduces unsprung weight and steering inertia. The front is supported by a fully adjustable 41mm Showa inverted fork.
The Premium Look
From its flyscreen to its chopped-off tail, the Lightning XB12S sets the standard for streetfighter attitude. Minimal Surlyn bodywork is offered in Midnight Black or Racing Red to offset a new Graphite Grey frame and swingarm, as well as Translucent Amber wheels. The ventilated tail section is Hammertone Silver, while Magnesium Tone is used on the primary cover, cam cover, license plate bracket and front module. The seat has a new textured cover.
All 2004 Buell motorcycles will be covered by a two-year, unlimited mileage warranty replacing the previous one-year warranty.
Buell Motorcycle Company, a subsidiary of Harley-Davidson, Inc., produces sport motorcycles, motorcycle parts, accessories and apparel. To learn more about Buell motorcycles, visit your local Buell dealer today and experience the pure streetfighter attitude, style and performance only found on board a Buell. Call 1-800-490-9635 for the Buell dealer nearest you. Or pull into www.buell.com
XB12S Lightning images
XB12 engine and chassis detail images
XB12S Lightning specifications
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