BUELL LIGHTNING SERIES BRINGS STREETFIGHTER ATTITUDE IN 2007 

New Pirelli Tires Improve Performance, Translucid Bodywork Adds Flash
EAST TROY, Wis. (July 14, 2006) – The Buell Lightning series of American Streetfighter sport motorcycles is toned up, tuned up and ready to rumble in 2007. Stout V-Twin torque, an athletic riding position, and down-to-business styling distinguish each of the four models in the Buell Lightning line: Lightning XB12S, Lightning XB12Scg, Lightning Long XB12Ss and Lightning CityX XB9SX.
Each Lightning model is descended from the original American Streetfighter, the 1996 Buell S1 Lightning, and takes the core Buell Trilogy of Technology engineering principles in a bold, minimalist direction. Aboard a Buell Lightning, the rider is in position to prowl the streets behind wide handlebars and a dirt-track flyscreen. V-Twin torque flows through a smooth, responsive belt drive to fat rear tire rolling under a provocatively clipped rear fender. Short, flickable, agile, aggressive, and raucous. Lightning motorcycles are the original street hooligans.
What's New on Lightning for 2007
New Pirelli Tires: Pirelli tires are now standard equipment on all Lightning models, replacing the Dunlop tires used previously. Buell engineers have determined that advances made in the Pirelli Diablo T make it a better tire for all-around real-world performance with the Lightning XB12S, Lightning XB12Scg, and Lightning Long XB12Ss. The Lightning CityX XB9SX wears the aggressive tread pattern of the Pirelli Scorpion Sync.
New Colors: The Lightning XB12S and XB12Scg come in a new Cherry Bomb Translucid Red color with matching translucent wheels, and the Lightning XB12Ss Midnight Black model comes with new designer black powdercoat wheels.
The Buell Thunderstorm V-Twin
In the corner-to-corner, light-to-light world of the street, Buell believes that torque matters more than peak horsepower. Which is why each Lightning model is powered by the Buell Thunderstorm, a 45-degree air/oil/fan-cooled V-Twin engine tuned to deliver the broad powerband and tire-twisting torque that's perfect for real-world street performance. Both the middleweight Thunderstorm 984 and muscle-bound Thunderstorm 1203 feature DDFI II electronic fuel injection for precise throttle control and fast get-aways cold or hot. The Thunderstorm 1203 engine also features Buell InterActive Exhaust, which utilizes 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 optimize engine power.
Technology That's More Than Different
Like all Buell motorcycles, each Lightning is designed around the three-pronged Buell Trilogy of Technology – frame rigidity, mass centralization and minimal unsprung weight – to achieve uncompromised handling performance. Fuel is carried in the massive aluminum frame, engine oil is carried in the swingarm, and the muffler is located below the engine, all in an effort to centralize mass and lower the center 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 increases frame rigidity by utilizing the engine as a stressed member of the massively-rigid aluminum frame. The Goodyear Hibrex final drive belt with Flexten Plus technology is lighter than a 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 rotor mounted near the wheel rim, gripped by a six-piston caliper. The large-diameter rotor provides exceptional stopping power without the weight of dual rotors and calipers. Because braking forces are transmitted directly from the rim to the rotor, torsional load at the front wheel is virtually eliminated, which permits the use of a very lightweight cast aluminum 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 Translucid Bodywork
Available Traslucid body makes Buell Lightning the ultimate naked bike. An exclusive feature to Buell, the Translucid airbox cover and flyscreen are made of a translucent plastic that gives the bike color but also allows some mechanical elements to be visible through the material. This "see-through" styling element is offered on certain Lightning models in Translucid Valencia Orange, Translucid Hero Blue, Translucid Kick Ash Gray, and new for 2007, Translucid Cherry Bomb Red. These models also feature cast aluminum wheels with an exclusive, high-gloss translucent paint process that produces a beautiful Translucent Amber or Translucent Cherry Bomb Red color with natural variations and depth.

Buell Lightning XB12S
This is Lightning in its purest form. The Thunderstorm 1203 V-Twin engine pounds out 84 ft. lbs. of torque, a mountain of power made more tractable by the Buell InterActive Exhaust. The short, 52-inch wheelbase gives the XB12S the reflexes of a tailback. A coarse-texture seat and athletic riding position offer outstanding control. The Lightning XB12S is offered in Midnight Black with Designer Black wheels; or with the airbox cover and flyscreen in unique peek-a-boo Translucid Valencia Orange with Translucent Amber wheels, or new Translucid Cherry Bomb Red with Translucent Cherry Bomb Red wheels that put the mechanical details under the bodywork on display. In each case, the frame is Graphite Gray, the front fender and chin spoiler Midnight Black.
Buell Lightning XB12S highlights:
- Buell Thunderstorm 1203 V-Twin engine
- 103 peak hp @ 6800 rpm (per SAE J607)
- 84 ft. lbs. peak torque @ 6800 rpm (per SAE J607)
- Buell InterActive Exhaust
- DDFI II Electronic Fuel Injection
- New Pirelli Diablo T tires
- New Cherry Bomb Translucid bodywork and wheels
- Revised functional airbox cover and redesigned 3D cover graphic
- Single-piece 49mm intake throttle body
- Dry Weight: 395 pounds
- Wheelbase: 52 inches
- Seat height: 30.1 inches
- 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 XB12S performance specs (PDF format- 62KB)
Lightning XB12S 2007 MSRP $10,495
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Buell Lightning XB12Scg
Cut for the rider with a shorter inseam, the Lightning XB12Scg offers a seat height that's 1.5 inches lower than the Lightning XB12S with absolutely no compromise in handling performance. Lowered front and rear suspension and a reshaped seat lower the center of gravity and reduce seat height to 28.6 inches for enhanced rider confidence at stops and low speeds. Power comes from the same rockin' Thunderstorm 1203 V-Twin with Buell InterActive Exhaust. The handling from the same rigid chassis and nimble 52-inch wheelbase. Also available in Midnight Black with Designer Black wheels; or with the airbox cover and flyscreen in Translucid Valencia Orange with Translucent Amber wheels, or new Translucid Cherry Bomb Red with Translucent Cherry Bomb Red wheels) that put the mechanical details under the bodywork on display. In each case, the frame is Graphite Gray, the front fender and chin spoiler Midnight Black.
Buell Lightning XB12Scg highlights:
- Buell Thunderstorm 1203 V-Twin engine
- 103 peak hp @ 6800 rpm (per SAE J607)
- 84 ft. lbs. peak torque @ 6800 rpm (per SAE J607)
- Buell InterActive Exhaust
- DDFI II Electronic Fuel Injection
- New Pirelli Diablo T tires
- New Cherry Bomb Translucid bodywork and wheels
- Revised functional airbox cover and redesigned 3D cover graphic
- Single-piece 49mm intake throttle body
- Dry Weight: 395 pounds
- Wheelbase: 52 inches
- Seat height: 28.6 inches
- 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 XB12Scg performance specs (PDF format- 62KB)
Buell Lightning XB12Scg 2007 MSRP $10,495
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Buell Lightning Long XB12Ss
The expanded ergonomics of the Lightning Long XB12Ss make it better suited to taller riders. The wheelbase is stretched two inches, to 54 inches, thanks to an extended swingarm. The seat is taller and wider than that of the XB12S, and the expanded tail section offers more room for a passenger. There's also a larger under-seat storage compartment. Fork rake is increased from 21 to 23.5 degrees and trail goes from 3.3 inches to 4.7 inches. Larger frame side panels give the Lightning Long a fuel-in-frame capacity of 4.4-gallons. The Lightning Long is powered by the Buell Thunderstorm 1203 V-Twin with Buell InterActive Exhaust. Like all Buell motorcycles, the handling remains quick and responsive. The Lightning Long is available in Sunset Orange with Sunset Orange wheels, and Midnight Black with Designer Black wheels, both with a Graphite Gray frame.
Buell Lightning XB12Ss highlights:
- Buell Thunderstorm 1203 V-Twin engine
- 103 peak hp @ 6800 rpm (per SAE J607)
- 84 ft. lbs. peak torque @ 6800 rpm (per SAE J607)
- Buell InterActive Exhaust
- DDFI II Electronic Fuel Injection
- New Pirelli Diablo T tires
- New designer black powdercoat wheels on Midnight Black model
- Revised functional airbox cover and redesigned 3D cover graphic
- Dry Weight: 400 pounds
- Wheelbase: 54 inches
- Seat height 30.5 inches
- Fully adjustable 43mm Showa upside-down fork
- Fully adjustable Showa rear shock absorber
- 4.4 gallon 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 Long XB12Ss performance specs (PDF format- 62KB)
Buell Lightning Long XB12Ss 2007 MSRP $10,495
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Buell Lightning CityX XB9SX
A metro-middleweight, the Lightning CityX XB9SX is the perfect tool for the rider who needs to slice through congested traffic, blast away from green lights, dodge construction zones and occasionally bump a curb. The tall Skyline seat helps the rider see over traffic. A new, grippy vinyl seat cover material offers enhanced control and comfort. Wide, supermotard-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 tires offers outstanding, all-conditions traction. The Lightning CityX is powered by the Thunderstorm 984 V-Twin that revs quicker and higher than the Thunderstorm 1203 while still serving up a satisfying portion of torque. The see-through Translucid airbox cover and flyscreen in Hero Blue or Kick Ash Gray put mechanical details on display, while Villain Black wheels and Midnight Black lower body panels and front fender hide the grime of the city.
Buell Lightning CityX XB9SX highlights:
- Buell Thunderstorm 984 fuel-injected air/oil/fan-cooled V-Twin engine
- 92 peak hp @ 7500 rpm (per SAE J607)
- 70 ft. lbs. peak torque @ 5500 rpm (per SAE J607)
- DDFI II Electronic Fuel Injection
- Revised functional airbox cover and redesigned 3D cover graphic
- Dry Weight: 390 pounds
- Wheelbase: 52 inches
- Seat height 31.4 inches
- New coarse-textured seat
- 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
- Pirelli Scorpion Sync T tires
- Translucid bodywork
- Villain Black Wheels
- Supermotard-style crossbar handlebars with deflectors
- Headlight grille, deflectors and frame pucks
Buell Lightning CityX XB9SX performance specs (PDF format- 62KB)
Buell Lightning CityX XB9SX 2007 MSRP $8,895
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Buell Lightning Super TT XB12STT
It's time to take to the street with attitude and style as Buell brings on the new Lightning Super TT XB12STT packed with tenacious performance and distinctive urban character. The Lightning Super TT, launched today at the EICMA 64th Annual International Motorcycle Exhibition in Milan, Italy, is built for battle with characteristic Buell Streetfighter innovation and excitement.
"Buell motorcycles let riders own the corners and have fun, whether it's the corners on a back highway or corners of a city street," said Erik Buell, Chairman and Chief Technical Officer, Buell Motorcycle Company. "The Lightning Super TT XB12STT continues that concept by blending street and track performance with plenty of torque and power into a bigger, versatile Supermoto-inspired design."
As the latest addition to the Buell Lightning family, the Lightning Super TT combines hard core Streetfighter attitude with the style of Supermoto bikes. The Supermoto (aka SuperMotard or US TT) category refers to an all-around style of motorcycle combining characteristics of road racing, dirt track and motocross bikes. The Lightning Super TT captures a rebellious and aggressive racing spirit. Other models in the Buell Lightning family are the Lightning XB12S, Lightning XB12Scg, Lightning Long XB12Ss and Lightning CityX XB9SX.
The Buell Lightning family is known for its combination of functional rider ergonomics and sporty styling. The Lightning Super TT provides a long, smooth 31.4-inch solo seat height with Supermoto-style, while a passenger seat can be added. 5.63-inches of suspension travel and a 54-inch wheelbase let you take the Lightning Super TT wherever the road leads. A fully adjustable 43mm Showa inverted fork and fully adjustable Showa rear shock add even more versatility.
While the Lightning Super TT has a slick, competition-inspired look with racing-style number plates, white Surlyn flyscreen and minimalist Satin Black tail section, the bike begs riders to show their inspiration for customization as these components can easily be personalized. The white Surlyn flyscreen sits below a wide, flat handlebar with cross brace, instrument panel and deflectors for aggressive street riding. The upper front fender provides debris protection with a Supermoto look.
Primed with 84 ft. lbs. of torque and broad powerband of the Buell Thunderstorm 1203 45-degree engine, the Lightning Super TT is just the bike to attack city streets. On the roads of the urban jungle or in the corners of a long canyon run, the Lightning Super TT is powerful in every gear, rpm and twist of the throttle. The air/oil/fan-cooled V-Twin engine features DDFI II electronic fuel injection and the Buell Interactive Exhaust is tuned for the ultimate in performance and control.
The Buell Trilogy of Technology featuring frame rigidity, mass centralization and low unsprung weight works to provide the Lightning Super TT with superior handling, powerfully smooth acceleration and legendary Buell torque. A lightweight aluminum frame contains the fuel while the swingarm holds oil. The muffler is located below the engine and the Immediate Throttle Response System has a light Goodyear Hibrex final belt drive with Flexten Plus technology to provide what feels like a direct connection between the throttle and the rear wheel for an exhilarating ride in all conditions.
A ZTL (Zero Torsional Load) front braking system, mounted on the wheel perimeter 375mm rotor, is gripped by six-piston caliper allowing for light, six-spoke Designer Black Super TT wheels. Pirelli Scorpion Sync tires on the Lightning Super TT have an aggressive tread pattern to provide better bite on even the nastiest pavement.
The Lightning Super TT features Barricade Orange or Arctic White airbox cover molded in color schemes. U.S. MSRP for the Lightning Super TT will be $10,295, and it will be available at Harley-Davidson/Buell dealerships in mid to late January 2007.
Buell Lightning Super TT XB12STT highlights:
- 1203cc (73.4 cid) Thunderstorm Powertrain:
- 3.500-inch (88.9 mm) bore and 3.812-inch (96.82 mm) stroke
- 10.0:1 compression ratio
- 49 mm down draft DDFI II fuel injection
- Interactive Exhaust with mass-centralized mounting
- 103 peak horsepower @ 6800 rpm (per SAE J607)
- 84 ft. lbs. peak torque @ 6000 rpm (per SAE J607)
- Designer Black 6-Spoke Powdercoat cast aluminum wheels:
- Front: 3.5 inch (89 mm) x 17 inch (432 mm) wheel with 120/70 ZR-17 tire
- Rear: 5.5 inch (140 mm) x 17 inch (432 mm) wheel with 180/55 ZR-17 tire
- Pirelli Scorpion Sync tires
- Buell ZTL front brake
- Front and rear suspension travel of 5.63 inches (143 mm)
- 43 mm Showa fully-adjustable front suspension with inverted forks
- Showa fully-adjustable rear suspension with coil-over monoshock with remote reservoir
- Narrow Supermoto-style solo seat
- Laden seat height 31.4 inches (798 mm)
- Supermoto-inspired upper front fender design
- Racing style white Surlyn flyscreen and tail section number plates that are easily swapped out as a canvas for moto art and self-expression
- 23.1-degree rake and 4.7-inch (119 mm) trail
- Dry weight: 400 pounds (181 kg)
- Wheelbase: 54 inches (1372 mm)
- Graphite Gray frame and swingarm
- Supermoto-style crossbar with deflectors.
Buell Lightning Super TT XB12STT performance specs (PDF format- 62KB)
Buell Lightning Super TT XB12STT MSRP N/A
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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. Pull into www.buell.com for the Buell dealer nearest you. .
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