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ZTL-2™ Front Brake Proven through multiple wins in AMA Pro Racing, the Buell Zero Torsional Load (ZTL-2™) front brake utilizes a 4-pad, 8-piston caliper and single 375 mm rotor. The caliper casting was optimized for clamp stiffness, yielding a more progressive and connected braking feel to the rider. New for 2010, the flycut ZTL-2™ logo adds a trick look to the caliper. The rim-mounted design eliminates the need for load-bearing spokes or even a second disc, resulting in a front-end assembly that is significantly lighter than competitive designs.
6-spoke Cast Aluminum Wheels The Buell 6-spoke front wheel is extremely light, reducing steering inertia and unsprung weight for better handling on the track or less-than-perfect streets.
Underslung Exhaust Exhaust cans are heavy and hot. It doesn't make sense to hang them up high and off the back of the bike and close to the rider. Our underslung exhaust - a Buell staple since 1985 - concentrates the weight underneath the chassis to provide greater Mass Centralization. The result is a clean, uncluttered look, improved flickability and superior handling. It also features a large-volume muffler tuned to produce a linear horsepower and torque curve.
Frame and Swingarm Handling is key to everything we do. That's why our massive frames and swingarms are made of aluminum. Lightweight and extremely rigid, they minimize torsional flex and optimize lateral flex for control in the corners. Incorporating the fuel tank into the frame and the oil reservoir into the swingarm also improves handling. By lowering the placement of the fluids, the center of gravity shifts downward, which explains why a Buell® flicks so effortlessly through corners.
Rear Suspension A top-shelf Showa® push shock with a fully adjustable damping cartridge allows you to fine-tune the compression, rebound and preload to maximize handling and feedback for any condition.
1203 cc Thunderstorm® Engine The Thunderstorm® 1203 cc, 45-degree V-twin delivers the iconic look, thunderous sound and power-pulsing feel that only a V-twin engine can offer. Following the style of an American Muscle machine, you can tap into maximum torque in any gear, regardless of where the tach needle is pointing. In fact, you'll find that over 85 percent of the motor's torque is available at just 2500 rpm. Performance and dependability are enhanced with a large crank pin, a large-capacity oiling system and an electronic timing system and ECM that control a DDFI 3 fuel injection system. Combined, these features improve drivability and performance while reducing maintenance costs.
Buell® Intuitive Response Chassis (IRC) Like every Buell, the rigid chassis is light, nimble and rock solid in the corners. The 54-inch wheelbase provides a spacious cockpit with excellent ergonomics, while maintaining razor sharp handling.
Front Suspension The fully adjustable 43 mm Showa® inverted fork features a high-performance damping cartridge that lets you adjust the setup for any situation, with 5.6-inches of travel to soak up every bump and pothole. Whether it's at the track or the ride home, you can optimize the suspension for excellent feedback and razor-sharp handling.
Immediate Throttle Response Belt Drive A unique constant-tension pulley eliminates slack in the driveline, resulting in smoother on/off throttle transitions no matter what position the swingarm is in. Clean, quiet and extremely strong, the Goodyear® Hibrex® belt with Flexten® Plus technology never requires adjustments of any kind. It's extremely light, weighing just 1.06 pounds.
Battery Tender Plug New for 2010, a battery tender plug comes standard and is conveniently located underneath the passenger seat for easy access.
12-liter Air Box The large 12-liter air box is designed to optimize air intake and accommodate a large, easy-to-service air filter.
Durability Features Standard frame pucks help prevent costly repairs.
Low Unsprung Weight - Zero Torsional Load (ZTL-2™) braking system.
- Mounted to the wheel's perimeter, the 375 mm rotor with 4-pad, 8-piston caliper transfers braking forces directly to the rim instead of through the spokes.
- Front-end weighs approximately 7 pounds less than most dual disc set-ups, which significantly reduces unsprung weight.
- Buell Immediate Throttle Response™ system with innovative idler pulley.
- The XB product line has the same Goodyear® Hibrex® final drive belt with Flexten® Plus technology that was developed for the 1125R®.
- Benefits include improved wear and debris resistance, not to mention the fact that it weighs three or four pounds less than chains.
- Clean, quiet, lightweight, no lubrication, no regular maintenance, and no scheduled replacement.
- No adjustments and no driveline lash.
Chassis Rigidity - Intuitive Response Chassis gives balance and inspires confidence.
- Lightweight, extremely rigid aluminum frame and swingarm; minimizes torsional flex and optimizes controlled lateral flex in the corners.
- Uniplanar™ powertrain, vibration isolation system.
Showa® Inverted Front Forks - Fully adjustable rear mono-shock.
O2 Sensor in Front Header A second O2 sensor has been added to the front header with an updated engine calibration, improving both fuel economy and drivability.
Usable Power 1203 cc models redline at 7100 rpm and 984 cc models redline at 7500 rpm. The power is right there when you need it. So you won't have to wait for the engine to rev up to the powerband.
Cam-driven High Output Oil Pump Gear Derived from race testing, this track-proven component improves internal oiling for the crankpin and bearings, increasing service life for all dynamic systems of the powertrain.
Enhanced Air Cooling As soon as you turn off a motorcycle, the hot oil begins to break down, potentially leading to engine damage. But on a Buell®, the temperature-controlled fan continues to cool the oil even after you pull the key. The fan also has you covered if you happen to get stuck in traffic.
Thunderstorm® - DDFI 3 Actively controls and monitors the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS), Idle Air Control (IAC) and spark timing, automatically zeroing the TPS and adjusting fuel metering at idle and throughout the driving range of the engine to provide a smoother idle and reduced maintenance.
Thunderstorm® - Automated Timing Electronic engine management system actively monitors and adjusts fuel mapping and timing to current riding conditions for improved ride quality and superior service life.
Large Crank Pin and Bearings Enhances durability over the service life of the vehicle.
Uniplanar™ Isolation Mounting System Using two rubber isolators to minimize vibration transfer from the engine to the rider and three tie-bars to inhibit lateral movement between the engine and the frame, the Uniplanar™ Isolation Mounting System decreases rider fatigue while contributing to chassis torsional rigidity for improved handling.
Fairing A minimal, front flyscreen faring creates a clean, aggressive look.
Styling - Custom look featuring many blacked-out components including the frame, swingarm, engine, triple clamps, outer fork tubes and lower castings, brake caliper, footpeg mounts, and heel guards.
- Wide, flat handlebar is perfect for aggressive street riding.
- Upright, athletic position offers great communication between rider and machine.
- Sexy and confident looks in high gloss - Villain Black, Cherry Bomb Translucid and Kick Ash Translucid.
- Cast aluminum minimalist tail section enhances the sleek and naked look of the entire package.
- Bikini fairing offers minimum coverage and maximum exposure.
Pirelli® Scorpion Sync Tires Pirelli® Scorpion Sync tires combine the best street-sport and off-pavement tire technology available. The hybrid tire construction delivers all the performance and confidence you need on the street, while providing the traction you need when city streets look more like the back trails.
Ergonomics Wide bars and naturally positioned footpegs provide great leverage, enabling you to ride confidently and aggressively.
Footpegs Located in a comfortable, neutral position, the footpeg placement keeps you upright and positioned perfectly to quickly shift your weight around the bike.
Handlebars A nod to flat-track racers, these wide, flat handlebars are perfect for aggressive street riding. The upright, athletic position offers great communication between rider and machine.
Weight At just 400 pounds dry, the XB12Ss is extremely lightweight and nimble.
Performance and Handling - The same 4-pad, 8-piston ZTL-2™TM (Zero Torsional Load) front braking system that led the 1125R® to victories in AMA Pro Racing is also offered on the Lightning® XB12Ss.
- Powerful Thunderstorm® 1203 cc, 45-degree, V-twin engine.
- 84 ft./lbs. of torque and 103 hp deliver stump-pulling, arm-ripping, air-cooled power.
- Enhanced air cooling: Temperature-controlled fan continues to cool the oil even after the key is pulled.
- 43 mm Showa® inverted front forks with 5.6-inches of travel feature a fully adjustable high-performance damping cartridge.
- 4.4-gallon fuel capacity with over a 200-mile range.
- Purposeful geometry - more room for the rider and passenger.
- 54-inch wheelbase, 23.5-degree rake, 4.7-inch trail, 30.5-inch seat height.
- Features 2-inch longer swingarm.
- Sculpted seat for lower seat height.
- Flickable and responsive.
Seat Sculpted seat is comfortable and maintains the desired seat height.