Buell Firebolt XB12R vs Buell X1 Lightning (2009)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Buell Firebolt XB12Rstacks up against the Buell X1 Lightning. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecBuell Firebolt XB12RBuell X1 Lightning
Model year20092002
Price$9,995
Engine1203 cc1203 cc
Horsepower103 hp101 hp
Torque114 Nm122 Nm
Weight200 kg
Seat height31 mm
Fuel capacity3.8 L4.2 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission5-speed5-speed
Front brakesSingle disc. ZTL2-type brake, 8-piston, 4 pads, fixed caliper, single-sided, inside out, stainless steel, floating rotorSingle disc
Rear brakesSingle disc. Two-piston, direct mount caliper; stainless steel, fixed rotorSingle disc
Tires120/70-ZR17 / 180/55-ZR17 120/70-ZR17 / 170/60-ZR17

Buell Firebolt XB12R vs Buell X1 Lightning — which should you buy?

Picking between the Buell Firebolt XB12R and the Buell X1 Lightning usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Buell Firebolt XB12R brings 103 hp, while the Buell X1 Lightning counters with 101 hp at 200 kg.

Our spec tables above highlight the winning number on each line. For the full rider-focused reviews including real-world fuel economy, service costs and available colors, click into either bike: