Buell XB12Ss Lightning Long vs Buell Firebolt XB12R (2010)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Buell XB12Ss Lightning Longstacks up against the Buell Firebolt XB12R. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | Buell XB12Ss Lightning Long | Buell Firebolt XB12R |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 2010 | 2009 |
| Price | $10,299 | $9,995 |
| Engine | 1203 cc | 1203 cc |
| Horsepower | 103 hp | 103 hp |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 114 Nm |
| Weight | 181 kg | — |
| Seat height | 33 mm | — |
| Fuel capacity | 4.4 L | 3.8 L |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | 5-speed | 5-speed |
| Front brakes | Single disc. ZTL2-type brake, 8-piston, 4 pads, fixed caliper, 375 mm single-sided, inside out, stainless steel, floating rotor | Single disc. ZTL2-type brake, 8-piston, 4 pads, fixed caliper, single-sided, inside out, stainless steel, floating rotor |
| Rear brakes | Single disc. Two-piston, direct mount caliper; stainless steel, fixed rotor | Single disc. Two-piston, direct mount caliper; stainless steel, fixed rotor |
| Tires | 120/70-ZR17 / 180/55-ZR17 | 120/70-ZR17 / 180/55-ZR17 |
Buell XB12Ss Lightning Long vs Buell Firebolt XB12R — which should you buy?
Picking between the Buell XB12Ss Lightning Long and the Buell Firebolt XB12R usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Buell XB12Ss Lightning Long brings 103 hp in a 181 kg package, while the Buell Firebolt XB12R counters with 103 hp. On price, the Buell Firebolt XB12R has the lower MSRP.
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: