Buell Lightning XB12S vs Buell Ulysses XB12XT (2009)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Buell Lightning XB12Sstacks up against the Buell Ulysses XB12XT. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | Buell Lightning XB12S | Buell Ulysses XB12XT |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 2008 | 2009 |
| Price | $10,495 | $12,995 |
| Engine | 1203 cc | 1203 cc |
| Horsepower | 103 hp | 103 hp |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 114 Nm |
| Weight | 179 kg | — |
| Seat height | — | 31 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 3.8 L | 4.4 L |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | 5-speed | 5-speed |
| Front brakes | Single disc. 8-piston calipers | Single disc. ZTL™ brake, 6-piston, fixed caliper; 375 mm single-sided, inside-out, stainless steel, floating rotor |
| Rear brakes | Single disc. 2-piston calipers | 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 Lightning XB12S vs Buell Ulysses XB12XT — which should you buy?
Picking between the Buell Lightning XB12S and the Buell Ulysses XB12XT usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Buell Lightning XB12S brings 103 hp in a 179 kg package, while the Buell Ulysses XB12XT counters with 103 hp. On price, the Buell Lightning XB12S 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: