Buell XB12SX Lightning City X vs Buell XB12R Firebolt (2010)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Buell XB12SX Lightning City Xstacks up against the Buell XB12R Firebolt. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecBuell XB12SX Lightning City XBuell XB12R Firebolt
Model year20102010
Price$10,299
Engine1203 cc1203 cc
Horsepower93 hp103 hp
Torque104 Nm114 Nm
Weight179 kg
Seat height29 mm31 mm
Fuel capacity3.8 L3.8 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission5-speed5-speed
Front brakesSingle disc. ZTL2-type brake, 8-piston, 4 pads, fixed caliper, 375 mm single-sided, inside out, stainless steel, floating rotorSingle disc. ZTL2-type brake, 8-piston, 4 pads, fixed caliper, single-sided, inside out, stainless steel, floating rotor
Rear brakesSingle disc. Two-piston, direct mount caliper; stainless steel, fixed rotorSingle disc. Two-piston, direct mount caliper; stainless steel, fixed rotor
Tires120/70-ZR17 / 180/55-ZR17 120/70-ZR17 / 180/55-ZR17

Buell XB12SX Lightning City X vs Buell XB12R Firebolt — which should you buy?

Picking between the Buell XB12SX Lightning City X and the Buell XB12R Firebolt usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Buell XB12SX Lightning City X brings 93 hp in a 179 kg package, while the Buell XB12R Firebolt counters with 103 hp.

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: