Buell XB12S Lightning - something completely different
from Motorcycles (326 articles)
Buell XB12S Lightning - something completely different
Image Gallery ( 12 images )As Buell motorcycles were refined, the company’s manufacturing capabilities were expanded. 1991 was the first year in which Buell Motor Company not only designed bodywork, but also produced it in a new composite and paint shop. The result was greater quality control and improved design flexibility.
A single-seat version of the RS1200 was introduced late in the 1991 model year. Dubbed the RSS1200, it won enthusiastic approval of the motorcycle press for its lean, clean lines. A total of 40 units were built between March and August 1991. Combined production of RSS and RS models totalled 325 through 1993. In 1994, Buell introduced the curvaceous Thunderbolt S2, the first model produced under the partnership with Harley-Davidson Inc. The motorcycle won rave reviews from the motorcycle press and is still known for its beautiful lines and fluid design. A sport-touring version, the S2T, was added to the line-up in 1995. The new model was named Rider Magazine’s Top Innovation that season. Together, the two models combined for total sales in excess of 1,000 units. The next year brought the introduction of the all-new 1996 Lightning S1. The original “street fighter”, the Lightning S1, defined a whole new class of “Hooligan” motorcycles. Featuring minimal bodywork, a racing-styled seat, exposed frame and the centralised mass of the 1203cc engine, exhaust system and suspension, the model was named “Hooligan Bike of the Year” by Cycle World Magazine that year.
A redesign of the Thunderbolt was also introduced in 1996 as the Thunderbolt S3 and the Thunderbolt S3T. The models continued the design evolution of sport touring motorcycles. Together with the Lightning S1, the S3 and S3T combined for sales in excess of 2,000 units.
In 1997, the Cyclone M2 was introduced to the Buell line with ith a more relaxed seating configuration and wider seat, the Cyclone helped push Buell motorcycle sales above the 3,000 unit mark. The new Thunderstorm engine was introduced into the Buell line-up in 1998 as the powerplant for the new White Lightning S1W model. Similar in styling to the S1 Lightning, the new bike featured a carbon fibre rear fender, bold colours, and the super-high output Thunderstorm engine. The S1W was named “Best Standard” by Cycle World Magazine. The Thunderbolt models also received the Thunderstorm engine to round out an impressive offering of 1998 models. Sales continued to grow, and in 1998 Buell sold more than 5,000 motorcycles. A complete redesign of the Lightning and Cyclone models was in store for 1999. New body, new frame, new suspension, larger and more comfortable seats and bold new colour offerings were available on the Lightning X1 and Cyclone M2. The Thunderbolt S3 and S3T also received a refined seat and dramatic new colour and sport touring options. Dynamic Digital Fuel Injection (DDFI) became a standard feature on the Lightning and Thunderbolt as well. The redesign and refinements helped contribute to total sales of approximately 8,000 units world-wide during 1999.
On the road
Now the centre of gravity of a motorcycle is just the average location of the mass of a motorcycle.
One of the main reasons big touring bikes wallow and yaw on undulating and bumpy roads at speed is the amount of weight they carry at a distance from the centre of gravity – panniers, a heavy fairing, a top box and heavy mufflers all contribute to the shimmy and yaw to warn the rider that any more power or speed or unwanted road forces might cause the motorcycle to samba out of control. The Buell is at the opposite end of the scale, with every fitting on the motorcycle designed to be as close to the centre of gravity as possible – it is the exact opposite and reduces the moment of inertia in pitch, roll and yaw. The result is a bike which is effectively devoid of bad handling behaviour – if you are good enough, this bike will do exactly what you tell it. If you crash this bike, it will almost certainly be because you have been going ridiculously fast or have misjudged the road surface.
The seating position is quite upright, and the bars are flat and offer plenty of leverage, so the bike is ideal for round-town and won’t give you a sore back. In discussing the handling and road presence of the Buell, it was more than once described as a bionic pea – it feels like it has a compact core which sits directly below the rider located somewhere between the knees and ankles and with such an upright seating position and the bike disappearing below the rider’s view very quickly, it feels like it will do whatever is asked of it, and inspires confidence. The Buell press kit describes it as a “feeling of flight” and it’s not just the product of a copywriter’s imagination – it really does feel different and exhilarating.
