In addition to the new Lightning Long XB12Ss, the 2006 Lightning line-up includes the Lightning CityX XB9SX, the Lightning XB12S and the Lightning XB12Scg. Each combines an athletic riding position, bold naked styling and the stirring performance of an American V-Twin engine. Inspired by the minimalist profile of a flat-track racer, the Lightning models feature wide handlebars, dual headlights mounted below a short flyscreen, and a clipped, screened-aluminum tail section over a beefy 180mm rear tire.

LIGHTNING TECHNICAL UPGRADES FOR 2006

– A new transmission features a “dog ring” design for quicker shifts with less effort. Helical-designed gears reduce transmission noise, and the oil-change interval is extended to 10,000 miles from 5,000 miles. Clutch lever effort has also been reduced, by 15 percent on the XB9SX and by 22 percent on the XB12S and the XB12S/cg.

– A durable new Goodyear Hibrex final drive belt with Flexten Plus technology requires no scheduled service or replacement.

– A redesigned swingarm (all models except XB12Ss) is stiffer and 0.56 pounds lighter than the previous design. The swingarm continues to also function as the oil reservoir, and the oil cap has been relocated and redesigned to be easier to access and open. The inner fender and upper and lower belt guards have been restyled.

– The engine air intake has been integrated directly on the air-box cover with an aluminum hex screen that wraps around the fuel cap cowling, replacing the air duct that formerly passed through the frame. Fuel-in-the-frame capacity is increased to 3.82 gallons for all models except the Lightning Long XB12Ss, which holds 4.4 gallons of fuel in its larger frame.

Aggressive Street Performance
Each Lightning model is powered by the Buell Thunderstorm engine, a 45-degree air/oil/fan-cooled V-Twin engine tuned to deliver the broad powerband and tire-twisting torque that’s perfect for real-world street performance. Both the 92-hp Thunderstorm 984 cc and 103-hp Thunderstorm 1203 cc feature electronic fuel injection for precise throttle control. The Thunderstorm 1203 engine also features Buell InterActive Exhaust, which utilizes a valve in the dual-chamber muffler that is controlled by the ECM and adjusts exhaust flow according to riding conditions to smooth torque delivery and optimize engine power.

The Buell Trilogy of Technology design principles – frame rigidity, mass centralization and minimal unsprung weight – contribute to the performance of each Lightning model. Fuel is carried in the massive aluminum frame, engine oil is carried in the swingarm, and the muffler is located below the engine, all in an effort to centralize mass and lower the center of gravity. The Buell Uniplanar engine mounting system reduces vibration to the rider and increases frame rigidity by utilizing the engine as a stressed member of the chassis.

The Buell Zero Torsional Load front brake features a single 375mm rotor mounted near the wheel rim, gripped by a six-piston caliper. Because braking forces are transmitted directly from the rim to the rotor, torsional load at the front wheel is virtually eliminated and brake feel and control is enhanced. Reduced torsional load permits the use of a very lightweight cast aluminum front wheel for a significant reduction in unsprung weight and steering inertia. A lightweight drive belt reduces unsprung weight at the rear. Premium suspension components include a Showa upside-down fork adjustable for pre-load, compression and rebound damping and a fully adjustable Showa coil-over rear shock.

Buell Lightning Long XB12Ss
An extended swingarm and increased fork rake give the new Lightning Long a 54-inch wheelbase, two inches longer than the Lightning XB12S. Fork rake is increased from 21 to 22 degrees and trail goes from 3.3 inches to 4.7 inches. The result is a streetfighter with more relaxed handling and expanded ergonomics better suited to taller riders. The tail section is longer and the seat is taller and wider, and offers more room for a passenger. There’s also a larger under-seat storage compartment. Larger frame side panels give the Lightning Long a fuel-in-frame capacity of 4.4-gallons.

Buell InterActive Exhaust, a valve in the dual-chamber muffler controlled by the ECM that adjusts exhaust flow, gives the Thunderstorm 1203 V-Twin engine smooth torque delivery and optimized power. Like all Buell motorcycles, the handling remains quick and responsive. It is offered in Sunset Orange with Sunset Orange wheels, Midnight Black with Translucent Amber wheels, and Thrust Blue with Translucent Amber wheels, all with a Graphite Gray frame.

Buell Lightning XB12Ss features:
Buell Thunderstorm 1203 fuel-injected air/oil/fan-cooled V-Twin engine
103 peak hp, 84 ft. lbs. peak torque
Buell InterActive Exhaust
4.4-gallon fuel-in-frame capacity
New extended swingarm
New easy-shifting transmission
New Goodyear Hibrex drive belt with Flexten Plus technology
New air intake location
Graphite Gray frame
Oil-in-swingarm
43mm fully adjustable Showa upside-down fork
Fully adjustable Showa rear shock absorber
Buell ZTL front brake system
Flat track-style handlebars
Buell Lightning CityX XB9SX
The Lightning CityX XB9SX is an urban brawler, designed to rule the city streets with muscle and attitude. Armed with handlebar deflectors and a headlight grille, the CityX rider grips wide, supermotard-style handlebars while the Skyline seat offers an elevated view of traffic ahead. The Thunderstorm 984 V-Twin delivers quick-revving acceleration for the cut-and-thrust of urban traffic. Pirelli Scorpion Sync tires have an aggressive tread pattern for all-conditions performance. New high-impact composite frame pucks protect the frame from minor cosmetic damage. The soft-rubber Buell X Guard helps protect the airbox from tankbag scuffing. The see-through Translucid airbox cover and flyscreen put mechanical details on display, while Villain Black wheels and Midnight Black lower body panels and front fender hide the grime of the city. Available for 2006 in Hero Blue Translucid and new Kick Ash Translucid.

Buell Lightning CityX XB9SX features:
Buell Thunderstorm 984 fuel-injected air/oil/fan-cooled V-Twin engine
92 peak hp, 70 ft. lbs. peak torque
New easy-shifting transmission
New Goodyear Hibrex drive belt with Flexten Plus technology
New lighter, stiffer swingarm design
New air intake location
Hero Blue or Kick Ash Translucid bodywork
Fuel-in-frame, oil-in-swingarm
Headlight grille
Handlebar deflectors
Buell X airbox guard
Supermotard-style crossbar handlebars
Villain Black wheels, handlebars, handlebar clamp, license plate bracket
Pirelli Scorpion Sync tires
Buell ZTL braking system
43mm fully adjustable Showa upside-down fork
Fully adjustable Showa rear shock absorber
Buell Lightning XB12S
The original Lightning XB12S takes the Buell Streetfighter to the edge. The Thunderstorm 1203 V-Twin engine delivers a well-rounded portion of torque, thanks to the Buell InterActive Exhaust, a valve in the dual-chamber muffler controlled by the ECM that adjusts exhaust flow according to riding conditions to optimize engine power. A coarse-texture seat and athletic riding position offer outstanding control. A new, stiffer swingarm and smooth-shifting transmission up the performance ante for 2006. The Lightning XB12S is offered in Midnight Black, or with a new Valencia Orange Translucid airbox cover and flyscreen with Midnight Black front fender and chin spoiler, both with high-gloss Translucent Amber wheels.

Buell Lightning XB12S features:
Buell Thunderstorm 1203 fuel-injected air/oil/fan-cooled V-Twin engine
103 peak hp, 84 ft. lbs. peak torque
Buell InterActive Exhaust
New easy-shifting transmission
New Goodyear Hibrex drive belt with Flexten Plus technology
New lighter, stiffer swingarm design
New air intake location
New Valencia Orange Translucid bodywork
Fuel-in-frame, oil-in-swingarm
43mm fully adjustable Showa upside-down fork
Fully adjustable Showa rear shock absorber
Buell ZTL front brake system
Translucent Amber wheels
Flat track-style handlebars
Buell Lightning XB12Scg
The new Lightning XB12Scg offers uncompromised streetfighter performance with a lower seat height. Altered front and rear suspension and a reshaped seat lower the center of gravity and reduce seat height to 28.6 inches – 1.75 inches lower than the standard XB12S. Thrust comes courtesy of a Thunderstorm 1203 V-Twin with Buell InterActive Exhaust and a new, smoother-shifting transmission. Available in Midnight Black or with a new Valencia Orange Translucid airbox cover and flyscreen with Midnight black front fender and chin spoiler, both with high-gloss Translucent Amber wheels.