Buell XB12Ss

DARING to be different can often bring striking results. Most manufacturers stick to the standard motorcycling conventions, but every now again a designer comes along who refuses to play by the rules. American Erik Buell is one of those men. His passionate obsession for street bikes combined with radical thinking has seen a range of machines to scare the life out of shrinking violets. They’re extrovert, exhilarating and exclusive. And the XB12Ss is no exception.

With a 45 degree V-twin 1203cc engine, mass-centralised weight and fuel-in-the-frame technology, this ogre of a bike pulls huge amounts of torque from nowhere without even breaking into sweat, and has to be ridden to be believed. Partnering with Harley-Davidson in 1993, the Buell Motorcycle Company is seen as Harley’s sporting arm. Indeed they have a whole race series devoted to these bikes across the pond.

To give it its full name, this particular model is the XB12Ss Lightning Long. First released in late 2002, the XB12S is the standard machine. Thereafter, additional lettering denotes slight changes from the base. The XB12Scg gets a 4cm lower seat for shorter riders, while the XB12Ss gets a 5cm longer wheelbase thanks to an extended swingarm. Not only does this benefit the taller rider, it also allows extra space and comfort for potential pillions.

Despite its expanded ergonomics, the XB12Ss is tiny in its proportions and feels much akin to riding a BMX. Redlining at just 7,000 rpm, it gives nothing but fat wads of torque throughout its repertoire. Taking Harley’s ancient pushrod ‘technology’ and stretching it to its limit, the Buell shakes in a distinctly agricultural manner at low revs, yet absolutely flies when given a bit of stick. Anywhere between tickover and the limiter gives more acceleration than you could ever wish for and the awesome noise from the tri-resonance chamber is enough to set off car alarms!

Driven by a Goodyear Hibrex belt on the opposite side to where you would usually find the chain, throttle response is instant, thanks to a variable tensioner. At low speeds, handling can be tricky as it’s difficult to let the clutch out completely without hitting around 20mph in first. Try going any slower and it‘s shake-rattle-and-roll time, so dipping the clutch becomes the norm. I must admit though, childish as it may be, my favourite trick in built-up areas was to slip the clutch and open the throttle right up. That way only half the power is delivered to the back wheel, while the other half is wasted through those hallmark curvaceous down pipes, resulting in stupidly noisy, yet legally acceptable acceleration! Fortunately you can lay off the clutch completely higher up the rev range for some remarkably smooth short-shifting.

Flicking through the bends is a delight on the XB12Ss. Well shod on Pirelli Diablos, silly angles of lean are available to all, and the neat fly screen and comfy gel seat ensure you can stay in the saddle for hours at a time. The mirrors are frankly an irrelevance at low speeds, but come back into play as the vibrations pass. While the top end certainly won’t match the likes of Aprilia’s nutty Tuono or the Triumph Speed Triple, its immense drive goes on at real-world motorcycling speeds. And with all the grunt at such low revs, you never feel like your caning the Buell -- even though the speedo might try to inform you otherwise.

The aluminium frame stores the fuel while the swingarm acts as a sump for the oil. Upside down Showa forks are de rigeur on the Buell, and the exceptional front brake is a six-piston fixed caliper pressing on a 375mm, single-sided, rim-mounted disc. There really is no shortage of stopping power and single finger operation is all I ever needed.

Just two downsides really. The switchgear is on the cheap side for a bike of this price, and because the engine generates so much heat, its fan cuts in as soon as you kill the engine at the end of every ride, however short.

But that aside, the Buell XB12Ss offers extreme amusement for those bold enough to take it on. It’s a long way from subtle and, available in Midnight Black or Sunset Orange, you’ll turn heads wherever you go. Just don’t leave your helmet on the seat when you fire it up…

Article written: April 23, 2007

The Buell XB12Ss was kindly loaned through Riders of Bath Road, Brislington. For more information about test rides, call Riders on 0117 958 8777. Or see the website at www.ridersofbristol.co.uk

OUR STEER ON THE BUELL XB12Ss

Price: £7,295 (@ Jan 09) 

Engine: 1203cc 45 degree V-twin

Power: 100 bhp at 6,600 rpm

Torque: 81 lb ft / 110 Nm at 6,000 rpm

Transmission: five-speed, belt final drive

Weight: 179 kg

Fuel capacity: 16.7 litres

Top speed: 125mph (est)

Seat height: 775 mm

by Jon Bennett