November 16, 2006 The Harley Davidson brand name is associated with attitude – serious attitude. It cultivates a brand loyalty second to NONE – how many other consumer groups tattoo their chests, biceps and girlfriends with a company logo? The HD brand is associated with a cruising style of motorcycle though, so Erik Buell’s decision to take Harley motors and do wickedly clever and decidedly different things with them was a perfect opportunity for a brand extension. Harley’s purchase of Buell coincided with the rise of a new form of motorcycle – the naked, raw, streetfighter – designed for getting from point A to point B reaaally quickly. The latest incarnation of the muscular yet lean Buell breed is the Lightning Super TT XB12STT, which made its worldwide debut at the EICMA International Motorcycle Show in Milan, Italy, this week. The Lightning Super TT boldly reflects the rebellious and aggressive spirit of the parent brand.
“Our motorcycles empower riders in the city and out on the back roads, and are purpose-built to offer a truly exhilarating ride,” said Buell chairman and chief technical officer, Erik Buell. “The Lightning Super TT XB12STT continues that vision by blending street and track performance with heaps of torque and power into a bigger, eye-catching and versatile Supermoto-inspired design.”
With 81 ft. lbs. / 110 Nm of torque and the broad powerband of the Buell Thunderstorm 1203cc 45º engine, the Lightning Super TT is primed to rule both the urban jungle as well as any favourite stretch of twisty mountain road. The air/oil/fan-cooled V-Twin engine features DDFI II electronic fuel injection and the Buell Interactive Exhaust is tuned for the ultimate in performance and control.
The Buell “Trilogy of Technology” featuring frame rigidity, mass centralisation and low unsprung weight works to provide the Lightning Super TT with superior handling, powerfully smooth acceleration and legendary Buell torque. A lightweight aluminium frame contains the fuel, with the oil in the swingarm. The muffler is located below the engine and the Immediate Throttle Response System, with a light Goodyear Hibrex final belt drive with Flexten Plus technology, provides what feels like a direct connection between the throttle and the rear wheel for an exhilarating ride in all conditions.
A ZTL (Zero Torsional Load) front brake features a 375 mm disc gripped by a powerful six-piston caliper. The disc is mounted on the wheel perimeter at the base of the six-spoked wheels finished in Villain Black. The Pirelli Scorpion Sync tyres on the Lightning Super TT have an aggressive tread pattern to provide superb bite on the most challenging of urban roads.
The Buell Lightning family is renowned for its combination of functional rider ergonomics and sporty styling. The Lightning Super TT has a long, smooth Supermoto-style solo seat with a 798 mm height. The 1365 mm wheelbase offers superb agility wherever the road leads. Fully adjustable, 43 mm Showa inverted front forks and an adjustable Showa rear shock, adds even more versatility.
While this new Buell motorcycle will stand out from any crowd with its slick, competition-inspired look featuring racing-style number plates and flyscreen with a minimalist Satin Black tail section, riders can showcase their own inspiration by easily personalising the bodywork. The Arctic White Surlyn bodywork is combined with wide, flat handlebars with cross-brace, instrument panel and deflectors for a unique and aggressive street style. The upper front fender provides debris protection with a Supermoto look.
Buell Lightning Super TT XB12STT highlights:
- 1203cc Thunderstorm V-Twin powertrain:88.9 mm bore and 96.8 mm stroke10.0:1 compression ratio49 mm down draft DDFI II fuel-injectionInteractive exhaust with mass-centralised mounting100 hp / 101.4 PS / 74.6 kw @ 6600 rpm (EU Standard EC95/1) 81 ft. lbs. / 110 Nm peak torque @ 6000 rpm (EU Standard EC95/1)Villain Black 6-spoke powdercoat cast aluminium wheels:Front: 3.5 inch x 17 inch wheel with 120/70 ZR-17 tyreRear: 5.5 inch x 17 inch wheel with 180/55 ZR-17 tyrePirelli Scorpion Sync tyresBuell ZTL front brake43 mm Showa fully-adjustable front suspension with inverted forksShowa fully-adjustable rear suspension with coil-over monoshock with remote reservoirNarrow Supermoto-style solo seatSupermoto-inspired upper front fender design Racing-style white Surlyn flyscreen and tail section number plates that are easily swapped out as a canvass for moto art and self-expression798 mm seat heightDry weight: 179 kgWheelbase: 1365 mmGraphite Grey frame and swingarmSupermoto-style handlebars with crossbar and deflectors.