2007 BMW R 1200R vs 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles

Differences only

2007 BMW R 1200R

Naked bike

Engine

Two cylinder boxer

Power

80 kW / 109 hp @ 7500 rpm

Top Speed

219.6 km/h / 136 mph

Weight

436.5 pounds

2008 Buell XB12S Lightning

Naked bike

Engine

45° V-Twin, four stroke, pushrod actuated overhead valve. hydraulic self-adjusting lifters, 2 valve per cylinder.

Power

86.9 kW / 103 hp @ 6800 rpm

Top Speed

216.2 km/h / 134 mph

Weight

179 kg / 395 lbs

Full Specifications

Differs Same

General
Year	2007	2008
Make Model	BMW R 1200R	Buell XB12S Lightning
Dimensions
Seat Height	800 mm / 31.4 in	765 mm / 30.1"
Wheelbase	1495 mm / 59.1 in	1320 mm / 52.0"
Ground Clearance	-	110 mm / 4.4"
Height	1273 mm / 50.1 in (excl. mirrors)	1092 mm / 43.0"
Length	2145 mm / 84.4 in	1924 mm / 75.7"
Width	906 mm / 35.6 in (incl. mirrors)	768 mm / 30.2"
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight	198 kg / 436.5 lbs	179 kg / 395 lbs
Fuel Capacity	18 Litres / 4.7 US gal	14 L / 3.7 US gal
Maximum Load / GVWR	-	386 kg / 850 lbs
Oil Capacity	-	2.37 L / 2.50 qts
Performance
Top Speed	219.6 km/h / 136 mph	216.2 km/h / 134 mph
Max Power	80 kW / 109 hp @ 7500 rpm	86.9 kW / 103 hp @ 6800 rpm
Max Torque	115 Nm / 11.7 kgf-m / 85 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm	114 Nm / 11.6 kgf-m / 84 ft-lbs @ 6000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio	0.5505 HP/kg	-
Standing Start 0-1000 m	22.6 sec / 213 km/h / 132 mph	-
Standing Start ¼ Mile	11.9 sec / 187.2 km/h / 116.3 mph	12.2 sec
Engine
Engine Type	Two cylinder boxer	-
Stroke	4	-
Displacement	1170 cc / 71.4 cu in	1203 cc / 73 cu in
Engine Detail	Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 4 valves per cylinder	45° V-Twin, four stroke, pushrod actuated overhead valve. hydraulic self-adjusting lifters, 2 valve per cylinder.
Fuel System	Injection. Electronic fuel injection	-
Bore x Stroke	101 x 73 mm	88.9 x 96.8 mm
Compression Ratio	11.0:1	10.0:1
Cooling System	Air/Oil-cooled	Air cooled
Exhaust	-	Free breathing, 2-into-1 Tuned, tri-pass resonance chamber with InterActive valve and mass-centralized mounting
Fuel Consumption	7.2 L/100 km / 13.8 km/l / 32.4 US mpg	-
Fuel Induction	Electronic intake manifold injection BMS-K	Ø49 mm downdraft DDFI II fuel injection
Fuel Reserve	-	2.8 L / 0.75 US gal
Ignition	Digital engine management	-
Lubrication	-	Dry sump
Starter	Electric	Electric
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity	12 V / 14 Ah, maintenance-free	-
Drivetrain
Clutch	Single disc dry clutch, hydraulically actuated	Wet, multi-plate
Final Drive	Shaft	Belt
Gear Ratios	1st 2.375 / 2nd 1.696 / 3rd 1.296 / 4th 0.065 / 5th 0.939 / 6th 0.848	1st 2.649 / 2nd 1.892 / 3rd 1.407 / 4th 1.166 / 5th 1.000
Gearbox	6-speed	-
Transmission / Drive	6 Speed	5 Speed
Chassis
Frame Type	Tubular steel spaceframe, load-bearing engine	Aluminium frame with Uniplanar Powertrain vibration isolation system, fuel in frame
Suspension - Front	BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 41 mm, central spring strut	Showa ø43 mm inverted forks compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload adjustable
Suspension - Rear	Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; central spring strut, spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) at handwheel, rebound damping adjustable	Showa coil-over monoshock, remote underseat reservoir and adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload, 127mm wheel travel
Rake	-	21°
Steering Head Angle	62.9°	-
Trail	119.1 mm / 4.7 in	83 mm / 3.3"
Wheel Travel - Front	120 mm / 4.7 in	120 mm / 4.7"
Wheel Travel - Rear	140 mm / 5.5 in	127 mm / 5.0"
Electrical Systems
Alternator	Three-phase alternator 720 W	-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)	320 mm	-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)	10.4 inches	-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)	265 mm	-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)	12.6 inches	-
Brakes - Front	2 x 320mm discs, ABS	ZTL type brake, 6 piston, fixed caliper, Ø375 mm single-sided, inside out, stainless steel, floating rotor
Brakes - Rear	Single 265mm disc, ABS	Single Ø240 mm disc, 1 piston floating caliper
Rims - Front	3.50 x 17'	-
Rims - Rear	5.50 x 17	-
Tyres - Front	120/70-ZR 17	120/70 ZR17 Pirelli
Tyres - Rear	180/55-ZR 17	180/55 ZR17 Pirelli
Wheels	Cast aluminium wheels	6-Spoke, ZTL cast aluminium
Wheels - Front	-	3.50 x 17"
Wheels - Rear	-	5.50 x 17"

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2007 BMW R 1200R and the 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2007 BMW R 1200R - Advantages

Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.
Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
More rear wheel travel: 140 mm vs 127 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2008 Buell XB12S Lightning - Advantages

Lighter: 179 kg vs 198 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
Lower seat height: 765 mm vs 800 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2007 BMW R 1200R vs 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2007 BMW R 1200R and 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning?

The 2007 BMW R 1200R uses Two cylinder boxer, while the 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning is powered by 45° V-Twin, four stroke, pushrod actuated overhead valve. hydraulic self-adjusting lifters, 2 valve per cylinder..

Which is lighter, the 2007 BMW R 1200R or the 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning?

The 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning is lighter at 179 kg compared to 198 kg for the 2007 BMW R 1200R - a difference of 19 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.

Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2007 BMW R 1200R or the 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning?

The 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning has the lower seat at 765 mm, making it more accessible. The 2007 BMW R 1200R sits higher at 800 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.

Which has the larger fuel tank, the 2007 BMW R 1200R or the 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning?

The 2007 BMW R 1200R has the larger tank at approximately 18 litres vs 14 litres for the 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 300-360 km vs 233-280 km between stops.

Which should I buy, the 2007 BMW R 1200R or the 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning?

Both are strong choices. The 2007 BMW R 1200R has the edge in larger fuel tank and dual front discs, while the 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning stands out for lighter kerb weight and lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

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