2008 Buell XB12S Lightning vs 2007 Suzuki SV 1000S

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles

Differences only

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

2007 Suzuki SV 1000S

Naked bike

Engine

Power

90.9 kW / 123.5 hp / @ 9000 rpm

Top Speed

229.7 km/h / 142.7 mph

Weight

208 kg / 458.5 lbs

Full Specifications

Differs Same

General
Year	2008	2007
Colours	-	Black, Blue
Make Model	Buell XB12S Lightning	Suzuki SV 1000S
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)	-	5.9 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)	-	150 mm
Seat Height	765 mm / 30.1"	810 mm / 31.8 in
Wheelbase	1320 mm / 52.0"	1435 mm / 56.5in
Ground Clearance	110 mm / 4.4"	140 mm / 5.5 in
Height	1092 mm / 43.0"	1170 mm / 46.0 in
Length	1924 mm / 75.7"	2130 mm / 83.9 in
Width	768 mm / 30.2"	790 mm / 31.1 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight	179 kg / 395 lbs	185 kg / 407.8 lbs
Fuel Capacity	14 L / 3.7 US gal	17 Litres / 4.5 US gal / 3.7 Imp gal
Maximum Load / GVWR	386 kg / 850 lbs	-
Oil Capacity	2.37 L / 2.50 qts	-
Wet Weight	-	208 kg / 458.5 lbs
Performance
Top Speed	216.2 km/h / 134 mph	229.7 km/h / 142.7 mph
Max Power	86.9 kW / 103 hp @ 6800 rpm	90.9 kW / 123.5 hp / @ 9000 rpm
Max Torque	114 Nm / 11.6 kgf-m / 84 ft-lbs @ 6000 rpm	102 Nm / 10.4 kgf-m / 75.2 lb-ft @ 7200 rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile	12.2 sec	11.0 sec / 198 km/h / 122
Engine
Stroke	-	4
Engine Type	-	V2
Fuel Control	-	DOHC
Displacement	1203 cc / 73 cu in	996 cc / 60.7 cu-in
Engine Detail	45° V-Twin, four stroke, pushrod actuated overhead valve. hydraulic self-adjusting lifters, 2 valve per cylinder.	Four stroke, 90° V-twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel System	-	Injection
Bore x Stroke	88.9 x 96.8 mm	98 x 66 mm
Compression Ratio	10.0:1	11.6:1
Cooling System	Air cooled	Liquid cooled
Engine Lubrication	-	Wet Sump
Engine Oil Specification	-	Synthetic, 10W/40
Exhaust	Free breathing, 2-into-1 Tuned, tri-pass resonance chamber with InterActive valve and mass-centralized mounting	-
Fuel Consumption	-	5.5 L/100 km / 18.2 km/l / 42.8 US mpg / 51.4 Imp mpg
Fuel Induction	Ø49 mm downdraft DDFI II fuel injection	Dual Throttle Valve fuel-injection system
Fuel Reserve	2.8 L / 0.75 US gal	-
Ignition	-	Digital transistorized
Lubrication	Dry sump	Wet sump
Starter	Electric	Electric
Valve System	-	4
Drivetrain
Clutch	Wet, multi-plate	Wet, multiple discs, hydraulic operated
Final Drive	Belt	Chain
Gear Ratios	1st 2.649 / 2nd 1.892 / 3rd 1.407 / 4th 1.166 / 5th 1.000	-
Gearbox	-	6-speed
Transmission / Drive	5 Speed	6 Speed
Chassis
Frame Type	Aluminium frame with Uniplanar Powertrain vibration isolation system, fuel in frame	-
Suspension - Front	Showa ø43 mm inverted forks compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload adjustable	46 mm Telescopic fork, cartridge-type, adjustable preload, compression and rebound damping
Suspension - Rear	Showa coil-over monoshock, remote underseat reservoir and adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload, 127mm wheel travel	Link-type, 7-way preload, compression and rebound damping adjustable
Rake	21°	-
Trail	83 mm / 3.3"	-
Wheel Travel - Front	120 mm / 4.7"	120 mm / 4.5 in
Wheel Travel - Rear	127 mm / 5.0"	130 mm / 5.1 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front	ZTL type brake, 6 piston, fixed caliper, Ø375 mm single-sided, inside out, stainless steel, floating rotor	2 x 310 mm Discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - Rear	Single Ø240 mm disc, 1 piston floating caliper	Single 220 mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front	120/70 ZR17 Pirelli	120/70-17
Tyres - Rear	180/55 ZR17 Pirelli	180/55-17
Wheels	6-Spoke, ZTL cast aluminium	-
Wheels - Front	3.50 x 17"	3.50 x 17
Wheels - Rear	5.50 x 17"	5.50 x 17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2008 Buell XB12S Lightning

The 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning edges out the 2007 Suzuki SV 1000S thanks to its higher torque, lighter kerb weight, lower seat height and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2008 Buell XB12S Lightning - Advantages

Higher torque: 114 Nm vs 102 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
Lighter: 179 kg vs 208 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
Lower seat height: 765 mm vs 810 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
Larger displacement: 1203 cc vs 996 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2007 Suzuki SV 1000S - Advantages

Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.
Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
More ground clearance: 140 mm vs 110 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.

2008 Buell XB12S Lightning vs 2007 Suzuki SV 1000S - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning and 2007 Suzuki SV 1000S?

The 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning uses 45° V-Twin, four stroke, pushrod actuated overhead valve. hydraulic self-adjusting lifters, 2 valve per cylinder., while the 2007 Suzuki SV 1000S is powered by V2.

Which is lighter, the 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning or the 2007 Suzuki SV 1000S?

The 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning is lighter at 179 kg compared to 208 kg for the 2007 Suzuki SV 1000S - a difference of 29 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.

Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning or the 2007 Suzuki SV 1000S?

The 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning has the lower seat at 765 mm, making it more accessible. The 2007 Suzuki SV 1000S sits higher at 810 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 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning or the 2007 Suzuki SV 1000S?

The 2007 Suzuki SV 1000S has the larger tank at approximately 17 litres vs 14 litres for the 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 283-340 km vs 233-280 km between stops.

Which should I buy, the 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning or the 2007 Suzuki SV 1000S?

Both are strong choices. The 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning has the edge in higher torque and lighter kerb weight, while the 2007 Suzuki SV 1000S stands out for larger fuel tank and liquid cooling. 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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