2007 Suzuki SV 1000S vs 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2007 Suzuki SV 1000S 2007 Suzuki SV 1000S

Naked bike

Engine
V2
Power
90.9 kW / 123.5 hp / @ 9000 rpm
Top Speed
229.7 km/h / 142.7 mph
Weight
208 kg / 458.5 lbs
2008 Buell XB12S Lightning 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
General
Year20072008
ColoursBlack, Blue-
Make ModelSuzuki SV 1000SBuell XB12S Lightning
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)150 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)5.9 inches-
Seat Height810 mm / 31.8 in765 mm / 30.1"
Wheelbase1435 mm / 56.5in1320 mm / 52.0"
Ground Clearance140 mm / 5.5 in110 mm / 4.4"
Height1170 mm / 46.0 in1092 mm / 43.0"
Length2130 mm / 83.9 in1924 mm / 75.7"
Width790 mm / 31.1 in768 mm / 30.2"
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight185 kg / 407.8 lbs179 kg / 395 lbs
Fuel Capacity17 Litres / 4.5 US gal / 3.7 Imp gal14 L / 3.7 US gal
Maximum Load / GVWR-386 kg / 850 lbs
Oil Capacity-2.37 L / 2.50 qts
Wet Weight208 kg / 458.5 lbs-
Performance
Top Speed229.7 km/h / 142.7 mph216.2 km/h / 134 mph
Max Power90.9 kW / 123.5 hp / @ 9000 rpm86.9 kW / 103 hp @ 6800 rpm
Max Torque102 Nm / 10.4 kgf-m / 75.2 lb-ft @ 7200 rpm114 Nm / 11.6 kgf-m / 84 ft-lbs @ 6000 rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile11.0 sec / 198 km/h / 12212.2 sec
Engine
Stroke4-
Fuel ControlDOHC-
Engine TypeV2-
Displacement996 cc / 60.7 cu-in1203 cc / 73 cu in
Engine DetailFour stroke, 90° V-twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder45° V-Twin, four stroke, pushrod actuated overhead valve. hydraulic self-adjusting lifters, 2 valve per cylinder.
Fuel SystemInjection-
Bore x Stroke98 x 66 mm88.9 x 96.8 mm
Compression Ratio11.6:110.0:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledAir cooled
Engine LubricationWet Sump-
Engine Oil SpecificationSynthetic, 10W/40-
Exhaust-Free breathing, 2-into-1 Tuned, tri-pass resonance chamber with InterActive valve and mass-centralized mounting
Fuel Consumption5.5 L/100 km / 18.2 km/l / 42.8 US mpg / 51.4 Imp mpg-
Fuel InductionDual Throttle Valve fuel-injection systemØ49 mm downdraft DDFI II fuel injection
Fuel Reserve-2.8 L / 0.75 US gal
IgnitionDigital transistorized -
LubricationWet sumpDry sump
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, multiple discs, hydraulic operatedWet, multi-plate
Final DriveChainBelt
Gear Ratios-1st 2.649 / 2nd 1.892 / 3rd 1.407 / 4th 1.166 / 5th 1.000
Gearbox6-speed-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed5 Speed
Chassis
Frame Type-Aluminium frame with Uniplanar Powertrain vibration isolation system, fuel in frame
Suspension - Front46 mm Telescopic fork, cartridge-type, adjustable preload, compression and rebound dampingShowa ø43 mm inverted forks compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload adjustable
Suspension - RearLink-type, 7-way preload, compression and rebound damping adjustableShowa coil-over monoshock, remote underseat reservoir and adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload, 127mm wheel travel
Rake-21°
Trail-83 mm / 3.3"
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.5 in120 mm / 4.7"
Wheel Travel - Rear130 mm / 5.1 in127 mm / 5.0"
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x 310 mm Discs, 4 piston calipersZTL type brake, 6 piston, fixed caliper, Ø375 mm single-sided, inside out, stainless steel, floating rotor
Brakes - RearSingle 220 mm disc, 2 piston caliperSingle Ø240 mm disc, 1 piston floating caliper
Tyres - Front120/70-17120/70 ZR17 Pirelli
Tyres - Rear180/55-17180/55 ZR17 Pirelli
Wheels-6-Spoke, ZTL cast aluminium
Wheels - Front3.50 x 173.50 x 17"
Wheels - Rear5.50 x 175.50 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

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 - 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 vs 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2007 Suzuki SV 1000S and 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning?
The 2007 Suzuki SV 1000S uses V2, 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 Suzuki SV 1000S or the 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning?
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 2007 Suzuki SV 1000S or the 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning?
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 2007 Suzuki SV 1000S or the 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning?
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 2007 Suzuki SV 1000S or the 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning?
Both are strong choices. The 2007 Suzuki SV 1000S has the edge in larger fuel tank and liquid cooling, while the 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning stands out for higher torque and lighter kerb weight. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.