MotoSpecs

2009 Honda CB 1000R vs 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2009 Honda CB 1000R 2009 Honda CB 1000R

Naked bike

Engine
In-line four
Power
123.4 hp / 92 kW @ 10000 rpm
Top Speed
228.6 km/h / 142.0 mph
Weight
217 kg / 478.4 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
Year20092008
ColoursOlive, gray, black, white-
Make ModelHonda CB 1000RBuell XB12S Lightning
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)130 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)5.1 inches-
Seat Height828 mm / 32.6 in765 mm / 30.1"
Wheelbase1445 mm / 56.8 in1320 mm / 52.0"
Ground Clearance130 mm / 5.1 in110 mm / 4.4"
Height2,105 mm / 82.9 in.1092 mm / 43.0"
Length2,105 mm / 82.9 in.1924 mm / 75.7"
Width-768 mm / 30.2"
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight217 kg / 478.4 lbs179 kg / 395 lbs
Fuel Capacity17 Litres / 4.5 US gal14 L / 3.7 US gal
Maximum Load / GVWR-386 kg / 850 lbs
Oil Capacity-2.37 L / 2.50 qts
Wet Weight217 kg / 478.4 lbs-
Performance
Top Speed228.6 km/h / 142.0 mph216.2 km/h / 134 mph
Max Power123.4 hp / 92 kW @ 10000 rpm86.9 kW / 103 hp @ 6800 rpm
Max Torque100 Nm / 73.8 lb-ft @ 8000 rpm114 Nm / 11.6 kgf-m / 84 ft-lbs @ 6000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.5685 HP/kg-
Standing Start ¼ Mile11.3 sec12.2 sec
Engine
Fuel ControlDOHC-
Stroke4-
Engine TypeIn-line four-
Displacement998 cc / 60.9 cu-in1203 cc / 73 cu in
Engine DetailFour stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.45° V-Twin, four stroke, pushrod actuated overhead valve. hydraulic self-adjusting lifters, 2 valve per cylinder.
Fuel SystemInjection. PGM-FI electronic fuel injection-
Bore x Stroke75 x 56.5 mm88.9 x 96.8 mm
Compression Ratio11.2:110.0:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledAir cooled
Exhaust-Free breathing, 2-into-1 Tuned, tri-pass resonance chamber with InterActive valve and mass-centralized mounting
Fuel Consumption18.3 km/lit-
Fuel InductionPGM-F1 Electronic fuel injection36mm throttle bodiesØ49 mm downdraft DDFI II fuel injection
Fuel Reserve-2.8 L / 0.75 US gal
IgnitionComputer controlled digital transistorized-
LubricationWet sumpDry sump
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12V/8.6AH-
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, multiplate with coil springs.Wet, multi-plate
Final Drive#530 O-ring sealed chainBelt
Gear Ratios1: 2.538 (33/13) / - 2: 1.941 (33/17) / - 3: 1.579 (30/19) / - 4: 1.363 (30/22) / - 5: 1.217 (28/23) / - 6: 1.115 (29/26)1st 2.649 / 2nd 1.892 / 3rd 1.407 / 4th 1.166 / 5th 1.000
Gearbox6-speed-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 5 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeMono-back born coast aluminousAluminium frame with Uniplanar Powertrain vibration isolation system, fuel in frame
Suspension - Front43mm Inverted HMAS cartridge type telescopic forks, with stepless reload, compression and rebound adjustableShowa ø43 mm inverted forks compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload adjustable
Suspension - RearMonoshock with gas charged HMAS damper rebound adjustableShowa coil-over monoshock, remote underseat reservoir and adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload, 127mm wheel travel
Rake 25.0°21°
Trail99.0mm / 3.9 in83 mm / 3.3"
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in120 mm / 4.7"
Wheel Travel - Rear128 mm / 5.0 in127 mm / 5.0"
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)10.1 inches-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)256 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)310 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.2 inches-
Brakes - Front2x 310mm discs 3 piston calipersZTL type brake, 6 piston, fixed caliper, Ø375 mm single-sided, inside out, stainless steel, floating rotor
Brakes - RearSingle 256mm disc 2 piston caliperSingle Ø240 mm disc, 1 piston floating caliper
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17120/70 ZR17 Pirelli
Tyres - Rear180/50 ZR17180/55 ZR17 Pirelli
Wheels-6-Spoke, ZTL cast aluminium
Wheels - FrontHollow-section 4-spoke cast aluminium3.50 x 17"
Wheels - RearU-section 4-spoke cast aluminium5.50 x 17"

Verdict

Winner on specs

2008 Buell XB12S Lightning

The 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning edges out the 2009 Honda CB 1000R 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

2009 Honda CB 1000R - 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.
  • More ground clearance: 130 mm vs 110 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.

2008 Buell XB12S Lightning - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 114 Nm vs 100 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Lighter: 179 kg vs 217 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Lower seat height: 765 mm vs 828 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Larger displacement: 1203 cc vs 998 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2009 Honda CB 1000R vs 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2009 Honda CB 1000R and 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning?
The 2009 Honda CB 1000R uses In-line four, 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 2009 Honda CB 1000R or the 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning?
The 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning is lighter at 179 kg compared to 217 kg for the 2009 Honda CB 1000R - a difference of 38 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2009 Honda CB 1000R or the 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning?
The 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning has the lower seat at 765 mm, making it more accessible. The 2009 Honda CB 1000R sits higher at 828 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 2009 Honda CB 1000R or the 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning?
The 2009 Honda CB 1000R 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 2009 Honda CB 1000R or the 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning?
Both are strong choices. The 2009 Honda CB 1000R 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.

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