MotoSpecs

2009 Kawasaki Z 1000 vs 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2009 Kawasaki Z 1000 2009 Kawasaki Z 1000

Naked bike

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
127 hp / 92.7 kW @ 10000 rpm
Top Speed
238 km/h / 148 mph
Weight
221 kg / 487.2 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
ColoursPearl Crystal White-
Make ModelKawasaki Z 1000Buell XB12S Lightning
Dimensions
Seat Height820 mm / 32.3 in765 mm / 30.1"
Wheelbase1420 mm / 55.9 in1320 mm / 52.0"
Ground Clearance145 mm / 5.7 in110 mm / 4.4"
Height1055 mm / 41.5 in1092 mm / 43.0"
Length2080 mm / 81.9 in1924 mm / 75.7"
Width770 mm / 30.3 in768 mm / 30.2"
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight198 kg / 436.5 lbs179 kg / 395 lbs
Fuel Capacity18 Litres / 4.8 US gal14 L / 3.7 US gal
Maximum Load / GVWR-386 kg / 850 lbs
Oil Capacity-2.37 L / 2.50 qts
Wet Weight221 kg / 487.2 lbs-
Performance
Top Speed238 km/h / 148 mph216.2 km/h / 134 mph
Max Power127 hp / 92.7 kW @ 10000 rpm86.9 kW / 103 hp @ 6800 rpm
Max Torque95.6 Nm / 70.5 ft/ lbs @ 8000 rpm114 Nm / 11.6 kgf-m / 84 ft-lbs @ 6000 rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile11.3 sec / 122 mph12.2 sec
Engine
Fuel ControlDOHC-
Engine TypeIn-line four, four-stroke-
Displacement953 cc / 58.1 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-
Bore x Stroke77.2 x 50.9 mm88.9 x 96.8 mm
Compression Ratio11.2:110.0:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledAir cooled
Engine Oil SpecificationSynthetic, 10W/40-
Exhaust-Free breathing, 2-into-1 Tuned, tri-pass resonance chamber with InterActive valve and mass-centralized mounting
Fuel Consumption18.9 km/lit-
Fuel Induction4x 38mm throttle bodiesØ49 mm downdraft DDFI II fuel injection
Fuel Reserve-2.8 L / 0.75 US gal
IgnitionDigital -
LubricationWet sumpDry sump
Spark PlugNGK, CR9EK-
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, multiple discs, cable 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 Speed 5 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeSteel, Backbone frameAluminium frame with Uniplanar Powertrain vibration isolation system, fuel in frame
Suspension - Front41mm cartridge fork, rebound, spring preload adjustableShowa ø43 mm inverted forks compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload adjustable
Suspension - RearUni-Trak, rebound spring preload adjustableShowa coil-over monoshock, remote underseat reservoir and adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload, 127mm wheel travel
Rake25°21°
Trail102 mm / 4.0 in83 mm / 3.3"
Wheel Travel - Front-120 mm / 4.7"
Wheel Travel - Rear-127 mm / 5.0"
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)11.8 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)300 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)250 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)9.8 inches-
Brakes - Front2x 300mm 4 piston calipersZTL type brake, 6 piston, fixed caliper, Ø375 mm single-sided, inside out, stainless steel, floating rotor
Brakes - RearSingle 292mm disc 2 piston caliperSingle Ø240 mm disc, 1 piston floating caliper
Tyres - Front120/70 R17120/70 ZR17 Pirelli
Tyres - Rear190/50 R17180/55 ZR17 Pirelli
Wheels-6-Spoke, ZTL cast aluminium
Wheels - Front-3.50 x 17"
Wheels - Rear-5.50 x 17"

Verdict

Winner on specs

2008 Buell XB12S Lightning

The 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning edges out the 2009 Kawasaki Z 1000 thanks to its lighter kerb weight, lower seat height, fuel injection and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2009 Kawasaki Z 1000 - 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: 145 mm vs 110 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.

2008 Buell XB12S Lightning - Advantages

  • Lighter: 179 kg vs 221 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Lower seat height: 765 mm vs 820 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • Larger displacement: 1203 cc vs 953 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2009 Kawasaki Z 1000 vs 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2009 Kawasaki Z 1000 and 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning?
The 2009 Kawasaki Z 1000 uses In-line four, four-stroke, 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 Kawasaki Z 1000 or the 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning?
The 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning is lighter at 179 kg compared to 221 kg for the 2009 Kawasaki Z 1000 - a difference of 42 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2009 Kawasaki Z 1000 or the 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning?
The 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning has the lower seat at 765 mm, making it more accessible. The 2009 Kawasaki Z 1000 sits higher at 820 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 Kawasaki Z 1000 or the 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning?
The 2009 Kawasaki Z 1000 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 2009 Kawasaki Z 1000 or the 2008 Buell XB12S Lightning?
Both are strong choices. The 2009 Kawasaki Z 1000 has the edge in larger fuel tank and liquid cooling, 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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