BUELL XB12S SUPER TT (2007 - 2008) Review

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 3.7 out of 5 (3.7/5)
Power: 100 bhp
Seat height: Low (30.7 in / 780 mm)
Weight: Low (395 lbs / 179 kg)

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
3 out of 5 (3/5)

The Buell XB12STT is a new, horny looking, supermoto-inspired derivative of the Buell XB12S Lightning and Buell XB12R Firebolt series is probably the most fun Buell motorcycle yet. Great looks, a stumpy and sharp chassis plus the familiarly grunty 1203cc Harley-Davidson derived engine add up to motorcycle that’s great to hoon about out. The Buell XB12STT suffers from limited practicality and still suspect reliability, though.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Buell XB12X Ulysses frame but with longer swing arm and fairly long travel suspension give the Buell XB12STT a true supermoto motorcycle posture. But it manages to blend quick flickability and high speed stability well and is great fun to ride this motorcycle through the twisties, although the Ducati Hypermotard is better yet.

Engine

Next up: Reliability
3 out of 5 (3/5)

The Buell XB12STT uses the same powerplant as the Buell XB12R Firebolt and Buell XB12S Lightning. The Harley-Davidson derived, 1203cc Thunderstorm V-twin produces 103 horsepower and 84 lbs.-ft. of torque. That’s impressive enough but, though undeniably grunty the Buell XB12STT lacks the smoothness, sophistication and top end power of more modern rival motorcycles.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
2 out of 5 (2/5)

Despite the Harley-Davidson connection Buell motorcycles still have a long way to go before they are held in such high regard. The Buell XB12STT's quality is only average and reliability has tarnished the Buell motorcycle name over recent years (although it is starting to improve now).

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
3 out of 5 (3/5)

The Buell XB12STT's £7295 list price sounds cheap for a funky Harley-Davidson engined motorcycle with more than its fair share of techno wizardry and in a way it is, but compared to direct rival motorcycles such as the mouth-watering Ducati Hypermotard, the Buell XB12STT suddenly doesn’t sound quite the same bargain. Find a Buell XB12STT for sale.

Equipment

2 out of 5 (2/5)

Buells have always been fairly basic motorcycles and the Buell XB12STT is no different – it even only comes in white! The clocks are OK rather than attractive, the switchgear look like something that came off a 1994 Kawasaki motorcycle, there’s no mainstand or luggage provision and the Buell XB12STT's mirrors aren’t nice either. Compare and buy parts for the Buell Super TT in the MCN Shop.

Specs

Engine size 1203cc
Engine type Air-cooled, 4v, 45-degree V-twin, 5 gears
Frame type Twin spar aluminium
Fuel capacity 16.7 litres
Seat height 780mm
Bike weight 179kg
Front suspension 43mm inverted, fully adjustable
Rear suspension Showa monoshock, fully adjustable
Front brake Single 375mm rim disc, six-piston caliper
Rear brake 240mm disc, single piston caliper
Front tyre size 120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size 180/55 x 17

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption 38 mpg
Annual road tax £117
Annual service cost -
New price -
Used price -
Insurance group 14 of 17
How much to insure?
Warranty term Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance

Max power 100 bhp
Max torque 81 ft-lb
Top speed 133 mph
1/4 mile acceleration 12.4 secs
Tank range 135 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

2007: Buell XB12STT motorcycle introduced.

Other versions

None.

Owners' reviews for the BUELL XB12S SUPER TT (2007 - 2008)

3 owners have reviewed their BUELL XB12S SUPER TT (2007 - 2008) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your BUELL XB12S SUPER TT (2007 - 2008)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 4 out of 5 (4/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 5 out of 5 (5/5)
Engine: 4.7 out of 5 (4.7/5)
Reliability & build quality: 3.7 out of 5 (3.7/5)
Value vs rivals: 4 out of 5 (4/5)
Equipment: 3.7 out of 5 (3.7/5)
5 out of 5 Rare Buell
30 April 2009 by svens

Superb like the other XB bikes. So if you are after a rare-rare bike basically a rare Buell that works and doesn't break down like rare old tube frame models this is the one you want.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
2 out of 5 Flawed
15 March 2009 by Bobbler

Having owned one of these for coming on 18 months now it has been a very up and down experience. The Ups: The torque is fun Very rare that you pull up at the lights next to another Dealers good (Riders Bristol) The downs: Why oh why do they make all the metal work out of the old baked bean cans? The quality of fittings is nothing short of abysmal, exhausts that rot within literally days of a cold/wet spell, "life time" drive belts that snap at less than 5K - taking the drive bearings and rear wheel bearings with it, clutch slipping issues (though normally at higher RPMs in high gears ;) ) despite going back in three times now. Horrible gear change - though mine was silky smooth until it went in for the knackered bearing work :(

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 1 out of 5
Value vs rivals 2 out of 5
Equipment 2 out of 5
5 out of 5 08 XB12TT
26 January 2009 by XB12tt08

Best moyorcycles I have had for years. Much better in the turns then some fuel sportbikes. Engine power band is a little like the old RD350 2 strokes. Lite weight.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
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