By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Naked Bike
Triumph Speed Triple 1050 (515NJ) vs Buell XB12S Lightning (MY2003)
You'll feel these two split at the throttle: the Triumph Speed Triple 1050 holds its line and doesn't squirm as the drive comes in. On the Buell XB12S Lightning, the same twist has its twin pulling from barely off idle. It's thumping you forward before the revs climb.
So which one do you buy?
The Speed Triple 1050 has the edge if…
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Edges it: Speed Triple 1050
On a twisty road, the Speed Triple 1050 edges ahead. Thank better suspension for that. Not by enough to settle it alone.
The XB12S Lightning has the edge if…
Daily commuting & city riding
Nose ahead: XB12S Lightning
For the Monday-to-Friday grind, the XB12S Lightning pulls a nose in front. That comes from lower running costs. Your own commute could easily flip it.
What makes each one tick
Speed Triple 1050
A short reach from the saddle to the bar keeps the Speed Triple 1050's front end close, and the pegs mean that crouch doesn't turn punishing. One input tips it into corners. Tight hairpins don't reward sharp jabs, since it wants round, smooth inputs instead. On the gas mid-corner, the chassis tracks where you aimed.
XB12S Lightning
With fuel inside its frame rails and oil down in the swingarm, the XB12S Lightning's weight sits low, and it snaps into turns. With the rim-mounted front disc trimming unsprung weight, a mid-corner bump reads clearly through the Showa suspension. It's quick to flick off the wide bar. The exhaust beats an offbeat rumble.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The XB12S Lightning has the lower seat: 30.1 in (765 mm) vs 32.1 in (815 mm).
- The Speed Triple 1050 makes more peak power: 128 hp (96 kW) vs 99 hp (74 kW).
- The XB12S Lightning has the larger engine: 1203 cc vs 1050 cc.
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Both fall short
Long-haul comfort is a weak spot for both. If you tour, shop with that in mind.
A confidence-building first motorcycle
Look elsewhere
Both of these ask too much of a rookie. Spend your first year on something lighter.
Traveling with luggage
Not their thing
Saddlebags and long trips don't suit these two. They're better at day rides.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
Speed Triple 1050
From Nils' own saddle time
Strengths
- Tips In With One Input
- Brakes You Can Trust
- Planted When You're On The Gas
- Clean, Honest Fueling
- A Big Naked Anyone Can Ride
Trade-offs
- No Savage Top-End Hit
- Rewards Smooth, Not Sharp
- Tight For Bigger Riders
- Gearbox Still Feels Vague
XB12S Lightning
What owners say
Strengths
- Superb handling and mass centralization
- Innovative chassis with unique technical solutions
- Torquey and characterful V-twin engine
Known problems to check before you buy
Speed Triple 1050
- Sprag clutch/starter gear failure The starter sprag clutch and starter idler gear can fail, producing a loud grinding noise during engine startup and leading to starter slipping or failure to crank.
XB12S Lightning
- Exhaust can rust prematurely Surface rust can form on the under-engine muffler, a cosmetic issue exacerbated by heat and moisture.
What they share
- Top speed
- 150 mph (241 km/h)
- Fork
- Upside-down (USD)
- Front tire
- 120/70-17
- Rear tire
- 180/55-17
Where the spec sheets split
| Speed Triple 1050 | XB12S Lightning | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 32.1 in (815 mm) | 30.1 in (765 mm) |
| Speed Triple 1050 | XB12S Lightning | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1050 cc | 1203 cc |
| Engine | Inline-three | 45° V-twin |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled | Air-cooled |
| Power | 128 hp (96 kW) | 99 hp (74 kW) |
| Torque | 77 lb-ft (105 Nm) | 81 lb-ft (110 Nm) |
| Speed Triple 1050 | XB12S Lightning | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy | 33 mpg (US) / 7.06 L/100 km | 39 mpg (US) / 6.1 L/100 km |
| Fuel capacity | 4.8 US gal (18 L) | 3.8 US gal (14.5 L) |
| Speed Triple 1050 | XB12S Lightning | |
|---|---|---|
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 5-speed |
| Final drive | Chain | Belt |
| Front brake | 320 mm | 375 mm |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
