1997 Buell S1 Lightning Problems
- Complaints
- 7filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 8campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1997 Buell S1 Lightning (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 7 consumer complaints for the 1997 Buell S1 Lightning. The part named most often is suspension, with 7 complaints (100% of the total), followed by electrical system (1) and engine cooling (1). NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Suspension complaints overlap with 3 recall campaigns covering the shock absorber filed under the same part. Electrical system complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the cables filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Suspension7 100%
- Electrical system1 14%
- Engine cooling1 14%
- Fuel system1 14%
- Other or unknown1 14%
Example complaints
Suspension: “Received manufacturer's recall regarding swing arm and pivot shaft failure. Has been trying since above date to get dealer to honor recall. Needs NHTSA help in this matter.”
NHTSA complaint #850655, filed 1999-10Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Recalls and investigations
- 99V104000May 6, 1999Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › MountingCovers: Buell S1 Lightning 1996–1998, S3 Thunderbolt 1997–1999, M2 Cyclone 1997–1999 +4 more
Vehicle description: motorcycles. These motorcycles were built with a fuel tank mount system that could, in the event of a crash, allow the fuel tank to separate from the motorcycle.
- 99V105000May 6, 1999Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assemblyCovers: Buell S1 Lightning 1996–1998, S3 Thunderbolt 1997–1999, M2 Cyclone 1997–1999 +5 more
Vehicle description: motorcycles. These motorcycles were built with a fuel tank vent valve assembly that could become plugged.
- 99V106000May 6, 1999Suspension › RearCovers: Buell S1 Lightning 1996–1998, S2 Thunderbolt 1995–1996, S3 Thunderbolt 1997–1998 +4 more
Vehicle description: motorcycles. These motorcycles were built with a swingarm that could break.
- 99V107000May 6, 1999Suspension › Rear › Shock absorberCovers: Buell S1 Lightning 1996–1998, S2 Thunderbolt 1995–1996, S3 Thunderbolt 1997–1998 +4 more
Vehicle description: motorcycles. These motorcycles were built with a rear shock absorber front eye that could break.
- 99V095000Apr 29, 1999Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery › CablesCovers: Buell S1 Lightning 1996–1998
Vehicle description: motorcycles. Motion of the battery cable can lead to breakage of its terminal.
- 99V097000Apr 29, 1999Unknown or otherCovers: Buell S1 Lightning 1996–1998, S3 Thunderbolt 1997–1999, M2 Cyclone 1997–1999 +3 more
Vehicle description: motorcycles. These motorcycles were built with a sidestand switch that could become inoperative
See all 8 recalls for the 1997 Buell S1 Lightning → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1997 Buell S1 Lightning.
Other model years of the Buell S1 Lightning
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 7 | — | 8 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Buell S1 Lightning model years
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1997 Buell S1 Lightning have?
NHTSA recorded 7 consumer complaints for the 1997 Buell S1 Lightning as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1997 Buell S1 Lightning is reported most often?
Suspension is named most often, in 7 complaints (100% of the total), followed by electrical system with 1.
Has the 1997 Buell S1 Lightning been recalled?
NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.