1997 Buell S1 Lightning Recalls
NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the 1997 Buell S1 Lightning. A recall applies only to vehicles built within the affected range, so check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for recalls are free at a franchised dealer.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › MountingCovers: Buell S1 Lightning 1996–1998, S3 Thunderbolt 1997–1999, M2 Cyclone 1997–1999 +4 more
Reported issue: 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.
Possible consequence: This could result in an explosion or fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel tank mount system.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assemblyCovers: Buell S1 Lightning 1996–1998, S3 Thunderbolt 1997–1999, M2 Cyclone 1997–1999 +5 more
Reported issue: Vehicle description: motorcycles. These motorcycles were built with a fuel tank vent valve assembly that could become plugged.
Possible consequence: Under certain conditions, this could cause the carburetor to overflow fuel which could result in a fire. This condition could also prevent sufficient fuel flow, which could cause the engine to misfire or stall.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel tank vent valve assembly.
- Suspension › RearCovers: Buell S1 Lightning 1996–1998, S2 Thunderbolt 1995–1996, S3 Thunderbolt 1997–1998 +4 more
Reported issue: Vehicle description: motorcycles. These motorcycles were built with a swingarm that could break.
Possible consequence: If the swingarm should break, loss of vehicle control could occur.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the swingarm.
- Suspension › Rear › Shock absorberCovers: Buell S1 Lightning 1996–1998, S2 Thunderbolt 1995–1996, S3 Thunderbolt 1997–1998 +4 more
Reported issue: Vehicle description: motorcycles. These motorcycles were built with a rear shock absorber front eye that could break.
Possible consequence: If the shock eye should break, the underside of the vehicle will drag on the ground possibly causing loss of vehicle control.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear shock absorber.
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery › CablesCovers: Buell S1 Lightning 1996–1998
Reported issue: Vehicle description: motorcycles. Motion of the battery cable can lead to breakage of its terminal.
Possible consequence: This condition can cause the engine to stall/quit when riding.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and/or replace the negative battery cable.
- Unknown or otherCovers: Buell S1 Lightning 1996–1998, S3 Thunderbolt 1997–1999, M2 Cyclone 1997–1999 +3 more
Reported issue: Vehicle description: motorcycles. These motorcycles were built with a sidestand switch that could become inoperative
Possible consequence: This condition can cause the engine to stall/quit when riding.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the sidestand switch.
- Suspension › FrontCovers: Buell S1 Lightning 1997–1998, S3 Thunderbolt 1997–1998, M2 Cyclone 1997–1998 +2 more
Reported issue: Vehicle description: motorcycles. The front isolator mount system can lose clamp load and possibly break.
Possible consequence: This could lead to an unintended distraction to the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front isolator mount system.
- Service brakes, hydraulicCovers: Buell S1 Lightning 1997–1998, S3 Thunderbolt 1997–1998, M2 Cyclone 1997–1998 +2 more
Reported issue: Vehicle description: motorcycles. The e-clip which retains the drive pin on the front brake rotor and carrier can separate from the drive pin allowing the pin to move out of position and come in contact with the front brake caliper.
Possible consequence: This condition can prevent the front wheel from rotating increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dealers will repair these motorcycles.
← All problems reported for the 1997 Buell S1 Lightning
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.