1998 Buell S3 Thunderbolt Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 40%of 10 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the suspension of the 1998 Buell S3 Thunderbolt, 40% of the 10 complaints for this model year. 3 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Recalls 99 v 107 000/rear shock absorber, 99 v 106 000/swingarm, 99 v 105 000/fuel tank vent valve assembly, 99 v 104 000/fuel tank mounting, 99 v 086 000/sidestand switch and 97 v 153 000/front brake rotor: dealer notified the consumer that the motorcycle have several manufacturer's recalls, and they are unable to repair them because they had no parts.”
NHTSA complaint #866131, filed 2000-07“Nhtsa recall no:99v107000 and manufacturer's recall no:0817 concerning rear shock absorbers. No parts were available. 1st attempt 10-jul-99, 2nd attempt 15-oct-99, and 3rd attempt 8-feb2000.”
NHTSA complaint #856531, filed 2000-02Related recalls
- 99V106000May 6, 1999Vehicle description: motorcycles. These motorcycles were built with a swingarm that could break.Covers: Buell S3 Thunderbolt 1997–1998, S1 Lightning 1996–1998, S2 Thunderbolt 1995–1996 +4 more
- 99V107000May 6, 1999Vehicle description: motorcycles. These motorcycles were built with a rear shock absorber front eye that could break.Covers: Buell S3 Thunderbolt 1997–1998, S1 Lightning 1996–1998, S2 Thunderbolt 1995–1996 +4 more
- 99V086000Apr 26, 1999Vehicle description: motorcycles. The front isolator mount system can lose clamp load and possibly break.Covers: Buell S3 Thunderbolt 1997–1998, S1 Lightning 1997–1998, M2 Cyclone 1997–1998 +2 more
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 4 | 40% |
Other parts of the 1998 Buell S3 Thunderbolt
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Buell S3 Thunderbolt
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology