| Author | Message | ||
     Techlight |
Hi All, I'm new and have never owned a Buell, so I was hoping to get some input here before I take the leap. A friend of mine has a 1998 S1 Lightning with 17k miles and was asking 2k for it (link to pic below). I'm new to any type of Harley (motors etc) and have only owned one bike (600r ninja back in the day). I only planned to use the bike around town and on the weekends for short (200 mile) trips etc. My questions are: Is this a good price? Is this a comfortable bike for longer rides? I like that it's a sport bike, but I am hoping that it's also a bit of both worlds. Is there anything I should check on the bike before purchase (stuff that fails often, or shows abuse, etc)? Was this year bike part of any recalls etc? Are parts/shops hard to find since Buell went out of business? Is this a bike I'll be working on a lot? Please feel free to add anything I should have asked but didn't, or anything I should consider. Thanks in advance for any help. I appreciate any advice you'all can give me.  | ||
| Sparky |
Grab it! That's almost a steal as it looks like it has a TwinTail setup for two up which would make it fairly rare and a very desirable mount. Grab it! Now!!! Have the dealer run the VIN for recalls worked. Practically any parts or service needed can be had in the better shops around SoCal (you're in Lancaster, CA, right? - the HD dealer there races & supports Buell) as well as American Sport Bike. I've got a '96 S1 that has been made into a sporty sport tourer with a few special mods. Just ask. | ||
| Bluzm2 |
Nice S1, grab it at that price. Couple of observations. It doesn't have the recall shock on it, have HD run the VIN, you may be able to get it replaced. It has a Force Winder on it, it also looks like it may have a Mikuni carb on it instead of the stock Keihn, that woudl be a good thing... The stock is fine, the Mikuni is better. Also, interesting breather setup below the air cleaner. I'd like to see that a bit closer. Almost looks like it's mounted to the old air cleaner bracket. Also looks like it has the slotted PM wheels. As Sparky mentioned above, it's a twin tail and more comfortable than the single seat. Also more rare. I love the combo of the twin tail and the smaller peanut tank. Buy it! | ||
| Techlight |
Thanks for the input, I really appreciate it, especially since I know nothing about these bikes other than what I read on the internet, which has me second guessing the purchase. There's a lot of mixed reviews on the bikes. I really want to buy it so I'll probably grab it up. Just want to be careful about what I'm getting into  Are the bikes "quirky" at all? As in will I be wrenching on it a lot, and is it a comfortable bike for weekends and short 200 mile trips? On the shock, I've read they can break while riding etc etc...I'm sure I'm being over cautious but I'll need to ride it 60 miles home on the freeway. Assuming normal wear and tear and not abuse, should I be concerned enough to just put it on a truck, or is it probably okay to ride it? I'll be sure to check with the my HD dealer (yes out in Lancaster)...the owner of the dealership goes to my church so maybe I'll get lucky and they'll do the work under recall (think this is possible?). Can anyone guess at a ballpark price to fix all the recalls if they won't do them? I'm kind of on a budget, so want to be sure what I'm getting into, lol. Assuming parts only, I'll just do the work myself (hopefully). | ||
| Bluzm2 |
First thing you have to remember. Most of the stuff you read on the internet is put there by folks that may or may not have a legitimate ax to grind. The are many more that have had no issues what so ever, they just never tell anyone. They are too busy enjoying themselves. Are they quirky? You bet! That's what makes them so much fun. As far a wrenching on it all the time, probably not if you follow the lead of folks here. Locktite blue is your friend. These bikes are shakers. Keep on top of things maintenance wise and you'll be fine. If you were getting the solo seat version I'd not classify it as comfy. They are more hooligan than cruiser. The twin tail is a different story. Lots of folks have said they have heard of the shock breaking but they've never see one in person. Last I heard was back in the day there was one failure and that was during testing. Some cracks were reported but I don't know anyone that actually saw any. Me? I'd ride the hell out of it and try to get the shock replaced under the recall. If that didn't work, I'd keep an eye out for a replacement or save up for a Penske or a Works. If you have an "in" with a dealer, I'd certainly go that route first. Is suspect that lots of the little things have already been done on this bike. Things like rocker cover gaskets, new battery, etc. One thing you do want to check is the primary tensioner. It's also a good excuse to change out the paper primary gasket with the new style metal/fiber version. Unfortunately the only way to check the tensioner is to pull the primary cover. Get the primary gasket, pull it apart and check the tensioner. If it's the old style, order a new one. The gasket can be reused a couple of times. |
