| Author | Message | |||
     Ratbuell |
Let's keep it going, folks. I just re-loaded Excel from when my computer crashed earlier this year, so I just looked at the list for the first time - there's GOTTA be more of us out there than THAT. ....or, are our bikes *that* rare and valuable now?  Do we know what total S1W production was? | |||
| F_skinner |
2,184 produced according to an old FUEL article. | |||
| Ratbuell |
2,184 Another number to file in the gray matter Lessee... '98 S1W, 1 of 2184 '95 S2, 1 of 1399 (#1365) '91 Dodge Daytona C/S competition package, 1 of 150 / one of 26 (color-specific) '89 Shelby CSX-VNT, 1 of 500 / 1 of 15 (option-specific) (#135) '87 Shelby CSX, one of 750 (#133) '86 Shelby GLHS, one of 500 (#104) <sigh> I'm a dork, and I own too many "rare" vehicles lol. *Some* of them (the 91, 89, and bikes) even *run*! (Message edited by ratbuell on December 12, 2008) | |||
| 80rs427 |
Frank, I just sent you an email with my engine number. | |||
| F_skinner |
I did not get it, could you resend. I better check my engine number as well. Frank | |||
| F_skinner |
This is the writeup from the Buell web site advertising the S1W in 1998: The quick, white spark of lightning is one of the most powerful forces in the universe. For 1998 Buell will offer one more S1 Lightning, guaranteeing motorcycle sport riders plenty of sizzle to go with the flash. The first of the new offerings from the Lightning family is the motorcycle that will take "extreme" to the next level. A street beast that can make the leap to the professional circuit -- the new 1998 Special Edition S1 White Lightning puts together a performance package that will set the new standard for street-riding performance. A newly offered racing kit makes this special edition Buell S1 your pit pass to racing thrills. One look says the White Lightning is different. A shockingly cool Ice White Pearl bodywork caps monochromatic white wheels under a white frame. The unmistakable 5.5-gallon mantra-ray fuel tank from the S3 line, a Pro Series solo seat and special edition graphics add to its uncommon character. A stainless steel muffler offers improved cosmetics. One ride will have experienced motorcyclists convinced that Buell has harnessed the powers of nature herself. How did they do it? Introducing the new Thunderstorm engine, delivering 101 horsepower and 90 ft./lbs. of torque at the crankshaft. THUNDERSTORM ENGINE Buell's Thunderstorm engine takes all the excitement of the 91 horsepower powerplant that made the S1 Lightning famous and adds carefully engineered heads that deliver searing performance. Thunderstorm High-Flow Heads feature a recontoured combustion chamber, bigger valves and new intake and exhaust ports. The Thunderstorm engine retains the Lightning high-performance cams, rejetted carburetor, low-restriction intake, free-breathing exhaust headers, large muffler and lightened flywheels. MODEL COMPARISONS Both S1 Lightning models retain the Buell engineering philosophy that led to the design of a rigid perimeter frame, Grand Prix inspired WP suspension and highly centralized mass. Buell's rigid geodesic chrome-moly perimeter frame is suspended by an upside-down front fork with adjustable rebound and compression settings for precision response. The rear shock is a horizontal extension-type damper -- adjustable for rebound, compression, spring preload and ride height -- mounted beneath the engine. A massive 13.4 inch (340mm) front disc brake rotor is slowed by a six-pistion caliper. The rear disc measures nine inches. The combined effect of these components is ultra-low unsprung weight and an enhanced ability to maintain road contact over a variety of surfaces. The S1 Lightning and the Special Edition White Lightning both use the innovative Uniplanar ® engine-mounting system that isolates engine vibration from the pegs, seat and handlebars. Like all Buell motorcycles, the rear wheel is driven by a lightweight, low-maintenance Kevlar-reinforced belt. The Lightning's low-restriction air-intake "box", formerly known as the Helmholtz Volume Power System, has been revised to match the ergonomically improved design used on the S3s and M2s. 1998 Buell S1 Lightnings also receive new brakes front and rear, which offer improved stopping ability. ACCESSORIES The access road to the race track is paved with an easily installed S1 performance kit. Want to turn your Buell into a 90 rear-wheel horsepower North American Sport Bike Series racer? It's never been easier than with the new Pro Series Race System. When used in conjuction with the new Thunderstorm High-Flow Heads, the Pro Series Race System will create a race-tuned Buell. Racers will likely opt for a number of other accessories being offered for the first time this year, such as clip-on bars, billet aluminum footpegs, rear-set foot controls and a windscreen/number plate. A number of other accessories for the S1 White Lightning are available as well, including a new Aegis Tank Mask and Quest Tank Bag. PM spun aluminum wheels are an option on all Lightning editions. All models are offered with Dunlop Sportmax II radials. At Buell, our objective is to create motorcycles for riders who believe the experience is more important than the destination itself. Every Buell is designed, engineered and manufactured to enhance the riding experience. While traditional sportbikes have used complex technology for the sole objective of speed, Buell's mission is to develop and employ technology only in as much as it enhances the ride. Leaving the rider to contemplate other things, like freedom, adventure and the open road. Buell is an American sport motorcycle that provides an exhilarating riding experience of sight, sound and feel, unlike any other motorcycle. Manufacturer's U.S. suggested retail price for the Buell S1 White Lightning is $10,599. The Pro Series Race System retails for $799.95. Engine related performance parts are for off-road competition only and intended exclusively for experienced riders. | |||
| F_skinner |
Not taking into account the different color frames here is a break down of the S1W by body work color: 2,184 1998 S1W’s were made in the following colors: - 1,258 were Ice White Pearl - 378 were Carbon Black - 295 were Molten Orange - 138 were Billet Metallic | |||
| Kuuud |
Well, if at least half were exported, that makes my trple-white S1W al the more rare!!! | |||
| Ratbuell |
I think if it just *is*, still, a triple-white S1W, it's pretty rare. Most have been either wrecked or cannibalized by now, I'm sure... | |||
| F_skinner |
Kuuud, you got me thinking. I went through some of my old Fuell mags and cannot find any reference to export numbers although I imagine many were exported. Unfortunately, I was going to find and ship all my old Fuel mags when I was in NC recently only to discover they have been tossed out with the garbage. I had every issue, 1997 - 2001, and now have have only a few left here in Colorado that I picked up at dealerships. I need to see what I have and what I am missing. Sucks!!!! There was a load of reference material in those documents. | |||
| Ratbuell |
Damn, Frank...that sucks. Unfortunately I wasn't all that into the documentation side of things until I started working for the MoCo back in late '03....although, I did find the paperwork folder that came with my '99 M2 when I bought it new! Trying to find a Uly owners manual that should be in the office (so I can dial out all the weight I lost in the hospital), find the manual for a bike I haven't owned for five years. Story of my life, lol. Anyone need a '99 M2 owners manual? Maybe, in the name of "saving" some of the information, we could start ("we" not meaning you, Frank - you've got enough lists to keep track of!) an online archive of scanned Fuell issues? Or does one already exist and I just need to bookmark it? | |||
| F_skinner |
Joe, I found some issues but still missing some of the old Battle to Win issues. I posted on the Buell "Wanted Section" but doubt anyone will want to give them up. I will keep checking ebay. I document just about everything. I have a spreadsheet for each bike and document what was done, when it was done, how much it cost and who did it. It is a lot easier with a new bike. I spent a few hours going through all the documentation for the S2 I recently picked up (number 35) and tried to list it all. The two previous owners save all the receipts. It was a lot of work but a lot of fun also. I think I would have been good in a job that required me to work in a dark basement going through and documenting stuff like that. Something interesting. I picked up number 35 for 3,700 dollars. With the documentation was to original bill of sale (can not remember the total but it was around 11 or 12 thousand) then adding up all the work done over the ten years the first owner owned it came to just about the same as the purchase price (around 10,500). Nothing major was done just the stuff you would expect, tires, oil etc. Just goes to show you, even a maintenance free bike, if there is such a thing, is going to cost you. Of course over ten years it is not much. I also pickup the Buell bike catalog (or whatever that listing is called) from the dealership every year, Buell has been mailing those out to people that test ride a bike so that makes it a little easier. I lost a fair amount of those in the family purge session as well. I have been saving those since 95 when I saw the S2. Those really have a lot of information in them. | |||
| Bully |
Ill forward my info for the list soon as I get home from work. | |||
| F_skinner |
Bully, send you info when you get the chance to f_skinner@yahoo.com. Here is the info: VIN (last 4) Build Date (Month and Year) Your Name Your BadWeb ID Frame Color Body Color Location Comments email (this will not be posted) Engine # (this will not be posted) Full VIN (this will not be posted) | |||
| Kuuud |
Well, mine still is triple white. S/n # 6777. I'm the third owner and bought it 4 years ago from the original selling dealer. They had all maintenance records. I run a forcewind and a bub pipe along with a short plastic inner fender. I do have the stock pipe and air box and a carbon fiber full-length inner fender. Unfortunately the tank emblems threw a fit and bubbled this past summer. I have a spare white tank and flyscreen, just in case. Now if I could just trade my spare red solo tail for a white one, I'd be happy. I also have a carbon fiber oval air cleaner and a Pro-series muffler. If anyone has a 'pro' head pipe, let me know. | |||
| Kuuud |
Anyway, I've seen the production #'s here or in print before. 2184 sounds about right with approximately 1/2 of those exported. I wonder how many of the remaining 1000 in the US are still stock? | |||
| Sleez |
here's one; http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1998-Buell-S1-White -Lightning-frame-and-parts_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkp armsZ66Q3a2Q7c65Q3a10Q7c39Q3a1Q7c240Q3a1318QQ_trks idZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem120352141269QQitemZ1 20352141269QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories# ht_500wt_1598 | |||
| F_skinner |
Kuuud, I don't think 1/2 of the S1Ws were exported. I am by no means the authority and I cannot find any reference in the Battle2Win magazines about export numbers. Small numbers of RR, RS and S2 bikes were exported and handled by specialty bike sales. From what I read it looks like around 1996 things took off for the UK and Germany and in 98/99 for Japan. As far as total numbers of 98 S1Ws exported I have no idea. I bet a good couple of hundred have been chopped up. Too bad, I like a well built chopper but hate to see a perfectly well designed Buell be the donor. I do believe that 55 percent of todays production is headed for overseas and I think it is great. At least they can appreciate the bikes. I sold my Ironhead Sporty in 1983 when I was headed to the UK. I thought I would pick up an old Triumph 650 real cheap there. I was wrong, one of the local bike dealers told me they are all in the US. LOL. I did pick up a Shovelhead dirt cheap while there. It is interesting to read through some of the old Battle2win magazines. The problems with our dealers is still as strong as it was in 1996. I will tell you this, Reg Kittrelle had a lot of insight not only on dealers but also Buell rider clubs. | |||
| Ratbuell |
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1998-Buell-S1-White -Lightning-frame-and-parts_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkp armsZ66Q3a2Q7c65Q3a10Q7c39Q3a1Q7c240Q3a1318QQ_trks idZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem120352141269QQitemZ1 20352141269QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories# ht_500wt_1598 Now, that just HURTS. OK. I could use a spare tail section and seat. I know 80RS427 (I think that's the name, right John?) needs a flyscreen. Who else needs what? Let's at least spread the parts around the "family"...let's pick a bidder, list who wants what, and give those remains a halfway decent home | |||
| 80rs427 |
I hated to see those items on ebay too. It looked like it was a pretty nice Lightning. At least I hope the chopper turns out ....seems to be a lot of "lost interest" half built Buell based choppers on ebay lately. Like Joe said, I'd be interested in the flyscreen and maybe a few other bits. Is anybody near enough to pick it up? | |||
| F_skinner |
If he was closer I might consider it. I do not need anything he has but it is always nice to have spare parts. I found another one on craigslist http://boston.craigslist.org/nos/mcy/956994207.htm l Also not in my area LOL. I have had no luck in finding export numbers. It has been real hard to find anything before 1999. I am hoping to get a camera for my Birthday so when I do I plan to post better pics of the S1W. I have seen three other S1Ws in Colorado Springs. One was totally stock, one on the road going the other way and one for for sale with the Nuke Blue frame and white body work. I love the reaction I get from the S1W, from all types of people. I need to document that some day. Frank | |||
| The_italian_job |
yes, many of them asking if it;s a Ducati!!!! i hate that sh*t!!!! | |||
| F_skinner |
Yep, I think I have heard them all. The S2T is often mistaken for a BMW or if they know about Buell a S3. The S1W and my old S1 get the strangest remarks, here are a couple: Doesn’t Harley make that? No, Buell does! What kind of Ducati is that? The American made one! That’s just a slow Sporty motor! Yes, wanna race? When are you going to get a real bike? When you build your own bike! Is that uncomfortable? Never noticed! How fast can you go? The speed limit! The Buell guy at the dealership asked me what year my S1W is, as he was trying to get me to buy a new Buell? I responded; if you can tell me the year of the bike and the total number of years made within 5 minutes I will buy a bike from you... He did not find the info, all he had to do was look in his little trade in value book which he had in his pocket. The best one was from a guy that happened to be in my parking space at work. After I educated him he attempted to make up for his mistake with small talk and asked me what kind of Springer Softtail my bike was (I was on the S1). I did not know what to say so I told him it was a Buell and a little about it. Come to find out he was looking at the exposed spring on the shock and of course since it has a spring it must be a Springer. The S1W brings out the worse in me. I love it! | |||
| F_skinner |
One more and I get this a lot. Is that a 600cc bike???? Yep, each cylinder is 600cc... | |||
| F_skinner |
Ed BTW, nice job on your S1. Very tasteful! you XB looks great as well. I can appreciate the work that goes into one of those. You should try to make it to Homecoming one year with your bikes. I am sure some of the factory folks and the rest of us would like to see them in person. Frank | |||
| Kuuud |
The hack job on ebay is really sad. I hope somebody here buys it and splits up the parts/ I could still use that spare white tail section. (I have a red one). | |||
| Kuuud |
Damn, I just saw the serial # on the ebay hack job...0032 !!! | |||
| F_skinner |
Don't put a lot of stock on that serial number, it is a CA model. 4MZYS56J3W3230032 4 MZ = Buell YS = S1W if it was a S1 it would be SS 56 = Engine code with 56 being CA and 11 being rest of world J = HP Code 3 W = Model Year (1998) 32 30032 = Sequential number (so it is number 32 that went to CA) There will also be an abbreviated VIN on the left side crankcase which would probably be YS56W200023 for this bike. Frank | |||
| F_skinner |
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| F_skinner |
any more S1W riders/owners out there??? |
