Rols
Active member
looking into getting one.. anyone have any reviews on this? i hear good things, but i read that year had recalls. the one i am looking at has 40k on it. thanks
1996 Buell S1 Lightning
- Thread starter Rols
- Start date
It's certainly a cool looking bike , but that generation of Buell had quite a few problems from electrical to motor mount failure to frame cracking -- all of which were fixed by dealers if caught in time . Considering its km's , I'd pass unless you're getting it DIRT cheap AND you do your own mechanical work . If you really want a Buell , check out a later model with the aluminium frame , the newer the better , which are very tough and reliable and can be bought for under $5K .
B
Bigevildoer
Guest
Got a Buell 1125r myself. It's had it's share of teething pains (it's an early 08 - before most of the problems were solved and addressed in the manufacturing line), but I love the way it rides.
If you can get the S1 for under $2K I'd consider it, but would probably go with a SV1000 for the same price (easier parts availability and are rock solid).
Or, if you can spend a bit more, the late (July onwards) 2008 1125r/cr platform is amazing. Stay away from the 09's, as they have serious stator burnout issues, even with the "fix" issued by HD (new wiring harness - just delays the burn out). Can probably haggle guys down to $6K if you're lucky, $6.5K more likely.
If you can get the S1 for under $2K I'd consider it, but would probably go with a SV1000 for the same price (easier parts availability and are rock solid).
Or, if you can spend a bit more, the late (July onwards) 2008 1125r/cr platform is amazing. Stay away from the 09's, as they have serious stator burnout issues, even with the "fix" issued by HD (new wiring harness - just delays the burn out). Can probably haggle guys down to $6K if you're lucky, $6.5K more likely.
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If 96 is a tube framed bike, I'd stay away. While being a riot to ride, it's been my experience they aren't reliable.
A number of yrs ago when the Lightning and Thunderbolt were tube framed bikes, In one afternoon of test riding, 3 Buells that were on hand for demos at Jacox HD were:
2 Lightnings, and one Thunderbolt.
During the day of test rides, 2 of them broker header pipes, and all 3 suffered motor mount failures. The Jacox mechanics were able to put 2 of them back together well enough for demos to continue. But if I could only hve one bike, a tube framed Buell wouldn't be it.
A number of yrs ago when the Lightning and Thunderbolt were tube framed bikes, In one afternoon of test riding, 3 Buells that were on hand for demos at Jacox HD were:
2 Lightnings, and one Thunderbolt.
During the day of test rides, 2 of them broker header pipes, and all 3 suffered motor mount failures. The Jacox mechanics were able to put 2 of them back together well enough for demos to continue. But if I could only hve one bike, a tube framed Buell wouldn't be it.
B
Bigevildoer
Guest
Those comments were about the 1125 platform.
The XB series uses the HD Sportster engines (beefed up a little). All in all, they're pretty bullet proof. $5K for an 04 is on the high side of things. I'd offer $3750 (conditionally -- depends on mileage, condition, etc etc), and walk if he doesn't come to $4K.
Engine parts are easy to get for these as they're from the Sportster line -- everything else is a pain in the butt through HD - best to go aftermarket if possible.
This bike is why I have a Ducati. Back in the day they were our competition endurance racing. Two words "Harley Engine" I am being dead serious when I say I cant remember a single one finishing an endurance race.I can remember getting updates during the races via on board radios. Buell on fire, buell wont fire after fueling, buell covered in oil, buell smoking bad, buell on fire.......every call was chaching to me 
All we had to was wait for them to die and we made money I know people who race (sprint) and love them but they also temper it with talks about extensive maintenance. I have a low mileage 1125R in storage now that I know is for sale. PM me and I can put you in touch with the owner if interested. Personally wouldnt touch one with a ten foot pole. (the air coolers I mean, the 1125 is a Rotax mill and quite a nice machine)
All we had to was wait for them to die and we made money I know people who race (sprint) and love them but they also temper it with talks about extensive maintenance. I have a low mileage 1125R in storage now that I know is for sale. PM me and I can put you in touch with the owner if interested. Personally wouldnt touch one with a ten foot pole. (the air coolers I mean, the 1125 is a Rotax mill and quite a nice machine)
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