Was unable to get six manufacturer's recall notices honored by dealer because no parts were available. Feel free to provide further details.
The worst 1997 Buell S1 Lightning problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Suspension7
- Electrical1
- Engine1
- Fuel system1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Suspension7
- Electrical1
- Engine1
- Fuel system1
Recalls 8
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: mounting
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- This could result in an explosion or fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the fuel tank mount system.
Recall number 99V104000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: motorcycles. These motorcycles were built with a fuel tank vent valve assembly that could become plugged.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 99V105000 · Recall details
Suspension: rear
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: motorcycles. These motorcycles were built with a swingarm that could break.
- Risk
- If the swingarm should break, loss of vehicle control could occur.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the swingarm.
Recall number 99V106000 · Recall details
Suspension: rear: shock absorber
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: motorcycles. These motorcycles were built with a rear shock absorber front eye that could break.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 99V107000 · Recall details
Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery: cables
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: motorcycles. Motion of the battery cable can lead to breakage of its terminal.
- Risk
- This condition can cause the engine to stall/quit when riding.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and/or replace the negative battery cable.
Recall number 99V095000 · Recall details
Unknown or other
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: motorcycles. These motorcycles were built with a sidestand switch that could become inoperative
- Risk
- This condition can cause the engine to stall/quit when riding.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the sidestand switch.
Recall number 99V097000 · Recall details
Suspension: front
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: motorcycles. The front isolator mount system can lose clamp load and possibly break.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 99V086000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- This condition can prevent the front wheel from rotating increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will repair these motorcycles.
Recall number 97V153000 · Recall details
See all 8 recalls for the 1997 Buell S1 Lightning
Defect investigations
Throttle fails to return to idle
To address the problem described above, buell is recalling those fuel-injected motorcycles that it built without a throttle cable control clamp.for more information on this subject, please refer to the memorandum entitled the scope of buell's safety recall, 03v‑427 copy attached.
PE03043
What 1997 Buell S1 Lightning owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The federal safety agency recall 99v086000 and manufacturer's recall 0810/ suspension: motorcycle. No parts were available.
The federal safety agency recall 99v086000 and mfr recall 0810./ suspension: motorcycle. No parts were available.
The federal safety agency recall 99v095000 and manufacturer's recall 0811/ suspension: motorcycle. No parts were available.
The federal safety agency recall 99v097000 and mfr recall 0813/ suspension: motorcycle. No parts were available.
The federal safety agency recall 99v105000 and manufacturer's recall 0815/ suspension: motorcycle. No parts were available.
Received manufacturer's recall regarding swing arm and pivot shaft failure. Has been trying since above date to get dealer to honor recall. Needs the federal safety agency help in this matter.
Compare the 1997 Buell S1 Lightning
Other model years
Questions about the 1997 Buell S1 Lightning
Is the 1997 Buell S1 Lightning reliable?
Owners have filed 7 complaints about the 1997 Buell S1 Lightning, 2.3 times a typical S1 Lightning model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Buell S1 Lightning?
Suspension, with 7 complaints. Next is electrical (1).
How many recalls does the 1997 Buell S1 Lightning have?
8 recalls, covering fuel system, gasoline, suspension and electrical system.
Was there a recall on the 1997 Buell S1 Lightning suspension?
Yes, 3 recalls: 99V106000, 99V107000, 99V086000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
VIN decoder
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Buying a used 1997 Buell S1 Lightning?
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