Received eight manufacturer's recall notices. Dealer notified and no repairs done. Dealer informed that they are waiting on all parts before repairs can be made. Waiting since 25 of may 1999. As of december 30, 1999 parts still not available.
The worst 1998 Buell S1 Lightning problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Brakes2
- Electrical2
- Fuel system2
- Suspension2
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Brakes2
- Electrical2
- Fuel system2
- Suspension2
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 1998 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 1998 Buell S1 Lightning owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Dealer notified of eight manufacturer's recall notices received. As of now none of the recall repairs wwere made. Dealer informed that they are waiting on all the parts before repairs can be made.
The rubber on the foot peg turns while driver's foot is resting on the peg. The rubber around the foot peg is also coming off the peg. The dealer is aware of the problem. The problem has not been corrected.
Compare the 1998 Buell S1 Lightning
Other model years
Questions about the 1998 Buell S1 Lightning
Is the 1998 Buell S1 Lightning reliable?
Owners have filed 3 complaints about the 1998 Buell S1 Lightning, close to a typical S1 Lightning model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Buell S1 Lightning?
Brakes, with 2 complaints. Next is electrical (2).
How many recalls does the 1998 Buell S1 Lightning have?
8 recalls, covering fuel system, gasoline, suspension and electrical system.
Was there a recall on the 1998 Buell S1 Lightning brakes?
Yes, 1 recall: 97V153000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
VIN decoder
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