Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THESE MOTORCYCLES WERE BUILT WITH A SWINGARM THAT COULD BREAK.
Consequence
IF THE SWINGARM SHOULD BREAK, LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL COULD OCCUR.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SWINGARM.
1997 Buell S1 LIGHTNING problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 11 complaints on file for the 1997 Buell S1 LIGHTNING — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 8 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
11
NHTSA complaints
8
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1997 compare to other S1 LIGHTNING years?
What are the most common 1997 Buell S1 LIGHTNING problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 7 | 64% | new |
| Electrical System | 1 | 9% | — flat |
| Engine | 1 | 9% | new |
| Fuel System | 1 | 9% | — flat |
| Other | 1 | 9% | new |
Does the 1997 Buell S1 LIGHTNING have recalls?
8 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
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.
Consequence
THIS COULD RESULT IN AN EXPLOSION OR FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK MOUNT SYSTEM.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THESE MOTORCYCLES WERE BUILT WITH A FUEL TANK VENT VALVE ASSEMBLY THAT COULD BECOME PLUGGED.
Consequence
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.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THESE MOTORCYCLES WERE BUILT WITH A REAR SHOCK ABSORBER FRONT EYE THAT COULD BREAK.
Consequence
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.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. MOTION OF THE BATTERY CABLE CAN LEAD TO BREAKAGE OF ITS TERMINAL.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL/QUIT WHEN RIDING.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND/OR REPLACE THE NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THESE MOTORCYCLES WERE BUILT WITH A SIDESTAND SWITCH THAT COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE
Consequence
THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL/QUIT WHEN RIDING.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SIDESTAND SWITCH.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE FRONT ISOLATOR MOUNT SYSTEM CAN LOSE CLAMP LOAD AND POSSIBLY BREAK.
Consequence
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.
Defect
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.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION CAN PREVENT THE FRONT WHEEL FROM ROTATING INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPAIR THESE MOTORCYCLES.
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“RECEIVED MANUFACTURER'S RECALL REGARDING SWING ARM AND PIVOT SHAFT FAILURE. HAS BEEN TRYING SINCE ABOVE DATE TO GET DEALER TO HONOR RECALL. NEEDS NHTSA HELP IN THIS MATTER. *AK”
“WAS UNABLE TO GET SIX MANUFACTURER'S RECALL NOTICES HONORED BY DEALER BECAUSE NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK”
“WAS UNABLE TO GET SIX MANUFACTURER'S RECALL NOTICES HONORED BY DEALER BECAUSE NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK”
“WAS UNABLE TO GET SIX MANUFACTURER'S RECALL NOTICES HONORED BY DEALER BECAUSE NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK”
“WAS UNABLE TO GET SIX MANUFACTURER'S RECALL NOTICES HONORED BY DEALER BECAUSE NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK”
1997 Buell S1 LIGHTNING — common questions
Is the 1997 Buell S1 LIGHTNING reliable?
The record is thin — 11 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 8 recalls should be verified as completed.
What are the most common 1997 S1 LIGHTNING problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (7 complaints), fuel system (1 complaints), other (1 complaints).
Does the 1997 Buell S1 LIGHTNING have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Buell S1 LIGHTNING. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Is the 1997 Buell S1 LIGHTNING under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.