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.
1998 Buell S1 WHITE LIGHTNING problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 4 complaints on file for the 1998 Buell S1 WHITE LIGHTNING — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 6 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
4
NHTSA complaints
6
Recalls
1
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1998 compare to other S1 WHITE LIGHTNING years?
What are the most common 1998 Buell S1 WHITE LIGHTNING problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 1 | 25% | new |
| Engine | 1 | 25% | new |
| Suspension | 1 | 25% | new |
| Transmission | 1 | 25% | new |
Does the 1998 Buell S1 WHITE LIGHTNING have recalls?
6 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. 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.
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“BRAKE LEVER LIGHTLY TOUCHED AS I WAS GOING INTO THE THE TURN @ 25 MPH, NO BRAKE CONTROL BIKE LEANED INSTEAD OF DOWN, AND I WENT INTO THE DITCH AND FRACTURED MYN PELVIS. THERE ARE 4 KNOW ACCOUNTS OF THE EXACT SAME INCIDENT, ONE WAS BY A DEALER MECHANIC OF WHICH I PURCHASED THE MOTORCYCLE FROM HAD…”
“RECALL 99V106000/SWING ARM, AND 99V107 000/REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS: BOTH RECALLS RECEIVED AND REPORTED TO DEALER, BUT STILL BOTH RECALLS HAVE NOT BEEN HONORED. DEALER IS STILL WAITING FOR PARTS FROM MANUFACTURER. OWNER WISHES FOR DEALER TO REPURCHASE VEHICLE. *ML”
1998 Buell S1 WHITE LIGHTNING — common questions
Is the 1998 Buell S1 WHITE LIGHTNING reliable?
The record is thin — 4 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 6 recalls should be verified as completed.
Does the 1998 Buell S1 WHITE LIGHTNING have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 1998 Buell S1 WHITE LIGHTNING. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Is the 1998 Buell S1 WHITE 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.