Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 1995 Buell S2 THUNDERBOLT — 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.
6
NHTSA complaints
8
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel System | 3 | 50% | new |
| Other | 1 | 17% | new |
| Steering | 1 | 17% | new |
| Suspension | 1 | 17% | new |
8 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
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 SWINGARM THAT COULD BREAK.
Consequence
IF THE SWINGARM SHOULD BREAK, LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL COULD OCCUR.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SWINGARM.
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
THE FAIRING MOUNT ASSEMBLY BRACKET CAN CRACK AND DETACH FROM THE FRAME.
Consequence
IF THE BRACKET FAILS, THE FAIRING COULD CONTACT THE FRONT FENDER CAUSING THE OPERATOR TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE INCREASINGTHE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MOTORCYCLES AND INSTALL AN INSTRUMENT PANEL STABILIZER. SOME MOTORCYCLES MAY ALREADY HAVE THE STABILIZER INSTALLED.
Defect
FUEL SEEPAGE CAN OCCUR AT THE MOLD PARTING LINE OR AT THE AREA WHERE THE PETCOCK ATTACHES TO THE FUEL TANK.
Consequence
FUEL LEAKS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE IF AN IGNITION SOURCE IS PRESENT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REMOVE AND REPLACE THE FUEL TANKS ON THE INVOLVED MOTORCYCLES.
Defect
MOTORCYCLES DO NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS." THE RIMS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED DESIGNATION INFORMATION.
Consequence
CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: POSSIBILITY OF OVERLOADING AND UNDERINFLATING WHICH COULD CAUSE TIRE FAILURES INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy
OWNERS WILL RECEIVE PERMANENT, ADHESIVE, WEATHER-RESISTANT RIM LABELS WITH THE CORRECT DESIGNATIONS. OWNERS CAN PLACE THE CORRECT LABELS ON THEMSELVES OR TAKE THEIR MOTORCYCLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND HAVE THE DEALER INSTALL THE LABELS FREE OF CHARGE FOR THEM.
Defect
FRONT BRAKE LINE ASSEMBLY CAN CRACK AT EITHER OF THE FITTINGS, ALLOWING BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE.
Consequence
THIS CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF BRAKE SYSTEM HYDRAULICPRESSURE AND INCREASED BRAKING DISTANCE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE BRAKE LINE ASSEMBLY.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“RECALL # 99V107 REAR SHOCK ABSORBER/ 99V106 SWINGARM/ 99V105 FUEL TANK VALVE AND 99V104 FUEL TANK MOUNTING. OWNER RECEIVED NOTICES STARTING IN JUNE OF 99. DEALER HAS NOT RECEIVED PARTS TO CORRECT THESE PROBLEMS. OWNER HAS 3 OTHER RECALL NOTICES HE RECEIVED IN 1995, WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN CORRECTED DUE…”
“RECALL # 99V107 REAR SHOCK ABSORBER/ 99V106 SWINGARM/ 99V105 FUEL TANK VALVE AND 99V104 FUEL TANK MOUNTING. OWNER RECEIVED NOTICES STARTING IN JUNE OF 99. DEALER HAS NOT RECEIVED PARTS TO CORRECT THESE PROBLEMS. OWNER HAS 3 OTHER RECALL NOTICES HE RECEIVED IN 1995, WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN CORRECTED DUE…”
“NO PARTS AVAILABLE. WON'T MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS ON THE OTHER RECALLS UNTIL THEY GET THIS PART. NHTSA RECALL 99V106000 AND MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 0816. *AK”
“RECALL # 99V107 REAR SHOCK ABSORBER/ 99V106 SWINGARM/ 99V105 FUEL TANK VALVE AND 99V104 FUEL TANK MOUNTING. OWNER RECEIVED NOTICES STARTING IN JUNE OF 99. DEALER HAS NOT RECEIVED PARTS TO CORRECT THESE PROBLEMS. OWNER HAS 3 OTHER RECALL NOTICES HE RECEIVED IN 1995, WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN CORRECTED DUE…”
The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 8 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns affecting the 1995 Buell S2 THUNDERBOLT. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.