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.
1996 Buell S2 THUNDERBOLT problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1996 Buell S2 THUNDERBOLT — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
1
NHTSA complaints
4
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1996 compare to other S2 THUNDERBOLT years?
What are the most common 1996 Buell S2 THUNDERBOLT problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel System | 1 | 100% | ▼ down |
Does the 1996 Buell S2 THUNDERBOLT have recalls?
4 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.
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“RECALLS 99V107/99V106/99V105, AND 99V10;, EASTGATE HARLEY DAVIDSON 699 OLD STATE ROUTE 74, CINNANNTI OH 45245 (513)528-1400, THESE RECALLS HAVE NOT BEEN MODIFIED. A DEFECTS STILL EXISTS AND MAY RESULT IN A CRASH. MANUFACTURER STATED IT WOULD TAKE A MONTH TO RECEIVE THE PARTS. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER…”
1996 Buell S2 THUNDERBOLT — common questions
Is the 1996 Buell S2 THUNDERBOLT reliable?
The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.
Does the 1996 Buell S2 THUNDERBOLT have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1996 Buell S2 THUNDERBOLT. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Is the 1996 Buell S2 THUNDERBOLT 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.