I feel like the Buell S3 Thunderbolt is a bike that generates controversy here on RSBFS. Something about it not being a “real sportbike.” Sure, it’s a bit of a mongrel, a hodgepodge of top-shelf components, garden shed bodywork, and a torquey Harley Davidson lump all mixed up, with incongruous Harley clocks staring you in the face. But if I posted up an old Norvin, I feel like no one would bat an eye. So what’s the issue?
Well I think part of the problem is that Buells have generally had somewhat… controversial styling. I think Erik Buell would argue that the bodywork was always designed with function foremost in mind, but there’s no doubt that his bikes could have been prettier, the White Lightning aside. The other big issue for sportbiking purists? The heavy Harley lump. But what about performance? 100hp and 66lb-ft of torque pushing a 513lb wet weight is plenty to have fun with. It’s not the fastest bike, but it’s a fun bike for carving corners and squirting between them.
I have a friend who owns a White Lightning and was lucky enough to have a go on it. The experience was memorable: you’re up high, and the bike is very agile. Aside from the handling, the engine is the centerpiece: it vibrates like crazy at first, but quickly smooths out and thumps away before running out of breath fairly early. You just kind of surf the torque.
The S3 Thunderbolt is more of a sport-touring bike than an outright sportbike, but still incorporates Buell’s race-bred contrarian thinking. Given his experience, it’s no surprise the bike handles well. The rear shock is under the engine, the unusual front brake is just a single, large disc with a six-piston caliper, the engine is a 1200 Sportster unit. The S3 is relatively light for a Harley-engined machine, owing to Buell’s engineering prowess. The optional spun aluminum Performance Machine wheels seen here looked trick then, maybe less so now. Your mileage may vary.
From the original eBay listing: 1999 Buell S3 Thunderbolt for Sale
This is my 1999 Buell S3 Thunderbolt that I have owned for nearly 16 years. It has been in my garage since 2008! it had 2269 miles on it when I purchased it from the original owner in new Hampshire. it came from the factory in molten orange and polished aluminum pm wheels. the paint is still very nice and it looks as it did from the factory. there are two cracks in the tail section attached to the license plate and this is a common problem with Thunderbolts can be seen in photos. I’m not sure you will find a cleaner model, when I pulled it out of the garage I washed it but did not polish anything. there are a few items that could be addressed , if i would be keeping it i would repair these but will leave to new owner. in the last 16 years I have rode it to bike nights and around the town and only put a total of 273 miles on it. its never been laid down or crashed. when i bought it I changed the tires so the only thing that’s not! original are the tires, there’s not a lot of thunderbolts out there that still have original shift linkage air cleaner or exhaust! if you are buying to ride these tires will need to be changed. I pulled it out of the garage last week put a brand new Harley battery in it and all the fluids were changed. it starts right up with first push of the button! this is a really nice stock survivor. I am located in St Petersburg Florida 30 minutes from Tampa. I can assist with shipping. payment can be discussed before purchase but would prefer cash on pickup and full payment within 7 days. $500 deposit within 24 hours. I have a 8,000 buy it now and have the option for offers, any questions please feel free to ask.
The seller is asking $8,000 for this very clean, original, low-mileage example. Buells of all stripes were very cheap for a very long time, so I’m not sure if prices have gone up while I’m away, or this is just an ambitious seller. These bikes are a little rough around the edges, but have some tasty details. All-in-all a quirky, interesting back-road assassin for a rider who wants something out of the ordinary and doesn’t mind orange.
-tad
If an Italian had built these near Milan the purists and Wise Ones would tell us they are genius.
Think Ducati monster gone big n ugly.
Great bike for a backroad blast.
The Harley lump just lets the snobs look down their nose.
Getting 95hp and 95tq +/- at the rear wheel out of a sportster isn’t an overly difficult task and if done properly won’t break the bank and will be exceptionally reliable.
If a 1991 Moto Guzzi 1000s belongs in Rare Sportbikes For Sale then a Buell most certainly deserves a place here.