Buell S1 White Lightning Problems by Year
NHTSA has 4 owner complaints and 6 safety recalls on file for the Buell S1 White Lightning, across 2 model years (1997–1998). The 1998 model year has the most complaints (4). The most reported problem area overall is engine and engine cooling.
Buell S1 White Lightning years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
No S1 White Lightning model year stands out with more than twice the complaints of a typical year.
Model years with the most complaints
- 1998 S1 White Lightning: 4 complaints, 6 recalls
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Buell S1 White Lightning problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Power Train | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Suspension | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Buell S1 White Lightning model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 S1 White Lightning | 4 | 6 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | |
| 1997 S1 White Lightning | 0 | 1 | — | — |
More from Buell: all Buell models · VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Buell S1 White Lightning years should you stay away from?
No year stands out at twice the typical count; the most complaints are for 1998 (4). Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Buell S1 White Lightning?
Engine and Engine Cooling, with 1 complaint across 1 model year.
How many recalls does the Buell S1 White Lightning have?
6 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.