Description
Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 1999 Buell X1 Lightning. Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
After designing the updated frame for the FXR in the 1980s, Erik Buell left Harley-Davidson to forge anew under his own banner. And here’s the thing — following a series of prototypes and limited-production models, the MotorCo wanted in on the action. Harley-Davidson purchased 49% ownership of Buell come 1993.
In order to make his offerings more palatable to the masses, Erik Buell launched what was known as the S1 Lightning in 1996. Despite its otherwise standard appearance, the bike was unique because of its thumping 1203cc Harley-Davidson v-twin, its short 54.7-inch wheelbase, and its large “Helmholtz Volume Power system” affixed to the right side. Of course, the engine also featured higher compression heads, a lightened flywheel, and different camshafts.
For all of its promise, though, the S1 proved divisive in its reception on account of its hot riding experience and hard seat. Accordingly, Buell updated the model with the X1 Lightning for the 1999 model year.
The changes included visual updates along with a stiffer tubular steel trellis frame, a switch to EFI, and an improved seat. What’s more, the X1 Lightning was known for its distinctive cast-aluminum subframe — one of the largest applications ever seen on a bike. As Cycle World put in their review, “Everywhere you look, you note improvements over previous Buells, from the new instruments to the new footpegs and forged foot controls to, yes, the helmet hooks under the easily detached seat. The Xl feels like a complete industrial product; no parts remain that hint at kitbike, or of the compromises necessarily made when Buells were built in a Mukwanago garage at the rate of one per week.”
This example is VIN: 4MZSS56J4X3220133.
The odometer shows 6,273 miles.
Maintenance:
The seller states that this X1 was raced by Bartel’s Harley-Davidson up until 2011 and saw approximately 5,000 miles of track use. The bike had been modified for competition with a built engine (racing cams, etc.) and it was completely overhauled after the team had retired it from racing.
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us replace the front turn signals and perform a safety inspection. Ours service department notes the following in their condition report:
Gas Tank Condition: Ok
Tire Year Front/ Rear:3619/4319
Tire % Front/ Rear:90/90
Tire Press Front/ Rear:20/12
Brake % Front/ Rear :90/90
Hydraulic: Front: OK <1.5% MOISTURE; Rear: OK <1.5%MOISTURE
Engine Oil – Level: Low; Quality: OK
Coolant: N/A
Low Beam: OK
High Beam: OK
Passing Light: Ok
Parking Light: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: OK
Brake Light: OK
Plate Light: OK
Killswitch: OK
Horn: OK
Fork: LEAKING
Shock/s: OK
Final Drive: LOOSE/AGED
Battery:12.6/ 14.3V CHARGING
OCV: 13.05V
Capacity: 18.0 AH
State of Health: 100%
State of Charge: 96% GOOD & RECHARGE
Test Ride: 1 mile, unit operates as designed
RECOMMENDED:
• REPLACE FINAL DRIVE BELT
• FORK SERVICE
Modifications:
SuperTrapp exhaust.
ASV levers, bar-end mirrors.
Aftermarket turn signals.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II tires with from 2019.
The sale includes one key and a selection of service manuals.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Buell is offered on a clean California title with registration current through August 2024. Please note: the bike will come with a different license plate.
Have any X1 Lightning stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
