Please note: This bike is a part of the Northern California Superbike Collection. The anonymous owner is well-known and a long-term friend of both Iconic and Bike-urious. All proceeds will go towards a foundation he and his wife run to further research for sustainable agricultural and agroforestry systems worldwide.
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.”
Buell was known for some vibrant color options at the time, such as the Sunfire Yellow on a Nuclear Blue frame option shown in this listing.
This example is VIN: 4MZSS11J813200913. It was originally a demo bike for a dealership in the southeast.
The odometer shows 8,513 miles.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, install a new battery, flush the hydraulic fluids, replace the front brake pads, replace the fork seals and fork oil, install a new drive belt, rebuild the fuel pump, clean the fuel injectors, and clean the air filter.
Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Good
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: New
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: N/A, Air Cooled
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New, <1.5% Moisture
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New, <1.5% Moisture
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A, Cable Clutch
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: New Belt
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: Ok
Parking Light: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Ok
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 100%, New
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 80%
Forks: Ok, New Seals
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 11/17
Tire Date Code Rear: 22/11
Tire % Remaining Front: 90%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 80%
Tire Press. Front: 36 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 38 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.8V, New Battery
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 13.7V
Running Condition: Ok, Runs on bench
Test Ride Completed: Yes
Test Ride Distance: 1 Mile, unit operates as designed
Notes:
-Tires aged
-Tachometer not working
RECOMMENDED REPAIRS:
-Replace Tires
-Diag/Repair Tachometer
Modifications:
Banke Performance shifter and brake lever.
Polished subframe.
Billet dash.
Several Buell “Pegasus” pieces.
Battery tender lead.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Continental ContiMotion tires with date codes of 1117 and 2211.
The sale includes one key and the original key code.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Buell is offered on a clean California title with registration that is currently PNO.
Have any X1 Lightning stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
