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.”
This example is VIN: 4MZSS56J7X3220045.
The odometer shows 2,258 miles.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, change the oil/filter, flush the hydraulic fluids, and install a new battery.
Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: OK
Engine Oil Level: OK
Engine Oil Quality: OK
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: N/A
Coolant Quality: N//A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: OK
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: OK
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: OK
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: OK
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: OK-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: 95%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 90%
Forks: OK
Shock/s: OK
Tire Date Code Front: 408
Tire Date Code Rear: 338
Tire % Remaining Front: 40%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 25%
Tire Press. Front: 34
Tire Press. Rear: 42
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.3
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 13.5
Running Condition: GOOD
Test Ride Completed: YES
Test Ride Distance: 2 MILES
Modifications:
This Buell apears to be stock except for a battery tender lead.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on the original Dunlop Sportmax D204 tires from 1998.
The sale includes one key.
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 on Planned Nonoperation (PNO).
Per the California DMV, it would cost $163 to make registration current through August 2026.
Have any X1 Lightning stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
