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.
In the mid 1990s Erik Buell was finally starting to get mainstream support for his vision of an American built sport bike. After years of producing small batch, hand assembled machines, Harley Davidson purchased 49% of Buell and helped bring the company’s first large scale production model to market: the S2 Thunderbolt in 1995, followed by the more aggressive S2 Lightning in 1996. Just 1,399 examples of the Thunderbolt were built in the first year.
At the heart of the S2 is a rubber-mounted 1200cc Harley Davidson Sportster V-twin, modified with freer flowing intake and exhaust components that boosted output by roughly 18% over the standard motor. Torque peaked at a stout 76 lb-ft, and with a dry weight of around 450 pounds the S2 delivered the kind of muscular, torquey acceleration that was very different from the high revving Japanese fours of the time.
WP forks and a chromoly swing-arm with an underslung mono-shock gave the Lightning true sport bike handling, while PM wheels and a massive 340mm single front rotor with six piston caliper added top shelf performance touches.
Distinctive and rare, the S2 Thunderbolt was built in limited numbers and represented a turning point for Buell as the company transitioned from a boutique builder into a Harley-supported marque. Today it stands out as one of the most collectible of Buell’s early models: an unmistakable mix of Harley torque, sportbike chassis engineering, and Erik Buell’s uncompromising design philosophy.
This example is VIN: 4MZRT11H9T3001137, Engine #: RT11T001137.
The odometer shows 21,043 miles.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, repair the turn signal wiring, install a new battery, install a new front right turn signal, install a new final drive belt, and flush the hydraulic fluids. 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, 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 Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: New
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: 80%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 80%
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 43/06
Tire Date Code Rear: 65/12
Tire % Remaining Front: 80%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 80%
Tire Press. Front: 32 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 36 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.6V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 14.2V
Running Condition: Ok
Test Ride Completed: Yes
Test Ride Distance: 2 Miles, unit operates as designed
Tires Installed:
-Front: 120/70-17
-Rear: 170/60-17
Notes:
-Buell bags included with bike
-Spare mirrors in the saddle bags
RECOMMENDED REPAIRS:
-Tires
Modifications:
Zero Gravity tinted windscreen.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop tires with date codes of 3806 and 4306.
The sale includes four keys (two for ignition), the Spare Parts Catalog, wider saddlebag lids, inner luggage bag, and some spare parts (mirrors, turn signals).
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 Montana title. Have any S2 Thunderbolt stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
