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.
Come 1998, Buell offered a special variant of the S1 known as the White Lightning or S1W.
Along with higher compression heads and pistons from the Thunderstorm motor, the White Lightning also benefitted from a lighter crank and lighter cams. Together, these upgrades raised output from 91hp to 101hp. Elsewhere, Buell gave the bike a larger 5.5 gallon contoured fuel tank, a stainless steel muffler, and, of course, an exclusive Ice White Pearl paintjob.
This example is VIN: 4MZYS11J8W3225683.
The odometer shows 2,645 miles.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, install a new battery, clean the carb, and replace the final drive belt. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: Ok (Age Unknown)
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: N/A
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Ok (<1.5% OF MOISTURE CONTAMINATION)
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Ok (<1.5% OF MOISTURE CONTAMINATION)
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
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: 60%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 70%
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 17/06
Tire Date Code Rear: 16/11
Tire % Remaining Front: 80%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 80%
Tire Press. Front: 38 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 37 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: New 12.8V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 13.5V
Running Condition: Runs Well on Bench, Runs Well on Test Ride
Test Ride Completed: Yes
Test Ride Distance: 2 Miles
Notes:
-Tires are old and out of date spec
Recommendations:
-Front and Rear Tire Replacement
Modifications:
Vance & Hines SS2R exhaust.
Battery tender lead.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop Sportmax Roadsmart tires with date codes of 1706 and 1611.
The sale includes one ignition 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. Have any S1 White Lightning stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
