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: 4MZRT11H0S3000599.
The odometer shows 13,669 miles.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection. 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: Failed
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Low
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Failed
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: Rear drive belt old
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: N/A
Turn Signals: Failed
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Failed
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Failed
Plate Light: Failed
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 50%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 60%
Forks: Leaking
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 1014
Tire Date Code Rear: 0515
Tire % Remaining Front: 90%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 90%
Tire Press. Front: 22
Tire Press. Rear: 33
Battery Standing Voltage: No battery
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: N/A
Running Condition: Running Well
Test Ride Completed: N/A
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Notes:
Fuel cap needs new O-ring
Rear belt drive is old
Signs of oil leak from oil filter area
Both front forks are leaking
Rear brakes are stuck and are low on fluid
Failed both hydro tests
Repair Recommendations:
-New O-ring for fuel cap
-Replace rear drive belt
-Diagnose oil leak coming from rear filter
-Forks are leaking need to be rebuilt
-Battery replacement
-Clean air filter/assemblies
-Spark plugs
-Rebuild master cylinder/caliper assembly in rear brakes
-Hydro 2
-Replace broken turn signals
-Electrical diagnostic for turn signal function, front and rear brake light, and plate light
Modifications:
Orange/black split paint job.
Corbin seat.
Carbon fiber belt guard.
Carbon fiber air cleaner cover.
Tinted windscreen.
Eastside Harley-Davidson sticker on caliper.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S20 tires with date codes of 1014 and 0515.
The sale includes two keys and an extra rear turn signal.
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 S2 Thunderbolt stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
