Buell’s second production motorcycle (after the S2 Thunderbolt) was a naked sportbike that reminded some of the Ducati Monster, though it stood out thanks to its thumping 1203cc Harley-Davidson v-twin, short 54.7-inch wheelbase, and low shock/exhaust arrangement. 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. But today’s example has mixed things up dramatically as it’s been modified extensively by Excelsior Customs in Jupiter, Florida.
When Excelsior first offered it for sale, they shared a slideshow with build progress photos:
This example is VIN: 4MZYS11JXW3226785.
The odometer shows 416 miles since the customization was done, true mileage is unknown.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, fit a new battery, change the oil and filter (20W50). rebuilt the Mikuni carb and fitted a new S&S intake O-ring. We cleaned the inside of the tank, fitted new fuel lines and filter. We fitted a new final drive belt, and bled all three hydraulic systems (front and rear brake, and clutch).
Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: New
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: N/A
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New (<1.5% of moisture contamination)
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New (<1.5% of moisture contamination)
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New (<1.5% of moisture contamination)
Final Drive Condition: New Belt Drive
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: 90%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 70%
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 10/16
Tire Date Code Rear: 31/16
Tire % Remaining Front: 70%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 90%
Tire Press. Front: 33 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 37 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: New 13.3V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 13.9V
Running Condition: Runs Well on Bench, Runs Well on Test Ride
Test Ride Completed: Yes
Test Ride Distance: 2 Miles
Notes:
-Tires are out of date spec
Recommendation:
-Front and Rear Tires
Modifications:
The seller states: “Frame and wheels have been completely stripped down and powder coated gloss black. Tail has been painted matte black. Carbon fiber bespoke seat. Unique coated pipes. Motor: Rebuilt top end gaskets. Thunderstorm heads specific to White lightning model.
Custom fuel tank by Holt Works in the United Kingdom.
Aftermarket headlight.
Cognito Moto custom GPS Speedo and Gauges.
Ohlins forks, Brembo calipers, aftermarket wave rotors.
Ohlins shock with remote preload adjustment.
OEM wheels from an undetermined Benelli.
Roland Sands Design air filter.
Gilles Tooling adjustable levers, Brembo masters, Rizoma mirrors, aftermarket switches, aftermarket front turn signals.
Custom swingarm.
Custom oil tank.
Motogadget m-unit and key fob ignition. Custom 6 wire harness.
Tail tidy/aftermarket brake light.
Battery tender lead.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin Pilot Power 3 tires with date codes of 1016 and 3116.
The sale includes one Buell key and one Motogadget 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 Montana title. Have any S1 White Lightning stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
