Buell S1 Lightning - The American Ducati Monster

What's crackin everyone. Today, we take a Buell S1 lightning for a spin, and I give my thoughts on the bike. The S1 is ironically the bike (upright naked) that Harley-Davidson is missing in the lineup today. It ticks a lot of boxes for the younger crowd, and they can be bought for bargain basement prices (as low as $2,500). Enjoy!

[@justingillette8287]

To this day Buell is one of my all time favorite bikes!

[@mj6749]

I don't know what makes one model, or make of motorcycle, more desirable than others but, I will say that the early Buells ( tubers) will be a sort after model as time goes by. I have both the 98 S1 Lightning and, 99 X1 Lightning, fully restored. I don't see me selling them unless, someone offered some big money. So, you Buell owners out there, keep it, as they don't make them anymore. Take joy in riding something that Eric created. Something very unique and eye catching.

[@ajcates9136]

I have a s1 96 with 4500 miles and it’s my favorite bike I have had a lot of bike and I’ll keep it till I can’t ride anymore 😂

[@kawikakilawana7250]

I literally just bought a '99 X1 a couple weeks ago, and have been just infatuated with it. Love learning all about it.

[@miketobin9437]

I purchased an x1 1999 about 4-5 months ago, having a blast on it.

[@steverollins4690]

Love my Buells! Still riding them regularly.

[@roderickmoyer9851]

Nice looking bike for 24 years old I’ve always wanted to ride some Buells only one I ever had a chance on was just a Buell blast it was ok I don’t really care for exact size anything on 2 wheels is fun so I guess I had. A blast on it regardless good video keep them coming…

[@robmack151]

Yeah.... The Blast isn't even half the bike! 😉

[@fvgc454ss]

Ride an XB12. One of the funnest best handling street bikes you'll ever ride

[@eliinthewolverinestate6729]

I almost bought a Lightning ss. But found a Ulysses with low miles. Had a mouse nest in air filter and electrical issue on plug at ecm. Added a ground to the starter to fix the Harley lag on starting. Was getting good voltage but not a good ground.

[@blondebikes]

Tube frames arent solid mount. They are the same premises as most Japanese and euro sports bikes (engine is a stressed member) front mount is rubber, right under the tank at the head tube, rear mounts to the frame at the foot rests.

[@GravitationL]

always wanted one of these - shame they're not very uncommon (i.e. almost non-existent) in Australia... definitely looks great for its age. Great video!

[@seansteede]

LOL - when HD shut down Buell, I told my buddies I had a "collectors item" in the 1997 S1 Lightning...which had about 1500 units built that year I believe.....they laughed. It's now still a chuckle...but I'm holding on that that sweet little bike. That's my retired cruising bike in 10 years where everyone turns there head and says "what the hell is that".....

[@secondchancegarage]

Yes, thank you uncle Mike! Lol. We enjoy you bikes.

[@Oberon_Boost]

I own a couple of Ducati Monsters, but the tubeframe Buells are too hard to find in Russia. So I'm keep trying.

[@makeee87]

Any idea what brand is the tachometer?

[@mrlongtree]

I have one of these and a 2003 XB9S Lightning. Great bikes, no doubt about it.

[@johnhallett6512]

Are you running down 303? Looks like White Tanks in the foreground. Love the videos.

[@georges-etiennericher7381]

good day to you! awesome video, enough to make me suffer motorcyle fever for a while haha. just a quick question: do you feel like this bike would be comfortable for a tall rider? Im 6'4

[@DoctormotorcycleToo]

I'm a little over 6 feet tall, I think this bike would actually feel pretty comfortable for you, though any bike with rearsets is going to have limited comfort for someone of your height, though the same could be said about just about any other bike with rearsets.

[@mikec7661]

my s1w is my unicorn. picked up an xb too. buell forever! how do you know thats a s1w? those are standard buell heads is why im askin.

[@roelfkromhout]

Handles infinitely better than a Monster though.

[@LRP-e1m]

Your uncle has the carb tuned perfectly

[@davidruelas6611]

that one cool uncle

[@normangraber1047]

Buells were not solid mount motors.

[@nathanjones3429]

I want one of these. I have had an 1125r and a Firebolt XB9r or almost a decade but I want a tuber.

[@ajcates9136]

How much is a turbo kit for s1

[@stustockwell]

Tubers were fun bikes but if you like wheelies, get used to replacing crank seals often. That engine is not a fan of being vertical, and they aren't really all that great with the belt. They feel smooth but lose a ton of torque.

[@southhillfarm2795]

As time goes by I’ve only heard good things about Buell motorcycles.

[@robmack151]

Didn't you already TurboCharge one of these bad boys!?!? 🤔

[@ricosan7341]

For sale,?

[@nickmassey9104]

Wednesday evening buell fun 👍

[@albertmichall5732]

I guess the Buell S1 1996 I'm looking at for $2800 is a good deal 6/9/2024

[@DoctormotorcycleToo]

Pull the Trigger! Tube frame Buell's are one of my Favorite bikes ever.

[@Kybay]

American Muscle Bike 👊👊

[@douglas9607]

Good review, my friend. Thank you. sub/Likie