1995 Buell S2 Thunderbolt from United States of America

Summary:

One of the best sport bikes of its time

Faults:

Speed cable.

General Comments:

Getting ready to turn the Buell into a custom trike. I didn't want to, but it just sat in my garage for the last 10 years. It still has the tires on it from the factory, so I'm scared to ride it with 20 year old tires.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th January, 2015

18th Jun 2015, 03:03

Try Frankensteintrikes.com. We used them for our Buell S3.

1995 Buell S2 Thunderbolt from United States of America

Summary:

Basically - I love it

Faults:

Things shake off the bike often. Most damage has been caused by this. Front brake caliper lost a bolt causing the caliper to swing out and hit the PM wheel/rim causing scratches. The carbon fiber Vance and Hines pipe, which I added when I got it, literally has shaken itself to death. Nuts bolts and screws constantly need to be tightened, sometimes replaced. Only the caliper bolt resulted in danger and significant cost (had it buffed out).

Clutch cover needed a gasket at 15K miles. A throttle cable needed to be replaced. They over the top of the engine and the lube effectively dries/bakes and the inner cable rusts through. Rear brake pads die quickly, and I rarely use the rear brake... mainly because it really doesn't work much at all.

Nothing really expensive, nor major. More and more parts, however, are made of "unobtainium"... just can't find them. The 1995 is a pre-production hand-built and only 1400 were made.

General Comments:

Bike still looks awesome and turns heads. It is so unique it always get lookers in parking lots.

The bike sounds awesome, and turns heads. Get compliments on the sound.

The torque is amazing. I live in Colorado and it eats up the mountain roads. The 50 to 100mph roll-on is nearly super bike numbers (look it up, it is true... it eats most in-line fours in that range).

While a tad heavy, it handles fantastically well. It always starts and is easy enough to maintain. There are LOTS of go-fast options available... I have a moderate few: the aftermarket pipe, a MUST, a Screaming Eagle ignition (basically, some advance and higher rev limiter, which gives it a better sound as well).

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd May, 2008

19th Sep 2008, 09:10

The 2nd Thunderbolt I ever saw was in Colorado, it was Pearl Yellow between Durango and Silverton Co. Blasting down the mountain roads. I was up there riding Dirt Bikes and saw that bike, it was real nice, after that my brother-in-law was giving me subliminal messages just saying "BUELL" real soft on and on, then I bought one (Pearl Yellow With PM Wheels) 1 week after I got back to Texas! Also bought a 98 White Lightning a few years ago! Great Bikes! RacerDave.

1995 Buell S2 Thunderbolt from Canada

Summary:

I love her ....

Faults:

The disc brake was pretty worn, and was changed when I bought the bike.

General Comments:

This bike is a very nice one, it's a synthesis of past and present.

She holds the road in a quite satisfying way, the engine is fabulous and it sounds great, according to me.

It's comfortable enough, the braking power is not very good compared to modern motorcycles, but it's 10 years old...

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th August, 2006

14th Nov 2006, 15:26

I have an S2 Thunderbolt, and the stopping is excellent and the acceleration is 10/10.

1995 Buell S2 Thunderbolt from United States of America

Summary:

Great handling and braking, and you can still hang with the Harley guys

Faults:

Blew a head gasket. The frame was replaced under warranty.

General Comments:

I've had 4 different motorcycles while I've owned this bike. I sell the others and keep my S2. It's cheap to maintain and really fun to ride.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th October, 2005

1995 Buell S2 Thunderbolt from United States of America

Summary:

I often look to see what other Buell S2 Thunderbolts are for sale, thinking I might buy another one

Faults:

Replaced the header pipe, which broke at the head (16,500 miles).

Replaced 2nd header pipe with one from an S1 (new design), which broke again at the head (18,400 miles).

Replaced the recalled rear shock, which was leaking fluid (19,650 miles).

Valve head breathing system would often leak oil over the right side of bike. I finally modified it to collect in a catch can.

Since the bike has a v-twin engine, the drive train tends to chew thru back tires. I often would go thru two rear tires before replacing one front tire.

General Comments:

This bike was lots of fun and was a head turner.

There are many modifications for the engine, because it is the same that is used on the Harley Davidson XL1200 motorcycles.

This was a heavy bike and it helped being tall, to hold it up.

I took many long trips on this bike.

The v-twin, 1203cc engine sounded GREAT!

This was a great bike for the corners, it felt stable and put a grin on my face each time I got off of it.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th March, 2005