S3 Thunderbolt

1998 Buell S3 Thunderbolt Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Positioned in Buell's allround motorcycle lineup, the 1998 Buell S3 Thunderbolt features a 1203 cc (73.4 cu in) air-cooled v2, four-stroke configuration. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 86 HP (62.8 kW) at 6,000 rpm while maximum torque reaches 107 Nm (78.9 lb-ft) at 5,400 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 5-speed gearbox and belt final drive. With a specific output of 71.5 HP per liter and a 600 rpm working window between peak torque (5,400 rpm) and peak power (6,000 rpm), the engine character is indicating a tractable, stress-free state of tune focused on everyday usability and broad torque delivery.

On the scales, the S3 Thunderbolt measures 204 kg (450 lbs) dry, translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.42 HP/kg (2.37 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 749 mm (29.5 in) seat height — giving shorter riders and urban commuters confident flat-foot reach at traffic stops.

Within MotoLibrary's Buell archive, this model family spans 2 indexed model years from 1997 to 1998, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.