At the heart of the 1998 Buell S3T Thunderbolt sport touring motorcycle, Buell features a 1203 cc (73.4 cu in) air-cooled v2, four-stroke configuration. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 101 HP (73.7 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 84 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 S3T Thunderbolt measures 233 kg (514 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.43 HP/kg (2.31 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, combined with a 1,397 mm (55 in) wheelbase engineered for quick, flickable steering geometry. The 20.4-liter (5.4 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints, while factory top speed is listed at 200 km/h (124 mph).
Within MotoLibrary's Buell archive, this model family spans 4 indexed model years from 1997 to 2002, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.
Specific Output
84 HP/L
Power-to-Weight
0.43 HP/kg (2.31 kg/HP)
Power Band Window
5,400–6,000 rpm
Standover Height
749 mm (29.5 in)
Engine
Displacement1203.0 ccm (73.41 cubic inches)
Engine TypeV2, four-stroke
Engine DetailsV2, four-stroke
Power101.0 HP (73.7 kW)) @ 6000 RPM
Torque107.0 Nm (10.9 kgf-m or 78.9 ft.lbs) @ 5400 RPM
Compression10.0:1
Bore x Stroke88.8 x 96.8 mm (3.5 x 3.8 inches)
Valves/Cylinder2
Fuel SystemInjection. Fuel injection, 43 mm throttle bodies
IgnitionElectronic
CoolingAir
Transmission
Gearbox5-speed
Final DriveBelt (final drive)
DrivelineKevlar belt
Performance
Top Speed200.0 km/h (124.3 mph)
Chassis
Rake24.5°
Trail97 mm (3.8 inches)
Front Suspension40 mm Showa fork, adjustable for compression and rebound damping
Front Travel120 mm (4.7 inches)
Rear SuspensionSingle Showa shock, spring preload, compression and preload damping
Rear Travel116 mm (4.6 inches)
Wheelbase1397 mm (55.0 inches)
Wheels & Brakes
Front Tyre120/70-ZR17
Rear Tyre170/60-ZR17
Front BrakesSingle disc. Six-piston calipers.
Front Brake Ø340 mm (13.4 inches)
Rear BrakesSingle disc. Two-piston calipers.
Rear Brake Ø230 mm (9.1 inches)
WheelsHollow 3-spoke cast wheels
Dimensions & Weight
Dry Weight211.0 kg (465.2 pounds)
Weight incl.233.0 kg (513.7 pounds)
Power/Weight0.4787 HP/kg
Seat Height749 mm (29.5 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Use this page to compare this motorcycle by its real specifications, not only by model name. Focus on the details that affect fit, comfort, handling, range and ownership.
Power
Compare engine output with similar motorcycles if acceleration, highway use or two-up riding matters.
Torque
Torque is useful for judging real-world pull, especially for touring, commuting and loaded riding.
Seat Height
Check the seat height against your inseam and riding posture before choosing a motorcycle.
Weight
Compare weight carefully because it affects low-speed handling, parking and confidence.
Fuel Capacity
Fuel capacity helps estimate touring range and how often you may need to stop.
Brakes
Brake setup is worth comparing if you ride in traffic, mountains or with a passenger.
Suspension
Suspension details can matter for comfort, road feel and long-distance riding.
Transmission
Transmission and final drive affect maintenance, smoothness and everyday usability.
