Naked Motorcycles

1997Buell S3T Thunderbolt

30 fields on record

The 1997 Buell S3T Thunderbolt is a middleweight naked bike powered by a 1203cc V-twin engine delivering 86 horsepower and robust 107 Nm torque. Best suited for riders seeking aggressive styling and genuine performance in a compact, manageable package, this air-cooled machine excels as both a spirited commuter and weekend canyon carver.

Capacity: 1203.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 211.0 kg
Seat height: 749 mm
Power: 86.0 HP (63.3 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

Other years 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail10%

Cornering78%

City riding55%

Daily riding60%

Touring68%

Two-up55%

Track45%

Best for: Built for sport-touring riders who want to cover distance while still enjoying twisty roads along the way.
Built for: A gritty, torque-rich American V-twin with a distinctive exhaust growl and a taut chassis that favors direct, muscular handling over plush refinement.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for riders seeking plush long-haul comfort, off-road capability, or a beginner-friendly, low-effort ride.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 749mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1997 Buell S3T Thunderbolt, with a moderate knee angle of around 115 degrees and a forward-leaning riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 750 mm or under — Short Kings →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1203.0 ccm
Power: 86.0 HP (63.3 kW)
Torque: 107.0 Nm (10.9 kgf-m)
Engine type: V-Twin
Power/weight ratio: 0.4076 HP/kg
Bore x stroke: 88.8 x 96.8 mm
Compression: 10.0:1
Cooling system: Air
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Valves per cylinder: 2

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Belt

Performance

Top speed: 200.0 km/h (124.3 mph)

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1420 mm
Seat height: 749 mm
Dry weight: 211.0 kg
Wet weight: 226.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 19.00 litres
Ground clearance: 132 mm

Chassis & suspension

Front wheel travel: 120 mm
Rear wheel travel: 125 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc
Front brakes diameter: 340 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 230 mm
Front tyre: 120/70-ZR17
Rear tyre: 170/70-ZR17

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	1997	1998	2000	2001	2002
Capacity	1203 cc	1203 cc	1203 cc	1203 cc	1203 cc
Dry weight	211 kg	211 kg	211 kg	211 kg	211 kg
Seat height	749 mm	749 mm	800 mm	800 mm	800 mm
Fuel capacity	19 L	19 L	19 L	19 L	20.4 L