Naked Motorcycles
1998Buell S3 Thunderbolt
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The 1998 Buell S3 Thunderbolt is an all-around middleweight cruiser powered by a 1203cc Harley-Davidson V-twin engine producing 86 horsepower and robust 107 Nm torque. Best suited for riders seeking classic American cruiser styling with modern engineering, it delivers accessible performance and comfortable ergonomics for both city riding and highway cruising.
- Capacity
- 1203.0 ccm
- Engine
- V-Twin
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Dry weight
- 204.0 kg
- Seat height
- 749 mm
- Power
- 86.0 HP (63.3 kW)
What’s new for the 1998 Buell S3 Thunderbolt
vs the 1997| Spec | 1997 | 1998 |
|---|---|---|
| Dry weight | 211.0 kg (465.2 pounds) | 204.0 kg (449.7 pounds) |
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- A sporty allrounder built for engaging back-road riding and spirited daily use rather than outright top-speed chasing or long-distance cruising.
- Built for
- Has the raw, gritty personality typical of an air-cooled American V-twin, with quick steering from its compact, mass-centralized chassis.
- Not ideal for
- Not a good fit for riders seeking plush long-haul touring comfort, off-road capability, or a smooth, vibration-free 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 usEngine
- 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
- 0.4216 HP/kg (dry)
- Cooling system
- Air
- Starting
- Electric
- Valves per cylinder
- 2
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Belt
Performance
- Top speed
- 210.0 km/h (130.5 mph)
Dimensions & weight
- Seat height
- 749 mm
- Dry weight
- 204.0 kg
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Single disc
- Rear brakes
- Single disc
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1203 cc | 1203 cc |
| Dry weight | 211 kg | 204 kg |
| Seat height | 749 mm | 749 mm |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Buell S3 Thunderbolt?
The 1998 Buell S3 Thunderbolt has a Capacity of 1203.0 ccm (73.41 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Buell S3 Thunderbolt have?
The 1998 Buell S3 Thunderbolt has a Power of 86.0 HP (63.3 kW).
How many gears does the Buell S3 Thunderbolt have?
The 1998 Buell S3 Thunderbolt has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
What is the torque of the Buell S3 Thunderbolt?
The 1998 Buell S3 Thunderbolt has a Torque of 107.0 Nm (10.9 kgf-m or 78.9 ft.lbs).
How much does the Buell S3 Thunderbolt weigh?
The 1998 Buell S3 Thunderbolt has a Dry weight of 204.0 kg (449.7 pounds).
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