Naked Motorcycles

2002Buell S3T Thunderbolt

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The 2002 Buell S3T Thunderbolt is a touring cruiser powered by a 1203cc air-cooled V-twin delivering 101 hp and robust 122 lb-ft torque. Built for riders seeking aggressive styling with practical long-distance capability, it combines American muscle with touring comfort and five-speed reliability.

Capacity: 1203.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 211.0 kg
Seat height: 800 mm
Power: 101.0 HP (74.3 kW)

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What’s new for the 2002 Buell S3T Thunderbolt

vs the 2001

Spec	2001	2002
Power	86.0 HP (63.3 kW)	101.0 HP (74.3 kW)
Torque	107.0 Nm (10.9 kgf-m or 78.9 ft.lbs)	122.0 Nm (12.4 kgf-m or 90.0 ft.lbs)
Top speed	208.0 km/h (129.2 mph)	not listed
Wet weight	226.0 kg (498.2 pounds)	235.0 kg (518.1 pounds)
Fuel capacity	19.00 litres (5.02 US gallons)	20.40 litres (5.39 US gallons)
Wheelbase	1420 mm (55.9 inches)	1397 mm (55.0 inches)

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?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 800mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2002 Buell S3T Thunderbolt, with a relaxed knee angle of around 120 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 751-820 mm — Middle Ground →

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Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1203.0 ccm
Power: 101.0 HP (74.3 kW)
Torque: 122.0 Nm (12.4 kgf-m)
Engine type: V-Twin
Power/weight ratio: 0.4787 HP/kg (dry)
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

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1397 mm
Seat height: 800 mm
Dry weight: 211.0 kg
Wet weight: 235.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 20.40 litres
Ground clearance: 132 mm
Reserve fuel capacity: 1.50 litres

Chassis & suspension

Front wheel travel: 119 mm
Rear wheel travel: 117 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: 170/60-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