1998 Buell S3 THUNDERBOLT problems & recalls
NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 1998 Buell S3 THUNDERBOLT.
Recalls
Service Brakes, Hydraulic #97V153000 · 1997 · 2,820 units
Problem: Vehicle description: motorcycles. the e-clip which retains the drive pin on the front brake rotor and carrier can separate from the drive pin allowing the pin to move out of position and come in contact with the front brake caliper.
Risk: This condition can prevent the front wheel from rotating increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Dealers will repair these motorcycles.
Suspension #99V086000 · 1999 · 5,208 units
Problem: Vehicle description: motorcycles. the front isolator mount system can lose clamp load and possibly break.
Risk: This could lead to an unintended distraction to the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the front isolator mount system.
Unknown Or Other #99V097000 · 1999 · 10,255 units
Problem: Vehicle description: motorcycles. these motorcycles were built with a sidestand switch that could become inoperative
Risk: This condition can cause the engine to stall/quit when riding.
Fix: Dealers will replace the sidestand switch.
Fuel System, Gasoline #99V105000 · 1999 · 12,321 units
Problem: Vehicle description: motorcycles. these motorcycles were built with a fuel tank vent valve assembly that could become plugged.
Risk: Under certain conditions, this could cause the carburetor to overflow fuel which could result in a fire. this condition could also prevent sufficient fuel flow, which could cause the engine to misfire or stall.
Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel tank vent valve assembly.
Suspension #99V107000 · 1999 · 8,950 units
Problem: Vehicle description: motorcycles. these motorcycles were built with a rear shock absorber front eye that could break.
Risk: If the shock eye should break, the underside of the vehicle will drag on the ground possibly causing loss of vehicle control.
Fix: Dealers will replace the rear shock absorber.
Fuel System, Gasoline #99V104000 · 1999 · 10,556 units
Problem: Vehicle description: motorcycles. these motorcycles were built with a fuel tank mount system that could, in the event of a crash, allow the fuel tank to separate from the motorcycle.
Risk: This could result in an explosion or fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel tank mount system.
Suspension #99V106000 · 1999 · 8,950 units
Problem: Vehicle description: motorcycles. these motorcycles were built with a swingarm that could break.
Risk: If the swingarm should break, loss of vehicle control could occur.
Fix: Dealers will replace the swingarm.
Recalls can cover only some VINs. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners complain about
Components named in 10 NHTSA owner complaints. Complaints are unverified.
Want the full repair deets? Get the service manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1998 S3 THUNDERBOLT.
Motorcycle-specific service manuals with step-by-step procedures (Clymer is part of Haynes).
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Specs
Specs coming soon. We only publish specs taken from the manufacturer's own spec sheets.
Other years
FAQ
Does the 1998 Buell S3 THUNDERBOLT have recalls?
NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 1998 Buell S3 THUNDERBOLT. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if a fix is still open.
What are the most common 1998 Buell S3 THUNDERBOLT problems?
In 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-named area is suspension.