Buell S3 problems & recalls
NHTSA records for 1997–1999: 2 recall campaigns and 5 owner complaints. Pick a model year.
By year
What owners complain about (all years)
Recent recalls
Suspension #98V199000 · 1998 · 136 units
Problem: Vehicle description: motorcycles. the swing arm on these motorcycles was improperly manufactured.
Risk: This condition can cause the rear suspension to fail without warning, leading to loss of control of the motorcycle.
Fix: Delaers will replace the swing arm.
Exterior Lighting #98V036000 · 1998 · 4,724 units
Problem: Vehicle description: motorcycles. failure of one or more turn signal lamps would not be indicated to the operator of the vehicle (no noticeable change in the flashing rate of the turn signal indicator light). this does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Risk: An operator would not be aware that the turn signal lamps were not working.
Fix: Dealers will replace the turn signal lamps on these motorcycles.
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 S3.
Motorcycle-specific service manuals with step-by-step procedures (Clymer is part of Haynes).
Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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