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NHTSA vehicle safety data

1998 Buell S1W White Lightning Recalls & Complaints

The 1998 Buell S1W White Lightning has 1 NHTSA recall campaign and 1 owner complaint on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Buell dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 1998 Buell S1W White Lightning. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

1998 Buell S1W White Lightning owner complaints

Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA about the 1998 Buell S1W White Lightning, describing incidents dated May 18, 1999.

Most-cited components

  • Electrical System 1 complaint
  • Engine 1 complaint
  • Exterior Lighting 1 complaint
  • Fuel/Propulsion System 1 complaint
  • Structure 1 complaint
  • Suspension 1 complaint

Newest complaints

  • ODI #844369 · Filed

    CONSUMER RECEIVED EIGHT MANUFACTURER'S . RECALLS FROM 18 MAY 99 THROUGH 20TH JULY 99, AND DEALER HAS NOT REPAIRED ANY OF THEM BECAUSE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE: 1. 808 TURN SIGNAL, 2. 810 FRONT ISOLATOR MOUNT 3. 811 NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE 4. 813 SIDE STAND SWITCH 5. 814 FUEL TANK MOUNT 6. 815 FUEL…

Read the full complaint

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 1998 Buell S1W White Lightning in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

BUELL/FRONT BRAKE ROTOR

NHTSA #97V153000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · NHTSA notice

Reported September 12, 1997 · BUELL MOTORCYCLE CO.

Potentially affected: 2,820 vehicles

Owners notified September 29, 1997 · Vehicles built July 2, 1996 – September 5, 1997 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN PREVENT THE FRONT WHEEL FROM ROTATING INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPAIR THESE MOTORCYCLES.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BEGIN THE END OF SEPTEMBER 1997.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR MOTORCYCLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BUELL AT 1-414-935-8400.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

Check your 1998 Buell S1W White Lightning VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Buell S1W White Lightning at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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