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Buehl
The S3 Thunderbolt sport-touring model more upright, relaxed riding position. “Rider’s Edge” new rider instruction/
was produced from 1997 through 2003, Each of the parts that set the S3T apart riding schools. This filled Harley CEO
along with a mechanically identical S3T were available as accessories for the Jeff Bleustein’s idea of having a make-
“Touring” model that ran through model standard S3 model.[better source specific training bike, since many
year 2000. The 1,203 cc air-cooled V- needed][23] students end up buying a bike from the
Twin engine was mounted as a stressed dealer where they trained.
member in a tubular frame. The M2 Cyclone (1997–2002)
powerplant output 91 hp (68 kW) in The M2 Cyclone was produced from The Blast came from a quick proof-of-
1997 and jumped to 101 hp (75 kW) in 1997 to 2003. It was in the middle of the concept at the Buell factory.[10] It
the following years due to revised cam Buell line up between the puristic S1 originally used half of a Sportster 883
profiles and the new engine. The engine
Thunderstorm ended up 80
cylinder heads. While percent over budget
the bike’s overall look and very expensive
was the same compared to the
throughout the model higher-technology
run, there were Rotax engines
significant changes available from
made in 1999 that set outside the
it, and later models, company. Cycle
apart from the 1997 World wrote “Such
and 1998 bikes. The an overrun would
early bikes used a be unheard of from
rectangular section an outside supplier,
steel rear swingarm, but when your
WP Suspension front supplier also owns
forks and rear shock, you, you grin and
a Keihin 40 mm CV bear it.” The Blast
carburetor, and a was ultimately the
Performance most expensive
Machine six-piston front brake caliper. Lightning and the more comfortable but development project Buell
Beginning in 1999 a new cast aluminum heavier S3 Thunderbolt. The S1 undertook.[10] Because the engine was
rear swingarm was utilized along with Lightning being the fastest and lightest overpriced, it ended up making money
Showa front suspension forks and rear of the bunch but offered a very narrow for Harley while losing money for Buell.
shock. The front brake caliper, while still seat due to its minimalist approach for It was regarded as a technical success.
a six-piston unit, was now made by weight saving in this sport bike. The S3
Nissin. The most technological change Thunderbolt was a touring bike that In July 2009, Buell ran an ad campaign
came in the new Dynamic Digital Fuel offered a bigger wider seat and more stating that the Blast would no longer
Injection (DDFI) system, replacing the comfortable riding position but was also appear in their line-up. The ad featured
old carburetor. a heavier motorcycle. The M2 Cyclone a Buell Blast being destroyed in an
filled the gap between the sport and automobile crusher.
The S3 featured a half faring that touring models with a bigger seat than
surrounded the headlight and gave the S1 Lightning and lighter and faster XB-series (2003–2010)
decent wind protection for the rider’s than the S3 Thunderbolt. The M2 was 2003 Buell Lightning XB9S
torso. The S3T model then added lower only available with the 1,203 cc engine 2006 Buell Lightning CityX XB9SX
fairing extensions that gave better wind and five-speed transmission. The frame
protection to the rider’s legs. The S3T was of the tubular CrMo steel type. A club racing version of the Buell
also featured hard saddlebags that Ulysses XB12X
could be color-matched to the bike color 2000 Buell Blast The XB powertrain still had its roots with
and were available in either “wide” for The Blast was Buell’s only model to use the Harley Sportster powertrain, and was
maximum storage, or “narrow” for a a single-cylinder engine. With 492 cc designed for both projects.[10]
lighter feel. In addition to the lower (30.0 cu in) displacement and 360 lb Unfortunately, it was designed by Harley
fairings and the saddlebags, the S3T (160 kg) dry weight, it was their smallest with minimum input from Buell. A
also came with a taller handlebar for a model, often used in Harley-Davidson’s turbocharger was to be sourced from
