Buell’s final Lightning was a substantial update to the S1, and incorporated a neat alloy seat subframe, Thunderstorm engine mods, and a few limited editions, like today’s super clean Carbon Kevlar example.
1999 Buell X1 Carbon Kevlar for sale on eBay
Peak power wasn’t the Sportster engine’s strongest suit, but stump pulling torque made the most of the dry sump and digital fuel injection. There’s more to the steel tube chassis than on the S1, and the alloy swingarm is fitted with a better Showa pull shock. Inverted Showa forks are up front, along with the 340mm single disc brake. H-D’s Kevlar drive belt matches the carbon kevlar fairings and tank cover, though the voluminous rear mudguard didn’t get the treatment.
Just 9,100 miles from new, the blue frame and wheels on this X1 play well with the carbon tank cover, scoop and fender. The oversized factory intake has been reduced to a conical filter, the shock is safe in a beauty cover, and the muffler is polished. History, condition and commentary could have been a great part of this eBay auction, but the seller did post links to two walkarounds, – here – is the running one.
Most X1’s arrive more experienced than this carefully tended example, and number 69 of 250 is the first Carbon Kevlar we’ve seen. One thing the 45-degree V-twin didn’t do was make designers jump through hoops to achieve a quick handling wheelbase. As you’d expect from a young company with plenty of oversight, Buell presented an X1 that was a little more mature than the S1, but didn’t forget the fun factor. The carbon treatment makes this one an interesting and rare animal.
-donn
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