Buell S1 Lightning vs Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special (2017)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Buell S1 Lightningstacks up against the Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | Buell S1 Lightning | Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 1998 | 2017 |
| Price | — | $18,749 |
| Engine | 1203 cc | 1247 cc |
| Horsepower | 86 hp | 121 hp |
| Torque | 107 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Weight | 193 kg | 289 kg |
| Seat height | 30 mm | 27 mm |
| Fuel capacity | — | 5.0 L |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | 5-speed | 6-speed |
| Front brakes | Single disc | Double disc. ABS. 4-piston |
| Rear brakes | Single disc | Single disc. ABS. 4-piston |
| Tires | — | 120/70-ZR19 / 240/40-R18 |
Buell S1 Lightning vs Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special — which should you buy?
Picking between the Buell S1 Lightning and the Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Buell S1 Lightning brings 86 hp in a 193 kg package, while the Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special counters with 121 hp at 289 kg.
Our spec tables above highlight the winning number on each line. For the full rider-focused reviews including real-world fuel economy, service costs and available colors, click into either bike: