Buell's new S1 White Lightning. Seemingly just a graphically revised S1, in reality the changes to Erik Buell's latest jail bait are extensive and thorough, addressing every performance concern pundits and buyers alike mentioned last year. From 12 percent more power to better brakes and improved handling, the new White Lighting is a vastly improved motorcycle compared to last year's machine. Although she looks mean, she's terribly undemanding.
Self adjusting valves and heavy-duty clutch see to that.
The first time you ride a WL, that's plainly evident, but then again, so is the new engine configuration. That's roughly 10 more horsepower compared to the last generation Lightning, power that was found in completely redesigned cylinder heads and a new exhaust system. An S3 gas tank and 2.0 inch narrower bars give the White Lightning its distinctive looks. The exhaust valve and seat are bigger as well, and the intake has a new port configuration matched to the valve. The exhaust port is new too, with the main difference being that the outlet to the pipe is smaller than previous years' designs.