Buell S3 Thunderbolt vs Harley-Davidson Model FD (1998)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Buell S3 Thunderboltstacks up against the Harley-Davidson Model FD. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | Buell S3 Thunderbolt | Harley-Davidson Model FD |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 1998 | 1927 |
| Price | — | — |
| Engine | 1203 cc | 1208 cc |
| Horsepower | 86 hp | — |
| Torque | 107 Nm | — |
| Weight | 204 kg | 180 kg |
| Seat height | 30 mm | — |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | 5-speed | — |
| Front brakes | Single disc | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Rear brakes | Single disc | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Tires | — | 3-28 / 3-28 |
Buell S3 Thunderbolt vs Harley-Davidson Model FD — which should you buy?
Picking between the Buell S3 Thunderbolt and the Harley-Davidson Model FD usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Buell S3 Thunderbolt brings 86 hp in a 204 kg package, while the Harley-Davidson Model FD counters with its own power figure at 180 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: