The Buell S2 Thunderbolt front turn signal bulb measures 232 in size, while rear turn signal bulbs measure either 5008 or 232 in size. The replacement chart covers 1995 to 1996 production years with corresponding bulb size specifications.
The year-by-year compatibility chart below provides a quick reference to verify the correct bulb size for your vehicle.
The 232 bulb follows the ANSI standard for the US and Canadian markets. It is a festoon-type bulb, meaning it is cylindrical with end caps that seat into spring-loaded holders rather than a twist or plug-in socket. It operates at 12 volts and draws 3 watts.
The 5008 bulb also carries ANSI certification for the US and Canadian markets. It uses a BA15s bayonet base, which is a single-contact base identified by a 15mm collar with two side pins positioned at the same height.
The 5008 is a lower-wattage variant of the 1156 bulb. Both share the BA15s bayonet base, but the two are not rated at the same wattage, which is a relevant fitment consideration when one is substituted for the other.
On the Buell S2 Thunderbolt, the front turn signal position uses the 232 bulb for both the 1995 and 1996 model years.
The rear turn signal position shows a bulb change between model years. The 1995 model uses the 232 festoon bulb at the rear, while the 1996 model uses the 5008 bayonet-base bulb at the same position.
Because the 232 and 5008 use physically different base types, a festoon holder and a BA15s bayonet socket are not interchangeable. A replacement bulb must match the base type of the socket present in the specific model year being serviced.