| Author | Message | ||
     Chrisb |
Ok so I have been wanting a Buell for quite some time. The M2 has been my fav, that was until the '9S came along.... Now I'm spilt on what to purchase. The M2 I could "Cash and Carry" where as the XB I'll have to finance. Tough split. I have a Road King right now so its not like I have no wheels. Although it would be nice to have a second bike so I can do some projects I have been putting off on the Road King due to the down time involved. I'm sure I am asking to compare apples and oranges but just doing an opinion check. Thanks Chris | ||
| Court |
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| Psychobueller |
Also, the M2 was, IMHO, the best bike Buell ever made. And not just because I happen to have one either!  | ||
| Mikej |
Chris, Ride them both, two laps on each if you can, M2, 9S, M2, 9S. Then sit on them and look them over side by side. Go take a leak and get a cup of beverage and sit in the customer lounge not looking at the bikes. Once you're done with your beverage meander back up front and look at both bikes sitting there side by side. I'm fairly certain that once you've done this you'll simply ask for one more ride on your choice just to confirm your choice. When you come back the answer will be simple. What part of the world are you in, by the way? | ||
| Reepicheep |
Chris... the M2's are a screaming good deal for what you get... not much more expensive then an SV-650 type bike, but doing a point by point comparison you get a far better streetbike package (in every way but one). On the other hand (and I own and love an M2 so don't get me wrong), part of what it does so well is be a Jack of all trades, I can throw my wife on the back and go out for dinner, I can load up the tail bag with all sorts of stuff and take a trip down to deals gap, then just ditch some luggage and go strafe some twisties. It is a fantastic all around bike. But you already have a killer touring bike, and take the partner out to dinner bike. So if I were you, I would be more inclined to get the XB9S lightning. A more focused bike to complement the Harley, rather then overlap it. The other issue is maintenance. The M2 (God bless it) is a fantastic bike, but requires work to keep it happy. For me, it is no big deal, the plusses of the bike everywhere else more then outweigh the reliability issues, and while I don't always enjoy wrenching in general, I have enjoyed almost every job I have done to the M2, both upgrades and repairs (except the broken exhaust stud... that was no fun). There is something about the bike and engine and it's balance of primitive elegance and clever design that stirs something inside me. It's hard to explain, but is very real. And in some twisted way, I think I derive some distinct pleasure from knowing that this bike is on the road and running perfectly as a result of the work of my hands and the force of my will. I also think its a good "run forever" bike. It will never become fully reliable, but frankly, it will never get that much less reliable either. It is infinitely serviceable, unlike Japanese bikes I have worked on that are great when they are great, but eventually become disposable. For others, the occasional rocker box leak or primary cover pull might be a bigger deal and more of a negative. If that's you, then get the XB and be done with it. The M2 needs a little customizing to get to approach perfect, new intake and exhaust, along with a few other tweaks. Again, this could be a plus to many people who prefer to start with an excellent base and customize to taste, but could be a negative to others, that want an "unwrap and ride" solution. So, if it were me, and I already had a good touring bike, and I could afford the payments without pain, I think I would go with the XB9S, with it's edgier styling and performance. Someday, when they are showing up used for what a single income three kids in school working Joe can afford, I will add an XB9S to the garage, but it will be beside the M2, not in place of it. | ||
| Chrisb |
Court - I like your thinking. That thought is #1 in my mind. MikeJ - I live near Wash DC, wish I had the luxury of riding both bikes. I tried to ride the XB in Daytona only to be denied by mother nature. Strangely enough the local dealer ( dont get me started on them ) sent me a postcard saying "We saw you had a real fun time on your test ride" Ummmm yea right. Real fun sitting around for 2 hours waiting for decision on weather. Meanwhile the Euro and Jap bike fleets kept rolling out demo rides. I have tools and love to use them....... | ||
| Bomber |
Chris . . .if ya got tools, and like using them, then the paid-for Ma Duece is the way to go, no doubt . . . . . I LOVE mine (which seems to be morphing toward an S1 as time passes) . .. . although the new ones are great, lack of debt these days is a powerful motivator | ||
| Bluzm2 |
Chris, A paid for 2002 M2 would be the hot set up for you. The 02's the most sorted out year and doesn't need things done the earilier models require. Just the basic carb mods (jets) and a "real" exhaust system. Tons of fun. I'm going to keep mine till the wheels fall off, then rebuild and put them back on and repeat.... Brad | ||
| Tooslow |
Chris These guys just went through a similar debate for me. See "Are M2s Slow 2" http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages /4062/19047.html?1047320391 Due to job related travel, and kids, I only have 400 miles on my new M2, but, so far, I love it. Getting the throttle response perfect required just what the knowledge vault suggested....#45 pilot jet, 2.5 turns on the air mix screw, and a needle shim. This was very easy to do, and now it runs very nice. But, It didn't run too bad, even without these mods. I've had Jap bikes that were much worse, and they had more carbs to re-jet! I've still haven't ridden an XB9s. I decided that it was too small for me, and the 'paid in full' part, also was a factor in the M2 choice. Either XB is georgeous, however. -TooSlow Mike | ||
| Msetta |
Chris, I agree with the others. I have a 99 M2, got some great mods (V&H pipe and Force Aircleaner) and the bike runs great. I have ridden the XB9 series bikes and they are sweet, but one thing they don't have is the same grunt off the line. That's my favorite part of the M2, off the line it feels like a wild beast, too much fun. Setta | ||
| Mikej |
Chris, I'm thinking you should get into immediate contact with the DCBrag group. They may even be able to scare you up a couple of demo rides as well as steer you to the better dealerships out there in your general region. | ||
| Turnagain |
Chris just missed the BEST demo ride (at least that I've been on). Imagine, if you will, no staff, just Buell Riders, taking out the dealer's bikes. Damn near illegal -- no wait, some was.  | ||
| Chrisb |
Ft. Wash...... The last time they supposedly had a Buell demo day I rode an hour to get there to get told by the Sales Manager that they didnt have the staff for Demo rides. Even though they had advertised on the radio and paper that there would be demo rides. So two weeks later I called to schedule a demo ride (as per sales managers suggestion). This was during the week on a day I had off. I show up for the demo ride only to get told the demo bike has less than 500 miles so its not ready for demo rides. I could go on with similar incidents from that place. | ||
| Bomber |
I think you've found a place NOT to buy your scoot frlom | ||
| Court |
>>>I could go on with similar incidents from that place. The KEY is to "go on". Buell continues to struggle (as does another company that Debra Ennis-KElly now runs) with their dealer network. To quote ME...from the 2nd issue of Battle2Win..."Buell has a dealer dichotomy dilema. The good ones are great and the bad ones suck". You've, from the sound of it, (A lie pegs my meter to the peg pretty quick)have found a "bad" one. I'd talk to some of the Badwebbers in the area. Jose' has dealt with these guys and spends most his waking hours griping about something. My bet is that he or Steve can tell you where and where not to go. Court | ||
| Bomber |
Chris . . . .as a long time rider, I can tell you the choice of dealer with color your buell ownership a great deal more than other brands .. . find a local support group (Hi, my name is Chris, and I ride a Buell." Hi, Chris"  a.k.a. ridin buddies, a minimum decent dealership (who'll help with parts ordering, and don't look back . . . . . . the only bike I've ever had that was more fun was my Honda 305 Street Scrambler, and the fact that it was my first may be coloering my recollections slightly (grin) | ||
| Turnagain |
I won't try to defend them, but it sounds like a 'normal' experience at could happen at most any dealership. I would have taken it up with the G.M..  | ||
| Reepicheep |
Turnagain.... Yikes! Whats the story behind that! That poor M2! ( I think). Note to self: Go check the connection between my fuel line and petcock. Bill | ||
| Andrewb |
Must be really interesting when the tank lets go. | ||
| Turnagain |
my guess is they cringe when they hear him coming Chris, if you're anywhere near Frederick this weekend, there's a BattleTrax this Sunday at Harry Grove Stadium., though I can't say if there will be any demos at this event. Bill, Not sure of the story on that one -- found it on a salvage site. Could be yours for $2,500. Steve(2) | ||
| Snowdave |
No question....M2. I am biased by the fact that I own two, but it is a great all-purpose, can only own one motorcycle. I tour, my wife and I ride, race, commute, hit the twisties, cruise, take weekend trips, take highway trips, etc. I can't imagine doing that on the VERY compact 9S. Although I do love the ease with which it will wheelie. Also the M2 reliability is likely not as good as the 9S. Specifically, isolators & rocker boxes, but I don't care. | ||
| Bluzm2 |
Snowdave, The rocker boxes shouldn't be a problem on a 2002 as they are the new metal ones. (or should be anyway...) | ||
| Ftd |
Bluzm2, I have an'02 X1 which developed a rear rocker box leak at 4000 miles. I assume it came with the paper gaskets due the leak but I don't know for sure (I should have asked when the repairs were made). One wonders if any tube frame bikes ever were produced with the metal gaskets and if not why not?? Frank | ||
| Tripp |
M2 owned allows you to buy more tricks and trinkets and what not... | ||
| Ray_Maines |
Tubers Rule! | ||
| Neals3t |
Just wanted to clarify the "battletrax" in Frederick,MD this sunday is supposed to be in the Seventh Day Adventist parking lot(according to Battletrax.com) the address of the church was never posted but I found a listing on Jefferson Pike(rt 18) just south of town. Hope there is a good turnout. Neal | ||
| Imonabuss |
Ride them both before you decide. I have a Firebolt, and it is superb. Virtually zero maintenance. However, I have ridden the 9S and wish I had the money to have it also. In fact, I might even prefer the 9S. These bikes handle rings around the tube frames and are undoubtadly more reliable. However, the tube frames are good motorcycles with lots of accessory parts, and they are available cheap. So, if you want to put on miles, get the XB, if you prefer to tinker, get the M2. | ||
| Court |
Let me see if I can straighten this out. FACT: The XB9R/S is one of the MOST RELIABLE and fun motorcycles CURRENTLY BEING MADE. FACT: The M2 Cyclone is one of the BEST and most fun motorcycles EVER MADE. Any questions....? | ||
| Richieg150 |
Everybody wants to be a worldclass rider but IMHO,most of us Buell riders out here just arent.I have a M2,have done some Nallinizing on it,it runs great.I ride with tube framers and several XB9R's,when we roll the throttles,the XB9R's are left in the dust.We have aggressive riders on both bikes,and the aggressive riders on the tube frames are generally leading not following the XB9R's,keep in mind we are riding on backroad highways not a closed track.If you talk about handleing between the two,most riders wont be able to ride either bike to their limits!So the M2 handles great,is great on the long haul,and can be tweaked fairly easy.But the XB9R is more flickable in the corners.If all your gonna do is ride in circles,you might choose the XB9R,but the M2 is a better ALL AROUND REALWORLD BIKE--IMO.Dont get me wrong I think the XB9R is a great bike,but the M2 is a greater bike. | ||
| Rick_A |
Given the choice...it'd certainly be a tough one... Both bikes have their advantages and disadvantages...but...following my heart...I'd have to take a tuber! | ||
| Prof_Stack |
 I did put some miles on an X1 and ended up buying the XB9S. I agree with Richieg150 that most riders don't use all the bikes' potential. But I like how easily the XB turns and leans and how stable it is at higher speed (80-85 so far for me). Plus, I like the "potential" for better reliability than the tube Buells (we'll see how this pans out). This thread reminds me of the Harley guys who still prefer the shovelhead to the evo and others who prefer the latter to the twin cam. | ||
| Ezblast |
On the rockerbox part - When I went in to buy my second Blast - goood deal - couldn't pass up - I asked about replacing the gasket and got a history on the paper being replaced briefly by a thicker metal and then to the foam/metal very simular to a Cosmetic brand that is issued today. - If true - well it could explain issues in those few 02's. Just what I heard recently at DP's. Got Thump?! Just Blasting on the Dark side! EZ | ||
| Reepicheep |
I just bought a rocker box gasket kit, and it was a stamped metal, not a foam sandwich (like I was expecting). This was from a pretty good Buell shop, so I doubt it was THAT far out of date. Are the current ones a sandwich, or just stamped metal? So far it worked well. I did use yamabond with it, not sure if that will make a difference or not. | ||
| Newfie_Buell |
Get the M2, Its closer to the most perfect bike ever built. 1998 S1 - Lightning Like Court added early on, "Theres no Bike like a PAID FOR Bike" | ||
| Pwest |
I love my 02 M2, when it runs. | ||
| Crusty |
Ride them both, then YOU decide. If you find you like the XB more, then get it. I've seen too many people settle for a bike that that wasn't what they really wanted, and after a short time, found themselves really regretting their choice. One even quit riding altogether. It's better to make payments for the bike that excites you than to own a bike you don't really want. | ||
| Jasonblue |
Crusty- I think you said it best right there. I was debating for a year as to which bike to buy. The more advise I got the more confused I got. You just have to ride em. Saddle up then make your choice. |
