| Author | Message | ||
     Aaron |
differences include: - thunderstorm heads and pistons on the '99 - 91hp vs. 83hp - big gas tank - header under the frame tube (less heat on your leg) | ||
| Blake |
I may be biased, I've had both a '97 and a '00 Cyclone. I sold the '00 and kept the '97. Offer them $5,500 for the '97. If they balk, go for the '99. Back in early '98 the '97's were selling for $6,500 brand new (factory incentive deal). I know, I bought one.  | ||
| Buelliedan |
$6,500 for a 97 M2 is steep!! Scooter over at American Thunderbike just sold a gorgeous 97 M2 for $4,500 I believe. There are quite a few 97 M2s in Cycle Trader for arounf the $5,000 range and those prices are very negotiable.  | ||
| Westy01 |
Thanks everyone for the advice. I like the more narrow looks of the 97 and found one in great shape for $5200. We are sealing the deal today. Matt | ||
| Dazz |
I recently test rode both the X1 and the M2 and enjoyed the ride on both, the X1 had a better ride, suspension wise, but the M2 seems to have better low down power and lifted the front wheel easier. The only draw back with the M2 was the foot pegs, the rubbers tended to slip around the peg and even looked like coming off, given time. Also the metal bracket behind the rider pegs, which holds the passenger pegs, tended to dig into my heels on the inside, forcing my feet out to the ends of the pegs,which would have to make for an uncomfortable ride over any distance. I am just wondering if anyone else experiences this and if so what is the best fix? | ||
| Blake |
Something on that M2 is not right if the passenger footrest brackets are digging into your heels. Must be some kind of aftermarket set of mounts/pegs. What year M2 was it? New pegs are cheap, the old M2's had the HD cushioned crap for pegs. You can swap for the new Buell pegs like the ones on the X1. | ||
| Dazz |
It was a 2002 demo bike, and it was where the passenger footrest hangers attach to the frame right behind the riders footrests. | ||
| Jasonl |
Dazz - like the exhaust, the stock rubbers are the first things to go on a new bike purchase. If you like the bike those pegs are easy to replace. The M2 is a fine ride isn't it? I have an 98 S3 now and I fondly remember my 97 M2. Given the cash, I'd buy another one in a heartbeat. | ||
| Oldman |
aprx. 400 on saturday, 200 with the wife it was a bit of continuous riding but i would like someone on an x1 do the same thing in about 10 hrs stopping only at the different dealers. mine is the 02 m2l. | ||
| Blake |
Dazz, No way the passenger pegs would be interfering with your heals if the front and rear pegs are in the stock locations. There is no "metal bracket" supporting the passenger pegs. The passenger pegs bolt directly to the frame. If you have large feet, like me, and ride on the balls of your feet, like me, you were most likely feeling the corners of the tail section bodywork digging into your heels. If not, I am at a loss to understand what you are describing. | ||
| Blake |
Also, from your description saying that "the rubbers tended to slip around the peg and even looked like coming off, given time" I assumed the M2 you rode was a '97 or '98 model. In '99 all the pegs went to the current version, the same as you noted on the X1. | ||
| Mad_Jester |
I just bought a 02 M2. At some point in the future I am sure that I will be making modifications to the stock setup (ie. new air intake). At this point I am getting a feel for the original configuration. Does anyone have advice on the type and order of modifications that might be prudent? If I change the air intake should I rejet the carb? If I rejet the carb should I do it myself, or buy a kit? What kind of performance issues are there with the different air intakes on the market? Should I also get a slip on muffler? What about venting? Any input would be appreciated. Mad Jester | ||
| Reepicheep |
You have an 02, so all the basic stuff was done for you, which is nice. The first thing I did (that was not already done on yours) was change the intake. The big advantage of this is that you get to enjoy all the arguments on the breather subtopics, and it avoids the question "why do you have a mailbox on the side of your motorcycle". Performance will pick up a little, but it is not a day and night difference. While you are putting on the new intake (I like my forcewinder, but make sure the carb vent port is big and not just a little channel, see pictures in the knowledge vault), you might as well change the air mixture screw and rejet, it's simple. The hight speed jet is probably ok, or on the edge of being too rich (on my 00 it was a 200, which is on the rich side even with aftermarket intake and exhaust). The low speed jet should definately be replaced (see info on proper jets in the knowledge vault). This is all simple work. The jetting changes will make your biggest difference, more in terms of cold weather starting and midrange then top end. The factory stock parts (intake and exhaust), while not being very pretty, perform VERY well. Next I would look at exhaust, but it is again an aesthetic issue... you won't get much performance above the stock pipe without making a heck of racket. Bill | ||
| Psychobueller |
Mad Jester, Welcome to Buellism! I am sure you will enjoy the hell out of your bike. I have a Y2K M2 and there's nothing quite like it. I would definitely change the intake and jetting. I use a Forcewinder as well. I also have a Supertrapp muffler, which I find is a good balance between sound and performance. I doesn't piss the neighbors off too bad. | ||
| Oldman |
deffinately the forcewinder, 195 and 45 on the jets is what i have in mind, but go to the forcewinder topic alot of good information from these guys which led me to buy it myself. | ||
| Mad_Jester |
Thanks everyone for their input. It is unfortunate that I think the forcewinder is so ugly (personal taste), because it seems to be considered the best performing intake. One of the reasons I want to remove the current intake is the poor looks. Looking on their website I saw this: http://www.useforce.com/images/rider_jaridbrajas.jpg I don't know which intake this is, but I really liked the look of it. Can anyone tell me what forcewinder this is, and has anyone had any experience with it? BTW, I don't mind waking the neighbors (their kids don't mind waking me on their dirt bikes). What other kinds of mufflers should I consider for performance and that aesthetically pleasing rumble. Mad Jester | ||
| Psychobueller |
I am happy with the new, redesigned, reinforced, recalled, supposedly indestructable Supertrapp. If I was going to do it all over again I might try the D&D. Looks like a mean mother and the mounthing hardware is very sturdy. | ||
| Buelliedan |
Mad Jester, <---------Click on my name to the left My Yellow S3 has the Force intake you are asking about. It is awesome BUT very expensive!! Around $500 last time I checked. Luckily I bought mine before they raised their prices. | ||
| Coop |
just went out for a ride with my buddy, I have a 2002 buell white lightning, he has a 2002 suzuki gsx1000, for hours we tore up the city and then hit the country roads, he told me he was shocked that I kept up with him like I did, if it was an open road forget about it, but thats ok, I wanna live, thank-you, plenty of power for me and the handling is excellent, he said one thing that bothers him is that he cant hang with the harley boys and I can, I can see this is going to be a great summer, love this bike, no regrets.  | ||
| Blake |
Rapido, I would be very comfortable purchasing a 20K mile Buell as long as it's general appearance and state of tune indicate a well maintained bike. If possible, ask to have a compression and leakdown test done on it. That should only cost you $50 or so and will tell you much about the condition of the engine's top end. Make sure they do it when the engine is hot. With matched (front/rear cyl within 5%) compression readings that fall between 150 and 180 psi and leakdown results better/less than 8% you will know that you have a strong top end in good condition. Don't hesitate to ask the current/latest owner if he's had any trouble with the bike. If it's being sold by a dealer, ask to talk to the previous owner. Don't accept any excuses for not putting you in contact with the prior owner. If they give you excuses they may be trying to hide something. Ask to see the records of maintenance, repair, and recall/upgrade work performed on the bike. There are a BUNCH of Buells on the used bike market that have under 20K miles. In fact, none of the 18 Buells currently listed on eBay have over 10K miles! Don't fall in love with the first bike you find. Spend some time on eBay to get a feel for the selling price of various models. Good luck, and please let us know how the story ends. Oh, and I agree, BadWeB rocks! (thanks mainly to the great group of enthusiasts that frequent the board) Blake | ||
| Harv83 |
I have wanted a Buell since I saw the 96 S1. I am finally able to go buy one. My question is this, I found a brand new 2000 M2 leftover at my local dealer for $6995, is this a good buy, and what should I check for as far as recalls? | ||
| Blake |
That's a killer buy. Just ask the service manager to confirm that all applicable recalls and good-will upgrades have been performed. Get their guarantee of that in writing on the bill of sale. Rear shock should have compression AND rebound damping sd found on current model 1200cc Buell twins (no goofy looking safety straps). Front muffler mount/hanger should be of the "Y" type as found on current model 1200cc Buell twins. | ||
| Reepicheep |
And if you are dickering, you might want them to swap out the primary chain tensioner, the new part is much better, and the old one will likely break within the first 5000 miles. The '01 shifter (about $100) would be easy to install while they have the primary apart, and will make the bike shift nicer. It is a good buy if having a new bike is important to you, but I bet you could find a 2000 M2 with less then 8000 miles for $5500 or less, though maybe not in peak season (where we are now). Of course, you then have no warranty, less dealer goodwill, probably not all the updates, and an unknown history... YMMV, could go either way. If it's a bad dealer (and you never know for sure until after you bought the bike), the warranty may be effectively worthless (sure we can fix it, bring it back in 3 months, at which point we will tell you we forgot to order the part, and make you wait another month). Unless you live in Dallas, Modesto, or Topeka, in which case the warranty is worth its weight in gold. Definately get the front muffler mount updated... The risk of breaking a header stud is low to moderate, but if it happens it is major PITA. I enjoy my '00 M2 more then I ever thought possible. There is something about this bike that really connects with me. | ||
| Harv83 |
Thanks for the feedback guys. I found out today that Harley approved me for the required funds. I'm definetely getting the bike. I can't pick it up for another 4 weeks, so that should be plenty of time to get the primary chain tensioner, the shifter, and the tach kit installed. My dealer seems pretty good, they have a couple of guys who deal specifically with buells, and have a good rep amongst the harley crowd. I've been riding on the street for 10 years, I've bought 3 brand new bikes(all suzukis, katana 600, RF900, TL1000,) and I've never been this excited about buying a new bike. I cant wait to ride the M2. Thanks again for the tips. | ||
| Blake |
If you find the steering a bit heavy, you might try raising the front forks by 1/4". Did wonders for my M2. | ||
| Harv83 |
I've been surfing the badweb posts and I'm now feeling a little doubt about buying a Buell. I've seen a lot of posts detailing all types of problems that occured within relatively low miles. I know a Buell won't be as bulletproof or reliable as my previous rides from the land of the rising sun, but now I'm worried that I'm buying a bike that will be broken more than it is'nt. I am very easy on my street bikes(I save the craziness for sunday motocross on my YZ). I will primarily be riding to work(15 miles on highway) and tooling around town 2up with my wife, with occasional back road rides(200-300mile days). How much in the way of problems can I expect with this bike? Should I worry about taking road trips(1200 miles in a 3 or 4 day stint)? Is the ext warr a good buy(harley will take 1.5% off my interest rate if I get it)? I've wanted a Buell forever, and I know they are'nt perfect, but I don't want a lemon. I'd like a little perspective from other Buellers about their overall experience with their Buell(not just the "my bike broke at X miles and again at X miles..." ). I can deal with quirkiness and the occasional need for repair(I'm not afraid to wrench on my own rides) I just want to feel like owning a Buell will be worth dealing with the imperfections before I go and buy it.  | ||
| Reepicheep |
My 2000 M2 has had most of the issues you can have (short of dropped valves and scored main bearings), and I would not trade it for anything available up to 4 times its price. If I could go back in time and buy it again, I would only do two things different... 1) Should have bought one sooner. 2) I would look for even "more Buellish" Buells then my 2000 M2, like an S1 or a 98 or 99 M2. Bill | ||
| Blake |
I've put over 40K on Buells. Nothing more serious than a rockerbox leak (1) or a faulty kickstand safety switch. Go for it. I love my '97 Cyclone. | ||
| Mikej |
Harv, Click my name/profile. Last July I had no hesitation to hop on my fully loaded 2000 M2 and head 2,500 miles westward. If it weren't for getting readended by a pickup in Washington I would have put another 3,500+/- miles on it on the return ride. Currently it has about 19,000 miles on it and I just took second in my class on Saturday's BattleTrax (not a huge victory, but a very fun one). It's a very versatile bike. Some blow more oil than others, apart from that just hop on and go to wherever your heart desires. They're a rider's bike. | ||
| Az_M2 |
I just got back from a 2 week, 4,000 mile trip with no problems and heavy load on my 2001 M2. I've put 16K miles on it this year and the only problems have been the rocker box gasket and rear base gasket leaks. Both fixed under warranty. If I had to do it all over again, I would in a heartbeat but would buy used and save several thousand $$$ (nevermind, I just read up a little and noticed the good deal you're getting on the new M2). Good luck and enjoy. |
