| Author | Message | ||
     Rick_A |
Thanks for the advice guys. A course is required here before getting a license...so that will happen. She is dead set on a '97-'98 M2. It won't be for a while though...money is tight with my looking for employment right now. I went from BMX to a highly modded 2-stroke 80cc dirtbike to mountainbikes to...S1!...so I know the road can be bumpy. | ||
| Dazz |
A dealer has an M2 low on the floor, it is a 01 model. probably produced in 2000 because they have had it since late january 2001. They are pretty keen to move it but aren't offering much incentive with the extra cost of a race kit at present. I am just wondering what are the magor differences with an M2 low over a normal M2? Are they very difficult to convert to standard suspension travel? What updates should have been performed on this bike? Also it is volcano grey with a black frame, maybe another reason why they haven't been able to sell it? | ||
| Blake |
The race kit is around $1,000 list price and a good option to have. Check the recall matrix on the "Recalls" page in the Knowledge Vault or on Sport Twin's new site to see which recalls apply to the bike. Conversion to a standard suspension would require a new rear shock and bracketry and new springs in the forks, and a new kickstand. If you are not a knee dragger and are not uncomfortable on the M2L, I'd ride it for a while before deciding if you want to transform it to a standard M2. Seems like if the dealer really wants to sell it, they might offer to upgrade it at cost. | ||
| Blake |
Oh yeah, the M2L has around 1" less of padding in the seat. You can have that adjusted by a local upholsterer who is adept at modifying moto seats. | ||
| Dazz |
well I had the last cyclone (new) in oz lined up (found one that wasn't a low)and went down on the weekend to trade. I have been planning to buy one for at least a year. Unfortunately (for people on this forum) I was given a ride on a triumph speed triple, man was it a hoot, didn't come back for an hour, and after that I just couldn't bring myself to fork over the money for the bike I had been drooling over for so long. Now the prowd owner of a british bike! | ||
| Stormfool |
Back to the "Advice to Potential Buell Owners" thread Realize that the dealer you buy from may not be up to standard in the Service Dept.--snoop around and see how many bikes are stacked up for service compared to the number of techs--I found two to three days lay-up time for simple things like replacement of a cracked header Also RE: Warranty--the HD people warranty certain parts of the Buell seperately from whatever warranty you may end up purchasing with the bike. READ THE FINE PRINT of any warranty you wish to purchase--you will find that "Normal Cylinder Wear/Oil Consumption" is not covered. MORE IMPORTANT: Fitting any parts prefixed with a "checkered flag" icon--or considered to be a "Race Use Only" part voids the entire warranty. If you are considering fitting a different air filter or header or manifold this will void your warranty. Take the warranty loot and load your ride with swag! | ||
| Spiky1 |
Hi, You guys have a great website! I need some help---please. I am considering buying a new 2002 Buell Cyclone if I can still locate one--- and need some more experienced Buell owner / real world info. as to whether this would be a wise investment. Any insite you all could give me would greatly be appreciated. A little background might help---I am 50 years old and have just sold a Kawasaki Vulcan 800. The Vulcan is a good bike—but---compared to a Buell….. I am not looking for a crotch rocket, but I am looking for something more sport oriented. I want to get a bike that has close to a standard seating position and runs and handles well, but at the same time I don’t want to get killed on it from an unexpected wheelie either. I test rode (probably very conservatively compared to most Buell riders) a used Cyclone and couldn’t get over the great torque and acceleration it had. That bike had soul!!! I was looking at a sportster sport but the vibration was terrible and it didn’t accelerate any where close to the Cyclone. Another bike I am considering is the Triumph Thunderbird sport but have not ridden one as yet. I’ve read great things about the Suzuki SV 650 but don’t care for its looks. I am not a mechanic by any means but I can change engine oil/filter, adjust chains etc. I’ve got about $8 K to spend. I have some reservation about reliability of Buells and am hoping the 2002 models have most of the problems worked out. The used one I rode briefly (on straight, level roads unfortunately) was a 2002 model for $6500 w/1800 miles which I thought was a pretty good deal, but the dealer got it at a repo auction and I had no idea how the bike had been broken in. The closest Buell dealer to me is about 30 miles. I only can afford 1 bike. I typically ride year round about 5 to 7,000 miles per year on hilly / curvy roads in North Carolina (the Cyclone seems to be made for these)—generally at about 1-2 hours per ride. I don’t know how to wheelie etc, but I do enjoy v-twin torque and rolling the throttle on coming out of corners and short straight-a-ways. Can a Buell be ridden fairly aggressively but safely by a 50 year old? I have never laid a bike down on the street in about 7 years of riding (counting my blessings!) and don’t want to start now! Do you guys think the Cyclone would be too radical a change for me from a power, reliability and comfort standpoint (I'm 6'1 and weigh 195)? I love the looks, sound and handling and the fact it is belt driven w/self adjusting valves. I have also taken the MSF experienced rider safety course this summer. Also what kind of power gain does after market pipes, air intake and rejetting provide? And do you think parts w/be readily available for cyclones in the future---say 5 years out? Street bikes I have owned are 650 Yamaha Specials, 600 Yamaha Radian, the Vulcan and older 350 and 450 Hondas. Many thanks for letting me pick your brains…sorry to ramble on so much..but I want to spend wisely.. Any real world help/advice would be very much appreciated. Ride safe and many thanks, spiky1 Spiky 1 | ||
| X1glider |
Spiky1, fill out a full profile even you you don't have a Buell yet or at all, you wouldn't be the first and it help us help you, and get to know you. Now for the answers: The Buell is not too much to handle and is comfortable enough for someone your age. We're working on a geriatric BRAG club in Houston, FYI!  Reliability varies between owners for unknown reasons but the vast majority have positive opinions. I have no problem setting out for huge trips and I have fuel injection, if that says anything about my faith in the product. All bikes will potentially break down if you ride them, doesn't matter who makes it. Routine maintainence is dead simple and I have no reason to believe parts and normal maintainence items are any more expensive than Buell's competitors. I haven't seen proof otherwise. Parts availability won't be a problem and the aftermaket that sponsors the BWB site (and some others) has plenty to offer also. That said, the aftermarket kits help the mid and upper range kick in the pants. Even get a better sound! If there ever is a problem on the road, you have the peace of mind knowing that there is an abundance of H-D dealerships anywhere you go. Most are willing to drop what they are doing to get you back on the road and if they can't do it in a day, can rent a bike out to you so you can continue your vacation. Other things you didn't ask about: BWB support is the best available and has some very knowledgeable people on board. The events that spawn from BWB are akin to cell-division. Good friends to be made here. This website speaks for itself. Hope to see you at one of the many upcoming events. | ||
| 5liter |
Hi, Spiky 1. I'm a 53 year old S3T owner. I love it. I came off a GL1100 to get this bike. I ride to and from work & every where else I go during riding season. I bought mine in July & put it up at the end of last month. It's smooth and dependable. I don't plan too many mods as it has enough power for my purposes right now. There are a ton of knowledgeable folks here, so sit back and read. | ||
| Hans |
Spiky1: Have a look at my profile. | ||
| Whatever |
Spiky, I just bought a 2002 M2L this January. I used to ride a 750 SECA... I am not a mechanic either, although I am learning a lot about the bike. My only complaint is the fact that the seat hurts after a few hours, but that might have more to do with it being a 'low' version of the M2 and a bit less comfortable. What I do like about the M2? It handles smoother than any bike I have ridden before, and has all the power I want out of turns and tight spots. I also got an American bike to support the economy and there is a large network of dealerships that can help me deal with any problems (both in and out of the US). This bike is very light, if I had to, I could pick it up off of the ground (440 lbs dry). Also, the payment plan was very affordable on the bike. The insurance is a little steep for me, but that varies widely depending on where you live and what your driving record is. Best of all.... the people I have met so far from this site are great... and I look forward to (finally) doing some rides with at least the Wisconsinites this spring. Go with your heart (I almost bought a BMW and now I am so glad I didn't). Charlotte PS This bike has made me wish I still live in North Carolina!!!  | ||
| Reepicheep |
Hey Spikey1... I used to own a Radian also. Small world, did you used to hang out on the Radian Yahoogroups list? That sounds like an OK deal for the used cyclone. I doubt if break in is that big a deal, these engines being aircooled have a lot of tolerance built in anyway. The 02's did have a lot of things worked out, but you can make a do it yourself upgrades to take the 2000 M2's up to almost the same specs as the 02 for less then $500 and a few weekends time. But for the price, that 02 sounds decent. There will be some little warts... Remember how your Radian seeped oil from the valve gasket cover? These do it also, from the rocker box, and it tends to be a little more dramatic when it goes. About the same trouble to fix (unless they were using the metal firebolt gaskets by 02, which I don't think they quite were doing yet). The metal gaskets solve the problem. Other then that, the 02 has most of the problems solved. Make sure the belt is not over tightened (a decent rule of thumb is to be able to rotate it 90 degrees in the middle) and make sure the primary chain tension is adjusted correctly (see service manual). Simple adjustments, change the fluids, and you should be pretty good to go on an 02. The first thing everyone will say when they see it is "wow, cool bike". The second thing they will say is "whats that big thing sticking out the side" (the airbox). Slap on a forcewinder, but make sure the carb vent is enlarged to a big trough and not just a little tiny slit. Replace the low speed carb jet as per instructions at this site (about a 20 minute job). Your main jet is probably already rich, so you should not have to mess with that. Also keep a close eye on your exhaust system bolts, especially the header studs. The nuts work loose, and then the other stud shears off, which is a PITA to fix. Check them before a ride, and slap a torque wrench on them when you change the oil. Lots of great tips here, its a great community. I came to the Buell from a Radian, and if I have any regrets it would be to buy a bike that is "even more Buellish"... If I were to do it again, I might try and find an S1 instead of my M2 (though 2 up would no longer be an option). The new XB9S lightning is currently making me whimper every time I see it as well... If I had the cash, it would be in the garage now. But that's a lot more money, and even when I can afford one I expect I will keep the Cyclone as well anyway. They will make a nice pair. Bill | ||
| Lake_Bueller |
Spikey...I'm not an M2 owner but I do have 2 S3T's in my stable. There has been numerous discussions that the M2 is the best bike Buell ever made. They do seem to have fewer problems than many of the other models. As performance update info, try looking here M2 Mods on Quick Board Good luck and hopefully welcome to the Buell family | ||
| Damien |
Hi Everybody! I'm new to this site and have yet to own a Buell but this site is a great resource and I love looking through the archives and reading your posts. I would appreciate any advice on my current situation: A local HD/Buell dealer has had an ad for a 2000 X1 Lightning w/Race Kit (4400 miles) on their website for a while now (~6-9 months). It is listed on the website for $7995. I'm in no rush to buy a bike, but ever since riding my friend's X1, I've been thinking about it more and more. All I can say is "what an awesome ride"!! Anyway, I stopped by the dealer on Tuesday 11/12/02 and the GM approaches, I tell him I saw the bike on the website, and he brings me down into the basement (he didn't even have it on the showroom floor). I played dumb like I didn't know anything about Buell's and he asked me if I remember what the listed price was. I still play really dumb and say no. We go upstairs to his office, he sits down at his computer and says "It's listed at $8495." He gives me some real cheezy sales lines and tells me it's my lucky day. He'll give it to me for $7495. No warranty. I have to buy the warranty extra. $549 for 1yr, $749 for 2 yr, $899 for 3yr. I didn't say anything at the time but to tell you the truth I had a bad feeling. He has called me a couple of times since then and left messages for me. Part of me says to forget about it...don't buy anything from the guy. The other part (the part bitten by the buell bug) says I should give him another chance and try and get the bike for the best deal possible. I read through many archives on this site and based on some of your posts, I believe that he is smoking crack or something if he thinks he is going to sell it for $7495. So..... Should I go back and lowball him to see if I can get him to come down in price? (way down if the info on some of the posts on this site are correct) OR Should I forget about it and just wait until I find another X1 somewhere (private seller, dealer, ebay, etc.)? Sorry for the long post, but I figured I'd give the background info before asking my questions. Thanks in advance for any feedback. Damien | ||
| Rall |
Damien Make him a low offer and see what happens.If you reach an agreement. Buy the extended warranty. Mark | ||
| Damien |
Mark, Thanks for the advice. I'll let you know what happens. I might try and see if he will throw in a 1 year warranty as part of the deal (as long as we come to an agreement on price first). | ||
| Reepicheep |
Damien... Don't dismiss the M2's either until you have ridden one. They give up a little top end, but actually have more bottom end. The suspension is not as good, but it ain't bad either. I picked up a used 2000 M2 in Feb of 2001 with 3500 miles on it for $5k, there are some killer deals out there. If I was going to pay more then 5k for a bike, I would probably buy an older pristine S1 or S2, or pay the extra and buy a new XB9S. I love my M2, and will never sell it (even after I get my own XB9S). But if I were going to pay retail anyway, I would get the new model, and wait to find a steal on an old tuber. Also, beware putting very much value on the warranty. If it is one of the three "above and beyond" Buell dealers on the planet (Modesto, Sport Twin, High Country) then go for it, but the other 99.9% of the dealers are a mixed blessing at best. Think about it. You have a leaking rocker box (which you WILL have)... You have an extended warranty. You bring it to the dealer, who looks at it and says... yep, that's covered. Bring it by in 5 weeks from now (our earliest appointment) and leave it for a week. Once you wait the five weeks, arrange alternate transportation, and get there, the dealer says "we don't have the part in stock, we need to reschedule in another three weeks. Two months of a unridable bike ownership later, when he finally does the repair, you come in and they claim they won't honor the warranty because the gasket damage appears to have been a result of your failure to warm the bike up correctly. You have to argue with the service manager on two different trips for hours before they finally give in and cover the repair. When you get the bike back they hooked up the breathers wrong, and it sprays your right knee with oil on the way home, and they pinched the fuel line when they put the tank back on, and your bike starts cutting out and running lean (read: overheating) while you are merging into heavy interstate traffic. This is an made up story, but if it actually happened, nobody here would raise an eyebrow. All this for a job you could do yourself in one evening for the cost of $20 worth of parts (and that includes the six pack). In other words, a good dealer makes a good warranty, a bad dealer can make sure the warranty is not worth using in 95% of the cases you would normally want it (catastrophic engine failure being the main exception). So I would take the money in hand over an extra warranty, either retail discount or by buying used from a private seller. IMHO. YMMV. Those here that have grenaded engines here and managed to get them replaced with an extended warranty would no doubt disagree, but that is a VERY small percentage of the owners represented, you would probably be better off investing the money in vegas. | ||
| Ralph |
Damien, my thoughts would be if your going to buy a used bike, buy it from a private individual. You'll get a better deal and a better sense of why the bike is being sold. Not to mention how it was taken care of. Like Bill, I have little use for any warrenty. If'n ya wanna spend seven grand on a hot Buell, buy my S1. It has a race kit to. Of course, what really makes it go fast is the 80" Axtell motor. If an X1 is really what you're looking for, you'll have no problems finding one for around six grand. bighairyralph | ||
| Doug_Matrix |
Hi, I've been reading your website for the past couple of weeks and am enjoying the information that I'm getting from it. I am looking into checking out a used '99 X1 for sale here in CT when the weather clears out and in the meantime I had some questions regarding that particular Buell. I corresponded with one of your previous postees and he informed me that there was once a discussion of rider satisfaction vs model. In that discussion the '99 X1 supposedly came out dead last. I was wondering if and where that discussion could be found currently on this site? Also, he mentioned that some of the problems experienced with the X1 were worked out in later years. Is this true? Anyone with a laundry list of real world problems, somewhat specific to the X1 that I could mull over. Sort of a problem vs mechanical ability ratio that I could work out in my own head. Finally, real world value vs the asking price of the bike. From what I've seen, mostly on e-bay, X1's of various years are being bid up to about $5500 dollars or so, many coming back several times as the owners aren't completing the sale or want more money. The particular X1 in my area is a blue race stripe addition with PM wheels, pegasus covers and seat. Do these cosmetic options really increase the street value of the bike (as the owner claims) or are they just things that might make the bike easier to sell? Thanks for all your help! - Doug | ||
| Hootowl |
Well, the seat is definitely nice. The stock one is a little hard. I have a 99X1 myself. The only problems I've ever had with it have been electrical, (speedo sensors and a stator) nothing mechanical. The later X1 models have a few of the kinks worked out, and they are easy to retrofit (except the second gear ratio change) The early 99 ECMs had a fuel map that caused the bike to stumble badly at low engine RPMs, but a free re-map was offered. Most people save themselves the hassle and buy the race ECM, which if the bike doesn't already have it, you'll want to get it. It's less than $200. The 99 had a few problems with the fuel system. Lean map, brittle intake seals, and hot plugs. These conditions led to a number of people burning holes in their pistons. All these issues have been resolved. The intake seals are cheap, new plugs are cheap, and just about everybody uses the race ECM anyway. The front exhaust mount also had a tendency to let go, but it has been updated with a new mount that any Buell dealer will install free of charge. (Or should anyway.) The rear isolators (frame to swingarm connection) were recalled and replaced with the same type (not faulty ones) but then in 2001, a new design came out that are a whole lot stronger. I recommend installing those. They're cheap, and it's easy to do on an X1 because the right side of the frame unbolts allowing the isolator to drop out. This is not the case on other models. So yes, the 99X1 has a bad reputation, but by applying the fixes from later years, all those things it was infamous for are not an issue. Hope this helps in your decision. Jeff | ||
| Doug_Matrix |
Thanks Jeff, the information helped to set my mind at ease regarding some of the potential problems and the fixes to get around them. It's also nice having at least a partial list of the differences between some of the model years. Any advice on the street value of the 99 X1's vs other years? - Doug | ||
| Hootowl |
I really don't keep track of the resale value. I don't ever plan on selling mine, so I guess I just don't care. I commute on mine, so whatever money I've lost to depreciation, I've made up for in gas money. I just did some rough math, and I figure I've saved $3420, based on the 36K miles I have on my bike at 50 MPG vs. the same mileage in my truck assuing (I never asssume) a fixed gas price of $1.50 a gallon. $10K - $3420 = $6580 Looks like I broke even. | ||
| Cliffb |
Gents, I'm strongly considering the purchase of an M2 to go with my 883R Sportster. I found a very nice 2000 M2 with less than 2000 miles for around $5500. I'm wondering: 1. Good price? 2. Are the tach kits still available and what is the part #? 3. Anything else I should look for? Thanks Cliff | ||
| Blake |
Great price. Don't know if tach kits are available. Don't know the part number either. Call a dealer and ask the parts guy? Read through the archives at the top of this page; lots of good suggestions. | ||
| Bads1 |
Cliff don't know the part # but you can still get the tach and dash though. | ||
| Reepicheep |
Cliff. Thats a decent deal. Not so cheap that you need to worry that they are hiding something, but definately a good deal. I bought the same bike, with nearly the same milage, at nearly the same price (but did so a couple years ago). Buy it. You will love it. Replace the primary chain tensioner with the updated part at your next primary fluid change, replace the front exhaust mount with the updated part at your earliest convenient time (doing so relocates the voltage regulator, make sure it has a really good ground). Make sure the shock recall is done, and look in the archives when your speedo sensor blows. The updated shift linkage helps, but not as much as just changing to full synthetic primary fluid does. Both together shift very nicely. Replace the low speed jet with a 45 (as I recall, at the top of the carb page) and adjust the idle air mixture as indicated. You main is already probably a 200, which is too rich, but keeps the engine cooler. Replace if you want, but probably not worth it unless you are doing a proper dyno tune. Replace the intake mailbox with a forcewinder if you like the looks and the acceleration "snorts" (I did and love it), but make sure you have the one with a wide bowl for the CV vent. If it is just a little slit, hog it out with a dremel tool or die grinder. The napolean bar end mirrors (sport twin have them) are cheap, look great, and give outstanding views out the back. The yodude flytrap (see ebay) give a nice extra little storage compartment. Thats my grocery list. Keep the belt tension and primary tension adjusted, and watch the oil level, and you have a fantastic bike, one that ruins you for most other "better" bikes. Bill | ||
| Sickquad |
What's up guys. Just bought a brand new 2000 M2. I know it's weird but it was a leftover, then the dealership shut down and another dealer bought it. It is legit 2 miles on it. My question is about jetting the carb. I saw the suggestions of changing the stock jetting. Is this merely for performance or will the stock jetting cause problems. Also my girlfriend bought me the race kit for my birthday. Does anyone have any ideas on how this will affect jetting? I have jetted many two strokes in my life, but this is my first attempt at a four stroke motor. If the motor is rich in stock form will the race kit go right on? Chris | ||
| Oz666 |
Chris, Follow the directions given in the above post by Reepicheep and the suggestions on the referenced carb page. Change from the 42 pilot jet to the 45 cures the low speed bog/hesitation. Drilling and removing the idle screw cover lets you override the EPA mandated "way too lean" idle setting. Be ABSOLUTELY SURE you are drilling the right thing! The above are common to all the carbed bikes, race kit or not. Install the race kit BEFORE jetting (duh). Your main jet is probably too rich, more power is available - BUT a little too rich doesn't rob any more power than a little too lean and won't melt your motor. Drilling the slide hole is supposed to provide "snappier" throttle response (I have not tried this yet). If the factory race kit does not include a K&N air filter, get one. BUY THE FACTORY SERVICE MANUAL. You can DL the ENTIRE 96-97 S1 FSM in .pdf format from Our friends at UKBEG and click the "downloads" tab at the left. ALMOST all of this manual applies to your bike (and mine) so when I have work to do on the bike, I print the applicable page(s), note any differences from my FSM - like torque values and such - and let my printed copy get all greased up and destroyed. You are going to have more fun than you believe is possible!!! If I can help, Email me...  Oz BTW, it helps if you read this entire board, at least the knowledge vault... AND before you even ride the the bike, set the suspension to the factory default settings. And the proper rear belt tension is exactly - way too loose... | ||
| Drwend1 |
Hello I just purchased my first Buell a new leftover 2002 M2 low. I cannot wait to pick it up. I paid $6995.00 plus tax and license. I know it is under list but did I get a decent street price? I would appreciate any tips you may have for a new owner. In particular are there any maintenance issues I should be aware of? Thanks | ||
| Buelliedan |
The 2002 M2s were probably the most well sorted out Buell tube frame ever made. You got a good deal at that price. There should be no real issues to worry about, just get out and enjoy it!!  |
