| Author | Message | ||
     Fginn |
Hi, I'm looking to buy a Buell. I like the tube frame ones, but what are the differences between the S1 and the M2? pros and cons? thanks for any help. Fred | ||
| Spiderman |
What year M2 and S1? otherwise that could be a huge list with model changes and all | ||
| Fginn |
spiderman, I'm looking at bikes in the 96 to 99 range. Fred | ||
| Mikej |
Fginn, By including 1999 models you're including the wider gas tanks and wider seat models so you might as well up the year range to include 2000-2002 model year tube frame bikes. If you want the narrower models then scale back the model year some. Just depends on what your search parameters are. Pro and con of S1 vs M2 comes down to test rides and getting which you prefer. | ||
| Fginn |
Mikej, I want the narrower bike, does that mean 98 or earlier? I am going to use it for track days and short sport rides, not as a daily driver. Fred | ||
| Mikej |
'97 or '98, not sure exactly when the switch was make. Check out the http://www.dcbrag.org web site for a very nice historical photo archive of all the Buell models, that should help you narrow down your search. Later model M2's can take the narrow tanks as well, just something to keep in mind if you come across a good deal on a later model bike. | ||
| X1tx |
But how do the 96 - 98 S1/M2 compare? (Did they even make an M2 in 96?) | ||
| Mikej |
The S1 and X1 are more of a direct comparison, see the current thread discussing those differences. In a nutshell the S1 has steeper steering geometry, higher footpegs, a more leaned over rider position. An M2 can be set up almost the same except for the steering geometry, and that can be adjusted for if done carefully to some extent. It's kind of like comparing apples to apples and asking the differences between a Gravenstein and a GoldenDelicious. They look the same, and are similar, and can both get the same job done, but they are also distinctly different in taste and texture. The only way to know which you prefer is to take a bite or two out of each one. And who knows, maybe you'll prefer a Rome apple, or a Red Delicious, or a Macintosh, or maybe even the lowly CrabApple which is good when used appropriately and disasterous if used in place of a Rome. Your mileage, as your taste, may vary. If this doesn't help, then maybe at least it will make you hungry.  | ||
| Tripp |
geez, i'm all out of apples and hungry, great way to describe that mike  | ||
| X1tx |
All out of apples here as well. But the question regarding the differences between the M and the S1 were related to "could I convert an M into an S1?". Lots of M's out there for sale, not a huge collection of S1's though. One of these days I want to pick up an S1. Not today, but soon. But if I can't find one I was wondering if I could convert an M. Given the frame differences, probably not. | ||
| Halffast |
You mean like this..  or this..  or this..  or..  Yes, it can be done | ||
| Carguyinok |
I am dead in the center of doing one at this time. | ||
| Fginn |
Yeah! those are beautiful bikes. What type of seat and tail section is that on the silver/black one? can the M-2 and S1 swingarms be interchanged? which one works best? I like the look of the M-2 swingarm. I am going to look at a 96 S-1 tomorrow, I may bring it home. Fred | ||
| Koz5150 |
Yes you can interchange the swingarms. In fact there is one on ebay right now for 9.99 with no bids! For track days I would also suggest a chain conversion for being able to change ratios at the track. | ||
| Ceejay |
Who put those pics up? Halffast? Now I have to go back to the drawing board arrggg!!!! | ||
| M2nc |
I've never been on an S1, but would say the M2 is more comfortable just by the numbers. Mind you, you will find dragging parts much easier on the M2. | ||
| Fginn |
Thanks guys, for all the info. I bought a 96 S-1 today,I didn't have to test ride it very far, I could tell right away that it is what I hoped to find riding my first Buell. It doesn't have much in the way of modifications yet, but it definitely is going to. This is a friendly message board, thanks for helping. Fred | ||
| M2nc |
Congrats, it's a neat bike. | ||
| Tripp |
halffast, ditto what fginn said "what type of seat and tail section is that on the silver/black one"? is that your bike? that is definitely the coolest tailpiece i've seen on an m2. | ||
| Halffast |
Fginn,Tripp I think that's a Ducati Monster seat/tail. The bike belongs to Christian, the owner of this site http://www.bcube.org/web_site/intro.htm there are some nice modified Buells to look at but I don't read Italian, so can't get much detail on the mods. | ||
| Mikeyp |
I was surfing that italian Buell site, and is it just me...or do they have a certain flair in making custom Buells? | ||
| Tripp |
thanks for the info! way cool!  |
