| Author | Message | ||
     Skid_jackson |
Ok I'll try and make this brief. Ride dirt .. a lot. grew up on and still ride Jap dirtbikes. all which are run threw hell, built tough as nails and never left me out in the woods. i also ride by myself 90% of the time. i need a bike that will get me there and back. I also like to poke around the hinterlands when on the road. my previous road bike was a klr 650. back around 2k while at the track in loudon during bike week i here a cool as hell bike roll by ... sounded like a WWII fighter plane taxing down the runway. turn around and a yellow m2 rolls by .... Cooooooolll. ever since then i've had a soft spot for M2's. In fact i did a test ride that day. Unfortunately I hear the following from several buellers doing test rides. "Great bikes but they fall apart." All were sold on the brand and were test riding bikes they were planning on buying .... but i still couldn't get past the "they fall apart" thing. the way, and where i ride, I can not have a bike that falls apart on me. It's gotta get me there and back. My backs been bugging me ... thinking maybe my days in the dirt are numbered. also always liked road kings and electra glides. while going through the local HD listings i start seeing 00, 01 M2's for $4200, $4400, $4500/bo. Most have short miles on them. 4500mi, 3700 mi. Hmm been a while ... I wonder if they have the issues on these bikes figured out. An M2 w/short miles for 4K might be worth if you can correct any issues and have a dependable ride. So whats the deal, I've read a few of the threads on updating the M2. None of it sounds that bad. can you make one of these things dead stone reliable. Is it simply a matter of taking care of the updates and everything is fine. Or is it more Russian Roulette you might get one that goes the distance fine or you might get a lemon that will only break your heart and wallet. i got a few more issues but we can start with this one. | ||
| Chasespeed |
FWIW, I have an X1, adn I ride it from Virginia Beach to MASS a couple times a month, at least...usually for only a weekend.... Basically, I have put a little over 10k, mostly trouble free miles on it since may... Only troubles replacing sensors, mostly due to bad gas, or rider error(couple lowsides in there too).... So far, I can say these are pretty hardy bikes, low maintnance, adn an absolute blast to ride.... On a M@ you wont have the sensor issues...carb'd.. In fact, yours will be nice and simple, and you could fix just about anyhting besides internal probs, on the side of the road.... Mine only left me once...on teh side of Rte 2 this last weekend.... Battery FINALLY decided to quit...original from 99 So... My 2 cents.... HTH Chase | ||
| Tramp |
I've been kicking the sh*t outta mine for a decade and it refuses to fall apart. forget that cold-fusion mumbo-jumbo about 'em falling aprt. that's nonsense. best bike i've ever owned, period. | ||
| Silas_clone |
I studied up on Buell's and i realized that they stop, go, turn and look exactly like i always wanted my Sportster to be. I am new to this phenomenon called Buell, but it seems like everyone on this board has a common thread or characteristic...they love machines/Buell's...i was looking at a Sportster "sport" one sunny pm and a Buell rolled by, not sure which model, certainly a fateful moment. I had never ridden one until the day i bought this M2, a '99. After rode it up and down the block, i knew that it would be a great mistake not to take it home. I hesitate to say it is "mine", it is clearly one of those objects that people like "us" [i have never joined a group so freely]like to think has some sort of spirit. I visit this site several times a day, it is full of posts about fighter pilots, fighter planes [i am an old WWII fighter plane nut and i fly CONTROL-LINE SPEED models, anyone know what these are?] Anyway, you reference to; "... sounded like a WWII fighter plane taxing down the runway. turn around and a yellow m2 rolls by .... Cooooooolll. ever since then i've had a soft spot for M2's..." makes me think that you are a prime suspect for an opportunity to try and develop a relationship with a Buell. Ducati's, sportsters, knuckleheads and M2's...birds of a feather, the annoyance that you are sure to experience is so minor when contrasted with the "JOY" [is there a better word?]. Sure, there may come a time when you mustpart [the machine may become bored with you and decide not to co-operate?] but that danger is part of any relationship, no? It, like any Harley, is a collection of compromises, [sort of like a WWII fighter plane?] that somehow blend together for a "lifespan". To be enjoyed and nurtured, it seems a lot like owning a garden. You must tend the "garden", it will not tolerate ignorance or neglect. The reward? Beauty and sustenance. Hey, I'm writing this to amuse myself as I drink coffee and prepare to go to visit the Carolina Panthers...[i coach], but really, the fighter plane thing, you may have already been bitten, don't try to fight it, just accept it, it's ok... | ||
| Djkaplan |
I've heard M2's described as the best bike Buell ever built to being considered the Ford Econoline van of motorcycles. I think it's the best bike Buell ever made simply because there is so much you can do with it. It's also a great platform for doing lot's of modifications and just plain tinkering. | ||
| Hotrodsportster |
Silas: Welcome to the world of Buell. Short History Note (I played against Domonic Capers (ex-Panthers Head Coach) in HS, a long long time ago -- enough stone age stories). Buells are like good Scotch (an acquired taste). Some people like them others don't. We (Racing Computers) have three (3) tube frame Buells dating from 1999 - 2002. Each bike has it own personality and mechanical challenges, however, none of them have ever made us walk home. To parphrase the Buell sage of the ages (Court Canfield) "the M2 is the best Buell Buell ever made." If you need any support with "nuturing" the M2, this is the site for it. Also, there are three (3) great Buell dealers in the Charlotte area, we can recommend for those items you don't want to address. Ride Safe and have a great season. We are just down the road in Gastonia so let us know if we can assist with the M2. Tom | ||
| Tom_b |
Control line model airplanes? If that is what your talking about silas, I used to fly those all the time when I had time. A cox .049 powered most of them. Some I built from a kit, some I bought from the local k-mart. Skid, buy the M2 and don't look back. You will not regret it. I sometimes wish I had bought an M2 instead of my x-1 due to ease of repairs | ||
| Denfromphilly |
Suffice it to say that everyone here is a die-hard rider and fan of their particular model, I think you should buy an X1, you'll never guess what model I ride. Tramp has like 200,000 miles on his. I work on my bike all the time but it has not needed any repairs. I just like to tinker. One of the beauties is that these bikes are simple, easy to work on, and there is a lot of knowledge and support from forums like these. The S2 riders seem to be the most rabid fans of their model, I am going to try one of those next. And I guess that says a lot, I like mine so much I want to add another. I always consider mine like a WW2 fighter plane, I have actually flown a WW2 plane called a T6 Texan and there is a similarity in feeling. Buy one, if you don't like it sell it. I don't think breakdowns are a big issue if you do maintenance. And if you get the customary obsession like so many new owners then you will maintain it all the time just out of love/obsession. Compulsively yours, Den 99X1 | ||
| Djkaplan |
"Buells are like good Scotch (an acquired taste)." Interesting observation. I like scotch. | ||
| Bomber |
single malt is mother's milk, no doubt about it I loved my MaDeuce form the first ride -- than I rode through a tunnel with my then new Wileyco can on it, heard that part of a P-47 sound bouncing back at me, and that was that -- it ain't ever going anywhere without me many folks have had some problems with em, the fixes are well know, easy to affect (if they're not already done), and, at the prices they're bringing, I'm thinkin they represent the best value on 2 wheels you can find | ||
| Tictoc |
I bought a used '99 M2 with a LOT of miles on it. All the recalls have been done. We rode 1800 miles into Colo. & New Mexico with no problems. I ride it around town too and love it. I do put a small windshield on it to "tour" with. I am 49 years old and fairly tall at (6'1"  I have an Electra Glide but the Buell is by far the most entertaining bike I've owned. TT | ||
| Dfbutler |
I bought a 99 S3T with 12K miles about 6 months ago. I've put over 7K miles on it since. I've spent some $$ on personal/wear items, i.e. tires, Benke shifter, new windshield, etc, but no problems. | ||
| Tramp |
remember, you WWII warbird fans...your Buell has a fourth or fifth of a radial engine in it..... | ||
| Deltacruiser |
Tramp, I never thought of it that way! That is sweet! | ||
| Tramp |
It IS, right? I watched and gophered as my dad, uncle, grandpa, etc., rebuilt an AT-6 Texan radial from the crank out. the similarity is beautiful to consider when you twist the throttle on... Any motorcycle company that give sit's models names like "lightning" "thunderbolt" and "Cyclone" has to feel, consciously or otherwise, it's engine's parallel heritage. | ||
| Oldog |
What the trampster said!  a B17 or a B29 sound like a HERD of the Buellies "FIFI" the last flying B29 visited us here in sandy NC a few years back you could hear the thing from the air in another plane! | ||
| Jackbequick |
I'm probably the newest M2 owner here. I bought a 2000 M2 with 2,100 miles on it in March. Everything original and stock. Got a heck of a deal on it through a friend. I love the dinosaur quality engine and the look and feel of the bike. The torque and power from that engine (at 3,500 to 4,500 RPM) is a thing of joy to anyone that enjoys plenty of power from an understressed engine. It is the fastest, most powerful, bike I have ever owned. It also has the best brakes and handling I have ever experienced. It does not need any more power now and probably never will while I own it. I am retired, enjoying the "olden years" and am a pretty good mechanic/machinist and inveterate tinkerer. I am beyond the "boy racer" thing, I ride more conservatively now than I did at some times in the past. But I find the same joy in doing it that I always have felt. Like you, I was more a dirt/enduro rider at heart most of my life. I started reading the KV here and looking for things that would break or be troublesome. I have already taken care of a few things that are issues or would be eventually. Some things that will fail can be predicted (I have a primary chain tensioner on order, the one I have now will probably fail within the next 10,000 miles or less). Virtually every mistake a home mechanic can make on an M2 has already been made and can be found in the KV. These guys have saved me a lot of time and trouble. The factory service manuals are great, the KV will point out the "better ways" on the procedures in the manual. I think the average Buell owner spends more time working on their bike than the average biker but does not resent the bike for that. I don't want a Japanese bike simply because it will need less attention and be more trouble free. So far I have replaced a battery (5 years old) and a voltage regulator. And I added a tach (2001's come with one). I've put about 1,200 miles on it and will probably do about that many more before winter (I'm in Maine). I ride sort distances on gravel roads occasionally, and find that unremarkable. I do treat dirt roads with some extra respect because the bike is a little out of its element. I can probably recover all of my investment and even a little more if I decide it's not what I want. But I would regret never having owned this particular motorcycle. The combination of the H-D engine and good handling and braking is a beautiful thing. Jack | ||
| Silas_clone |
driving to and from Spartanburg... [the panthers looked good] Ducati...redhot, haughty, fickle and impatient. She will let you tag along but doesn't really need you and will always be on the lookout for someone with more money and better technique Sportster...loud drunken stripper with a great body and bad manners...you are there as the designated driver to get her to the next party... M2...looks great and feels better. runs with the wind and needs you to complete her. You are always glad to see her and she rewards you for every indulgence... | ||
| Tramp |
somebody git silas a wo-man  | ||
| Silas_clone |
The control-line models we fly are basically like those old Cox powered plastic things. We fly them in circles using small gauge music wire to tether and control them [we hang on to them via a handle, some are capable of pulling you out of your shoes] control is limited to pitch [up and down] there is no throttle. C/L speed models are powered by tiny two strokes or even pulse jets. They are classed by size of engine and have other restrictions. The simplest go about 90 to 110 mph [actual speed, not scale] the largest and fastest frequently exceed 200mph. Several years ago rules were enacted to keep speeds down, due to the fact that hardly anyone could pilot them at speeds approaching 240mph. If this sounds like it might be your huckleberry try http://www.clspeed.com flying a jet is like holding a small fierce little dragon by a leash | ||
| Tramp |
you ever see the cox model of 'rivets'? | ||
| Silas_clone |
it was a long lonely ride in a "loser-cruiser"...somehow thoughts of women and motorcycles frequently run together...does this make me a bad person? | ||
| Tramp |
no, me telling my better half that her left jug's got a miss does... | ||
| Silas_clone |
i have a cd that has 3 views of about a gazillion versions of the real "rivets" air racers. i had a cox "stuka" and a pt trainer. about 4 years ago i ran into a guy who had two stearman biplane basket cases in his barn...closest i've been to radial engines hanging on to one of these little speed models is a LOT different than the cox things that barely fly, but the idea is the same... (Message edited by silas_clone on August 04, 2005) | ||
| Benm2 |
My two cents: 1. M2's are great. They are mechanically simple, and handle well. They also are easily upgraded without EFI being involved. 2. Go for the LATEST model M2 you can find. I think 2002 was the last M2 model year, but those with better memories will correct me if I'm wrong. 3. DON'T buy a tuber unless you've got tools & patience. HD dealers can be a PITA, and the bike will require some TLC. Chain tensioning (primary), oil fills, etc. I commuted on mine for two years, and only had a few issues (speedometer sensor, battery, and "pinging" ) Other things can occassionally go wrong, and I'd STRONGLY suggest that you post here first looking for answers. Chances are its happened to someone else before. 4. If dead stock, modify the carb. Change the low speed jet, and drill out the pilot air flow screw so you can adjust it to non-EPA approved levels. 5. The stock muffler is dead quiet. If you like quiet, it will be excellent. If not, the new supertrapp (still sold by American Sportbike, a Badweb sponsor) will work just fine and is well built, not too loud. The M2 is a FABULOUS bike, you've chosen well.  Just be sure you're prepared for the relationship! | ||
| Tramp |
"hanging on to one of these little speed models is a LOT different than the cox things that barely fly, but the idea is the same... " yep- and sticking it from the cockpit's worlds away... what's that cd called? (the one with "Rivets" , winningest plane/racer in air-racing history)featured) | ||
| Silas_clone |
Tramp, contact Tawilk36@cpinternet.com the guys name is Tom Wilk the cd's are $10 and the one you want CD#3 | ||
| Tramp |
thank YEW, Silas!!!! | ||
| Psychobueller |
Ducati...redhot, haughty, fickle and impatient. She will let you tag along but doesn't really need you and will always be on the lookout for someone with more money and better technique Sportster...loud drunken stripper with a great body and bad manners...you are there as the designated driver to get her to the next party... M2...looks great and feels better. runs with the wind and needs you to complete her. You are always glad to see her and she rewards you for every indulgence... You made me want to go out to my garage and sleep on my M2. This is definitely an accurate view of this bike. I have owned my M2 for over 4 years. I have test ridden dozens of bikes since. Not one has made me think I should trade in my M2. There's something about the M2 that is just so "right". It's like Buell hit a "sweet spot" in motorcycle design with the M2. Off to the garage.....wife is staring at me with the gaze of mere tolerance! | ||
| Skid_jackson |
How good is an M2 for running around town?? Quite a bit of my riding can be work related, down the road to the hardware store or across town to the bank, or even a combination. once or twice a week it could be 60 to 70 miles mostly highway to headquarters. Right now it is w/a p up. I was leaning towards a bagger because it has some carrying capacity for "small loads". Doesn't look like there is a lot of carrying capacity on an m2. Most of what i carry though could be put in a good size tank bag or soft trunk of some sort. How is the bike in stop and go city traffic. I wonder about all the shaking not to mention air cooling when your not going anywhere. I test rode a ducati multistrada, it was scary to watch the tempeture go up at stop lights!! |
