| Author | Message | ||
     Gtobill |
I have looked at several XB's and X1's in the last few weeks. I can purchase an X1 or s3t or borrow some money for a XB. I remember wanting an X1 when they came out but they were out of my price range. I can buy one now pretty easily. My question is are you satisfied with the earlier Buells and can they reliable enough to be ridden daily. I had an M2 in '98 and I had to repair several leaks. Are things any better now? Just sitting here at work at 3AM and thinking about these things. Thanks, Bill | ||
| Nevrenuf |
by 2002 everything was pretty much worked out on the bikes then they dumped them. outside of the uly the xb's aren't very long haul freindly like the m2 or s2/3's are | ||
| Reepicheep |
It may depend... I traded in my 00 M2 for an 05 XB9SX... and was expecting to give up some comfort to get some reliability and better handling. I got even more reliability and handling I was expecting, and was very surprised to discover that the comfort on the 9sx was also (IMHO) better then the M2. I can't explain why. I confirmed it with a fairly long haul from Maggie Valley NC to north of Cincinnati Ohio on the 9sx... that I did after already doing quite a bit of riding that morning. I wasn't by any means cozy by the time I finally rolled in, I was still doing fine, and looking forward to riding the bike to work the next morning. Thats far further then my longest surviving ride on the M2 ever was. By 02, the tubers were getting pretty good.. . but the XB's fixed all the stuff that band aids couldn't fix on the tubers. Fundamental changes for the better. The only step backwards was loss of the cartridge transmission (a shame). The tubers are a little easier to work on though (i.e. change a plug). Unexpectedly, my 9sx also feels faster (both up top and down low) then my M2 did. I expected to trade low end for top end, and perhaps I did, but I never noticed it. The 06 and up XB's are another leap forward. Thats when the XBRR racing experience started creeping into the product line. Updated internal engine bearing journals, finally fixed the oil pump drive gear, significant clutch and transmission updates. YMMV, and the tubers are special bikes, but if I had a choice of a 20k XB9SX for $5000 or a 15k S1 or M2 for $3000, and only could own one bike, I would take the XB9SX... though with a little twinge of regret. I'll never get tired of looking at an S1 though... but I never get tired of looking at my 9sx either... IMHO, YMMV, FWIW. | ||
| Djkaplan |
"The only step backwards was loss of the cartridge transmission (a shame)." What I can't understand is why the production transmission got screwed on the XB, but the XBRR still uses a trapdoor transmission. Ridiculous... absolutely ridiculous. I'd never get an XB (or rubbermounted Sportster) just for this reason alone. | ||
| Crashbuell |
My 97' M2 has got 20K on it and during the Michigan riding season (Late May thru Mid October) I ride it to work everyday unless it rains. I am absolutely in love with it and I won't replace it until it's wore out. | ||
| Kyrocket |
I'm the original owner of a '99 X1 and not had any major issues save for the occasional rocker box gasket. If you're slightly mechanically inclined it can be done in the garage in an afternoon with the help of a manual or the nice folks here. Mine is no longer a daily driver mainly because of the kids and I only live one mile from work. (that I love) But it once was and it gave me no problems. As far as comfort, I rode it from Ky to Fla and back, put on 2500 miles during the week and only started getting sore on the trip back. I guess being on ANY bike that long and you'll get a little saddle sore. You are right about the price though, the old tubers can be picked up very reasonably. I actually have mine for sale locally, not really advertising it much but I have over 13k in it and expect to get less than half of that back if I even sell it, I'm not trying too hard, just enough to show the wife I'm making an effort. | ||
| Court |
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| Road_thing |
Me too, Court... | ||
| Mikej |
Me three   | ||
| Buellfighter |
I've owned my 96 S1 for six years and ride it to work every day with absolutely no problems. Tubers or bust! | ||
| 5liter |
Yes. Gets me where I want to go with a little panache.  | ||
| Djkaplan |
I love mine...  ...seven years with the same bike is an all time record for me. I've owned my M2 twice as long as any bike I've had since 1976. | ||
| Oldog |
I have a '01 X1 its been good, like any thing mechanical reliability is dependent on care. I beat on mine some and each year it goes down for a close inspection and repairs as a preemptive. | ||
| Blackbelt |
I owned a 2002 X1 and put 36,700 miles on the thang.. small problems here and there, but all in all I would have had no problems jumping on it and riding to Florida or some location.. I got a new XB just for the style. Pure astetics... | ||
| Bigdaddy |
I will continue to keep a tuber in the barn regardless of what Buell does. | ||
| Nocompromise |
I say go with your heart. Motorcycling isn't a rational activity, so go with what moves you. I'm sure the XB series will, on average, be more reliable than a tuber. There are many tubers, like mine, that have never had a problem... but statistically I'm sure an XB would be a safer bet. From the sound of your post you're not really that hung up on the X1, so I would go with an XB. If you had said that the X1 is still your dream bike, then I would tell you to go for it. Bikes are relatively inexpensive, so get whichever one makes your pulse start racing!   | ||
| Rich |
16 years old now, my RS keeps me smiling when I ride it. | ||
| Court |
Wait a minute . . . you're not 16! You may be able to pass for . . . . let's say mid-late 30's but I'm not buying that 16!  There's just something about the memory of riding a 16 year old that makes old guys smile. . . great bike! | ||
| Ryker77 |
My .02 is stay away from the x1's or new s3. Fuel injected system is OK but it will get harder to find parts or a good tech to fix or trouble shoot them. Also the first year Xb's 2003 models are not the best year. For the value the tubers rock. Used Xb's are also now becoming a good value. | ||
| Road_oiler |
It is like we all- buell enthusiasts- hitched a ride with Eric Buell. When we buy one of his bikes- our ride stops at THAT bike- but Eric keeps on going. I have an S-2. about 38K on it. used mostly for trips, and quick rides- but not for commuting or even real short rides. I rode one in 1995- loved it then, love it now. In fact my world was secure as I watched the newer tubers roll by, then the XB- I even was mad that Eric killed the tube frame model. Then reality hit. I have had the use of an XB 9 sx-City X- for a few weeks. It makes my S-2 pretty crude in many ways. fit, finish, power, handling, braking. even warming it up- the S-2 on fast idle IS a Mukwonago Paint Shaker- the XB has none of the rubber mount crazy shake that the S-2 does. I have not done longer rides than 100 miles yet. On the highway the XB is fast, stable and very agile. not as much wind protection or two up space- but very nice. And in city traffic, the XB is a bad influence. Lane splitting? Hell I wanted to ride the curbs. It is that confidence inspiring. When the S-2 came out I was thinking Egli XL, or XL in a norton Chassis. I loved that Eric had taken that sporty motor lump and make a sport touring bike out of it. But he has surely put fun with capital F U N in the XB series. I have also read - maybe on these pages- that the Uly IS the new S-2. could be, but I don't want to think about that now. At the end of the day- like many have posted, what do you like? I have great respect for the XB- but I already HAVE a great relationship with my S-2. One that I am not done with yet. That makes me about 10 + years behind Eric and still counting, but I still love his work. | ||
| Kyrocket |
There's just something about the memory of riding a 16 year old that makes old guys smile I smile because I thought I knew what the hell I was doing, boy was I wrong. Still don't, but I smile anyway! I may own an XB one day, (in addition to) I do like perusing their board every now and again just to keep up on things. If I can get out of this financial crunch without selling the tuber I'll eventually hand it down to one of the kids. (well after they're 16) | ||
| Gtobill |
My problem is that I like them all. I had just had my first kid when the X1 came out. I remember seeing them in the showroom. I think there may have been a version called the viper- red with offset white stripe. Just couldn't afford it with the new kid. The practical side says buy the new one with the warranty but I still like the tubers. I guess they just look more muscular. Bill | ||
| Bartimus |
I love my tubers, so much, that I now own 5 tubers. 3 S2's, an S1W, and an S3. I also own an '05 XB9sx. admittedly, the XB is the best handling, and is actually quite comfortable. But nothing makes me giggle like a little girl, like riding my S2 with it's Nallin motor! The S1 always gets the looks, and gives me a $hit eating grin, it's just soooo much fun! The S3 makes me think of a refined S2, but with out the soul. Yea, I guess I'm addicted to Tubers. Especially the S2's. If you have a chance to buy one, do it, you'll never regret it! | ||
| Crashbuell |
You know, you guys are right. They're all good looking bikes. I'd like to have an XB one day too, but I'll never get rid of my cyclone. Can't do it, just can't. | ||
| Rex |
love my m2.....over 40,000 miles.  love my s2 nearly 20,000 miles  and my S1 | ||
| Buellistic |
So satisfied with my 97S3T that "i" bought a 2000 BLAST to play with ... In BUELLing LaFayette | ||
| Djkaplan |
"...the XB has none of the rubber mount crazy shake that the S-2 does." Rubber mount crazy shake? I like that. | ||
| Kyrocket |
No kiddin' I love the stares and people riding in cages when they point it out to others while I'm sitting at a light and my turn signals are bouncing up and down. Makes me snicker. Hopefully I'll own my X1 until I can show it in the antique class. Most of you have probably already seen these but I would love to have some of these CF wheels and the swingarm for my X1. Talk about shaving off the weight and man would it ever look cool. http://www.ram.mc/index1.html | ||
| Limitedx1 |
i still get asked by people if my 2000 x1 is new! the majority just doesnt know. i have been to 4 or 5 harley dealership rides this year and even the mechanics compliment and hint to the other guys "theres a motorcycle!" i say take an x1 and make it look newer "undertail, new shifter and brake levers, turn signals, dual headlight if so desired, and you will never regret it  | ||
| Firemanjim |
Satisfied--interesting question. Still have it after 60,000 plus miles and 12 years. Am I done fiddling with it after all that time--probably not. Happy with it, heck yeah!! Buy a new Buell--we'll see what the new engine/bike is like. Sell it? Nope!!  |
