| Author | Message | ||
     Bomber |
the MaDeuce will never leave the Entropy Lab (aka, bomber's garage) -- very satisfied -- it's basically the bike I've been trying to build from a variety of starting points for, er, ehem, a while now. it's the best tool for what it's been built and modified for that I can imagine, to the point that, when I could afford another bike, I went in an entirely different direction Tubers Rule! | ||
| Sanchez |
Tubers are fun to ride, and they're definitely unique, but don't buy one if you're afraid to wrench a little (or a lot). My M2 spent more time in my garage than it did on the road, and I cursed its very existence many a time, but I'll probably buy another tuber anyway just because I had so much fun on it. Try to find one with at least 10k miles on it. By that time everything you'd expect to fail probably has done so. | ||
| Ratbuell |
Firemanjim - great looking bike, where do you find tires for 16.5" marchesinis?? (or are they 17s?) GTOBill - think the difference between, say, a HemiCuda convertible and a Ferrari. Now translate it to X1 vs XB. My S1W is raw, noisy, not much on long haul comfort, more baseball bat than tennis racquet...but gawd-DAMN is it fun to ride. My S2 is pretty comfy for longer hauls...and down at the moment from a bad wrist pin turned Thunderstorm upgrade. It's also the bike I plan to ride to Homecoming...if my parts come in. I don't think I'd own a tuber without having its matching shop manual...just to be safe. Minor hiccups can turn into major horks if you don't address them quickly. The Firebolt is probably my favorite bike for total performance, no compromises...but I'm 6'4" and it's a little too compact for me (think circus gorilla wearing a v-twin speedo). The Uly? Probably the best overall bike I have ever ridden. Refined, comfy, Swiss-Army-Knife versatility, runs like a raped ape and handles great on pavement or gravel. Oh, and it fits under me without looking like I'm wearing the damn thing. Do you want raw performance? Overall capability and refinement? Or just want to fulfill a longstanding desire to own an X1? (that last one is the reason I bought my S1W last year - I'd always wanted one, and found the "right" one for sale). That's the best part about bikes in general, and Buells in particular - nobody has to have one, nobody "needs" one...it's all about wants. *Your* wants. Take your time, ride everything you can find, and buy what feels right - you'll never regret it. | ||
| Tunes |
I guess my '99 S3 counts as an older Buell. Yes, very satisfied. I have 2 XB's but I will not part with my S3. For long rides and hauling stuff it's my choice. I usually keep my bikes for no more then 5 yrs and I'm off onto the next bike. Buells got into my blood in '99 and I've been hooked ever since.  | ||
| Tattoodnscrewd |
It depends on what day of the week you ask me .... when the two of mine are running right .. very satisfied ... but when stupid crap needs fixing, tweaking.. etc... repeatedly - I get very frustrated .. But all in all ... I do prefer old school tubers over the XB's ... (although I do think the X1 was a wanna be XB ... I don't look at it quite like the rest of the tube frame family ... sorry - just my opinion) Until Buell comes out with a machine as raw as the tubers ... I probably will continue to ride my bikes... and never become an XB owner ... (also probably because I am not really a sport bike fan )... so any new iteration of a Buell that continues to look like a sport bike - although from an engineering standpoint may be a great bike ... the style is just not for me ... I like the mechanicals hanging out, the raw unrefined look .. Just my 2 cents ... give me an old school Buell any day ... | ||
| Firemanjim |
Rat,front is 17,rear was a 16.5 and I got rid of it for just that reason. Been looking for a rear 17 ever since. | ||
| Bad_karma |
Yes, for those that are not married, they are like a life partner(AKA wife) you work through the hard times and bask in the good times. Only problem is I'm get older and slower and they are just getting faster.  Joe | ||
| Rick_a |
Tubers are raw, pure, minimalist machines. They are a tinkerer's dream and long term ownership is probably best left to such a person. The XB is a much better platform in all respects yet lacks much of the soul and character of the older bikes. While the engine/transmission is not nearly as accessable on XB's, chassis maintenance is a breaze on 'em due to a well integrated design. I prefer tubers as roadbikes. If I could afford it I'd have an XB as a dedicated trackbike. That said, as has been mentioned, it is an emotional decision as much as a rational one. Definitely get some seat time all models considered before you decide. | ||
| Tom_b |
most of the time i am. kind of like my old triumph or old bmw a little wrench time is required for riding time. i can say with only 15,000 miles i have had more stuff break on it than any other bike i've owned with as few miles. throttle body, belt, cylinder base gaskets, rocker gaskets and exhaust bolts are constantly coming loose | ||
| Ducxl |
GoatBill,i'm amazed that my dealer still has a couple leftover brand new X1 models.I've got both X1+XB and i gotta tell you that technology only moves forward.That said,the XB has it all over the X1.That said...I rode the X1 today and it was a HOOT! | ||
| Iamike |
Some day I'd like to buy a Ulysess but in the meantime I'm not letting go of the '99 S3. Even when a neighbor kid wanted to buy it last year that I'd want it back if he ever sold it. He ended up buying something different and I had the S3 repainted, and now it is like a new bike. I did buy an ST1300 three years ago to become the travelling bike but I still use the Buell for commuting and fun riding. Since it had 60,000mi. I am reluctant to use it for travelling. But oh the memories. My S3 has taken me to Northern Minesota several times, to three Homecomings. I rode it to New England and back and several Buellers met in Newfoundland for an unforgetable ride. I have ridden it to Colorado twice for Bueller get-togethers and even rode it to Phoenix and back. It would be really hard to give up something that has generated so many memories. | ||
| Noonesmeans |
I like the "rubber mount crazy shake." But after riding an XB, I think it fits my frame better than my X1. And it is certainly more refined in every way, but I doubt it is any more reliable (mine's a 2001--no recalls). Although the "no-replacement-interval-belt" is an appealing concept. The FI on mine has been great so far, and no parts have shaken completely loose yet. The rear shock is toast, maybe from age, maybe from shaking. Who knows. I think the X1 has a ton of personality. Before I bought mine I looked all over the internet for videos of people on their X1s. Most of them were doing burnouts. That has to count for something. That said, the S1s *might* be even more special, but I have a strict policy WRT carburetors. I will turn a wrench, but I can't love a bike I can't ride every time I hit the starter button. But my XB is still new to me. I may very well be cursing it next week. I'll keep the Badweb posted. The tubers are more beautiful to look at, but not (quite) as sweet to ride, to me, as the XBs. If I had the money, I'd ride an '06 or '07 XB12S, because it fits my body better. But a paid-for bike leans in sooooooooo much nicer. | ||
| Ebutch |
106,667, happy miles More to come.Pull some Gs.Butchhttp://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r200/ebutch/P10 10056.jpg | ||
| Littlebuggles |
Love my tuber, I cannot see EVER selling it. Ever. ...would buy another bike or two for different purposes, budget permitting - race track, dirt riding or long distance bikes come to mind... there's a lot of good bikes out there but mine is perfect for what I do on a bike - commute, canyons, some long distance stuff, and have been to the track. Don't know that I'd ever buy a XB either, have had a great time on them, just probably wouldn't buy one. | ||
| Rex |
love my buells. my m2 is the best of the group. best overall, all around bike. You are right about not owning the xbs. I love the idea of their frame with fuel, oil in the swing arm, etc . but they do not fit me, size wise. I like more of a standard, sporty road bike, that you can see the motor. I do not necessary want a sportbike, or a cruiser. I want a nice good handling motorcycle, that shows the vtwin. My m2 has over 40,000 miles on it, and runs great! the new frames hide too much of the motor. one of these days, maybe another buell will come around. I will never sell my m2. the s2, and the s1, maybe. I just road test the motard ducati yesterday......nice tube frame bike, nice vtwin motor, with plenty of power. hummmm, wonder if there are any buell enthusiasts wanting a pristine s2 and s1. we will see. rex  | ||
| Hillbilly |
I love my custom painted 98 S1 with some of the original molton orange and nuclear blue frame. I have 59,300 miles on it.It still runs great and looks great.I have had several minor problems with it but I can do all the work myself without to may special tools and the bike is so simple to work on.I am now puting a aluminum pollished swing arm on it off a 02 X1 and not done changing it.I have also had 2 accidents on it riding on the west coast of fl. But I think I will always have and ride the buell. | ||
| Buellzebub |
i love my s1's, 60k km's and counting. the only thing that quickens my pulse more is the Aprilia Tuono R and maybe the new Ducati super MOtard | ||
| Ebutch |
Rex:Supper M2!!! Pull Some Gs!Butch   | ||
| Mmmi_grad |
I really am satisfied with my 01 X1. Ive had the long out on demo. Im still undecided about it. I do like my x1 very much. If I were rich I would own an XB long also. One factor is that the X1 just seems so much bigger and that for me is THE factor for not dieing for a XB. | ||
| Eshardball |
I have a Road King But it can't compare to my S1. I just need to find a seat that allows me to spend a little more time in the saddle. The Buell is Frankenbike. Best part is allot of people don't even know what it is. | ||
| Noonesmeans |
Mmmi: I much preferred the "smaller" feel of the XB I rode to my 01 X1. Funny. | ||
| Paint_shaker |
Satisfied with my older Buell?? In a word; HELL YEAH!!!!! | ||
| Jc000 |
I love my 02 M2. For years I wanted one and it was a sad day for me when they were pulled from the line. Finally picked one up last year. I ride it to work everyday (including winter if there's no ice) and everytime I do I smile. The XBs never did much for me. I think the air-cooled motor and carbs make the tubers seems more "classic". The air cooled motor in the XB just seemed a little out of place. As I improve as a rider, I sometimes wonder what a bike with more power would be like (not that I'm anywhere close to pushing the limits on the M2). I was leaning more in the direction of an Aprilia or KTM over an XB. The 1125R has certainly changed that! Regardless, I don't think I'll EVER get rid of my M2. One day it will be a classic. | ||
| Torquemonster |
I love my M2 so much that I got the Pegasus logos tattooed on the outside of my forearms. People joke about the permanency and ask what will happen when I upgrade to another bike. Ummmm...just cut out the middleman and ask me to slap you already. I ask if theyve ever ridden a Buell Cyclone and the answer is ALWAYS "no". My reply is usually "Nuff said" followed by a good view of me walking away. To each his own, but make mine an M2. | ||
| Cereal |
I've got a '96 S1 and an '03 XB9R. I still love the S1, but I find myself riding the XB more often. It has better throttle response and handles a hell of a lot better. I think I need to do some adjustments to the suspension on my S1, but am not 100% on how do it. The front seems to shake when I go deep into the corners, and I thought I was going to die last time I rode 2 up in the twisties. I know I should have adjusted it for the added weight, but as I said before, not quite sure which settings to adjust. I've been teetering back and forth about selling it, but I don't think I could possibly part with unless the money was too good to pass up. The current value of the S1 is not even close to that point right now. | ||
| Djkaplan |
"To each his own, but make mine an M2." I love my M2. I still sit and stare at it like I did when I first got it 7 years ago. It hasn't been perfect, but it's nowhere near the worst bike I've ever had, not even close. That spot is reserved for a Kawasaki... oh, the irony. When I raise that garage door every morning, it's still like Christmas and my birthday rolled into one. I'm sure I could ride an XB faster in the twisties, but I'm not so sure I would sit in the garage and stare at it afterwards. I need to socialize with people more. | ||
| Nevrenuf |
next time your around the gap, i'll see if i can get over that way. being over in chattanooga give's me a good opportunity to head into the mountains alot more DJ. as far as the tuber's are concerned, the m2's rule. | ||
| Brinnutz |
Rex, dibs on the S1, if you decide to sell it when I have the funds!! LOL | ||
| Mwellm |
The older Buells are very reliable...I have few real problems with my 2000 M2. I could also stare at mine for a long time...very mechanical creating character and garage appeal. | ||
| Bluesboy |
For me the S2 is just right.Not for everyone,stunning in my eye.Always needing a little attention & time.I`ve had serious sport bikes that i`ve ridden hard,no love for me in that.They are what they is.  |
