| Author | Message | ||
     Bartimus |
I wrote this about 2 years ago when I first moved to Albuquerque, it had been quite awhile since I had taken the time to exercise all the bikes I had with me at the time. While I actually rode three bikes that day, (sometimes it sux being me) since this is the S2 section of Badweb, skip down and read about the second ride of the day...  I moved to Albuquerque, NM from Phoenix, AZ in August of '05. The weather change was great! In Phoenix, daytime temps were around 115 degrees, in Albuquerque, they were around 95 degrees. Nice! I own 5 Buells, and keeping them all exercised is a full time job. One week in October, with the daily temps hovering around 75 degrees, I felt sick. Yea, it was a case of PMS, (parked motorcycle syndrome). The weather had been strange, beautiful during the week, and raining every weekend. Sigh, when will I find the ride time to get all these bikes out? A sick day was in order. Well the first ride started out on the '05 city-X. Sandia Peak was my objective. Geared up I was, in my black power ranger suit, and my full face helmet. The bike was clean, shining even, as I fired up the willing engine. With a rumble it shook itself to life and settled into a thumping rhythm as it warmed up. I putted down the side street to Academy; it’s such a nice rush hauling up that road to Tramway. Nice curves, no cops. Perfect road to start an aggressive ride. J I pull onto Academy and head east; up towards the mountain I wish to conquer today. The lights are green, I catch another gear, the front tire lofts slightly as the bike hits the redline, and shift again. I’m settled in third, about 5 grand and zipping up the hill about 85. Weeeeeee, this is fun. All too soon, I come to Tramway and turn south, down to RT 66, the back road that will take me to Hwy 14, and then on up to Cedar Crest. Morning rush hour is still rushing about. Like big steel chickens with their heads cut off. Cluck, cluck, where do I go? He he he. The city-X is a blast in this environment. I’m switching lanes, banging gears, just ripping back in forth like a little kid. Man is this fun! Way too soon I get down to Central, and start heading east to get to my mountain. I take it easy through here, as I’m not that familiar with this stretch and don’t know where the cops like to hide. I’m only breaking the speed limit by about 5 mph. Sissy stuff. J Finally I arrive at the entrance to Cedar Crest, THE road. This road has given me so much satisfaction in the last two months, it’s like a drug. I start up at a pretty brisk pace. The scenery is great along this road, aspens, elms, oaks, trees, trees, and more trees. The road winds its way, back and forth, zig zagging its way up the mountain. Hmmm, speed limit 25mph, 15 in the hairpins. Nice stuff ! I’m zipping between 45 and 85 through most of it. The hairpins are smooth, a little front brake coming into it, set up my apex, and give it the gas, I can feel the rear tiring grabbing traction, as I push on the bars and lean the bike over at an obscene angle. Nothing touches down, even at these speeds. Too sweet, I’m thinking. I few cars are coming down, I slow down a little for them. Around the next curve, and hammer it down. Weeeeeeeeeee, damn, rev limiter !!! he he he ok, I’m getting this rpm feel down now. I can almost tell, between the sound of the exhaust, and the feel of the vibrations that it’s time to shift. Seems like a few minutes, and I'm here, at the top. And there is Albuquerque, rushing off to work. Busy little bees they are. Sorry them, lucky me. <big> Wish you could have been there, the view was Beulltiful. I coasted back down the hill, from the top of the hill down to the ski area, with the engine off. Even without a motor, I was speeding down around 65 mph. It sounded so weird, the wind rushing by, the sound of the tires on the pavement. Like a high pitched zzzzzzzzzzzzzz No vibes from the motor. Just you and the machine, rolling down the mountain. Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Did I mention how much fun I’m having? Well, I’m having lots, and lots of fun. I fire up the engine after I pass the ski area, and start to pour it on again. I want to make sure there are NO chicken strips on my tires when I get home. I’m getting brave as I zoom around the hairpins now. I feel like one with the bike. I start hanging out my knee on some of the corners. I’m chuckling as I do this, wondering what people would think, if they were behind me, watching my knee touch down and then jerk back. I still haven't gotten the hang of that knee dragging yet. Guess I need a few more track days. Too soon, I’m back on Hwy 14 and heading back to ‘Querque. I play a little in the traffic, but it’s not so much a rush now. After that mountain, everything feels tame for awhile. I sigh, and grin, what a great day! This ride is done. Time to switch bikes, and go for a cruise on the white Thunderbolt. My S2 Thunderbolt, this is my favorite Buell. I have three of these. They are so sweet, and in my opinion, the most beautiful of all Buells. This S2 is number 3, the third one I've bought. It has the lowest miles and the baddest motor. An NRHS 1250, stage 2 kit. I had lots of problems with this bike when the kit was first installed, The dealership that installed the kit for me really screwed things up, but Aaron at NRHS stepped in and straightened things out and now the bike is running like a champ. Riding the City-x is like riding a dirt bike through the city. Quick, agile, and fast. The S2 on the other hand, is like a long legged thoroughbred. It likes the big open road. My plan is to ride back through the same pass I just came through, and head south down the east side of the mountains to Mountainair, and then back up north on the west side of the mountains through the small towns of Belen, Los Lunas, and back into 'Querque. The bike shakes to life with a touch of the starter button. The bike falls into a fast idle, and I push the choke in a bit to bring the rpm's down to 1200. The vibrations rattle the tail section, and I can hear the Corbin seat rattling against the seat lock. Hmmm, gonna have to tighten that when I get back. I let the bike warm up a little bit, and watch the world go by, folks buzzing around, running errands, heading to work, (must be bankers, LOL). I blip the throttle a few times, listening to the throaty sound of the Vance & Hines exhaust, and feel the vibrations of the motor thumping beneath me. What a beauty of a motor. Aaron sure did a great job of getting this motor straightened out and it runs like a bat out of hell now. Solid as a rock, and strong as an ox. I do a final check of my gear, and click the shifter down into first, and let out the clutch, the bike thumps out of the parking lot, anxious to hit the road. Contrary to my ride through town on the city-X, I poke along, enjoying the morning air, the beautiful sun shining down upon me, and grin from ear to ear. I really love these S2's, they are great bikes! I push the choke in all the way, and pick up the pace. I'm getting close to Central again, and will soon be puttin' through the valley to the east side of the Sandia's. As I roll through the valley on Rt. 66, I look up at the freeway, I-40, and see all the responsible people doing their thing. Not me, I'm sick, I have a disease. It's called PMS, Parked Motorcycle Syndrome, and my bikes need some exercise. I finally get to Hwy 14 and head south. This is a nice little two lane road that winds along the Manzano Mountains; I'm in third gear, leaning into the curves, poking my knee out once in awhile. The road is clean, no gravel or sand, just sweet pavement beckoning me. I downshift into second for a hairpin, and set up my lines; looking through the curve I see an open straightaway and then another curve. I'm still grinning, and can feel the insides of my helmet pressing against my cheeks, I pull up into third and twist a little more on the throttle. The bike pulls willingly, as I set myself up for the next curve, and drop it back down a gear and lean into the curve. I find myself becoming one with the bike, hugging it closer, and leaning harder. The S2 loves this road. The curves, the sweepers, they all let the abilities of this bike shine. Too soon, I find myself roaring through the big sweepers that lead into Mountainair. This is the end of the line for the curves, I'm coming into cattle country, and big ranches line the all too straight stretch of roadway in front of me. There is nothing but flat, level, road ahead for the next 35 miles until I get to Belen. I snick it up into fifth, and roll it on, 100, 110, 120, 130, the motor is pulling hard now, and I'm tucked down behind the windscreen, completely one with the bike. I hit 140 and level off. This is the fastest I've ever gone on one of my Buells on a flat, level road. I'm impressed; this motor is really the bomb! I back off the throttle and slow down to about 90 and hold it there another 5 miles or so, before slowing down almost to the speed limit. I'm still grinning, and my cheeks are feeling it. I catch my breath, and look around at the wide open country around me, nothing but tall grass, a few cows here and there, and barbed wire along each side of the road. I gaze at the west side of the Manzano's, thinking I was just carving my way along the other side of those mountains. I really like this area, and am glad I finally moved from Phoenix. As I poke along, feeling the thump of the motor, and listen to the steady exhaust note, I think of the friends I left back in Phoenix, of the rides we went on. Those were some good days, and some great rides. I miss them guys, they were good riders, and some of the finest people I've had the pleasure of knowing. Too soon I find myself nearing Belen; this is a little farming community south of Albuquerque, along the Rio Grande River. The small two lane road I'm on weaves in and out of these farms. I slow down to go around a farmer on a tractor with some kind of tilling attachment on the back. He waves, I wave back. I smile. Today, I love life. From Belen, I wind my way through Los Lunas, another farming community that is selling its soul, and land, for house farms. Identical houses so close you can spit on your neighbor's house, with hardly any front or back yard. All with that damn desert landscaping. God how I hate that! Give me good 'ol grass and I'm a happy man. I feel sorry for the people that live here, that accept the high prices, and small amount of land they receive for their hard earned money, just so they can be a homeowner. I'll stick to my apartment for now, until I can find that dream home I want so bad. Before I know it, I'm through Los Lunas, and starting to hit the surface streets of Albuquerque. I'm just another street commando now, trying to survive as one car cuts me off, and another makes a left turn in front of me. The powerful front brake hauls me down, and keeps me from making contact with the intruder in my lane. Drop it down a gear and twist it and I'm back up to speed. I really like this motor. I'm going to have to have one of the other S2's get this treatment from NRHS. I pull into my apartment complex and roll the S2 into its spot next to the city-X, and behind the S1W. I let it idle awhile as I pull my helmet and gloves off. The solid thumping is like a drug for me. I've just gone on two rides, probably covered about 200 miles so far today, and it's only a little bit after noon. I feel the need to ride one more bike. I guess I'll take the S1 out next. I giggle at the thought of what the S1 does to me when I ride it. That is one true Hooligan bike! The S1W is a '98, the last year for that model. Huge gas tank, tiny seat, beautiful body work, the bike is just lean, and mean. Nothing but motor, and wheels. The giggle factor is high on this bike, it's so much fun to ride. I grab a quick lunch, and sit on the patio gazing at my collection of Buells as I puff on a smoke, before donning my gear again for another ride. The S1 jumps to life, and the Borla exhaust settles into its beautiful beat. What a shame that company stopped making exhaust for Buells. The pipe is a work of art in itself, the power is excellent, and the sound is a pleasant thump, thump, thump. I slip it into gear, and roll out of the parking lot, heading towards the Rio Grande. There are a couple of roads that follow the river for a short distance, curving along its lazy path, surrounded on one side by cottonwood trees, and the other by the river itself. It's hard to keep the front wheel on the ground with this bike, so light, so much power, it's also hard to keep the grin off my face as I lean it hard into the curve around the park by my apartment. Soon I'm zipping down the road towards the river acting like a teenager with his first bike. I know I shouldn't be riding like this, but the bike just makes you act like a hooligan! Honest officer! As I pass the local Harley Stealership I glance over and see three Uly's out front, surrounded by chromed softails, and road kings. I laugh a little, and think of what a pig my Harley is, and how little it gets ridden any more. I find it hard to spend any time on it when I have so much fun on the Buells. I pull onto the back road that follows the river, and drop it into fifth and just poke along, no more speed, I've about got that out of my system for the day, LOL. But I do pop an occasional wheelie, I swear, it's the bike making me do it! I marvel at how wide the river is, and yet how shallow it is. It's hard to believe so many Mexicans drown in that river trying to cross it, but I imagine it gets deeper when it reaches Texas. Up here, it's just a big, lazy river, mostly brown due to all the sand it's washing downstream. The road only follows the river for about 5 miles, then veers off and up into Rio Rancho. The river runs up into the Indian reservation, and they don't like too many roads on their land. This stretch was over too quickly, so I turn around and backtrack, staying on Rio Grande Blvd, it takes you through the rich area of 'Querque. The speed limit is a very limiting 25 MPH, but the scenery is gorgeous. Old growth cottonwoods, and huge elms line the street, and mansions sit on 10 acre lots with horse corrals. I guess if I'm riding this slow, I should have taken the Harley, LOL. It's hard to keep the S1 under the speed limit, but I do. I marvel at the perfectly pedicured lawns, and the sculpted hedges along the driveways. I pass a few fields where they still grow alfalfa, and suck in the aroma of fresh cut grass. I pop a little wheelie for shits and grins, and drop my speed back down to the speed limit. Soon I'm back into the city, it's about 3:30 now, and the afternoon rush hour is just beginning. Once again, I am thankful for the powerful front brake, and the quick, responsive throttle, as I weave my way around blind commuters, and mommy vans. Everyone seems to be in such a hurry to get somewhere. I turn onto San Mateo and head north so I can get onto Academy again. It's a pretty road, with a grass median, trees line the side, and it curves all the way up to the base of the Sandia mountains. No speeding up it like I did earlier, it's packed with people heading home, and running errands. I poke along trying to keep a safe space around me. I finally get up to my street and pull onto it, curving around park at a much slower pace than earlier. I thump into my parking lot, and pull up behind the S2, and let the bike idle a bit before shutting it off. I get off the bike and remove my helmet and just lean up against the patio railing, while lighting up a smoke. I gaze upon these works of art parked in my carport, and marvel at the technology, and the beauty of each one. I marvel at the man himself, that provided me with so much enjoyment. Erik Buell, what a genius. I've met him twice in the past at BRAG rallies, and really enjoyed speaking with him. He is very down to earth, and very outgoing. He has such a passion for the sport I love, I actually feel proud to own a couple of his bikes, and enjoy the fact that these bikes really are a thing of beauty. Each one has it's own personality, and purpose. But of all three, the S2 Thunderbolt is the best. It has such beauty whether standing still or moving. Thank You, Erik! | ||
| Ratbuell |
Great story. I have to say, I feel just the same about my S2 and my S1W. S2? Capable, relaxed, powerful, elegant. Quite possibly the best bike I've ridden to date...although I do love the swiss-army nature of the Uly. My S1W? Hooligan. Motor with a teeny afterthought of a seat. And I also have a bagger (96 FLHP) sitting neglected in the garage because of the S2. LOL. I am curious about the 1250 kit you have in your S2....thinking about doing the same to mine. I've already thunderstormed it, but it's not quite enough for me. If you get a chance I'd love to hear about it...including direct comparisons to your S1W since I have one of those - all stock except for race intake, ignition, and SS2R - for reference Again...great writing. Its amazing what these bikes make us come up with! | ||
| Bartimus |
Rat, My S1W was stock except for the forcewinder, and Borla exhaust. I don't know what it was putting to the ground, but it sure felt good. I've got 3 S2's, one is stock, one is t-stormed, and the third has the 1250 kit in it. I chose the stage 2 because I wanted long distance reliability on standard pump gas. The bike has the 1250, stage 2 kit, stock header with a V&H exhaust, HSR42 carb with a forcewinder. The dyno sheets are displayed on the NRHS website. It makes 104RWHP, and feels every bit stronger and healthier than any t-storm engine I've ridden. If I had to do it over again, I'd go with lighter flywheels, the S1 gets up and goes a little quicker due to the lighter flywheels, but the S2 wastes no time in catching and passing it. The folks up at NRHS are great people, and bend over backwards to keep their customers satisfied, they do great work. I highly recommend you give Dan or Aaron a call up there. My FXR also sits idle, while I ride the Buells. I take it out now and then when I just feel like poking along. Thanks for the compliment on the writing, These S2's just gives me a passion like no other bike I've owned... | ||
| F_skinner |
Bart, great story! I know the feeling and recently sold my 2004 FLHTCI because of the S2. Yesterday I left work early since it was about 75 degrees and started out on the XB but returned after 40 miles to grab the S2. My plan was to rebuild and rejet the carb and do some minor adjustments but I just had to get it on the road. After I came home and had a couple of brews and sat in the garage and stared at the S2 for awhile next to the XB and my girl's Nightster and all I could think about while looking at the tailend of the S2 compared to the others was that song by Sir Mix-a-Lot that says something like "I like big butts" LOL.... These S2s are great machines. I snapped some pictures and will post them soon. Frank | ||
| Ratbuell |
Bart - I was on NRHS' website and didn't see a reference to a "stage 2" kit...are you referring to the heads, or the cylinder material? I've emailed out there to see what they recommend for a daily rider/beater that gets way too much abuse and not enough love, LOL. | ||
| Court |
>>>I've emailed out there to see what they recommend for a daily rider/beater that gets way too much abuse and not enough love, LOL. That's the combination I opted for. My S-2 was like 52HP when they got it. I asked for "total reliability". I wanted to be able to get on in NYC and ride to LA. The folks at NRHS also made the call that they would forego the loud exhaust (you have to know who my neighbors are to truly understand) and we went with a nice quiet exhaust. The end results was something (you can look on their website and see) like 111 RWHP in very unstressed way. Of course, once the motor was done I ended up with a complete shopping list I wanted done ranging from lighting to brakes to XB stator . . . and so forth. | ||
| Bartimus |
Rat, look here: http://www.nrhsperformance.com/ekitbuell1200.shtml You will either have to supply a set of t-storm heads, or buy them through NRHS. big bores are all fine and dandy, but you've got to port the heads for better flow, and NRHS will do a great job... Court, we're still waiting to see this S2! | ||
| Blake |
Great story Bart! Thanks for sharing it.  | ||
| Buffalobolt |
Court, Is the XB stator a direct replacement for the original? And, does it have higher output? Mine went out and I've yet to replace it. If the XB one is reasonably OK to retrofit to the S2 I'll do it! Between the heated grips and heated gear, I was reluctant to add any additional lighting. But if the XB is an improvement.... Thanks, Mike | ||
| Court |
>>>Is the XB stator a direct replacement for the original? It is not and it is not easy. >>>And, does it have higher output? Yes it does. Actually, I need to revisit the subject. I've had this one on hold, been too busy. I'm a gadget freak . . MORE POWER! | ||
| Reepicheep |
Don't know about the mechanical aspects of the retrofit, but from an electrical standpoint you would need to replace the stator and voltage regulator together as a unit. The original pair is 2 phase, the replacement is 3 phase. The other things that could go wrong are how the stator bolts to the case, the gap between the magnet bell and the stator, the length of the wire between the stator and VR, and the locations of the seals on the wire. In theory, the strength of the magnets and structure and adhesive for the magnet bell could also be an issue, but probably not. Pushing the stock system *right* up to the limit does not hurt anything, and in fact reduces the heat the voltage regulator has to dissipate. So unless you are killing your battery when everything is turned on and you are riding around, you are good with the stock setup. | ||
| Buffalobolt |
Thanks for the input guys! | ||
| F_skinner |
What a great day today. In the low 70's. Me and the girl took the bikes out. Me on the S2t and her on the XLN. Blew out of Fountain CO through Pueblo and Canon City to Skyline Drive. It has a great overlook of the city and mountains. Here are a couple of pictures. Warming up the S2T  Looking South from Skyline Drive  Looking West (highway 50 below)  Lynn sitting on a rock  Me and the sexy S2T  1996 S2T and 2007 XLN Nightster  Sometimes you have to leave your mark!  Usually Skyline Drive is closed this time of year but I am not complaining. Lynn had to go to work so we had to beat feet back via 115 in Penrose. Usually I take highway 50 to Salida and come back highway 24 to Colorado Springs but not enough time today. Still a great day on the S2T! | ||
| F_skinner |
One other thing. Happy Birthday Bart and Semper Fi! | ||
| Bartimus |
thanks Frank! Looking at those pics, I recognize you, we've met somewhere in the past at one of the rides, maybe the last BRAG Wicked Twisties ride in Taos? Or the one about 2 years ago in Colorado? Nice pics, I like the smiley face! More Buelligans need to leave their "mark" behind! Bart Semper Fi! | ||
| F_skinner |
Bart, I do not recall meeting you but that is not to say that it did not happen. Whenever I see a Buell I try to stop and talk with other Buell owners. I run highway 50 a lot. I take 115 to 50 (Salida) then north to 24 and back into Colorado Springs which is a good half day ride. I go to the bike rally in Red River, NM every year. I think it is near the end of May. Last year I saw just a few tubers (2 I think) and both were S1s. Last year was the first year I did the Taos NM Buell Rally. I know the Denver crowd does it every year and I could not get anyone from the Colorado Springs group to go. They mainly ride XBs and for some reason do not like to do over nighters. I had a lot of fun but the Firebolt beat me up pretty good. Next year I am riding the S2. I think Murrea plans to have the Taos Rally on the Buell web site for 2008 so we may have a lot more Buells show up. Last year we had about 20 to 25 Buells. From what I hear, in years past, they have had 50 buells from several states like AZ, TX, CO and of course NM. Frank | ||
| Court |
That is sooooooo cool! It occurs to me that I have a Buell sitting in your neighborhood I need to exercise (exorcise) I've got to start looking for excuses to take that ride with you! Thanks for making it hurt! |
