| Author | Message | ||
     Garretts1w |
What years should be avoided? Most dependable? | ||
| Old_mil |
The later the better - 02s are the only ones that have fuel injection. Or perhaps they are the only ones where the fuel injection was sorted out. Or something. Anyway, 02s are good. | ||
| Bartimus |
I've got a '99 S3t with 49,000 trouble free miles. It's the first year of fuel injected S3's. | ||
| Mark61 |
My '99 has injection that seems to work if you don't include not idling when cold. mark61 | ||
| Jos51700 |
"My '99 has injection that seems to work if you don't include not idling when cold." Cold motor, or cold temps? | ||
| Buell78758 |
Hi, I have a 2002 S3T, thats just great. I think S3Ts were not made in one year, but a 2000-02 year is good. Problems involve the saddle bags. Mine has 13,000 miles and the bags are cracked inside, and one latch stopped working. I have to find some fixes, but the bags are a weak point. However, getting one with bags is a big plus, because they are hard to find, and retail is outrageous expensive. My ride has a 3 inch over wind screen, Hyperpro progressive for springs, Buell select seat, Supertrapp slip-on, race ECM and a gutted air box. Runs really strong! Love it, along with my 2000 x-1 Here's links with pics: http://hellbuellies.freeforums.org/viewtopic.php?t =39 | ||
| Bad_karma |
Garrett My 99 S3 had fuel injected related problems. Joe | ||
| Timn |
I have a 97 with 46000 miles. no major issues. Mike | ||
| Scott_in_nh |
99 S3, the fuel injection works like magic hot or cold, summer or winter. The later model years do already have the upgraded components, but you may be able to find a better deal on an earlier one and do the upgrades yourself (or you may find they have already been done!). I would say it depends what you find for sale in you area that grabs your heart. I got mine at a very reputable used bike shop and if I wasn't already done in at 1st sight of this black beauty with pm wheels and carbon fiber bits, I certainly was when they fired it up. I put a deposit on it without riding it and 2 years later I have no regrets! I almost passed up on going to see this bike due to what I read here about 99's. While I'm sure those that had problems are being honest, you will find even more of us who have not had problems.  | ||
| Bikerjim99 |
Exactly, Scott! My S3, 1999, has fuel injection that works great. Jim | ||
| Bookyoh |
In my opinion, try to find an '01 or '02. Then you won't have to take care of the upgrades and recalls. Mark '01 S3T '00 M2 (with all the upgrades and recalls done) | ||
| Buellsrule |
I bought my Onyx Alloy S3T new in '99. 1999 was the first year of the fuel injection. Any '99-'02 is basically the same bike with these exceptions: shifter assembly, rear shock, front brake rotor, front exhaust mount, engine drive sprocket chain tensioner (with some other minor "stuff"), along with some recall items which should be done on a '99 when you purchase it. You can take the VIN number to your local dealer and they can check for recall status. The shock, rotor and exhaust mount were not necessarily required replacements. The later models simply had these issues resolved from the factory but the '99 models are great bikes and I now own a '99 X1. Buellsrule. | ||
| Buellsrule |
Rear isolators were also updated. | ||
| Italialaw |
98: t-storm heads, carb'd, the best year | ||
| Tombo |
My 97 S3 has never given me a problem and I like carbs. There are a few things I like about the 97s, including the S2 style gauge pod, but they did make improvements over the years. The good news is, whatever year you buy the upgrades can easily be done to any tube frame. | ||
| Brokeneck |
I have a 2000 S3 -- although I wanted the S3T -- I found a set of brand new Amazon Green Big bags on Ebay so now it's almost a "T". I've put on 10,000 miles since I bought it brand new from a dealer 2 years ago. Yes-- it took some sorting out. Get rid of the intake and exhaust -- add the race ecm -- add the y type exhaust hanger-- get to know the folks at NRHS and American Sport Bike and change the oil -- I say buy one 99 or later. | ||
| Yo_barry |
2001 S3T here, 46k miles w/no serious problems. I'd recommend this year if you can find one. I've repaired the bags a few times with ABS cement and fibre glass cloth. It works good, never had to fix the same spot twice. :^) | ||
| Buell78758 |
Yo_barry, Wow great mils on your S3T. My first bag latch broke..its really jeeky pot metal they use for the little tang that springs the latches open. Did yours do this, and any fixes, beside ordering same latches? Did Buell do a better latch? Thanks! Christian 2002 S3T | ||
| Buellistic |
IMHO 1997 was a good year for mileage ... Have a 1997 S3T with over 100,000 miles ... In BUELLing LaFayette | ||
| Dave_02_1200 |
I love my 2001 S3T! It has a race header and muffler, a race ecm and carbon fiber intake. Runs great. I'd buy another 2001 but I am sure that any year with the recalls done and good maintenance will be a good bike. |
