| Author | Message | ||
     Whodom |
I've been looking hard at Buells for ~2 years (while riding something else) and I have gradually decided that an M2 is what I want. I'd always thought I'd look for a near-new or leftover 2002 model, but there's a low-mileage 97 M2 in the local paper for only $3500. How much better are the newer M2's than the older ones? (Different shifter, heads, other?) $5500-6000 seems to be the going price for a nice 2002; is one worth the extra ~$2500 over a 97 model? Any advice would be appreciated. TIA, Hugh | ||
| M2fortom |
Hugh: I happened upon a 98 M2 (just like 97) a few years back for a good price and nabbed it. Its a great bike for the money. The performance is great. My only disappointment was the seat. Rides longer than 45 minutes were very uncomfortable. My solution was to upgrade to the 99-02 tail and seat. Another badwebber wanted to trade his 01 for my 98 tail even-up. It was the best thing I have done with the bike. The other thing I eventually upgraded was the fuel tank. I found a 98 S3 tank that bolts right on and increases fuel capacity to over 5 gallons. A number of other things have been changed on my bike, but not out of necessity. My profile picture is before all of the mods. Hopefully I can update that pic soon. How many miles on it? | ||
| Bomber |
body work/seat, shock upgrade, ditto muffler mount, ditto primary chain tensioner, rockerbox gaskets, shift linkange . . .. other than than, there little difference . .. . certainly nothing you could get done for way less than 2500, I'm thinkin | ||
| Whodom |
Tom, Thanks much for the info. It's got about 5500 miles according to the ad. Hugh | ||
| Reepicheep |
I have a 2000 M2, and while I really appreciate the comfort, I ***LOVE*** the looks of the older narrower earlier M2's. I would jump on the older one, and address the seat as necessary with some sort of custom gel pad. Most of the other differences are stuff you can upgrade easily, or things you have to change out anyway. | ||
| Mikej |
The older seats are just fine. Ride a bicycle for 100 miles and the Buell seat will feel just like a Barca-lounger.  | ||
| Kevyn |
FYI, there is a very well maintained and adult owned/driven M2 in the classifieds...I've seen it, it's clean and purty!! | ||
| Snowdave |
As someone who recently tried selling a 1999 M2, I think $5500-$6000 is a bit on the high side. You should be able to find a good 1999 or newer M2 for $3500-$4500. | ||
| Captainkirk |
One thing to keep in mind; the 97 came without the Thunderstorm heads and pistons. Upgrading will set you back at LEAST a grand.(Just for parts alone) There were several recalls involved with those models; make sure they are complied with. If you don't have the info, let me know & I'll tell you which ones apply. Older style swingarm is not nearly as good as the cast aluminum one. Front and rear isolators, unless previously changed SUCK and you WILL have to change them. WP shock (unless changed) eyebolt can fail, which would ruin anyone's day. The T-storm engines make 91 HP and 85 ft/lbs of torque STOCK. (This, compared to the 97's mid-70's HP) Is that worth an extra couple grand? It was to me.  | ||
| Captainkirk |
Oh yeah, and 97 exhaust will burn the crap out of your right leg.  edited by captainkirk on April 01, 2004 | ||
| Crusty |
That's not true. The Steel swingarm was at least as strong, and possibly stronger than the aluminum version. Why do you think all the Lightning series racers put them on their bikes? | ||
| Hootowl |
So they can run chains? Do they run chains? | ||
| Captainkirk |
Yeah, but change a tire on the aluminum arc swingarm and you don't have to screw with the belt tension-just slip the axle back thru. I don't think (I could be wrong?) the steel one works that way.  | ||
| Crusty |
I've had both steel and aluminum swingarms. It's no harder to change a tire on either. My point is that there is nothing wrong with the steel piece. It works fine. | ||
| Captainkirk |
OK Crusty, I see you're not gonna give up until I print a retraction...for the record, both the aluminum arc  and steel swingarms are good! No, seriously, I guess it's just a matter of preference. Anyway, Hugh, I've got a list of the '97 recalls if you need them. I'll say one thing...the 97 Cyclone looks more like an S1 than the late models. edited by captainkirk on April 03, 2004 | ||
| Dueller |
I have a 97 M2 and have really enjoyed it. The seat isn't that bad...I have an S1W also so I'm used to a truly minimal seat. My solution was to buy a later model M2 seat and tail. Now when I want to take a longer trip I swap seats/tails. Really a great all around bike. | ||
| Sandblast |
Whodom just for the record I ride a 2001 M2- bone stock performance wise- and it makes me grin like a crackhead any time I am anywhere near it- dont miss out on this bike, M2's are the best motorcycles in the world (ask Blake). | ||
| Court |
>>>>M2's are the best motorcycles in the world An amazing revelation! Ride safe, lean much and smile more, Court | ||
| Mr_grumpy |
I bought a 99 M2 and I'm a very happy bunny  | ||
| Fasteddie (Unregistered Guest) |
I'm based in the UK and have a 99 M2. I've covered 18K miles and toured France. Italy and Switzerland. I've had all the gaskets changed, had a bolt snapped in the cylinder head (where the collar attaches), lost the toe shifter, had the gear change assembly fall off, suffered numerous oil leaks, the most recent one being due to excessively worn barrels and pistons, blew the head gasket...to name but a few of the challenges. However, I love the bike! In fact can't bring myself to sell it and would sell my R1150GS 100 times before I would sell the Buell! | ||
| Captainkirk |
Fasteddie-Welcome aboard! Please register and stick around. Sounds like you've had more than your share of glitches with your '99, but then UK riding is somewhat different than the open roads of the Midwest where I flog my M2! I think your gearing, exhaust and carb jetting are different as well which might account for some of your troubles. Anyway, I wouldn't trade mine either! |
