| Author | Message | ||
     Mtkawboy |
Ive searched & cant find what I want. What year tuber is best as far as quality & low problems? I prefer carbureted because I can fix them. Power is not that big of a deal to me | ||
| Fahren |
If you prefer carb models, it's the S2/S2T, the S1/S1W, or the M2. Your choice - they are all differnet and it's purely personal taste. They all have good, basic quality, are more repairable than the XB line, and all have similar upgrade/maintenance issues. If power is not that big a deal, what is? What are your most important criteria? Looks? Comfort? Handling? | ||
| Easy_rider |
Agreed. Google Buell S1, then S2, then S3 and M2 images and see what speaks to you. | ||
| Ebutch |
I own and have and use both S2T,S3,get bugs out of both and they are very satisfying!!!!!!But S2 is Drop-Dead Buelltyfull!!!!!!S1 Same and high Performer,M2 a real bargain and sport-tourer!!!  (Message edited by ebutch on May 12, 2010) | ||
| Ebutch |
Willis As you explore you will find that Buells are really under Priced!!!!!Here is some-thing to start with http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/384 2/3611.html?1272793976 | ||
| Ebutch |
E-Bay search Buell http://motors.shop.ebay.com/eBay-Motors-/6000/i.ht ml?_nkw=buell&_dmd=1&_ipg=&_sop=10&_rdc=1 | ||
| Mtkawboy |
Well, I recall reading a post on here about Buell losing money on the 95 T-Bolts because of all the high quality parts they used before HD took over. Ive looked everywhere for the post but cant find it. I dont rememeber if it was just the 95s or what it said exactly. I like the T-Bolt looks & quality and I have other faster bikes to beat on. Ive wanted one ever since I took a test ride on one at Daytona in 95. Is newer better in Buells , or not ? | ||
| Buellistic |
Think the year of my 1997 S3T was the best year do to the 109,212.55 since the last ride ... | ||
| Bluesboy |
Hey Willis,I too had a fatboy and rode a 95 S2 that my bro-inlaw broke his collor bone on and had me keep it for the summer.About 60mi. in I knew I had to have one.It was fun to ride!The S2 can be a little labor intensive and only this site and don casto`s can help.There not for everyone but can be a very rewarding mount, if your into it!There is no end to RIDER INVOLVMENT.I love mine.  | ||
| Mtkawboy |
There was a post on here some where about Buell losing money on the 95s because on the higher quality parts used before HD took over. Anyone know where it is. I get as much enjoyment working on my bikes as I do riding them | ||
| Ratbuell |
That's like asking "which of your children is the best?". And I know - my personal stable: '95 S2 with S2T bags and lowers '98 S1W '06 Ulysses with all 3 bags '09 1125CR ..and my wife's: '02 M2L '09 Blast. Ask yourself: What are you going to do with the bike? What do you want it to do for you? Solo? 2-up? Luggage? Cruise? Corner-carving? What's your bodytype? Height/weight/athleticism/flexibility? I love every one of my Buells, equally...but for vastly different reasons. Do your research. Later tubers had thunderstorm engines (higher performance heads, CR's, and cams among other things), slightly more refined frames (built-in frame braces, updated/upgraded suspension components), and a lot of the little "bugs" worked out of their systems. Early tubers are gorgeous and totally viable in their own right (and update-able to most of the later improvements with a little time and money - as shown by my thunderstormed S2). Most of the "money loss" from the S2 was the multi-curve, extremely complex and GORGEOUS hand-laid fiberglass bodywork. Hand-welded frames didn't help the cost-line, either. Nor did CNC sideplates and triple trees and WP Roma forks (high-end for the day). Outstanding components...and an outstanding motorcycle. Last question: Are you buying to own, or are you buying to resell? If the latter...buy the one that speaks to you the loudest and screw what everyone else thinks or says. If the former...go buy a Honda, because if you want to resell your purchase and you buy a Buell, you're screwed because you're GOING to fall in love with it. And there goes the "resell" part, right out the window  And - and I can't believe I forgot this - if you want research material, buy yourself a little book called "25 Years of Buell" by our own Court Canfield and Dave Gess. It's worth every penny. Trust me. (Message edited by ratbuell on May 14, 2010) | ||
| Mtkawboy |
I dont resell, I have an addiction with no known cure called motorcycles. At this time I have 12 or 13 of them. Thanks for the advise. This what happens when your dad wont let you have one when youre 14. | ||
| Bigdaddy |
Mtkawboy, Based on your initial posting you're looking for a 2002 M2. Dead-nuts easy to work on, extremely dependable, 200+ miles per tank of fuel, it is the perfect motorcycle. It is the best motorcycle I've ever owned and I will never part with it (I sold that other one guys ). The Uly for two-up and the M2 for hooliganism. | ||
| Kalali |
"This what happens when your dad wont let you have one when youre 14." My feeling exactly...except there is this thing called a "wife" who can be worse than your dad. if you know what I mean... As for the best Tuber, I would say an X1; no carb to mess with, tuning SW readily (free) available, drivetrain totally bulletproof. Of course no personal bias here... | ||
| Ebutch |
Willis A Real Nice S3!!! http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Buell-Thunderbolt-9 8-Buell-Harley-S3T-Thunderbolt-/260605077208?cmd=V iewItem&pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item3cad45e6d8#v4-3 4 | ||
| Simond |
There's no question in my mind that the best tubers were the last. 2001/(2002!?) model bikes had all of the bugs ironed out and were the best to ride. I like the X1 but if you prefer carbs then the M2 is great too. '99/'00 bikes need a lot of upgrades/recalls to make them reliable but at the right price (very cheap!) they could be worthwhile. .........having said all that........I ride a 1996 S2T and will do for as long as I am able. That doesn't mean I don't have an eye open for a mint 2001 X1 though . | ||
| Mtkawboy |
Nice bike, id be leary of an owner that has to take the simples carburetor on the face of the earth to the Harley shop to be rebuilt. At 19000 miles if the carb is bad its been setting a long time. Id still be interested if it wasnt 2500 miles away. I thought 97 was the last year T-Bolt with a carb, maybe not | ||
| Fahren |
1998 S3's were made with the same carbeurated Thunderstorm head engine as the S1W's. The S3's went to FI in '99. | ||
| Simond |
I wonder what was involved in the "tune-up" that cost $1,901!!!! | ||
| Fahren |
You can tune a Buell, but you can't tuna fish. |
