| Author | Message | ||
     Two_seasons |
Got a line on one. Current X1 Lightning owner so I know the tuber line. Your thoughts on the S3T Thunderbolt are welcomed and appreciated. | ||
| Easy_rider |
What year are you looking at? The engines went through a couple phases. Lower HP in '97, Thunderstorm in '98, then EFI in '99. Some love the EFI, some are much more comfortable with a carb. Since you have an X1 I'm guessing it's not an issue for you. I haven't ridden an X1, but I'm guessing they're very similar, with the S3 a little more comfortable due to a longer wheel base and more wind protection. The T came with taller bars. You might be more comfortable putting the lower bars on. Overall, it's a great bike! Look inside the bags at the mounting points. There may be some cracking. Easily repaired, but you want to know what you're getting. If it's an older bike, check if you're getting the upgraded 14.5" shock or an older 16" that's about to turn the bike into a pogo stick. Of course, check the isolators, too. | ||
| Bosephus |
I have a 02 S3T as well as an 01 X1 and love both bikes equally for different reasons. God forbid if I absolutely had to choose between the two I would go with the S3T. The S3T is more comfortable and does'nt give up much handling to the X1, I am very comfortable going back and forth between the two bikes. Another bonus is added wind protection and storage of the S3T. I could go on for pages so I need to ask if you have any certain questions or concern that I might be able to address for you ? | ||
| Two_seasons |
Easy rider and Bosephus: Thanks for the replies. Here is a link to the bike... http://www.stcroixhd.com/new_vehicle_detail.asp?si d=08755915X11K21K2010J12I25I42JPMQ1006R0&veh=3327& pov=1764096 I'm looking to get a bike that me and the misses can have some fun on, take some trips on. Looking to get real world experiences from the folks that ride them. Wasn't aware about the shock upgrade to the 14.5. And the potential saddlebag mounts cracking. The X1 Lightning is so much different from the 1125r. Turn in is more precise with the X1, even with the Dunlops. More raw power with the 1125r. Smoother power and delivery, but the raw power delivery of the X1 is fun in a different way. Both are corner crazy fun, so I'd be dissapointed if the S3T wasn't equally good in the corners. A couple of my brothers and me will be riding through Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico this coming summer. I'd like to be on this S3T taking it all in. | ||
| F_skinner |
Two_seasons, there are a few Buellers in Colorado so a couple of BadWeb threads that you may find handy is the Colorado Buell Riders Section: http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/37/ 194028.html?1290225487 And the B.R.A.N. (Buell Riders Assistance Network) which you need to e logged in to see. http://www.badweatherbikers.com/cgibin/discus/boar d-auth.cgi?file=/42/42.html&lm=1290129824 I think you will enjoy Colorado on your S3T. And if you can drop a note in the Colorado section maybe a couple of us can meet up with you for a drink or something. Frank | ||
| 46champ |
I have suspected that the S3T's have had a disproportionate amount of isolator failures because of their use as 2 up touring bikes. I wonder if this is caused by being operated over gross weight more often than the other models? I may be wrong. Does anyone else have an opinion on this matter? | ||
| Easy_rider |
That bike is in incredible shape, as you'd expect from something with less than 700 miles. It's the good shock. There aren't enough miles for the bags to have any issues. The tires can't be any good after 8 years. Here's where you need to decide your own priorities. If having a bike in near perfect condition is important to you this would be nice to have. For me, That's too much money for an 8 year old bike. If you're a collector, that's a different story but the first thing you're going to do is ride across America, losing some of that bikes perfection due to normal mileage wear and potential rain, rocks, etc. If you want that bike, I think I'd start negotiating at less than $5k. If you want an S3 I'd look around a little first. I think you'd find one that's not quite as perfect, road tested, and set up a little better for the trip you're planning. | ||
| F_skinner |
I agree with Easy_rider but if I was looking for a S3T I would get this one http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/21/ 604519.html?1290095645 I would not hesitate to do a fly and ride on one of Al's bikes. Frank | ||
| Two_seasons |
Frank: I'd be honored to meet you and have a couple. From one vet to another brother! God bless. If all goes well, I'll have this beauty in the garage by this time next week. | ||
| Two_seasons |
I've already talked to them about the pricing. Also, I assumed the tires would be like round rocks by now. Good to know about the shock too. I'd buy Al's bike but I don't plan to ride 2200 miles this time of year to get it here. Looks like it would cost about $600 with haulbikes.com Decision time for sure. What would I be looking at besides tires and battery to replace? Do you think the seals are ok? | ||
| Guell |
all recalls done? Does it have all the crappy paper gaskets replaced? If not those will leak. Not if but when. | ||
| Two_seasons |
I don't have the VIN yet. Can you expect to get an honest answer from a HD dealer about recalls BEFORE they sell you a bike? I've never bought from an HD dealer before, just a couple of services from Hal's. Let's just say I don't have 100% trust in a dealer at this point. One thing I failed to note---they want an additional $650 for the wheels! What the heck? Talk to me guys. | ||
| Bosephus |
Being a 2002 there should not be any recalls if I remember correctly when checking on mine. That is crazy wanting more for the wheels they are not worth that and they came with the bike originally as an "UPGRADE". Hell I have a set of PM slot style rims with new tires I would sell you for less than that ! I would be prepared to replace the intake gaskets and watch for leaks but other than that it's a Buell you are supposed to have to work on it thats half the fun of ownership but you know that already ! On another note make sure to let Frank and I know when you are coming to Colorado I live about twenty minutes from him and still have yet to meet him maybe my chance as well as yours !!!!!!!! | ||
| Brinnutz |
I know that the 02's didn't have steel rocker gaskets. Found that out the hard way. LOL. | ||
| Gowindward |
Great bikes and I really enjoy mine, but they do have the typical tuber achilles heel problems which riding two up makes worse because of the weight. Nothing that time and money can not resolve though. | ||
| Xl1200r |
Love mine, best bike I've ever owned from a 'bike' perspective, not a reliability one. Not that it hasn't been reliable, but these tubers need a good amount of constant attention and babysitting. Bags crack. Whether yours are cracked or not, lay some fiberglass in there to either fix or prevent any damage. Also, make a bolt/spacer setup for the back bottom corner to replace the bumper design. Check the isos, especially the front. Otherwise, it's all just typical tuber stuff. They puke oil, have lousy shocks, crap vibrates off all the time, etc. You'll probably want to upgrade the headlight, mine was awful. To be honest, with that kind of miles, you shouldn't have ANY problems. That said, that bike is worth about $6-6500 to me. $8k is way too much, and asking extra for the wheels is just dumb. FYI, this bike has been for sale for some time. X-xountry comfort? When I got mine, it was in pretty sorry shape and needed a good amount of work to get it to where I wanted it to be. But after some love-time in the garage, she took me from New York to California without incident Any questions feel free to ask or PM me - I just went through all this about a year ago. | ||
| Xl1200r |
I have suspected that the S3T's have had a disproportionate amount of isolator failures because of their use as 2 up touring bikes. I wonder if this is caused by being operated over gross weight more often than the other models? I may be wrong. Does anyone else have an opinion on this matter? I tend to agree with this, but I don't have any evidence to support it other than looking at the design of how the shock pulls on the front of the motor, it would seem the front iso would be stressed under heavy loads. | ||
| Easy_rider |
I don't think they're charging you more for the wheels, just pointing out that it was a $650 option. I prefer them, but they do require extra attention to keep looking their best. It's been suggested that PM stands for "Polish Me". It's a personal preference. Since you're negotiating, they suck. Once you have the bike if you decide you'd like something different I have a set of none PM wheels I need to get rid of. Note that Al's bike has more than a grand in extras (closer to 2 grand?) you may wish you had once the rest of us corrupt you. The shock is the most notable. I haven't really studied the aftermarket shock world yet. Al's may be dialed for a particular weight. Don't trust my knowledge on that one -- ask questions if you talk to Al. It's a used bike at a dealer and you have a Buell which should provide confidence to them. Ask for a test ride. | ||
| Dave_02_1200 |
Al's bike looks like a very good deal. If I was looking for another bike, that would be the one. | ||
| Two_seasons |
Al's bike looks like the one I should buy. No question. Do any of you guys know if I'd have to pay CA sales tax if I get it? I do like the fact that Al definately knows these bikes. That gives me confidence in the deal. As said before, my two experiences with an HD dealer here did not impress me. Looks like I'd pay about $600 in shipping to get it here. Or I could get it shipped to Frank's home and pick it up in the Spring  (Message edited by two_seasons on November 22, 2010) | ||
| Easy_rider |
We need a means to shuffle these kinds of things back and forth across the states....We could call it BRAA (Buell Railroad Across America). I've paid shipping for an engine from CA once. There's some items in Arizona that I'd like to get my hands on if they are still there. Now that I've brought it up, I best be looking for a truck. Can't see strapping one to the top of the Lincoln! | ||
| Brinnutz |
I'd love to find a matching colored S3T for my M2 as a perfect stable mate. That being said, if I take the new job, I might just pick up Al's bike. At least I'd like to, lol. | ||
| Court |
Hahaha. . if you get a truck let me know . . I have a bike and an entire truck load of Buell stuff to come to NYC from Colorado. You could do it with a 22' box van. . . | ||
| Xl1200r |
You pay my airfare from NY to CA and then WI back to NY and I'll ride that bike to your front door. I'll handle the rest of the expenses. I'm not joking. | ||
| Bluzm2 |
Steve, I would buy Al's bike in a NANO SECOND if I was in the market. I truly don't think you will find a finer S3 out there. The one at St Croix is WAY overpriced. It's nice but I can guarantee it needs attention. Some of it has been mentioned. rocker box gaskets, shock, intake seals, etc. The shock is OK, it's a post recall unit. I'll bet Al would keep it safe for you till spring. I wouldn't hesitate to hop on Al's bike and ride it cross country. If you can get the St Croix one down under 5K, it MIGHT be worth considering. Brad | ||
| Jvv |
Wow.....nnot much going on here..........still gatta be some 3T's around....?? Anyway I am looking for some saddle bag mounts........with or with out bags........any clues?? Ride safe........Jack | ||
| The_mad_mick |
I do 80 miles a day on mine and it's so good that I wish I gotten 1 twelve yrs ago. Having riden for 33 yrs now in all weather I can say this with some authority that these bikes are great. Get one mate if its in good nick you'll be laughing all the way to where ever you plan to go. Mick  | ||
| Ratbuell |
+1,000,000 on Al's bike. That guy knows his stuff, no question. For the tuber rear shock...I have a Penske on my S1W and a Works on the S2. Love 'em both. Super adjustable, got 'em dialed in perfectly, and if they ever go south....*I* can rebuild them! "User-servicable" is a very key phrase to me these days! Court - if you get stuck...we're closed from 12/22 thru 1/2 and I have a truck  Although I know Frank is looking forward to ...uh... "evaluating" your bike for you! | ||
| Vecchio_lupo |
I can only say that I love my '99 S3 (T- optioned) and once it was sorted out, I loved it even more. The Uly is a great stablemate for the S3 but, push to shove, the Tuber stays, it is always my go to tour mount. | ||
| Jvv |
I just picked up a set of s3 bags for my s2. These came with mounting brackets. I had a set I bought a long time ago without brackets. The bags are different?? Both fit the brackets, but one set has round knobs to twist to hold the bags on and the outer set have levers you lift and turn. The hinges are also different. I want to switch the outers from one to the other. I will have to drill some holes, but is this possible? I am assuming the round knob one are the earlier version. Thanks..........Jack | ||
| Xl1200r |
Yes, they're different. You can switch them with some minor surgery. Round knobs are earlier. | ||
| Jvv |
X11200r.........thanks. Nothing like "knowing" for SURE!! Ride safe..........Jack | ||
| Rlgiv |
From a sport bike perspective may be the most versatile bike on the planet. I pack it up for a two week trip ride 8 hours a day. and carve corners with any jap bike on the planet. Its a beast. loud, obnoxious, and you get alot of "what is that?, a Ducati?." The only downside is the amount of work I have done on mine. Nothing big as far as engine goes just some gaskets, my bags cracked ( I still need to do the fiberglass), Ignition switch, rear shock busted, it also a pain in the rear to change your fluids as the drain bolt is located directly above your exhaust can. That being said I will never get rid of it. IT is just to much fun to ride. Everything a motorcycle should be. | ||
| Dfbutler |
If you're going to do much two up riding, I'd look at upgrading front springs, I got the RaceTec with the gold valves, and the rear shock/spring is marginal for GVW riding. |
