| Author | Message | ||
     Mtndude |
Sold my 2001 M2 last year and I'm missing riding. Considering moving up to a Lightning. There are 2 for sale in my area (Phoenix) for about the same price range (15-20k mi, clean shape) A '98 S1 and an "01 X1. Wondering which would be less headache maint-wise. Leaning towards the 2001. Any advantages of a '98? The '01 is stock, the '98 has intake and exhaust mods + corbin seat. Any advice? Thanks. | ||
| Fahren |
Both two of the best years for the best bikes in the world. You like FI or carb? You want to potentially ride for longer distances? The X1 seat is more comfy. Which one stirs your sould to where you will ride it more? | ||
| Purpony |
Both are my favorite buells ever made. With that said... I hate carbs... lol. Im a FI guy so thats why I have an X1. The 01 should have all the latest updates. Not sure of the faults of a 98 S1. | ||
| Bernard |
While both bikes seem to be similar, and in some way they are, the X1 lacks the personality and charisma of the S1. While I like especially the carbon fiber X1, it won't even come close to the S1. However, because of its seat, the S1 is not really a touring bike. For that an S2 or M2 would be a better choice. | ||
| Fahren |
Objectively speaking, though, because of advances between '98 and '01 at Buell, the X1 is the better bike. Bernard, above, is giving totally subjective opinions, which is also what I was referring to when I asked which of the two stirs your soul the most. Even "better" is really tough, especially between two such fine bikes. Simplicity is better for some, and the electronics of a FI bike are not as simple as a carb is to work on. But many others see FI as a "better" system. The frame is "better" on the X1, as is the swing arm. The exhaust header tucks under the frame on the X1, farther from your leg, as opposed to the S1's. The tank cover on the X1 does not have paint that will bubble, as will the paint on an S1 plastic fuel tank. If I were you, I'd buy that white with blue frame stock X1 over any of the S1's I'm seeing in the Phoenix ads. Get him down to 3000 if you can, which will cover little extras you may want or need to do sooner or later. Just my $.02 | ||
| Mtndude |
Thanks a ton for this info. Really helpful. My '01 Cyclone was carbed and easy on maintenance. Not looking to have to do much work there and am unfamiliar with the EFI Buells. I plan to use the bike for short 2-4 hr scoots in the AZ and CA mountains but also have enjoyed trips to Utah and NV so comfort is kind of a concern. Starting to wonder if an X1 may be not as good of a fit - might just wait for a deal on a Cyclone again. Loved that bike. Thanks again! | ||
| Fahren |
Mtndude, if you are looking at that Phoenix S3, I'd say it looks pretty good: you like carb over FI, you get the Thunderstorm head engine, it has a really nice aftermarket Penske shock - better for touring than the X1 or the S1. Could be a winner! | ||
| Mtndude |
Yep. I'm looking. He's 4 hrs from me so I need to plan a trip. 35k + miles but looks clean and well taken care of. | ||
| Fahren |
Looks very clean and a really fair price. Nice forcewinder intake; I'm not sure about Force exhausts - never heard/used one. As mentioned, a really good rear shock. Very nice aftermarket parts and mod's. I wonder if he has any of the S3T bags - it's hard to see, but it looks as if there is a bag frame to hold them. You may want to ask. I hate small Craigslist pix! | ||
| Devil_car |
I e-mailed the Craigslist S3 guy in Havasu a few days ago, and he does not have the bags. He has the mounts but not the bags. Still sounds like it might be a nice bike. The Penske shock upgrade alone really seems like it might sweeten the deal. (Message edited by Devil_car on April 21, 2011) | ||
| Rick_a |
I was really digging the X1 when that first came to market. Sitting on one totally changed that. They have a totally different feel. The X1 feels very wide and cushy in comparison. The X1 is the more practical of the two. The S1 is much less comfortable for the long haul, having a more sport oriented cockpit. | ||
| Bishopjb1124 |
Owning both bikes, the S1 has more of a raw kick your ass feel, the X1 like stated above feels more cushy but when you get on it crack the throttle it grabs you by the throat and says "who you calling cushy". I like both bikes very well, but for the money I would buy another S1 over an X1. Jimmy | ||
| Mtndude |
A sweet deal on an S3 just surfaced in Tuscon so I snatched it. 1999 S3 with Vance and Hines, large saddle bags, dead mint with 3500 mi. One ride and I realized it's a much better bike for me. I am 100% stoked. Already planning a ride next weekend. Thanks for all the help! John | ||
| Bernard |
Congrats! The S3 is a fine bike. Basically an S2 without the hand-built crispiness which it makes up for with refinement and lots more power. There's a yellow one on eBay right now that's pure bike porn. I'm sure you will enjoy the S3 and if the time comes to move on, you'll get your money back. If there was ever a smart time to buy a tube frame Buell, it's now. | ||
| Fahren |
Pix. We want pix. When you have time between rides : - ) Congrats! only 3,500 miles - better start riding if you want to catch up to Lafayette (Buellistic)! | ||
| Mtndude |
Here she is. 3500 orig mi. '98 S3. She's a beauty and I already have logged 600+ miles on her in the last 72 hrs. Tucson to Phoenix to Palm Springs. Happy to be Buelling again! http://gallery.me.com/brenda99#100216 -John | ||
| Fahren |
Really great find - so, with '98 you get Thunderstorm, carb - "old" old school (but not "old, old" old school : - ) Happy riding! | ||
| Mtndude |
Yep. The seller advertised it as a 99, but turned out to be a '98. Bike is in such great shape that I didn't really care. Unmolested and runs, drives like new. The V&H pipe is meaty but not too loud which is also good for my needs. Thought it would drive/behave similar to my old cyclone but was (happily) surprised at the increase in power and weight. Weight is nice going through windy sections of I-10 where 40 mph gusts are common. The handling through curves at around 50-70 is heaven. Forgot how much fun these bikes are and the power curve is scary enough on this one for me to grow into. Should be a great friend on sunny weekends. After my 400 mi ride yesterday I found the seat to be plenty comfy. Way mo better than on my stock Cyclone.  Such great bikes. Wow! | ||
| Littlebuggles |
Congratulations!! Holy Poo she's sexy!!!! Makes you wonder how someone can have a bike like that and ride it so little? The V&H is supposed to do nice things for the early tubers. Revieews of the articles scanned in from the old Battle2Win mags showed them producing some of the best power out there. Be sure to update that front muffler hanger when you've got the $$, I believe Al at A.S.B. stocks them. | ||
| Gmaan03 |
That thing looks brand new! good find! |
