| Author | Message | ||
     Hogluvr |
I'm thinking about picking up one or the other, any arguements for or against either? Never owned one and don't know much about them...  | ||
| Ratbuell |
Late S3's had DDFI. In my experience, early DDFI liked to hiccup a lot but there are lots of good maps out there now. S3's have easier-to-source bodywork (manta tanks and composite fairings), but can bubble the paint (manta tanks). S2's are handbuilt. Hand-laid fiberglass bodies. Removable sideplates for rear iso replacement. Flat gorgeous in my mind, even if the handbuilt aspect lends..."character". S2's are all Sporty motors from the factory. S3's could be Lightning motors, or Thunderstorm (carb or EFI) motors, depending on year. S3's have slightly better saddlebags compared to the S2T's, but that can be remedied with some creativity and a fourth mount point on an S2. S2's have WP Roma forks - 3 way adjustable, very nice. S3's have Showa's. I have an S2, and rode the pi$$ out of all weekend. All I heard it say was "thank you sir, may I have another?". I love my S2, and the main attraction I have to an S3 is to complete my "1,2,3 set" since I also have an S1. I do like the later engine upgrades that the S3 has. The refinements are nice. But the S2? Simply an incredible bike and it never fails to amaze me, no matter how hard I push it. My suggestion? Ride both. Then decide. | ||
| Davefl |
I have both.(I already have the 1,2,3 set) I have to agree with Rat that you need to try and ride both as they are quite different. I have heard it put this way before but you kind of ride in an S2 but on an S3. not to mention more than twice as many S3's made so parts should be a little easer to get. | ||
| Ducley |
Thanks guys. I was dead set on a S3 till I read so many raves about the S2. Ride both? Any rentals near Sacramento? One of the reasons I wanted an S3 was for the EFI. The ones I've had in the past, 82 GPz1100 and 91 907ie were start and roll. Sensitive neighbor syndrome here too. My sportster can roll away after starting loud on choke but huffs and chuffs till warm. Is there a weight or apparent weight difference between the S2 and S3. If the S3 rides higher then is it harder to get cranked over in the corners? Probly wouldn't matter to me as I've heard the Sportster weighs as much as 100lbs. more. My 907ie with 17s rode taller than my 87 Paso with 16s. I had them both at the same time and could swap mufflers complete in 10 mins. Body work was very similar, seams were in different places but I do remember feeling more confident on the 750. I once slid the front on the 907 when I threw it into a slow 90 degree subdivision corner and it scared the hell out of me. Didn't go down but I didn't trust it again. I'll have to rethink the carbureted S2 if its not cold-blooded. | ||
| Norcalsaint |
I have a S3 and live in Sacramento but only trust a few people to ride her, sorry... I like that mine is a 2002 so a lot of stuff was already worked out. I have had a few challenges with parts so if the S2 is tougher good luck. | ||
| Essmjay |
I have both. The S2 heads have been Thunderstormed along with cams and intake/exhaust, so horsepower between the two is close to comparable. But because of the difference in the cranks and fuel delivery they deliver the power in a completely different manner. The S3 just gets up and goes, very linear feeling, the S2 feels like a tractor with tons of torque. I think the S2 is an easier machine to work on, especially away from home. Break a belt on the S3 on the road and be prepared for a major headache, if the belt breaks on the S2 it is much easier to replace. The S2 does feel more like a Sportster on steroids. The S3 is smoother and easier to flick through the corners but the S2 has no problem keeping up with the S3. To the uneducated the two bikes look the same, but the S2 will always draw more looks when they are parked side by side. I also prefer the handlebar controls on the S2. They both are fun. I think long term it will be easier to source alternative replacement parts for the S2 because more of the parts were sourced from available parts at the time, the S3 has more parts that were made specific for the bike. | ||
| Hogluvr |
Thanks for the info guys, I think I've decided which way to roll. BTW scarcity of parts really isn't a concern, ever look for parts for a '39 WLD??  |
