| Author | Message | ||
     Geedee |
I've been snooping around your exclusive S2 sub-forum for a couple of years, learning what I can. Now I have my own 1995 S2 in Ice White Pearl with just under 20,000 miles on the clock. That seems to be accurate, so far as I can make out. What a cool bike, very different to my other Buells, even the X1. It was first sold in Montclaire, California in May '95, and was registered here in December of '95. I do have the name of the first owner in California, and will try to discover its history the best I can. The bike seems pretty unmolested, but does have an S&S carb. Is Mikuni the standard? I plan on bringing it back to near pristine condition, but still ride it. Very happy. "Today was good, today was fun, tomorrow is another one." Dr Seuss | ||
| Ratbuell |
If it was a Cali bike as new, the correct carb would have been the Edelbrock Quicksilver. Junk. Mikuni CV is the correct carb for a 49 state S2. Properly jetted, I'll take a CV over a Mik any day. Welcome to the family!  | ||
| Essmjay |
Cool. Go ride it, you will become very attached. Unlike old British bikes, I don't think the S2 will ever command high collectible prices. The difference being the sheer quantity of British bikes that were bought and ridden in the 60's-70's created a huge market of nostalgia buyers. There just weren't enough S2's to create that meme into the future. So I think they will always be an affordable underground collectible. | ||
| 1313 |
Mikuni CV is the correct carb for a 49 state S2. Properly jetted, I'll take a CV over a Mik any day. Keihin CV is the correct carb for a 49 state S2. There I fixed it for Joe, 1313 | ||
| Ratbuell |
Thanks Brankin. ...and I wasn't even drinking yet! | ||
| Geedee |
Thanks for the welcome and comments guys. I know the Buells are not rated too highly by collectors and values remain low, but I don't care. I thought about something British, I like Matchless and AJS, and I also fancy Moto Guzzi above all other European brands. One day perhaps. Right now I'm happy with the creations of that Erik Buell guy and his team of Elves. I don't see myself changing anytime soon either. One of the most unique motorcycle companies of all time in my opinion, and hugely under-rated. To me it's more than just about the bike. From what I know there were only 86 Cali S2's made. What was different about them to the other markets? The S@S carb seems to run OK, would you replace it (for authenticity maybe), and what with? The bike has an after market pipe of some kind, but I did get the original with it, although it does have a few dents. I'm not a fan of loud pipes and intend to replace it. Are there any recommendations for a better pipe than Erik's OEM for performance and stealth? Final question. The front white Marchesini has been chipped and scratched on the brake side only. Were they powdercoated or painted in '95? If powdered, is there any risk to the integrity of the wheel if it is redone? Thank you, Gary Back to the archives :-). | ||
| Ratbuell |
Should be fine re-powdering. Hopefully the shop will be good enough to tell you they're going to pull out the bearings before they cook the powder  Oh, and if you get new decals (they say "marchesini" in light blue on my bike)...get a half-dozen extras and I'll buy them from you! An over-zealous detailer a few years back hit mine with cleaner that was too strong, and it took the silkscreen letters right off. Grrr. I went from a Supertrapp on my S2, back to a stock muffler once I finally found one, and love it. My bike is modified with Thunderstorm heads and pistons, and X1 cams, and still runs great with the stock can (I like quiet rides too). Differences from 49 state to Cali bikes were limited (I think - and I'm sure Brankin can/will correct me again lol) to a charcoal canister for fuel vapor venting, and the aforementioned crap Edelbrock carb. If it were me...I'd put a 49-state CV on it and ride the wheels off it. | ||
| Jumbo_petite |
Ratbuell You would ride the wheels off on anything (Message edited by jumbo petite on April 08, 2013) | ||
| Ratbuell |
But JP...I thought that's what they were for?!? The S1W made the mistake of firing up instantly for me on Saturday. It got beat on Saturday, washed Sunday, and I rode it to work today (on the twisties, of course!). First time anything other than the Ulysses has been ridden since sometime in October when they went into hibernation. Felt GOOD (Message edited by ratbuell on April 08, 2013) | ||
| Jumbo_petite |
I think some guy named Erik was quoted as saying"just go ride the motorcycle" I might get corrected on that, hahaha!!! I"m breaking my S1W out of hibernation today. Used up what was let of my rear tire on the 12R yesterday. | ||
| Steeleagle |
I just caught up with this thread. Some California Buells went out with Edelbrock carbs? Specifically my RSS had an Edelbrock on it, and lacking spare/rebuild parts it will soon have a CV. But was the Edelbrock stock...or COULD it have been on RS, RSS or S2s? I guess I never knew that. (Sorry for the semi-highjack!) | ||
| Ratbuell |
ALL Cali bikes had the Quicksilver as far as I know. At least, all S2's for Cali did.... | ||
| 1313 |
Recollections verified with a '95-'96 S2/S2-T parts book that all ('95 and '96) Cali S2's used the Edelbrock Quicksilver carb. I don't remember anything but the Keihin CV carbs that came with the engines from H-D leaving on RS/RSS bikes. But the Cali bikes were 'kit bikes', perhaps the 'kit' portion of it meant the selling dealership installing a different carb? Just surmising here, as everything that went out the door had a Keihin CV. It's kind of odd, but I have no recollection about the carb on a Cali 1996 S1. And - unfortunately - I don't have an appropriate parts book to research. They say the memory is the first thing to go - the second thing to go...I forget, 1313 | ||
| Ratbuell |
Hey Brankin...I emailed you about decals a little while ago, did you get it? Shoot me a note when you can (sorry for the hijack...) | ||
| Geedee |
I've managed to put a few miles on her (Shania, as in Twain  ) and I have decided that I like this Buell. Runs through city traffic with much better fueling than my injections, smoother. I also find my attitude while riding different, like driving a Jaguar, kind of cruisey, relaxed. Very pleased to have one. In a few weeks the body work is going in for a full respray in original ice pearl. Trying to locate decals at the moment. Dropping the motor for a clean and polish, wheels will be sorted and forks serviced. Number 64 is going to be real pretty. Were the serial numbers 'consecutive' regardless of their destination? I have also found that the bike was registered in NZ in December '95 with 57 miles on the clock. Still searching for more history. |
