| Author | Message | ||
     S3windbreaker |
Hey guys. I know a few of these have been listed before and I have read several but up to date opinions from coolest riders in the best Buell site on the planet would be sooo healpful. I can buy a 00'M2 with 26,xxx miles needs tires, fair re done paint for 2200 or a 98S1W for 3900 has 9000 miles with new tires. I've owned a 98' S3 tha I really enjoyed and didn't want to sell and have had 2 Sportsters and a FXR. I'm trying to say don't think money eventhough I can't really afford the S1W but may end up spending the difference in time. Ya know how that goes. All my bikes get altered or power improvements. Mostly ride local on 50-100 mile runs with a few 500-700 mi trips to the mountains a year.I like to push it and have been told I ride kinda aggressive and the S1 front end and lean angle makes me favor it.Then there is the M2 versatility with thunderstorm power and comfort. Thanks very much for any interest in my dilemma! I'm without a Buell and miss riding one, I need back in. Thanks! | ||
| 46champ |
I have heard that a 500-700 mile trip on a S1 will try man's constitution or should I say butt. It is not a S3. Good luck for any other kind of riding it should be great. M2 as Court has said best motorcycle ever made. | ||
| Jrman |
I can do 500-600km + days on my S1 but did have to invest in pegs that drop my feet about 1.5 inches otherwise my 46 yo hips would lockup. The lower pegs comprimize lean angle a bit, but allow me to also stand comfortably and give the backside a break. I liken the riding position to a bmw gs1200 now and i can ride standing for quite a long time comfortably and in control. New seat being made up now so hope to extend the range even more. I love my S1. | ||
| Two_seasons |
Both are carb'ed M2 has 91hp. Not sure on the S1 S1 owners like to hit the limiter as it's only you and the road. No pass pegs! M2 excellent commuter bike M2 seating is more comfy, not so the S1 S1 styling is pure naked, M2, not so much M2 speedo only unless it has the 2001 upgrade. S1 has both S1 has more Erik in it than the M2  | ||
| S3windbreaker |
Man great responses..thanks! The S1W has much fewer miles and from what I've read would be a rip snortin' ride and thats just what I need right now in my life.It probably will hold it's value much better also. I hope to never have to sell my next Buell. The M2 sure has a very loyal following and the reads on it are inspiring especially if I ever take a pretty thing for a ride someday.It seems to have more multi tasking skills. Then again people would say "you rode that Sportster where?!" Kinda had to have steel cheeks on that solo seat too so if the only real drawback to the S1W is the seat I think I can get around that ok.Then there is the lack of money. Ha the transmission is out in my car but the motorcycle/Buell need is taking over again. Still have the ol' truck fortunately.  | ||
| S1owner |
I am 42 and love my S1! | ||
| S3windbreaker |
Cool another happy S1 owner. Oh and I'm 42 also. Well looks like I'm going to get the S1W if everything will work out. Couldn't get the M2 owner on the phone very well and a new friend buying the FXR of mine used to test ride Harleys and Buells for Harley is pickin it up and we will meet and swap machines. He said so many things he really enjoyed about the S1W. I hope it all works out. Road trip 600 miles for a S1! Thanks for the help, I will let you know when I get it home. Thanks everyone. | ||
| Jrman |
I may get the comfy couch one day...well, yes I will in fact at some point....but the S1 will always have a spot in my garage forever. She's the the best touring bike but I've set mine up to be able to make a few miles, as stated - lower pegs, GPS, luggage, throttle lock etc. It will do me for now. Check out my videos at - http://www.youtube.com/user/steedes  | ||
| Jrman |
Ooops - meant to say she's NOT the best touring bike, but I make it work!!!! | ||
| Thejosh |
My vote is for the S1 | ||
| S3windbreaker |
Jrman you really know how to pack mule that S1 man. Thats cool. I hope to go to the Colorado mountains looking that way this summer. Where can I find those lower pegs and throttle lock? Thanks | ||
| Ratbuell |
The M2 is going to be your S3 without the fixed fairing. Literally. Same bike, same geometry, same seating position. Lower-RPM cams, but that's about it. The S1W is a 101hp rating. Also a Thunderstorm, one of the first (the other was the 98 S3). Geared lower than the M2 -better acceleration, but higher cruising RPM. Cammed for more HP, more RPM. The M2 will hit the rev limiter...the S1W will SLAM you into it, gear after gear. M2? Power cruiser. Good handling, great manners, comfy seat, gobs of torque everywhere on the tach, extremely capable. S1W? Rare. Rip-snortin' attitude on wheels. Shorter gearing is nice if you're mainly on back roads; even highway cruising is nice because you just leave it in 5th and roll it on...and you pass. Someone...I believe it may have been Erik...referred to the S1W's solo (Euro) seat as a "one-cheek-seat". And that is entirely accurate. If I had to have just one? Get the M2, throw X1 or S3 forks on it, *maybe* some X1 cams, and enjoy. Since I'm lucky enough to have a stable? I have both. The S1W is my back-roads, bad-ass, f**k-you, unrefined musclecar. Noisy, shaky, and undeniably entertaining. My current M2 is kinda in limbo...but my '99, my first Buell, bought brand new, logged nearly 40k miles in 3 years. It did everything, every time I asked it to, it did it well, and I was comfortable while I was doing it. | ||
| S3windbreaker |
Man thanks for the Buell wisdom Ratbuell. I love the back roads, bad ass , undefined description..cracked me up. Yup thats what I'm after all right. I had a 98'S3 for a while. Really enjoyed it.Thats the one that had the grenaded rear piston when I bouight it. Crash course in engine R&R, split cases, clean out broken piston debris, install new pistons etc..then go ride. Maybe get another one or M2 this time to have two tube frame Buells someday. I think I'd really like the low end power of the M2 also. My 01' Sporty I did 883/1200 conv. with head work before the cam upgrade had that. It would get crooked quick down low. That was a good bike. Put about 40,000 miles on that one before I sold it. I was always so intreaged and captivated by Buells when I saw them and heard them but couldn't afford em' back then. My buddy brought home a 02'S3 with the race kit. I rode it and knew they were for me.I thought"What have I been missin!" Now I can have one and enjoy. Hopefully two someday! Thanks again everyone. | ||
| Jrman |
The footypegs are "knightdesign" units - the biggest drop she makes. Web is; http://www.knightdesignllc.com/ The throttle lock is as basic as it gets...but hey - not sexy but boy does it work. Completely intuitive. It's called "Go Cruise" can I bought is from ebay for $20. Here is a review on youtube. I love mine completely and has allowed me that break I need for the throttle hand. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkI3SGKp3pk Again - not sexy or expensive, but I love things that are about function before form! Oh, and the way I could pack the "mule" as you say, was by picking up the rear rack kit for the S1 still being offered by Ventura at; http://www.ventura-bike.com/ They still had some in stock last year for the S1. Designed in New Zealand but distributed in the US / Canada from Everett Washington...great piece of kit. They are prefect if using a tailbag only, but I've added some pannier racks to the side from a bicycle kit to keep my soft bags off the paint so I could use some joe rocket saddlebags I had on hand. Good luck and post pics of your "mule" when done!!! | ||
| Jrman |
Here is another shot of the "mule". I used the ventura tail rack then added side racks from mountainbike panniers with indusrtrial size zap straps just to keep the soft saddle bags from sagging back onto the paint (and thus "rubbing"). Worked like a charm last summer for an 8 day trip - no damage to the paint and all the gear I needed then some. In fact, I'm dropping the top case this year and going with just the saddle bags and tailbag...lighter is better.  | ||
| Jrman |
I'm in the mood for riding season...... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKfkG5wkeQY&list=UU wcnuKMyIG3lIGKhBTSfyDA&index=9 | ||
| Kc_zombie |
No question, S1W trumps M2 every time! | ||
| S1owner |
 Nothin like them!!!!!!! | ||
| Kc_zombie |
H*ll Yeah!  Looking great there Ken! | ||
| Jayvee |
That White bike is stupendous. S1 with a Twin Tail is an option too. Makes it a cheek and a half seat? S1Owner, what kind of rear pulley? Looks like off a Sportster?? | ||
| Jolly |
44 yrs old, love my S1W!! I own three Buells, a 98S1W, 99X1 with the Eurocomponents fairing set up and a 2002 S3T...love the S1W!!!! (honestly wouldnt sell any of them...) it is truly a back roads carver, and gets the majority of the ride time. | ||
| Reepicheep |
Had an M2 and loved it. Had a 9sx and loved it. Have a XB12X and love it. Rode an S1 for about 15 minutes and couldn't wait to hand it back to it's owner. They sure are nice to look at though... | ||
| 01x1buell |
if it was me, i would go with the s1 horrible seat as said but awesome bikes. | ||
| Ratbuell |
I actually don't mind the S1W seat so much... Although, if you're riding it right, you aren't sitting still anyway  | ||
| Ratbuell |
I actually don't mind the S1W seat so much... Although, if you're riding it right, you aren't sitting still anyway | ||
| S1owner |
Thanks Vincent JV i have no idea it came with the bike when i got it and i get asked alot! I am the third owner the first cared for it had all kinds of crossroads parts the second owner had metric nuts on things painted it red over the original yellow and basicly beat the snot out of it and never maintained it. | ||
| S1owner |
One of the keys as with any bike is setting it up for you! I have crossroads bars but had 1" risers made so i do not lean so much. I have either modified, adjusted or made everything to fit me. | ||
| S3windbreaker |
Man thanks guys! I'm enjoying the responses very much and those two bikes are awesome. Makes me even more confident with my decision and exited to get my machine . I head out tomorrow the 17th april to get it. Going to be about a 11 hr drive but worth it.Wish I had time off to ride it home. Plan to set up the suspension for my weight and "go ride the motorcycle"!  | ||
| Beardo |
I just picked up an S1. My first Buell was an M2. The Cyclone was a perfectly fine bike, but I get 'so much more' out of the S1, if that makes any sense? | ||
| Jrman |
Agree with "S1owner" completely - and likely true to pretty much any bike. Set up the bike for yourself, but always keep in mind there are limitations with every make & model. In the end it will come down to a combination of setup and personal preference. Good luck windbreaker! Keep us posted. |
