| Author | Message | ||
     Pnw_ulys |
Greetings - Ten year Buell owner - - Uly and CR, but no experience with the Tubers. Been looking for a fairly low mileage S2 and had a few questions after using the "Search" function. Here's the bike in question:  Just under 25,000 miles, with the "always garaged, never dropped" verbiage. Saddle bags included, not shown in photos. Other side:  It's listed as a 95 S2T, but from what (I think) I know, the S2T wasn't available until 1996. Additionally, the S2T had the gray frame, with the S2 frames in white (as this one has). So no big deal if it's been upgraded to "T", as I think the kits were available from Buell. It has the aftermarket wheels, Vance and Hines muffler, aftermarket rider pegs, a Corbin Seat, and a home-fab kickstand extension. So the bike currently listed for $5,000.00, which from what I can tell is approximately twice the current market for these bikes. I've been in limited contact with the owner, he's a bit flexible on price, just not as flexible as I'd like. Interested if I'm missing something - - obviously a lot more knowledge here than what I can glean from thread lurking and the "Search" function. Thanks in advance, any advice from the collective appreciated. | ||
| Tigermann |
Paul, Yes, it's not an S2T but looks like it has the touring body lowers, the touring lower footpegs, the touring luggage, and can't tell but may have the taller touring handlebars - all good stuff. The Performance Machine wheels were a ~$2,000 option if I remember correctly. And you've got a Corbin seat and V&H muffler. And it still had the original turn signals which are very rare and very fragile (they get hard with age and the stalks break very easy - if you buy the bike take them off and put them on the shelf for save keeping) All that being said, $5,000 is too much in today's market, especially at 25k miles - $4,000 tops in my opinion, and that's the high end if everything else is OK on the bike. Just my thoughts - it is very nice. good luck! | ||
| 4speeder |
The cylinder heads appear to be black with hightlighted fins. Would that indicate a T-storm upgrade along with all the other upgrades??? Looks like some Accel yellow silicone plug wires too? Maybe upgraded ignition coil??? | ||
| Ratbuell |
I'd buy it. You'll get MUCH more enjoyment out of it than you expect. A deer totaled my 95 last May, and it was set up exactly the same - a 95 with all the 96 goodies. I had also installed a Thunderstorm top end, S1W race module, and a ton of electrical upgrades (LED taillight, HID headlight in a Hella E-code lamp, heated clothing plugs, voltmeter on the dash...). I also had the upgraded sideplates that American Sport Bike used to sell, which are now being reproduced (there's a thread elsewhere in the S2 forum). These bikes were rare to start with, even more so now. If you've wanted one; if you check it out and it's solid; if you like it...buy it. Chances are, it will be a long time before another comes along in this nice condition. FWIW, factory bags had either narrow or wide lids, no-tool interchangeable. See which this bike has. Also see if they have the signature kit (cam plate, card, display board and factory letter). Again - get the best price you can, but don't let it get away if you've always wanted one. I'm happy to give you some tips and show you some of the upgrades I'd done to mine over the years. | ||
| Williamscottrobertson |
I bought my s2 running for $1500. It had about 15k miles.It needed body work, set me back about $800. Then I went through it doing all the “bullet proofing”, primary tensioner, base gaskets/pigtails (found a burned exhaust valve while in the motor), bronze oil pump gear, CVP carb kit, and found some Marhesini wheels (seems like everyone went PM, so the marchesinis are a tough find and look better IMO). I’ve got about $3500 in it, about what it’s worth IMO. If I were in the market, I’d by Andy Liebert’s in Missouri. Lots of bike and you know it’s right. There’s also a turboed one on eBay at $4k and reserve not met.    (Message edited by Williamscottrobertson on February 11, 2019) | ||
| Upthemaiden |
The bike looks super nice, but I agree the going price for a good condition tuber is right around $3500 in good shape. I bought my 11k S1 for $2400, but it needed some money to get it in good shape, and by good I mean reliable, it's still not the prettiest bike around. If the S2 is in very good shape, and is ready to ride, meaning it has good tires and no random parts that need replaced, I'd say $4000 wouldn't leave me with any buyers remorse. Anything higher than that is just dependent on how much you want the bike, if you like it $4500 worth, then that's what the bike is worth. The bike you want isn't always easy to come by. I drove 8 hours round trip to pick mine up. You've always got the option to make you offer, walk away if he doesn't take it, and see if he calls you up after a few days saying he's changed his mind. If you don't hear from him you can always call him after a week or two and tell him you'll give him what he wants. At that price I doubt it's going anywhere too fast, although it is tax season... | ||
| Screamer |
The Black Sapphire S2 in the top photos appears to have black heads with hi-lighted fins - which are original equipment for the 1995-96 S2 models. Thunderstorm heads did not come from the factory with hi-lighted fins. They are likely not Thunderstorm heads unless someone has gone through the effort to “hi-light” the fins. | ||
| 4speeder |
The Buell knowledge on this board is incredibly valuable! So let me ask: A stock S2 has black jugs and black heads and both have highlighted fins, is that right? Thunderstorm heads are black, but no fin highlights, correct? Were there any S2's produced with natural aluminum finished jugs and heads with no black paint? Here is a pic of the T-storm heads I put on my S2 and you are absolutely correct that they are black with NO fin highlights. I had forgotten, its been a long winter without riding...  | ||
| Pnw_ulys |
All - Thanks for the feedback - - having read while lurking about heads and fins was hoping someone would chime in to confirm if these were stock. . . Appreciate those comments. Likewise with potential for ignition coil, and knew enough to pull and secure the turn signals if they were OEM. Also, thanks for the signature plate info and potential for improvements. JVV's bike is interesting. Looked/lurked hard at that one before the hail storm, don't do the FaceBook thing and didn't see it on Missouri's Craiglist, so uncertain if it has already been parted out. . . The bike is local, so I'll get the chance to put "eyes on" before a hard offer, but appreciate any additional insights for a newbie going to check out a Tuber. At the end of the day, the bike is worth what someone is willing to pay - - might just be me. . . Of particular interest are recalls that should have been executed - - think the shock was one, what are the others that I should inquire about ? ? ? All good stuff, thanks again for the input. Ride safe, Paul (Message edited by pnw ulys on February 11, 2019) (Message edited by PNW ULYS on February 11, 2019) | ||
| Upthemaiden |
The bike has the updated shock, so that's good news. Isolators on the old bike are always an issue and will eventually need replaced. They're easy to see on other bikes, unfortunately I'm not sure if there's a way to tell how they're holding up on an S2 without pulling off those side plates on the frame. I guess unless you can see the tabs to indicate the bike has the newer style isolators, I'd budget in $150 to order a new set of those just to be safe. | ||
| Ebutch |
Paul That S2 with T opps is NICE with all its Goodies.I'd pay $3800.00 for it if a good runner.Like to see it with Kickstand down.Extended stand Very Interesting !!!!!   | ||
| Ebutch |
Can you get pick on side-stand and measurement of stand itself ??  | ||
| Screamer |
4speeder 1995-96 S2 models were the only Buell models produced with cylinders and heads featuring hi-lighted fins. Tube-frame Thunderstorm heads/cylinders were produced in black with no highlighting. | ||
| Ratbuell |
and the interim tuber motor between the S2 and the rest of the tubers - the Lightning motor - was a "blonde" (bare aluminum) setup. The S2 used, literally, a stock Sportster motor and Harley highlights all their fins. | ||
| 4speeder |
That's some great information right there Screamer and Ratbuell. Thanks much! | ||
| Kc_zombie |
Looks like a nice unmolested example. I would go 4K or even a bit higher (thats just me). I wonder if he has the wider bags. Also, looks like it may a have the "T" handle bars (54932-94Y/54931-94Y) which are taller than S2. Man, the stock kickstands are hilariously long. Get a revised side plate or piggy back style. Here is some info you may find helpful... http://doncasto.net/DonCastosS2ConventionalWisdom.html  | ||
| Hootowl |
The wheels are stock. While there were no T models in 95, the parts were available to order. That seems like a perfectly reasonable price for that motorcycle imho. | ||
| Jolly |
Buying a Buell is an emotional decision not a sound financial decision. soooo.... let your heart lead the way....directly to the check book! Prices are all over the place and a "deal" may not prove to be a deal.... a seemingly overpriced one might actually prove to be the "DEAL". a lot of parts are unobtanium and worth paying for if the are included on the bike/already installed. Bike shipping prices have gone up, so finding something close to you that you like saves about a grand on the price if you found another one cheaper on the other side of the country. Key parts to look for: Bags - they are the worst design ever IMHO, however, if you can get them...GET THEM! Bag mount rack - see above, touring bars fairing lowers drop pegs/lower pegs Corbin seat - stock seat pans dont quite fit the body right and slip or move just slightly, the Corbin seat pan is "dead nuts" on for a fit...uh pun intended Good paint Stock exhaust and a good after market exhaust (sometimes you can get both in the deal) Signature series docs - dont make the bike worth any more, but they look great framed upgrded rocker box cover to XB - stock always seem to leak and the XB stuff breathes better Fairing bags (Ihave a few sets left) Kick stand is dangerous!! figure out your solution if it isnt addressed (I have a few piggy back plates left) were only talking about a difference in somewhere between $3K to $5K and honestly, for the difference, a bike you can see and touch and has the right pieces.... youre not going broke with the extra....were not talking about a $20K+++ bike here after all, and yeah its not a Ducati....but its NOT a Ducati, so the mx costs are not going to kill you. If you find one that has the S3T conversion rack for S3T bags on an S2 and bags....I would put that bike at the top of the list....but thats a rare one for sure! This bike seems to have a lot of the key parts to look for, it could be slightly overpriced...but if its close and it hits all the right emotional responses... go for it! They are sexy hand built bikes that are fun to look at and fun to ride. And....whether or not the future value actually reflects what they are.....they ARE a piece of true Americana in the motorcycling world. The S2 is my favorite tube frame! Oh..... extending the kickstand, making it LONGER to solve the problems ??????  (Message edited by Jolly on February 13, 2019) | ||
| Pnw_ulys |
All - Again, many thanks to each of you for the great info - - yet once again demonstrating how BadWeb is the best enthusiast website on the internet. Continuing contact with the seller, we've had a snow event here, but should get a chance to look over the bike in the next few days... Current owner is third in succession, second owner was a Harley mechanic and when seller bought the bike it was shipped from Wausau, WI. Requested the VIN, would like to try to check it through the S2 registry if provided. Not going to quibble over a few hundred dollars if the bike pans out as advertised. Will gladly take any additional guidance on looking at a 24 year old tuber by those who have the experience - - not new to Buell or carburetor bikes, but any model specific areas of concern . . . Ride safe, Paul Jolly - Appreciate if you could set aside a piggy-back plate for me... | ||
| Jolly |
Sure thing, contact me directly. I've got 2 left, one might be taken, waiting for payment. Cheers and Good luck!  | ||
| Ratbuell |
Feel free to message me about my bike's (RIP) upgrades as well, and I can give you any information you need on: works shock replacement sideplates stock exhaust (highly recommended versus the SS2R!) XB rockerboxes (use 2 front boxes to keep the PCV valve from hitting the underside of the fuel tank on the back cylinder) proper jetting of the stock CV40 speedo cable and drive maintenance S2 bag bracket fix/update S2 bag lid safety tethers (for when the locks fail) Lower side-fairing quick-release upgrade Hella E-code headlight with HID upgrade Taillight lens proper attachment upgrade (they like to detach while riding) Proper "scary-loose" drive belt adjustment or anything else that you can come up with... ...I haven't let loose of any of my MANY goodies - including the complete, runs-fine engine - because I don't want to give up hope of owning an S2 again. The bike is THAT GOOD. If it starts and runs smooth(ish) and quietly (no excessive tapping - it IS a pushrod motor after all - or clanking), with no smoke and not too many leaks...buy it. Warning - it WILL walk backwards at idle, or forwards and off the sidestand, if you aren't paying attention. DO NOT leave it unattended!! The front brake will probably rattle like marbles in a dryer - that's a baggie of wave washers for a fix. Or - like my old bike - an EBC rotor upgrade. If it runs, clunks in and out of gear properly ("positive gear engagement"!), and looks as good as the photos...we can get you through the rest. You won't regret being on an S2. (Message edited by ratbuell on February 13, 2019) (Message edited by ratbuell on February 13, 2019) | ||
| Sportyeric |
What Ratbuell says about the kickstand. If I leave my bike at a shop I put a BIG note in HEAVY felt pen; This bike WILL fall over if left on the sidestand and not in gear. Do NOT idle on kickstand! And even at that, had to replace a mirror once. And ignore what he says about the V&H muffler.Got 80k miles on mine. Just getting louder. | ||
| Sportyeric |
Its over-priced by 2 grand, I think. But that's a wonderful colour and they are wonderful bikes. | ||
| Upthemaiden |
The walking during idle thing is no joke. I picked up an 'emergency brake' for mine. No more problems with the bike walking, even when it's idling in the inclined parking lot at work.  | ||
| Jolly |
Mine doesn’t walk, I can walk away without worrying about it, I can even rock it or shake it while it’s on the kickstand and not worry about it...  | ||
| Ratbuell |
Yeah, but you (and I) and some other lucky smart folks have the updated side stand setup that uses the later tuber stands...that stock thing is horrible. Sporty - you should repack that SS2R before it shakes itself to pieces. If you like the noise, find a factory Buell race muffler - I ran one on my S2 for a while with a plain ol' automotive 2" to 2.5" exhaust adaptor-spacer between the factory header and the race muffler. Length was fine, diameter was fine, and with the thunderstorm top end and S1W race ignition it ran great. I got sick of the noise though and found a stocker, dialed the jets back a step, and it ran just as well without making my ears ring. | ||
| Upthemaiden |
My S1 and my former XB9 were both walkers. I know the newer stands are better than the old S2 stands, but I still don't trust my bike to try and run away. | ||
| Williamscottrobertson |
On a smooth floor, mine will walk backward when warming up with the piggyback plate, it stays put once the choke is off at 1k rpm. I repacked two VH pipes and sold them. One only had 2k miles on it and it had blown out all the packing. The Jardine on my old XB blue it all out by 3k miles. Then the exhaust blows on the back plate and pulls the rivets up front. Then it’s just about trash. The race cam is reinforced at the rivets so it doesn’t pull them out. | ||
| Jolly |
UPDATE?? Did you get the bike?  | ||
| Phelan |
I sold Andy Jack's old bike. The bags it mentions in the ad are actually S3 conversion bags. That said, not sure who bought it but I saw that it sold and left Andy's place in a trailer. |
