| Author | Message | ||
     Gomo |
Ok here it goes: Since buying my 99 S3T as a leftover in 2001 here is what went wrong with it so far - Besides All the RECALLS Red is for not covered on Extended plan Bad Stator Rocker Gaskets (both Cyl) Speedo Sensor - 3X ECM - 2X Rear Fuel Injector Warpped Front Rotor - at 15k Voltage Reg Heat Sensor Right Lower fairing - 2X Saddlebag latches - 3X Cracked Saddlebag Inner Now Today - Paint on Fueltank Bubbling Time spent in Dealership for repairs: Almost 6 months out of 4years. Can I say that I am getting close to being dissatiasifed? Yup. I enjoy my Buell, but all these problems are really taking a toll. I am writting Buell Customer Service so they are aware of these issues as well. Now my Extened Service Plan is up at the end of July and here are my decisions to make: -Spend $1100 to extend the plan for 4 more years - Lord knows the history of the bike justifies having the plan. -Keep the money, sell the Buell and buy another ride. A passionate person would get a new Buell, a logical one would get something else after this experince. -Keep the Buell, wave the plan and just wing it - what else could go wrong? I'll most likely be much better tomorrow. It's just hard when something you enjoy pisses you off. Thanks for the vent time (Message edited by gomo on June 08, 2005) | ||
| Koz5150 |
Hold the Buell till you see the new models. If there is something you like, trade it in, otherwise sell the bike and buy an M2! | ||
| Johnnylunchbox |
I have a 2001 S3T with 1700 miles and have had to replace the ECM. I suspect the front rotor is warping as well. I feel bad that you had to go through all that. I guess these are Buell growing pains. I am fortunate enough to have other bikes (and an XB) to ride, and plan on keeping the S3T as a collector bike and occasional joy ride. It is a hoot though, when it's running right (and so far it has been). Good luck, Gomo. | ||
| Charlieboy6649 |
I've never owned a tuber, but I know they've had their problems... All I can say is the new XB line has been great. I can vouch for mine anyway. Flawless. If I were you, I'd see what they come out with next month and if you like what you see, trade up. If not, either decide whether to hold on to her or find something else you enjoy. Given your mileage, I'd say (some) of your breakages were on time. Hope things get better. | ||
| Ingemar |
A passionate person would get a new Buell, a logical one would get something else after this experince I disagree. According to that logic I would not have had a buell since the sporty I traded in had some major problems. And I wasn't yet passionate about them. I invested some time in finding out about the reliability and 'general problems' people were running into and based on that I decided and bought my xb9r. I can't say I regret that choice. Wait a month and see what 2006 brings us. Then decide what you want. | ||
| Court |
Gomo: E-mail that post and your contact info to me. I see solutions. Court | ||
| Lake_bueller |
Gomo.... Sorry to hear about your S3T troubles. I have a 1998 S3T that has been a great scoot. Sure, there's been a few problems (speedometer, voltage regulator, saddlebag latches, rocker box gaskets). I hate to say this but....I don't think I'd buy another Buell that was made between 1999 - 2002. That was the worst time for BMC (just after the Harley acquisition). My next bike will very likely be an XB model (but not for a couple of years). Good luck getting your issues resolved. The S3T is a great bike in the long run. | ||
| Bikerjim99 |
I have a 99 S3T, with over 18,000 miles. Had all recalls done. My problems have been as follows: Very slight weeping of the rear valve cover gasket, replaced both front and rear gaskets with HD gaskets. Rear isolators replaced. Thats it, every thing else works as it should, and I enjoy my S3. Best bike I have ever had. Jim | ||
| Signguyxb12 |
... and you seem to take such go care of her....??? | ||
| Budo |
Trade in might not be a option since trade in, especially on a 99 will be low. Like $5.00 or so. But on the other hand, it sounds like you have taken care of many problems that might happen so you might be ok. I would go with the extended warranty just in case, peace of mind. I think the tube frame bikes were the best ones. The trick is to get a good one. The real problem for me was that I lost confidence in my 1998 S1W. Had to trailer it home twice and it died in the garage once and I limped it home once. Once I no longer had any confidence that it would get me home. It was no longer any fun to ride. You might be over the hump, good luck. (Message edited by budo on June 08, 2005) | ||
| Niceharleystuff |
Hi Gomo... Sorry to hear that you are feeling a little frustrated with your S3T. If there is ever anything that your friends here at HD / Buell of Danbury can do to help, just let me know. | ||
| Court |
Jeff: I have been trying to call you and, on 3 occasions have been told "there is no such subscriber" . . . drop me an E-mail and give me your contact info. Court | ||
| Oz666 |
Thank you Jeff! With more dealers like you, Buell (and Buellers) can Take Over The World !!!   Oz '98 S3T, do my own service, and yes, I called the office!!! ~900 miles home on blown rear isolators $ucked, felt like I was riding a Harley... | ||
| Oz666 |
Deal's Gap/Homecoming casualties: isolators speedo (cable, I think) left rear saddlebag inner cracked (again) clutch basket (but I knew it was FUBAR when I replaced the clutch) Don't care, LOVE the bike. I'll have the parts in less than a week from DaveS. Repaired in a day (if I can get a friend to help for a couple of hours with the isolators) I can tell you how to repair the inners yourself, if you like... Court- Thanx for the info/insight, it was exactly as you said except you didn't mention the vibration Oz | ||
| Josh_ |
I put 46000miles on my 99s3t before I sold it last march. Drag racing (12.24@111 but not much practice), track time (CLASS riding school at Road America 2 days each in 99 and 2000) and tons of high-speed 2-up touring. Had repeated issues with aftermarket parts and dealer screwups, plus had 1 rocker box leak and 1 head gasket leak and one speedo sensor. Oh, and bad fuel clogged the injectors once. > Lord knows the history of the bike justifies having the plan I opted out of the extended warranty due to the non-coverage of bodywork. How many miles do you have on it? Any mods? Bad Stator Speedo Sensor - 3X ECM - 2X Rear Fuel Injector Voltage Reg hmm, what's the chance only one was bad and killed the others? | ||
| Gomo |
hmm, what's the chance only one was bad and killed the others? They all happened with enough time between not to be related. Added the rocker gaskets - forgot about them. Thanks all for info and input. I did 175 miles today on the way home, boy the ride was hot and everytime the fan kicked on -wow toasty right knee. But all in all it has been running ok (well except the bad voltage reg in May) this year. | ||
| Niceharleystuff |
Court - I think I know why you had difficulty with the phone system. Dial by name directory = dial by 1st name. I will have the message changed to clarify this ASAP. OZ –  | ||
| Johnnylunchbox |
Jeff - is that S3T in your profile the 2002 that was on the showroom floor with 92 miles on it? If it is, my wife and I decided to buy it over the winter (after wrestling with the need/want dichotomy)and when I called I was a week too late. We were disappointed. We really liked the orange frame. Sweet looking bike. | ||
| Niceharleystuff |
Steve - That's the one!!! Sorry to have snatched it away from you and your wife.  I was in the market for a new ride and the choice of the S3T was a no-brainer. It was previously owned by one of the guys in our service dept. He wanted a new Screamin Eagle V-Rod. The only way his wife would let him get it was if he traded in some of his other motorcycles. He intended to hold on to the S3T as a collector item. He had special ordered it (orange frame & PM wheels). Put on all the Buell accessories... seat, race kit (intake, ECM, exhaust), and narrow hard bags. He took it out for a 92 mile ride the day he got it and then just left it in the garage. Like I said… no-brainer… SOLD!!! I had it delivered right before the holidays. I even took it out for a joyride on Christmas morning.  My S3T...  | ||
| Rick_a |
I own an old, extremely high mileage truck, an old high mileage musclecar, a semi-old, fairly beat up Buell, even an old, obsolete mountain bike. I like to hold on to stuff. The longer you own a machine the more that needs to be replaced. Screw it. I get emotionally attached to these things. Besides, once you've replaced/repaired so much you've spent so much money you may as well reap the rewards and hold on to it. | ||
| Newfie_buell |
Ozz, You fly me up and I'll do the labor on the isolators!!!!! | ||
| Oz666 |
Newfie- If I had known you were that easy I wouldn't have torn it down already. Will post pics, I tore mine up much worse than the one you left - also found an easier removal method. Support the bike and lower the engine!!! Oz | ||
| Johnnylunchbox |
Jeff - you got a screaming deal on that bike. Enjoy it in good health. At least now I know where to find you, so I can send my wife over to yell at you!!! LMAO | ||
| Niceharleystuff |
Steve - Yes, I am very happy with it. Stop by to say hi anytime. We went on a great group ride this weekend and we hope to do more in the future. Maybe we can all get together and go for a ride sometime. | ||
| Johnnylunchbox |
Next time I'm over in that area I'll stop in. |
