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Nocompromise
| | Posted on Monday, December 24, 2007 - 11:54 pm: | 
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It was the best of rides. It was the worst of rides. The first half was quite nice, although it was obviously chilly out today. I figure riders on the East coast would be overjoyed to go riding. Instead, all of the spoiled Californians want to stay indoors. Roads were clear and lightly traveled. I will say that Skaggs was a little disappointing because there was water runoff in about 2/3 of the corners. I had to slow down more than usual, but still got some good practice in before Infineon tomorrow. The water didn't stop me from doing 2 runs up and down the nice part of Skaggs before turning for home. I definitely recommend checking out the overlook if you go up there (first right after you turn left onto the raceway).
On the way home I started hearing funny noises from my bike, so I stopped a few miles North of Calistoga. *background info* In its previous life, my bike was possibly the embodiment of evil (see pic below). But the owner was selling it at an irresistible price... so I succumbed to temptation. I have since regretted it because the bike has been a constant headache since I bought it. Back to our story: outside of Calistoga I find that 3 of 4 exhaust header nuts and the bolt/grommet/washer/nut assembly that hold on the muffler have vibrated off the bike. :mad I try to do a makeshift roadside repair with little success. Then I try to flag down any passing car to give me a lift to Calistoga - no-go. Then I call my insurance company since I pay for their Roadside Assistance program. Evidently they screwed up and tell me that this bike is the only vehicle of mine NOT covered by Roadside Assistance.
I don't have the patience to argue with them, so I decide to do the best I can to hold the exhaust on: hose clamp for the muffler and zip-ties for the header nuts (which promptly vibrate off). So, in the few miles to Calistoga I pass 2 cops and the front header is basically disconnected, which obviously produces an unbelievable racket. Luckily, I get to Ace Hardware without incident (other than irritating everyone within a 2 mile radius). It takes me a few trips to get the right combination of items, but I finally get it fixed and promptly get caught in traffic on the way home. *Sigh* Good times. (Mr. Burns voice)
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Wile_ecoyote
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 25, 2007 - 07:02 pm: |
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Very nice! I got out for an hour today. 35 in the sun. Still got the fresh air and the torque on my butt. |
Rocketman
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 - 02:29 pm: |
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The S1 is unbelievably great looking. It's hard to imagine a company could build a motorcycle that pleasing to the eye, then gradually work their way to the ugliest model they ever made.
It's really important to get the header \ muffler assembly to fit so as it does so in a natural run without stressing onto any bracketry. It doesn't want to be hung so any bracket is under any tension. Once the system hangs perfect with the brackets, then it's right. Use a high temperature silicone on the header nuts and they'll never come loose again.
Rocket |
Blake
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 - 04:57 pm: |
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"The S1 is unbelievably great looking. It's hard to imagine a company could build a motorcycle that pleasing to the eye, then gradually work their way to the ugliest model they ever made. "
It's even more difficult to imagine how someone can be such a jackass as to pollute virtually every thread in which he participates with antagonistic garbage. |
Grancuda
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 - 05:41 pm: |
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It's even more difficult to imagine how someone can be such a jackass as to pollute virtually every thread in which he participates with antagonistic garbage.
That is obviously his opinion and he should be entitled to it. The S1 is a great looking bike, if it weren't for an S1, I wouldn't own a Buell. I don't think he was polluting this thread, just stating a fact, have you seen the 1125R? I don't understand Buell couldn't keep the early bikes and improve the S1 & M2('97/'98) and continue down that route making refining good changes year after year similar to Ducati with the Monster. As many Monsters as their are being bought every year, you would think there would be a S1 market. |
Torquemonster
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 - 06:11 pm: |
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Im sure Kevin didnt start this thread to have it turned into another sparring match re: 1125 aesthetics.
The S1 is a great looking bike. Better than the 1125 IMHO, but this aint the thread for it.
BTW...60 and sunny today in N.W. Florida. back to you, Kevin.....
"zip-ties for the header nuts"
Id think the heat would melt zip ties? |
Not_purple_s2
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 - 07:14 pm: |
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Hmm... I kinda thought that the XB12S was the latest evolution of the S1, in the same way that a 2005 Mustang is the latest evolution of the 1965 Mustang. It's been completely re-invented but it carries on the same spirit.
But if I could go buy a Brand new 2008 Buell S1 with an updated engine and suspension I'd be very tempted. Oh well I guess we have to settle for buy used ones for $4K or less and improving them. |
Grancuda
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 - 08:59 pm: |
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It is more like the 1975 Mustang II was and improvement on the 1965 model, we have yet to get to the good ones(Buells).
Go buy that $4000 S1 improve it and lets see how much over $4000 you get out of it, they don't hold thier value which to me is because the newer ones are a joke. |
Not_purple_s2
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 - 10:11 pm: |
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Go buy that $4000 S1 improve it and lets see how much over $4000 you get out of it
If you want to buy a bike as an investment get a Harley. They're the only ones I know of that really, I mean really, hold their value.
Have you rode an XB? I took a XB12R for a ride recently and was thoroughly impressed with it. It did everything my tuber can do but better. Handling was amazing, it shifted super smooth, and the power was very linear and there was plenty of it. However, I'm totally in love my old bike and decided I'd rather pour the money into her even though I know I'll never get it back. But that's fine by me since I never plan on selling.
I may have been more tempted if it had been an S model since I'd rather have a stripped down streetfighter for a second bike. When I get a second bike it will either be an S1 or XB12S or other "s" model |
Grancuda
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 - 10:21 pm: |
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Ducatis hold their value |
Warlizard
| | Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 04:09 am: |
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I agree w/ Rocketman. The S1 is a masterpiece. I loved all their bikes right up to 2003. The current crop of Buells are at the other end of the spectrum. As far as I am concerned Buell ceased to exist as a manufacturer when they quit making tubes. Now they are just a part source. Wouldn't ride an XB if I were given one, they are all crap. Also, I bought my X1 to ride and I could care less what the "market" says its worth. It will never be sold so it's irrelevant. |
Rocketman
| | Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 07:31 am: |
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Seems to me you did a better job of polluting this thread than I did Blake. Everything, including me, was fine until you stepped in with your size 12's.
"The S1 is unbelievably great looking" is a very positive comment towards Buell, but the comment needs to hold water against what Buell have on offer today. That was all.
It's sad that you can't see the wood for the trees. Instead you have to get personal and call me a jerk and label my comments "antagonistic garbage."
Have you considered suspending your own account, or putting up for yourself one of those "agree" "disagree" statements you're so fond of? 
Rocket |
Akbuell
| | Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:39 am: |
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To try and get the thread back on track:
Nice bike; I really like it. And a reasonable selection of mods. Should really be a fun ride.
As to the header note: Welcome to the world of buying something used. Not that there is anything wrong with that, as you say the price was right. It just will take a while for you and the bike to understand each others needs, and time to "correct" things the previous owner may not have done as well as he might. Get a service manual, get familiar w/the knowledge vault, and enjoy!!!
Welcome to the madness. Be safe, have fun!!! |
Nocompromise
| | Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:56 am: |
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No problem with the thread-jacking guys - I didn't start the thread with any particular intent other than to share my fun and frustrating ride. Incidentally, I haven't followed the 1125 forum, but I doubt many people are buying it for its looks. I know on the other (non-Buell) motorcycle forums I frequent people aren't too fond of the aesthetics. Luckily, Buell's target market will be interested in the Function over the Form. Of course, it's always nice when you can have your cake and eat it too.
Thanks for the tips Sean - I have had exhaust problems in the past (the muffler bracket and the header both cracked), so I was very careful to line everything up and tighten the nuts in increments. I torqued everything very carefully, but evidently I still screwed something up since everything came off.
I didn't have any extra header nuts in my tool kit (I feel like I'm lucky to have any sort of tool kit at all on my S1 - thanks to YoDude! for thinking of the swiveling fly screen!), so the zip-ties were the only thing that were handy. I only needed to ride a few miles, so I was hoping they would at least help to hold the headers up against the ports (but they didn't).
I put it all back together for an Infineon trackday the next day, and it held together fine. I know it's probably not recommended, but I used split-lock washers on the header nuts. The trackday was great, but the cold temps plus the mostly-worn (3000+ miles I think) Pilot Powers forced me to slow down more than I would've liked. I think 10+ riders crashed out of the ~70 that were in attendance. I don't know if that's more than average, but it surprised me and made me think twice about going all-out.
David - I've actually had a 97 S1 since 98, but I just exchanged my other S1 for this one. Plus I took a 4 year hiatus from riding, and got back into it around 5-6 months ago. Thanks for the welcome though! My other S1 never gave me any problems, but this one has been terrible.
Anyway, I'm in Ohio visiting in-laws, and I'll just say that those of us that are lucky enough to live in states with good weather and good roads should be VERY grateful!!! 
(Message edited by nocompromise on December 27, 2007) |
Paint_shaker
| | Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 12:45 pm: |
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NoComp,
The S1 is a sweet ride!! I would rather push a Buell (or a H-D) than ride some other brand!! LOL |
Djkaplan
| | Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 04:49 pm: |
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The one motorcycle brand I spent the most time pushing was Kawasaki... two of them in different decades. Never buying one of those again just out of spite. |
Bluesboy
| | Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 09:30 pm: |
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Hey Grancuda,hope you dont need to find out how soft used Duciti really are!Shure S2`s & M2`s are under $4000 but you take a bigger hit on Itialian motorcycles of newer vintage.Have you tryed to sell one lately? |
Buellsrule
| | Posted on Sunday, December 30, 2007 - 07:01 am: |
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Hello everyone, get these fasteners for your EVO and forget it. No more loose header bolts. I love 'em:
http://www.chopperscycle.com/page/VTS/PROD/42-264/ 16429. There the ones on the right in the picture. These are stage 8 locking fasteners for an EVO. Ride safe. Frank. |
Scott_in_nh
| | Posted on Sunday, December 30, 2007 - 12:17 pm: |
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Thanks for the tip Frank - I have not had a problem, but those will make sure that I never do! |
Bartimus
| | Posted on Sunday, December 30, 2007 - 03:04 pm: |
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noComp,
Your S1 is very nice looking, sorry to hear about the problems you had the other day when you went for your ride.
Thanks for posting the pics, reminds me of what its like to live somewhere that has pleasant weather during the winter. ;)
To keep this thread on the right track, I'll post a pic from my Christmas day ride here in New Mexico...
It was a bit chilly that day, as we had a white Christmas, but I was determined to ride something.
The Harley handles the snow better than the short wheelbased Buells I own, so it got the nod that day. 
NotPurple,
the resale AND trade in value of Harleys has come down big time the past few years.
Deals abound on used Harleys on eBay, and the prices are very low! |
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