| Author | Message | ||
     Johnod |
I don't own a Buell YET, but would like to soon. Either an S2T or S3T. I'm wondering what is the EFI on the S3 like, problems, parts availability, ability to work on it, or tune it. I have an early EFI HD and it's not great for working on and parts not so easy to get either, that's why I ask. Left to my own I think I would lean to a carbed bike, but would like to have some input from owners. Thanks | ||
| Phelan |
The DDFI is incredibly simple as far as EFI goes, but a carb is still quite a bit simpler. Parts aren't bad to find but not many new parts left, mostly used or aftermarket. Other than the ECM and timing cup though, everything else is pretty easy to find and replace, and even those aren't bad. Carb is very nice though, and I'm a bit partial to the S2T for it's stellar looks and overall better quality components used (WP ROMA forks, Marchesini wheels, PM and Brembo brakes). They are a bit lower on power, but the shop I work at and others can fix that easily enough  . | ||
| Jolly |
Ive got both, a 2002 S3T fuel injection model (99 started the fuel injection) and a 95 S2 (with a 98 S3T thunderstorm carb motor). my 2002 S3T runs flawlessly, Ive only been stuck twice and both easy to solve, one, the gas cap stuck in the tank, NOT limited to a fuel injection model..... the kick stand safety switch failed...NOT limited to a fuel injection model, and the electronic pick up for the speedo failed twice...limited to the years with electric speedo pick up, readily available at any HD shop for a 2002 sportster. my S2 has only left me stranded once, and again, not limited to a carb or a Buell...the starter clutch is failing and it stuck against the clutch basket..solution was to tap it with a hammer like an old 50s or 60s car with a stuck starter due to stuck bendix gear. I think both bikes have very readily available parts if you order sportster engine parts. the trick will be body work and other failures or items that you may want to dress up or replace. my S3T is my work horse commuter for 50+miles a day to get to work so 100+ round trip, but I love riding the S2 (and it has a conversion so that it can carry S3T bags). JeffC and I recently put over 400 miles after wrenching on his bike in a weekend running the Shenandoah valley on our S2 bikes without an issue. You wont be disappointed with either bike, though the S2 has more character, parts for body and such may be more readily available for the S3T. Rough numbers about 1500 S2 bikes were built and about 500 S2T (1996 only) were built, compare that to a 1997 - 2002 span on the S3 and S3T and you can see why body and other parts are more "readily" available for the S3. major "flaw" with the S2...kickstand design..its a long kickstand, at a bad angle and does not kick forward to overdrive the retention spring so that the spring holds it in place...but I know a guy who fixed this..its expensive, but its a nice fix!!  you sit ON a S3T and you kind of sit IN a S2.... I think the between the two I prefer my S2!, but not selling the S3T! (Message edited by Jolly on October 16, 2014) | ||
| Kalali |
The DDFI on my X1 has been totally trouble free. For me the EFI is always the first choice since I've very little experience with carburetors and with the ECMspy software I have full control over my X1's engine management system. |
