| Author | Message | ||
     Swampass |
Hello! I am probably going to ask a similar question that's asked 100 times over, so please bare with me. I am looking at both a 1997 S1 Lightning and a 1995 S2 Thunderbolt. I have always wanted a tube framed Buell and now's my chance! Is there something I should watch for on either model? Is one a better built bike than the other? I've read all I could find on the web about each one. I am hoping to get a bit of insight from the fine people who actually own them vs. magazine editors. Muchos grassyass! | ||
| Swampass |
After reading some threads.. the S2 sounds pretty sweet. Any concern with one nearing 40,000 miles if cared for? | ||
| Yooper71 |
I bought with my S2 with 38,000 miles and now a couple years later have 52,000 miles and love the bike. If the bike has been well cared for I wouldn't be concerned. | ||
| Bluzm2 |
I've got 39,000 on my 95 S2. My son has a bit over 13,000 on his 96. The S2 and S1 are very different bikes. You sit on an S1, you sit "in" and become part of the S2. The S1 says "Beat me, whip me, make me write bad checks." The S2 says "Smooth, deliberate, expert hands turn me on." The S1 is a •••••, the S2 is a lover... To be complete, your garage must have both... Just my opinion! Brad (Hey, the "W" word for a lady of the evening gets bleeped! I never knew that!) | ||
| Road_thing |
What Brad said. I own one of each, a '95 S2 and a '96 S1. For such basically similar motorcycles, the difference in feel is amazing. The S1 is tiny, has the world's most uncomfortable seat, and wants to start turning before you even know you want to turn. The lighter flywheels (and, in my case, big valves, ported heads, Mikuni 42 and race pipe) make it feel much stronger in the engine room than the S2. But I can ride the S2 all day. It's got an actual seat. It seems to be less "twitchy" in turns, even though I think the chassis geometry is identical to the S1. And it's got that "hand-built" look and feel that I really dig. Plus, the removable side plates make isolator and belt replacement a snap compared to the S1 (or M2, or S3). Bottom line: If you plan to ride long distances and want to be relatively comfortable, the S2 is your better bet. If you want a hot rod to blast around town, the S1 is more fun than a fat stripper in a tub full of banana pudding. rt | ||
| Road_thing |
But either one will feel slow compared to that Hayabusa in your profile...  rt | ||
| Swampass |
I wouldn't compare the Hayabusa to the Buell. I've had really fast bikes and I've had some really slow bikes. I am buying a Buell for the character of the motorcycle. I've always really liked them. It's the small part of me that roots for the underdog. I like the style of the old tubers. I sold the Hayabusa a few years ago mainly because I kept seeing my friends in blue. A small sneeze riding at 55 sometimes = 90mph and I my wallet was taking the hit. I currently have an 05 FJR1300 ABS that I got in Oct. I also have a YZF600R and keyss to my father in law's Rocket III. Flickable, fast, comfortable, and torquey are all taken care of at this point. I may be looking toward the S2. Thanks folks! | ||
| Buellfighter |
Swampass, if you want chicks to dig you, kids to fear you and guys to envy you, then the S1 is the only way to go  I know it's not about what anybody thinks of you on your bike, but it is a bonus! I can't imagine anything more fun to ride than my 96 S1! | ||
| Cereal |
I've got a '96 S1 too and swear by it. It's seat is surely no lazyboy, but I've done 4 hour rides without a problem. | ||
| Road_thing |
Shoot, Swampy, as cheap as used Buells are, why not buy'em both?  rt | ||
| Swampass |
I like the way you think Road_thing. The problem is...my wife can't make you sleep on the couch like she can me. I called and spoke to both sellers...the S1 will be coming home with me Sunday if all goes well. | ||
| Cereal |
Congrats! Post a pick on your profile when you get it. I'm up in DC and fairly new to the area. I'd be game with heading down to Fred if you know some good roads. | ||
| Swampass |
I don't know a few good roads..I know a TON! I've lived here for the last 29 years. | ||
| Swampass |
 | ||
| Buellfighter |
Congrat Swampass, she's a beaut!! | ||
| Djkaplan |
You got the fastest color too! | ||
| Chasespeed |
Sweet S1, Clip-ons, Rear-sets, upgraded front disc.... tear it up..... Chase | ||
| Bluzm2 |
Shaaawinggg! S1's are da bomb. Can't wait until the one in the garage is together! Did you know that the orange ones are the fastest? Seriously, very nice addition to the garage. Brad | ||
| Henrik |
Very nice bike - nicely set up too. Ride safe. Henrik | ||
| Swampass |
thanks for the kind words all. | ||
| Chasespeed |
Did you know that the orange ones are the fastest? Actually, the Carbon Fiber ones are.... Chase} | ||
| Swampass |
shot the wheels.  | ||
| Buellfighter |
Looks good!! What other plans do you have for it? | ||
| Swampass |
going back to handle bars. Prob back to stock rear sets...and then the mileage mod. Yannow... ride it  | ||
| Road_thing |
Looks great! What kind of paint did you use on the wheels? rt | ||
| Swampass |
red paint! rustoleum. $5 special. I aim to have them powder coated this winter. They'll be media blasted anyway. I went for it. | ||
| Garrett2 |
damn, thats a sweet bike! | ||
| Sofauxboho |
Swampass, What's this mileage mod? | ||
| Firemanjim |
You just need to get rid of that ratty-ass pipe wrap.That stuff is hard on the pipes and UV rays tear it up in no time.And it looks so much better with the stainless pipes polished. | ||
| Captpete |
the mileage mod. Yannow... ride it. | ||
| Swampass |
I am almost afraid to remove the pipe wrap. I don't know what's under it. | ||
| Swampass |
I removed the pipes and removed the wrap. It's got some surface rust but nothing I'd consider a deal breaker. I plan on wire brushing that stuff off. Can I BBQ paint them? I know that having them jet coated would prob be the ideal thing to do, but I am kinda low rent. | ||
| Trish |
Hey Swampass, the red wheels are hot!! Best five bucks you ever spent. | ||
| Swampass |
thanks! I BBQ coated the header pipes. Looks like one has a small fissure in it. dang it. | ||
| Newfie_buell |
The Pipe will come back with elbow grease, Autosol and a cordless drill with buffing wheel. I polish it once a year and it looks very nice. I have an S1 and S3 and like Brad said the S1 is just plain and nasty and the S3 is the tamed down version. I love both and will not part with either.  |
