| Author | Message | ||
     No_sprk |
Hello folks. Once again I'm back for probably the third round trying to buy a tube frame Buell. Im finally at a place in my life that I can ride constantly again. I've been drooling over tube frame buells since I saw an S1 as a kid. I hung out at a local motorcycle shop, polishing bikes and generally bugging the sales guys. One of the parts guys had a S1 and that thing was his baby. I remember everybody harassing him about it (Honda/Kawasaki dealer). I was in shock at how cool it looked (and sounded) he didn't care about the smack talking. he told me "don't ever let anyone tell YOU what YOU like" (poking me in the chest). Cool dude. So now I'm back to square one. I love the older bikes but want to benefit from the later upgrades. I am fairly large. 6ft1 and 250lbs. XL shirts and 38" waist so not huge but I always worried about how small the s1 seat is even if I'm not going far. To be honest the late m2 doesn't do it for me. I know the body work is closer to an s1. I do like X1 but those seem to be the hardest to find. Big question is whats the most important things to look for when buying a old tube frame? Also here are some links to bikes I'm interested in... Also please if you're interested in these bikes let me know so I don't waste my time trying to buy one. 1999 Buell X1 https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/mcy/d/99-buell -x1-lightning/6557533768.html 98 s1 with late swing arm https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/mcy/d/buell-s1 -lightning/6592700457.html 96 s1 salvaged but late heads? https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/6590989377.ht ml One owner 11k mile s1 but owner is kinda wacky https://humboldt.craigslist.org/mcy/d/1996-buell-1 -lighting/6564864670.html | ||
| S1owner |
One thing to be aware of. Unless you buy it from a well known bueller you will be putting sonetime into wrenching and bringing everything up to snuff. You have two different beasts you are looking at. X1 is full injected which is a plus or minus depending on who you are. My suggestion is the last one you linked to! But I love the S1 What to look for how does it run and idle Any leaks at cylinders, heads, shock. Does it have upgraded parts like shifter, shocks etc. Then how does it ride. Dont just ride it around the block take it for a20 min ride. Then turn it off look it all over again for leaks. Try to start it again after it cools down some how foes it restart! Thats the basics Everything else is fixable | ||
| S1owner |
I would suggest contacting Phelan( Ross Daigle at pegusus performance on Facebook) he may have an S1 to sell. If You get one from him you will get a great bike that needs nothing or you will know exactly what it needs | ||
| No_sprk |
Thanks so much so far guys. I've been researching tube frames off and on for a few years. I now remember there was a oil pump drive gear issue at one point? Options if recalled shock is still on? Anything that can show evidence of front mount breaking? Parts on S1 that really should be changed? I don't mind the FI of X1 bikes,I love the upside down forks on x1 s1 bikes. I'd love to find one with thunderstorm heads already but I doubt I will. The one in Humboldt with the old man leaning on it is a 1owner bike with 11k on it. Even though it's had most items spray painted and it probably has the recall shock I like it alot because of how clean the engine is and the one owner thing. | ||
| S1owner |
Yes and that last one appears that he has not had the recalls done. It has the original shock although the spring has been painted or replaced( i also ran that shock never an issue) his battery is also standing up which they replaced with a lay down kit. So its a good guess all or some recalls are not done. If you wanted hd will still do them if you want. Its agood chance this bike is well cared for | ||
| No_sprk |
Omg I just had the 3rd person this week tell me to kick rocks just for asking serious questions about the bikes. The orange s1 in LA Is being a real jerk | ||
| Jim00x1 |
What type of riding will you be doing? That's great motorcycle country around there. I would want something that I could spend several hours on. Looks like you don't want the S2 or S3. If you wait and keep watching, there should be more X1s for sale since they made a lot of them. JT&S is at Sonoma Raceway, so you can get it tuned on a dyno, which will really help if you get FI. | ||
| M2x2 |
Hey No-sprk, Due to ongoing health problems, I am considering selling my collection of 2 buell M2s plus a complete parts bike plus extras. I live in the east bay and these bikes know every back road in California. As far as comfort these are all day riders. Let me know if interested.  | ||
| No_sprk |
Thanks for the replies guys. Born and raised in Santa Rosa. Now a home owner there. I'm currently in Portland visiting family. Even thought about picking up this s3t if it's cheap enough. https://portland.craigslist.org/clk/mcy/d/2002-bue ll-s3t-thunderbolt/6592361198.html I love all the tube frame models but the soft spot is s1 then s2,x1,s3,m2. | ||
| No_sprk |
Hey Jim not sure how to reply qoute you. I want to do alot of city riding and bay area back round riding. So sick of traffic. S1 Is a lane splitter perfect for that. Or an m2 I just think the traditional forks make it look less mean | ||
| Oopezoo |
I'm 6'2", wear 38x34 bluejeans, and bounce between 220-245 depending on how much beer I'm consuming. I have an S1, but its my toy bike. When I ride it, I'm usually only gone for a tank of gas at a time. I'm ready to be off of it by then. The ergos are actually really good, its just that the stock seat sucks. Its tiny and soft. Any time I move back, I end up sliding right back down against the tank. I've been looking for an aftermarket seat or a used stock seat I can rebuild myself to adjust the seating position back a little. I tend to put most of my weight on the footpads when riding, but I think relocating the seating position back would help tremendously. Especially with a long inseam like mine I think an M2 would be great for a daily rider, but the S1 is damn sexy. Mine is kind of an ugly mess as I'm still sorting some things out, but it never fails to put a huge grin on my face. | ||
| Jim00x1 |
The M2 and S1 will have more relaxed handling. The front end rake (in degrees) is: S1, S2, S3: 25 M2: 24.5 X1: 23 XB: 21 (Firebolt, Lightning), except XBX(Ulysses) which is 23.5 The X1 is actually somewhat hyper for a bike that sounds like a Harley. With the steep head angle, light flywheel and fuel injection it is actually somewhat explosive. The early FI is not all that smooth when just putting around, so it sounds a bit like an engine with a cam. It also does a bit of popping and bumping on decel. It gradually builds power and has a final blast at 5500-7k. It's a thrill to have but I hardly ever go there. Probably better to have the powerband of the M2, but the X1 still has plenty of low end. I think a more relaxed bike would make me more patient when waiting to get past cars. All the popping and carrying on helps them hear me coming when lane splitting though. Carb will be better long term if JT&S ever go out of business. S1 is prettiest for sure. | ||
| Mike_lee |
my 96 is a solo tail with the euro seat. i can be on that for about 2 hrs max before my balls start to go numb. my buddy has a twin tail s1w with the stock seat and im on that for 30 mins max. i also have a corbin seat for the s1, but the euro seat is way more comfortable. im 6'at 206lbs. my 00 x1 is an all day bike. very comfortable. my son has an m2 and that is more comfortable than both of mine. i guess my point is, if youre sold on the s1, id look for the euro seat. i picked a used one up for 150. probably one of the best buys ive made for the s1. i saw a bunch of s1's on craigslist throughout the country(use search tempest to find them). just fyi, if youre considering having a bike shipped.... i had my s1 shipped from florida to Pa and it was 600. i got a quote to ship from wyoming to pa and it was 650 using haulbikes. | ||
| Ltbuell |
Hey,No sprk.Looking to sell my '00 X-1 Lightning due to health issues.Got approximately 17k on the odometer.Tons of upgrades/add ons,etc.Carbon fiber body pieces( except for the front fender). Kook ceramic full exhaust,Forcewinder intake,race ecm, narrow rear blinkers,narrow front blinkers, XB lights and wind screen.Dunlops front and rear in pretty good shape.Will throw in a huge amount of extras Buell related stuff( original black tank cover and under tail piece,original "breadbox"with a K&N air filter and a few others)including Buell riding gear.No boots or helmet though.Let me know.Live in Carson City,NV | ||
| M2x2 |
Seems like several of us selling our beloved Buells fore health reasons. Very sad. | ||
| Upthemaiden |
"The ergos are actually really good, its just that the stock seat sucks. Its tiny and soft. Any time I move back, I end up sliding right back down against the tank." I had a corbin and it had the opposite problem. It sat me way too far back. I love being up on the tank, so I sold it and stick with my stock seat. Might be just what you need though. | ||
| S1owner |
S1stock seat = 2x4 S1 Select seat =2x4with leather padding S1corbin=2x6 But we love them | ||
| No_sprk |
Hey guys sorry for the delay. Having a mini vacation up here in Portland staying with my GFs aunt. LTBuell sorry to hear about your health issues. It sounds like a great bike. I'll have to message you about it. Well since the molten orange guy won't talk to me it's back to the 11k mile 1owner bike or the salvage title bike with 26k both seem to have a recall shock on. | ||
| Ltbuell |
No sprk, please do.Also, it has a Corbin Gunfighter seat and Banke brake and shifter set and had shock recall/upgrade as well,Buell bike cover.Also has original owner's manual, factory shop manual, accessory catalog,parts catalog and several other manuals for an XB as i was going to put the XB dash in it and needed a wiring diagram to swap the wiring pins to it. That, too, will go with the bike.Like i said, there is a lot of "stuff" that will go with the bike for the right price.LT | ||
| Ltbuell |
Hey,M2x2, where in the East Bay do ya live.Reason is, i use to live in the East Bay most of my life from the late 50's till 2000.Been in Carson City, NV for 6 years.LT | ||
| Oopezoo |
Mike_Lee.....sent you a PM on that Corbin. Such a crapshoot if they go through or not. | ||
| Purpony |
Talked about a little... but if the S1 would be your only bike... the seat is not that comfy. Ive been riding an X1 since 08, rode with the factory seat and then upgraded to the buell aftermarket. Was a great seat for hours of riding. Have since had a factory seat reworked with gel and like that even better. Oil pump drive gear should be replaced with the newer bronze style, primary shoe was updated to a thicker plate, depending on mileage you may want to do a clutch and remove the factory rivet plate, isolators where updated, id replace the front engine mount bolts (known to break and ruin the front head), there was a shock recall as well. Check and see if the lower base gaskets are leaking, or wet spots between the heads and jugs. I just recently purchased an S1 as well but have it in pieces and starting to build. Planning on this bike to be my hot rod around town so when my butt gets sore i can swap to my X1 and ride longer distance. | ||
| M2x2 |
Hey Ltbuell, I have lived in the Orinda/Moraga area for 50 yrs. We probably passed each other riding our great roads. Wish you all the best. | ||
| Ltbuell |
Small world.Grew up there from the early 60's till after high school. Miramonte. Next time we're down that way, we'll have to get together.LT | ||
| No_sprk |
Also found this 97 M2 that popped up really close to me it has a tach kit updated rear shock and what looks like a carbon fiber air cleaner really low miles https://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/mcy/d/1997-buell- m2-cyclone-for-sale/6595021345.html (Message edited by no_sprk on May 21, 2018) | ||
| Hootowl |
Ad says the transmission is automatic. Interesting.  | ||
| Ltbuell |
Yeah.....really interesting  | ||
| No_sprk |
I'm going to go look at that 97 M2. Anything I should look for? | ||
| No_sprk |
ok the owner was too busy to meet tonight. i really like the old m2 body work. i forgot how much better it looks than a newer m2 and it has a bigger seat than a s1. im so torn. someone offer me a killer deal on one so i dont buy a CL bike | ||
| Diem24 |
I have a 98s1w that is strong and has almost mint body. Also have a nice 96S1 that’s mostly stock in nice condition. I’d sell either or both. |
