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Steveford
Posted on Sunday, December 23, 2018 - 09:32 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Sad day, just saw my X1W go off in a truck.
I've had an S1, S1W, S2, S3, X1W and then a second X1W.
They've provided so much fun over the years so thank you, Erik Buell, for making something decent out of a Harlee product.
He must have driven them insane, ha, ha.
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2003xb9r
Posted on Sunday, December 23, 2018 - 10:30 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Sad day indeed Steve. Every time I think of selling up I take one of them for a ride and instantly change my mind. I took one for a Christmas Eve ride today to get into the holiday spirit. Seasons Greetings to you.
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Steveford
Posted on Monday, December 24, 2018 - 05:05 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

It was a hard day, all right.
It wasn't getting ridden and I need to pick up another bike to put a lot of miles on. The X1W would have been beaten into garbage in short order so it went to a more suitable home.
The replacement will be here before New Years so Happy Holidays!
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Upthemaiden
Posted on Monday, December 24, 2018 - 09:14 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

"The replacement will be here before New Years so Happy Holidays!"

What'd you move on to?

"Posted on Sunday, December 23, 2018:
I took one for a Christmas Eve ride today to get into the holiday spirit"

well then... I hope you're having a nice Christmas today!


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Steveford
Posted on Monday, December 24, 2018 - 02:20 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

With one of these:




that's my previous one which is an 04 955 RS and now belongs to a fellow in Texas.
The one I'm getting has some cosmetic damage from somebody knocking it over but in this instance it's a plus as I won't feel bad about using it for beater duty.
When the Ulysses takes a dump I can either take the Tiger or this RS.

I looked at the Tiger's odometer and went Holy Shit, it's got nearly 30,000 miles on it, it seemed like it just turned 25,000 a few days ago.
I need to put in a few more years before I can retire so it's a lot of thought as to what can get me through the next 40-80,000 miles without nickel and diming me to death.

The Ulysses has got nearly 126,000 on it and it's always something. It went from being really cheap to own to really expensive to keep running.

I know the Sprints pretty well and running costs (so far) have been minimal. They'll also do 150 MPH, have decent brakes and handle well, sound good, I like the styling and they have at least a little weather protection and carrying capacity if you add hard luggage.
I've got a set of bags and mounting hardware up in the loft, just need a back rest and then can put on a top case.
They have their weak spots but nothing that can't be fixed easily enough and they're a bit labor intensive but there's no such thing as a perfect motorcycle.
For me, this is pretty close.

Parts prices, by the way, are ridiculously expensive. They're out of their minds.
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Jolly
Posted on Monday, December 24, 2018 - 02:46 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I had a Sprint ST of that same generation, ran perfectly!! No issues, and parts still available AND supported by factory....sold it to a buddy who really needed it, he still has it, I still miss it!!
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Steveford
Posted on Monday, December 24, 2018 - 04:42 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Santa tells me you've been good and he gave permission for you to go out and get another one.
I think where you live now you can open it up in top gear, no?

The rectum fryer needs upgrading (roadstercycles.com), there's a splice in the left hand switch wiring that needs to be replaced with a length of wire, the IACV lines need replacing with 6mm silicone ones and lube the suspension and rear hub bearings with moly grease as Triumph really chintzed out there. Add a real horn and Bonneville fork gaiters and the rest is just personalizing the bike.
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Upthemaiden
Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2018 - 07:46 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Very nice! I've always loved Triumphs. I bought a Speed Four back in 2003, which I loved. Then I owned a 2006 Speed Triple, which I traded in for the S1. I gave that Speed Four hell(and am luckily I came out of my early 20s alive), but it was a great bike. Speed Triple was great as well, and the engine was amazing. It was just too much bike for my boring daily commute. I rarely got to twist the throttle how you'd like, and riding on it made it feel like it was twice the size of the Buell, because it was so wide. It's really impressive that Buell was able to take a 1203cc engine and build such a small bike around it.
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Steveford
Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2018 - 01:04 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Yep, the S1 feels like a bicycle.
My old Useless used to seem like such a large bike until I started riding the Triumphs. Now it seems svelte!
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Kc_zombie
Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2018 - 03:04 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I had a 2009 Speed Triple 1050. It was a well put together and fun motorcycle. I understand the same goes for the Sprint.

Congrats. Sorry to see you go. Ride Safe.
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Steveford
Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2018 - 03:35 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Kc zombie,
Still got the Useless (with the coveted random CEL blink feature that I know says 02 sensor) so I'll be around unless the thing finally blows up and catches on fire.
Otherwise, I'll just keep cursing and fixing it like the guy with the 3 million mile Volvo.

I like the idea of that Speed Triple. A lot!
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Kc_zombie
Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2018 - 04:18 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Well then let me help you...









Actually is was an 08. Sold it last year.

; )
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Led
Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2018 - 05:05 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

My '96 Lightening will be the last thing that leaves me!

I have no real attachment to it. Only 3k on it........

But it was so iconic in its day, it is a KEEPER! I had Folks at Road America racetrack all ohhing and ahhing over it, in its first year.

Of course, they were racing the bikes there that year......

I just don't know......something about Her, I just cannot let go......

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Kc_zombie
Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2018 - 05:40 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Agreed. I will never let my S1W or S2T go.

Cheers.
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Steveford
Posted on Wednesday, December 26, 2018 - 07:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

The tube frame Buells always reminded me an updated Norton Commando (another brand I rode for years). Light, shakes like crazy at idle, effortless handling and it just dares you to give it the gas.

Old Bug Eyes, that thing looks like trouble waiting to happen, doesn't it?
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Upthemaiden
Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2018 - 08:43 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

You can tell how much bulkier the S3 is just by looking at it. It's a noticeable difference, the S3's gas tank, frame, and engine all look like they're about twice as wide as the S1. I'm sure it would've been a perfect bike if I spent time on the highway and wide open roads, but at this point in my life my riding time is primarily commuting back and forth to work. I spend a lot of time in traffic and at redlights, and it was more heft than I really felt was necessary. I guess the same commuting complains could be lodged against how bad the S1 shakes when I'm sitting in traffic, but I'm willing to compromise for it. I also test rode a Street Triple before I bought the S3, and honestly that bike fit me perfectly, but I just got swooned by the 1050 engine.











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Buell3some
Posted on Tuesday, January 08, 2019 - 11:42 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Steveford, i still recall the day back in June 2013 that i sold my X1 Millenium and watched it go away in a truck. I was unsettled with the 20 something yr old kid that was to be the new owner but he had a envelope full of $100 bills. I had owned it since i bought it new but i needed to make room for another bike. Like you that ended up being a Triumph, 2008 Tiger 1050 to be exact.

After a couple years of tip toeing on the too tall Tiger that got sold and replaced by a 2011 Sprint GT 1050 that i still own. I'm still hanging on to one tuber though, my 2002 S3T that i have owned since 2002. It was my roadtrip bike for over a decade but has since been downgraded to a daily rider. I have no immediate plans to part ways with it but the Sprint GT is a far more superior bike for long trips.
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Steveford
Posted on Tuesday, January 08, 2019 - 06:16 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Buell3some,
Great minds think alike as I have a 2011 Sprint GT as well and it's quite the bike.

I really like the 02 S3T, that's the one tube frame Buell model that I've always coveted but never owned. A 98 S3 was a close relative.
I could see holding onto that S3T and using it for day trip/weekend type riding.
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Falloutnl
Posted on Wednesday, January 09, 2019 - 05:53 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I guess the same commuting complains could be lodged against how bad the S1 shakes when I'm sitting in traffic.

I friggin love those shakes. Love them!

My S1 is the same color as yours by the way. Cool!

And that S1 / Triple combination is hot. Very nice.



(Message edited by falloutnl on January 09, 2019)
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Upthemaiden
Posted on Wednesday, January 09, 2019 - 07:45 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

They look good, but the S3 left the garage shortly after the s1 moved in. I had also owned that Triumph S4 I previously mentioned, so by my calculations the only other bike I really need to own at some point is an S2.

I'm actually fighting off the desire to pick up another project bike after my tax return gets here. My wife gave me her blessing but I'm trying to be a responsible adult and use the money on stuff we actually need haha.
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Falloutnl
Posted on Wednesday, January 09, 2019 - 08:14 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

The only other bike I really need to own at some point is an S2.

If you live in the US of A where those S2s cost next to nothing, there is actually no excuse not to get one.

I've seen some go for less than three?! Which is absolutely mindblowing to me. The S2 was never sold in Europe. In the years which I've been into Buell (which is 6 years at this point) I have seen a grand total of one S2 (import) for sale here in The Netherlands. Price?

10 grand. In euros. That's 11.5k in dollars.

So yeah.

There was that guy on Facebook a few days ago that bought an S2 with the intention of stripping it for parts for his S3. Thankfully he didn't. But I can only read those posts just shaking my head in disbelief.

In addition to their rarity (here in Europe anyway), I also think they are awesomely beautiful in terms of design, maybe even more beautiful than the S1.
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Upthemaiden
Posted on Wednesday, January 09, 2019 - 08:44 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I do agree, the S2s are beautiful bikes. S1s are still my favorite, but I'd pick an S2 over any other Buell. Most Buells here don't get much over $3000. I picked up my S1 for $2400, although I've spent about $1000 on it since. Not ALL of that was necessary, but most of it was.


"If you live in the US of A where those S2s cost next to nothing, there is actually no excuse not to get one."

If that was true... there'd already be so many early 90s gsxrs, cbr900rrs, S1s, Yamaha xs650s, late 90's/early 00's triumphs, supermotos, TL1000Ss, early 90's ducati 600SS/900SSs, 2004 ZX10Rs, and RC51s in my garage, I'd be lucky to fit another S2 in there. I bet you could even track down an older MV Agusta Brutale for $3k at this point. $3k is a good deal for most bikes, but certainly not unpassable.
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Falloutnl
Posted on Wednesday, January 09, 2019 - 09:02 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

True, I have a long list of bikes as well. Though I find myself weirdly unable to buy anything other than Buells.

As for the 3k, yeah it's still money, but I've seen em go for even less. I'm spending over 2k euro on rebuilding the S1, haha. : ( omg what am I doing. Someone stop me.
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Falloutnl
Posted on Wednesday, January 09, 2019 - 09:18 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

On the list:

1995 YZF750R in those red/white/grey colors (had one, sold it, regret it)

2002 998 in either yellow or red (had one, sold it, don't regret it, but I do still want one)

1994 Triumph original Speed Triple in black.

KTM 1290 Superduke or a Superduke GT, because why not.

BMW 1250GSA to abuse the hell out of.

Since we're talking about it anyway, an S2 Thunderbolt in (what was it?) parkway blue.

An original 1993 900 Monster in red.

A 2010 BMW S1000RR.
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Upthemaiden
Posted on Wednesday, January 09, 2019 - 10:07 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Our lists aren't that far apart

Superduke is definitely on mine, but it didn't make my previous $3k bike list. I'd also love one of the newer Indian Scouts so I can try to relax a little on my commute to work. May look into one of those when the truck is paid off.

Those BMWs always looked like fun, but that's more bike than I'd ever have a use for. Love the style of those 916/996/998 Ducatis, but if Italian style was all I was going for, I'd pick the MV F4. Even still I'd rather have one of the 600ss/900ss that they made until around 97, I think that would be a much more enjoyable ride than either of the previous 2.

An S2 would definitely be on the list. The only Triumph I still need to own at this point is one of the 955i Daytonas, in blue(edit: the earlier one, before they updated the bodywork).

My #1 top pick of needed bikes is the early 90s gsxr for a street fighter project. The 70's XS650 would also just be for garage fun. I'd love to make a hardtail project out of one. Doubt the ride would be that enjoyable so it probably wouldn't get out much, just think it'd be fun to have one up on a lift so I had something to tinker with when I had time, making everything for it by hand.

(Message edited by upthemaiden on January 09, 2019)
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Falloutnl
Posted on Wednesday, January 09, 2019 - 11:01 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

one of the 955i Daytonas, in blue(edit: the earlier one, before they updated the bodywork

Oh yeah, the one that doesn't look a lot like an SV650. Those earlier ones are pretty. I have a tiny scale model of one.

600ss/900ss that they made until around 97, I think that would be a much more enjoyable ride than either of the previous 2.

Oh definitely.

My #1 top pick of needed bikes is the early 90s gsxr for a street fighter project.

I love the colors on those 90s gixxers. But I assume you would remove the bodywork if you're turning it into a street fighter, right?

Indian Scouts

Yes! Either that or the new Triumph Bobber thing (which sounds incredible even with the stock pipes).


Those BMWs always looked like fun, but that's more bike than I'd ever have a use for

In a way, yes. Though I had an old 1150GS last year - just had it for six months when I needed it for a commute that I no longer have - and it did that wonderfully. It just ate miles effortlessly. Not quite as nimble as my Ulysses, but remarkably close for the sheer weight that thing lugs around. Comfortable too.

If I could have just one bike..., haha no forget that - I don't think I could be without a Buell. I'd keep either my X1 or S1, but that'd be a damn hard choice.

(Message edited by falloutnl on January 09, 2019)
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Upthemaiden
Posted on Wednesday, January 09, 2019 - 12:17 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

"Oh yeah, the one that doesn't look a lot like an SV650."

Not sure if we're thinking of the same one or not. The one I like is the one that looks a bit like an SV650, the 1997-2001ish version. After that that redesigned it trying to make it look too Japanese, and then surprise, the model died and was replaced with the 675. Silly considering they still make the S3 and all they'd have to do is attach a fairing and handlebars to have a competent street bike, but they must not have been selling enough to want to bother.





Speaking of SV650s, I've always had a soft spot for them. I almost bought one in my first years of riding, but I bought that Triumph S4 instead. The version I like is the 99-02 model with the half fairing, that looks suspiciously similar to the Daytona fairing. They're not flashy but I always thought they'd make a great commuter with some slightly higher handlebars. It's a bike I'd love to have, and at this point you could probably find a decent one for about $1500, but there's just too many older bikes I'd need to own first, so I doubt I'll ever get around to buying one. The SVs have just gotten uglier every time they've restyled them so the newer ones don't have the same appeal.





"I love the colors on those 90s gixxers. But I assume you would remove the bodywork if you're turning it into a street fighter, right? "

ooh I love the colors. Years and years ago I remember seeing this leather GSXR riding jacket that was black with purple and pink lines/angles on it that matched those bikes. It looked amazing in early 90's style. I didn't bid on it and the thing sold for about $15-17. I still wake up in a cold sweat thinking about missing out on that thing haha. You're right though, all of the bodywork will get pulled off. A new tail will get made and the whole thing will get repainted. Not good enough to pull off one of those old styles with the paint though. It'll end up just being a solid color, Neon green if I have some self control, gloss black if I get sucked into my usual habits.
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Falloutnl
Posted on Wednesday, January 09, 2019 - 02:46 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Ah, I can see how that might have been confusing - now that I see the early SV actually looks like the early 955i.

Both of 'em look like each other actually, though I prefer the early 955i and the later SV. Overall the SV doesn't compare to the 955 however, there is a similarity in the headlights (most of all), but the 955 is a prettier bike, for sure. The early one especially.

You're right though, all of the bodywork will get pulled off. A new tail will get made and the whole thing will get repainted

Think I would go for a restomod type deal myself since I love the look so much. Lighter wheels, better brakes, bigger forks, trick suspension and maybe try to see if there's some weight to be shed in other areas.

I'd love to see what a gloss black one would look like. Could be cool to keep the original lights somehow. Maybe cut down the fairing a little? Though I've never done something like that and would have zero clue how to do it.
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Upthemaiden
Posted on Wednesday, January 09, 2019 - 03:34 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Not that I assume Suzuki stole the styling, but I feel like whoever redesigned the front end definitely spent some time drooling over the Triumph. I know the general design was copied straight from the TL1000S, but the headlights, that little running light, and the air intakes are all right off of the Triumph.

I really like the 92-95 gsxrs. If I picked up one of those I think I'd leave the bodywork intact at least for a few years until I was ready to get to work on it. The styling on the older versions don't really appeal to me quite as much.

Gloss black is easy, this has always been one of my favorites. I think I'd make my tail slightly less aggressive, but overall I always thought he did a great job on this one...




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Mbsween
Posted on Wednesday, January 09, 2019 - 05:01 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Well hell, we can a 955 and an X1, I have these in my garage, ok and old KZ too : )

A bit of an international lot



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