| Author | Message | ||
     doncasto |
Rene: Let me add my welcome to those of my Buell brothers. I heartily concur with their affection for things Buell even though by comparison my experiences on Lord Erik's sublime creations place me in a novitiate position. As much as I love my S3T, the real reason I will never be Buelless is a more metaphysical one. For some unquantifiable, intangible reason these motorcycles draw to them the finest group of individuals I have ever had the honor of knowing. It is a phenomenon unique in my life experience and is not found amongst groups owning the other brands of bike that I have purchased. You have made a wise choice, Rene. | ||
| Jon Hastings |
How about some advice? I now own a 97 S3T (not much T left to be seen). Love the bike, but have been constantly plagued by minor chassis problems. I plan to trade for a new Buell, not because of the minor hassles, but because I just feel like buying a new bike. I have found good deals on new 99 and 00 S3's. My questions: Are there significant differences between the 99 and the 00 S3's. If so, are the differences worth $1,500? Will I likely experience the same chassis problems with a new 99 or 00 S3? Thanks for the input. | ||
| Court Canfield |
Jon: Expect the chassis to be well sorted out with improvements, over your 1997, like the 4th tie bar & Heim joint. Additionally, other, more sublte changes, have "evolved" in the chassis. With regard to the '99 v. '00 issue and the cost/benefit of a $1,500 price difference, I'll confess that I'd lean toward the '00. Why ?....... Largely the myriad of issues that plauged the '99 year models. Many of these were very significant like shocks, swingarms and motor mounts. In theory, any '99 model should have the maladies addressed. In fact, Buell is still trying to come up with recall parts from over a year ago and you can bet if the bike is unsold at the dealer's it's received less attention than a previsouly sold owner ridden unit that represents a daily potential legal liability. Be sure to mention to the dealer that there was NO price increase from Buell from '99 to '00. But, confirm this by reviewing the MSRP on the website first. You have considerable neogotiating leverage because the S3's (one of my personal favorite Buells) has never left skid marks leaving the showroom floor. Also, bear in mind that invites have already been extended to dealers to preview the 2001 Buells in June. Your position will continue to increase as spring approaches. Lesson from history: Buell has NEVER NOT had a very attrative promotional offer to move bikes within 90 days preceeding the dealer show.....so go pull some G's, be coy, cute your deal and ride like the dickens. You'll love this bike. Court - Still Crazy After All These Buells | ||
| DAve (Dave_1) |
" ... the myriad of issues that plauged the '99 year models. Many of these were very significant like shocks, swingarms and motor mounts. ...." Court, perhaps I'm missing something but you are saying the '99s have issues with the swing arms? I also understood Don "Fidel" Casto's data suggest the shock has failed across the board and not just limited to pre-'00. The motor mounts were a '99 problem??? Damn I'm confused. :-) I realize you "may" have information all are not privy too. Can you elaborate on anything? Gawd I'm lovin' the Nuked Demon '99 Thunderbolt with the Race Kit!! Freakin' fantastic!! DAve post '99 recall '99 Thunderbolt | ||
| Court Canfield |
DAve: Mis-speak on my part......The official recall menu follows. What I should have said is that many of the recall issues were significant and that some of them involved 1999 production. The Buell website, this BBS and a Buell dealer should be able to make sure everything is checked out an any potential purchase. Thanks for bringing this to my attention.....and your bike HAS to be awesome...need that puppy tested /...hehehe... Court Front Motor Mount System in all 1997 - 1998 models; Negative Battery Cable in 1996 - 1998 S1 Lightning and 1998 S1 White Lightning models; Rear Brake Line in 1999 Lightning X1 models; Side Stand Switch in all 1996 - 1999 models, except S2 and S2T Thunderbolt models; Fuel Tank Retention System in all 1995 - 1999 models, except Lighting X1 models; Fuel Tank Vent in all 1995 - 1999 models; Swing Arm in all 1995 - 1998 models; Shock Eye in all 1995 - 1998 models. | ||
| drandall |
Court, I just got two recall notices for my '99 S3 - rear brake line - fuel filter Dave | ||
| Court Canfield |
Dave: That is no reason for alarm. Recalls effected specific V.I.N's, not so much model years. As Buell said early on, there weren't going to be as many bikes actually effected as the "every bike Buell ever made" would suggest. If you have any concerns that all your's were addressed, write a letter, noting V.I.N, name, purchase date and all the usual crudola and fire off for confirmation that your bike is up to snuff. Ride safe, Court | ||
| paulinoz |
Hi Court after the Red Shark AKA Hunter S's work comments I started to think of the number of common things of intrest I have with a large number of the posters on this site, with your long time association with all things Buell have you noticed any connections. It seems to me every time some one mentions a book or some music, or a bike owned or tested I have been there. I am not sugesting all Buell owners are clones of each other but It makes you think or at least it makes me think. That cant be a bad thing in its self anway. PaulinOz | ||
| Court Canfield |
Paul: Rest easy . . . it's NOT your imagination. Whenever you get around Buells you may expect to find a disproportionate numbers of folks HEAVILY into..... 1.) Motorcycles 2.) Guitars 3.) Aircraft 4.) Hooliganism I could write a LONG story on this but the number of folks who play/palyed/own guitars is incredible. I got to meet Les Paul at dinner last Monday night and couldn't help but recall he was from Waukesha, WI, near Buell. Wilke, Valine and a host of execs/elves at Buell are pilots and own their own planes. One of my local Buell riding partners lost his pilot's license for 90 days for flying under the Verazzano (longest suspension bridge in the US) inverted with smoke jets on. When he arrived for his re-issue check ride with the FAA examiner, did he take a Lear Jet or Gulf Stream (type rated in both) ....Nope, he showed in an aerobatic plane and after 10 minutes (well, 10 minutes AND a snap roll atop a loop) the FAA guy told his to get his butt on the ground. You have made a keen observation..... Court * Licensed pilot * Owner of Strats, Gibson and Washburn 6 & 12 strings | ||
| Jon Hastings |
Court, I'm considering trading my '97 S3T in an a '00 S3 (thanks for your advice earlier). I have already found a few great deals on bikes, and have test-ridden two. However, the '00 S3's don't seem to have the same great low-end pull as my '97, which has a Borla muffler and a Thunderslide carb kit. Would basic exhaust/airbox modifications improve the low-end torque of the '00 bikes, or must I be content with trading low-end torque for high RPM HP? | ||
| Henrik (Henrik) |
Snap-roll atop a loop I think is called an Immelman after the WW I pilot who first came up with that little trick? Henrik | ||
| X1/RS (Kirk) |
Jon, I think your answer for the '00 S3 is to go with the Race ECM, K&N filter and the slip-on of your choice...or go with the full Race Kit. That will give you the low/mid you crave. | ||
| Neil Schwartz (Neils) |
Jon: Like Kirk said, that will give you everything and more of that low and mid range TORQUE. I went with the "Poor Buellers" race kit: Race ECM, K&N, gutted airbox and a Supertrap IDS. My dyno charts are within 2% of the race kit for $500-600 cheaper than the OEM kit. Mine shows 60ft-lb torque at 2500 rpm, and going up from there. Look at: Sparky 1st Dyno But if you hate the breadbox the race kit does replace it and give you a nice CF Helmhotz. Time2Ride Neil | ||
| Court Canfield |
Jon: The consensus here, and in most venues, is that the Buell Race Kit (or the poor man's version) are a pretty well sorted out and proven method of easily coaxing lots more umph.....from your S3. In addition, you'll find the EFI bike has a lot more on the top end. Ride safe, Court | ||
| chevydan |
Court, I am new to this discussion board and I have a question: who are you?? How do you have such an inside track to Erik? Are you looking to adopt a 34 y/o "boy"!!! Great advice and love this site. My wife can't get me to come to bed since I found it!!! Dan 99 S3 | ||
| Court Canfield |
Dan: Great news ! I can sort out your S3 AND your wife's lonliness all in the same trip. This will save you paying those annoying "mobilization" charges. This a great world or what ? That, by the way, is a joke! Long time participants will assure you I am qualified to do NEITHER ! Welcome to the world of Buell and you have choosen a dandy bike in the 1999 S-3. I've been riding Buell's for quite some time and, frankly, just never really got over the fascination. We're glad to have you here. But hey, glancing at wrist watch.....I think it's after your bedtime, now GET ! Ride safe, lean much and smile more.... Court | ||
| chevydan1 |
Court, wife says if I don't come to bed soon then all guys who ride Buells will go lonely! I think she is planning on organizing all the ladies at homecoming and overthrowing the regime!! I think we better plan a dance or something to keep them happy!! My bike is a pleasure to ride when it's not in the shop! Lets just hope it stays out of there more this year than it did last year. Dan S3 | ||
| chevydan1 |
Court, Do you know if there is a way to reset your Throttle Position Sensor without a scanalyzer? I am getting a race ECM next week and hate to have to go to my dealer just for it. Actually I hate the dealer peroid(Barnett HD)!! If not do you think they will have one available to us at Homecoming without a high dealer charge to have the reset done? | ||
| Ralph Trueblood (Mpdgears) |
Dear Court, See: Topics--general discussion board--respiraton--obtaining a scanalyzer on this website | ||
| Jim |
Court, Don't know if you know anything about the AirTech replacement bodies, but I was wondering if the RS1200 body would fit on post HD Buells (I love the look, but have no where near the cash for an RS)? Thanks for any thoughts on this, Jim |
