| Author | Message | ||
     Jasonl |
Motoman - First off...don't apologize for asking us questions. We're here, and make ourselves available, as a resource. *Please use this resource to make things easier on you* Now..on to the preaching...(Grin) I bought my '97 M2 about 3 years ago. Great bike. I wish I hadn't traded it for my S3 just this spring. Not to say I wish I hadn't bought the S3 but that I wish I still had the M2. I bought that cycle because I hate dealerships. Most Hd dealerships seem to thrive on attitude and this haughty style of business. Like I should feel good that I'm being allowed in the inner sanctum. Problem is most Jap dealerships look at me and write me off as a tire kicker. So it was 6 of one and half dozen of another when it came to working with dealerships. Attitude and poor service or more attitude and more poor service. So I looked around at low maintenance bikes to limit my dealer contact. The Evo motor is about as easy to work on as it gets. No valve adjustments (ever). Motorcycle online changed the cams on their S2 and made it sound easy enough for me to perform it at home. I read a book that talked about the 10k service (about $500 at a Stealership) and all the stuff I read I could do at home with my own tools. The motor is known for doing 50k+ miles in sportsters but I did later learn it's life is MUCH shorter in the Buell platform, but JMartz has 43k on his. In a word the motor is simple, tough, and can be maintained by Joe six-pack. Just take care of it like an old detroit V-8 (no over revving, dog it and pay later, change the oil religiously) As far as recalls go my M2 had a handful (shock, fuel tank vent, fuel tank retention, and isolators) None of these recalls ever affected the bike enough to keep me off the road. In fact I never had the WP replaced while I owned it. That shock was tough too...it rode hard but I got used to it in the 11k miles I had the bike. I didn't ride 2-up much on that postage stamp seat so that probably helped the isolators last. It seemed that the first generations of this bike would go throw a "teething" process after you first purchased them. Mine was done about 500 miles after I bought it. As far as the dealerships go, you know where I stand on this. I haven't met a good dealership yet. I did like Waugh's HD in Orange but those guys got out of the Buell business a while back. Damn shame too. I bought my S3 at Southside Hd in VA beach but I don't get that feeling in the service dept. So I bought it and probably voided my warranty by never going back. Screw'em. My advice would be to ask around here. Then go there and find out who you like. Talk to the service dept because if you have problems it won't be the salesman who fixes'em. Talk to their Buell tech and get a feeling on the place. If you don't like it then walk out. As far as owning a Buell goes, Vik has got it. Buell's aren't like owning a Honda Accord. If you want an appliance then get a Honda. If you want something that you develop a relationship with then a Buell may be for you. Myself, I feel like if you don't work on your own cycle then you don't know it well enough to ride it. Then again with new bikes now you can not know a battery cable from a clutch cable because they are pretty reliable. But I do like fixing things instead of dialing for a wrecker on the cell phone. When I rode my Buell I knew I'd get home. That M2 never, ever, ever missed a beat or let me down at all. I could fix it, but I never had to. After all this let me say this last bit. If you've wanted a Buell for 3 yrs you owe it to yourself to at least look into one seriously enough to think about buying one. Rumors have been flying about this new 2002 model bike. Something like over 100hp that will be really lightweight and rev to 8k. It might also levitate but that rumor hasn't been substantiated yet. But it is a rumor. Maybe we'll get some hint to it if the stealers start slashing prices on the old IronLung evo models. We'll see. But either way it could work to your advantage by offering a lower price on older models or offering a newer, higher performance Buell. But He||. Since you've owned so many bikes what haven't you done that you won't do on a Buell!? Three years is a long time to watch something you'll never get. | ||
| Aaron |
Damn, this is scary, I'm starting to agree with Jason  ... I'll add only one thing to the above. I looked at these things for 3 years before I took the plunge. The '99 M2 did it, it set a new standard for the value they were offering. After I bought it, and got comfortable on it, I kicked myself for not doing it sooner. I'd been riding for 30 years, had more than 2 dozen bikes of all brands, and I had no idea there was anything out there that could make me that excited about riding motorcycles again. I felt like I did the day I got my first bike at age 10. You'll find that a lot of Buellers own more than one. I now own 5. AW | ||
| Motoman |
Thanks for all the comments guys. For Dave, I'm from Michigan and have just started looking out of state. Dealer from Ohio gave me $800.00 off MSRP but all he has at this time is the "Low" 01's. The reason i did'nt buy in 97 is that the postage stamp seat and 2nd degree exhaust pipe indicated to me that that Buell still had a ways to go. This along with the rumored isolator problems convinced me that the time was not right. I came very close to purchasing in 99 when the needed changes were done on the M2. The day I visited my local dealer, he pulled me aside and explained that he could not sell any new bikes until the replacement parts needed due to a recall were delivered. This was all during a time when i was putting 3 people through college and the last thing i needed was a unreliable new M/C which was waiting for parts. I've never owned a Japanese bike, just Nortons, Triumphs, Moto-Guzzis,Ducatis,etc. Sure, these types of bikes require more maintenance, but I've always felt its part of M/C ownership and i've never been left on the roadside. I do feel that Buell is under the gun now to produce a high quality M/C. They cannot afford to deal with anymore recalls. Pops "HD" will slide them out the back door before that will happen. As far as the new 2002 Buells, I would rather buy the last year of a refined design before i would buy the first year of a new design, especially in Buell's case and with their track record. I'm getting prices and will purchase as soon as i find a regular 01 M2 in stock. See you on the road... | ||
| Tripper |
I agree! My story is alot like yours. I watched this site for 18 months, and Buell's progress with trepidation. I finally made the leap this summer and will never regret it. Your wife is on your side, JUMP! It's more fun than you've ever known motorcycling could be. I'm not sure why, don't really care, don't want to explain it to people any more. I just want to ride it. Tripper | ||
| Rickway |
I'm trying to adjust the rear pre-load, but the shock looks like it needs a special tool. The rear shock on my '99 M2 does not have the large bolt that is described in the factory service manual. Is there such a tool? My Buell dealer doesn't know about it (sad but true) | ||
| Aikigecko |
Vic you need a prize for the use of "Coprophagous" in a sentence; I actually had to look that word up before I fell over laughing so hard my wife came into the romm wondering what in a dictionary could be so funny. Peace Tony | ||
| Eeeeek |
Tony: BlueBuellFool (Ray) first used that word here about a year ago and I tucked it away in the back of my mind. Where the heck is Ray, anyway? Vik | ||
| Chuck |
To all those trying to decide whether to buy a Buell: Just go ride one -- especially on some fast, sweeping corners. No other sport bike is as satisfying to ride on the road. And no other motorcycle commands more respect. The Buell has attitude. Its mere presence intimidates other riders, evoking in them feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. The chassis is magic on the road and will put a permanent smile on your face. Try it. You'll like it  .  | ||
| Christopher |
Like many here I've been looking at Buells for a while. I got a change to ride all of them at the Laughlin River Run a couple of years back and fell hard for the X1. Rode the Road King home and sold it, was going to buy an X1 when all the recall/parts problems hit so I decided to wait for the dust to settle ;-) I've been riding dirt alot but the wife wants me to get another street bike so we can go on rides together ( she has a Sportster ). I started looking around and found several X1's from '99(even a couple of NEW ones) for sale and am doing my homework before the purchase. What updates are on the newer ('00, '01) X1's? (Shift linkage, Isolators, Muffler mounts,ECU?) I'm looking at the tradeoff's of dealing with any problems a '99 may have vs. the savings. When I was looking before dealers seemed VERY willing to deal, I think with all the recall stuff that sales were really slow. I wonder if that's still the case? If I buy one of the "new" '99's and it comes with the factory warranty I'd be able to get the updated parts if I have a problem, right? Are dealer's supposed to deal with all the recalls before sale? What questions should I be asking to make sure they've got it all? I'm 90 miles from the nearest dealer so I'll be doing anything that needs doing myself, unless it's a BIG warranty item. I know the "right" dealer can make life easier, but I'm so far away, I'll be pretty much price shopping and consider the savings payment for troubles I may endure later.... Some of the bikes I'm looking at are out of state, anybody every buy one and have it shipped? Any lessons learned? Thanks Chris | ||
| Hans |
Hi Chris, spend your savings on the nearest dealer and ASK him the (small) differences: There are dealers for. And if he is a good one he will tell you exactly. But the dealer with his floors filled up with past models which he tries to sell now for lowest price: That is never the best dealer. Look upon the little bit extra money as an insurance fee: probably you don`t ever need a dealer for big warranty but IF you need him, then a good one is priceless. And the best chance that a good one is your nearest one who you gave your initial trust and sure it is not the far away one who shipped your bike for bottom price. And then: 90 miles is not that far away. Good reason for a nice afternoon trip to buy an oil filter and say hello to your new friend. Ride&Smile Hans | ||
| Christopher |
Hans, I agree, having a good dealer can really make a difference. But pull up Yahoo.com ( maps ), enter Ridgecrest, CA 93555. You'll see I'm in the middle of ....the middle of nowhere! LOL I've owned two Harley's and know what you're saying is correct, but I'm too far to have a "personnel" relationship with any of them. Victorville HD/Buell is the closest ( 90 miles )and they are HORRIBLE, last I heard. The nearest "good" one is Ventura, a good 3 hour drive. I am going to check with them before I buy... But at that distance, it just not cost effective to do "warranty" stuff. For example, If both Isolators both go bad under warranty, I'll burn $80 is gas and a day driving( maybe two ) to get it fixed. What I'll end up doing is ordering the Isolators and fixing it myself! | ||
| X1man |
hey boys and girls, i currently own a X1 and i'm never letting it go from my life. i only have one question which is what is the difference between the buell motor and the sportster motor. i know which one has the kick, but i want to know what makes it kick. mantik | ||
| Sh0_0ter |
1st off, great bbs. After three years of looking and walking, AND stumbling upon this place a while ago, I finally settled on '00 M2, and thanx to so much input my faith in the American sportbike hasn't quavered since. 1 Q tho, I shot myself in the foot in buying the bike 200 miles from home(no local dealership or any1 to talk w/), and from what I've seen in terms of intakes and exhausts, it seems to boil down to Force, BOSS, and a few others. What recommendations do you out there have for a fledgling Bueller like myself? | ||
| Chuck |
Hey Steve, I, too have a 2000 M2. I bought a Vance and Hines slip-on. I didn't buy the Boss because Rek never called or wrote; and I have since come to believe that the "updated" V & H has a more "trick" mounting set-up anyway. I got rid of the stock box; but haven't tried the Force yet. I think the stock cams might be the weakest link in my "breathing" system right now, and will experiment with intakes after those are replaced. I used a Drag Specialties screen and filter (mainly for looks) but the bike still seemed to run great (topped the 130 mark even before the slip-on was added) See photo above in this section | ||
| Junior |
Steve, I bought my 2000 M2 from Manchester Buell and it is 767 miles from my house. As for intakes and exhausts. I bought Forces Streetfighter race pipe and their Forcewinder intake. Streetfighter is Battle2win's horsepower champ. The setup looks and sounds mean. I highly recommend it. | ||
| Bradgross |
Hey guys, I'm off to a dealer today to start seriously looking for a Buell. (finally!) After getting a closer (although rather short) look at one at the International Motorcycle show I would like to spend a few quality minutes looking at one in depth. I'm still a few months away from being able to purchase one (unless Aaron has one he would be willing to part with for the summer, puhlease!!!!). Here is my question: what should I be looking for? Are there things that I should pay particularly close attention to that would make one particular cyclone better than another? What questions should I ask the dealer? Somebody here could write a Buell motorcycle buying 101 post and make mine and probably a few other lurkers' day. thanks up front everyone, this is a great resource. brad | ||
| Tripper |
What makes a great Cyclone? Having one of these to go with it! | ||
| Jasonl |
BradG - ask about the dealer you are going to buy from. If you're buying a cyclone you won't see the dealer much but it's important to have a good one. Ask the guys in your area who they recommend. I'd say after being here and seeing the bike, warts and all, that that is all the Buying 101 you need. | ||
| Seance |
BradG, If you're jonesin' for a Cyclone, just buy one and enjoy the ride! | ||
| Sethspeaks |
Okay I finally did it, just got a 1998 s1wl :-) This is my first bike so ANY suggestions are more then welcome. It has 1900 miles on it and all the recalls have been done other than that I really don't know anything. Is there anything I should know?? I've been lurking here for a while now so I do know a little about the recalls and performance mods but that's about it. Thanks, seth | ||
| Eeeeek |
Seth: The very best performance mod and the very first one your should make is to yourself. Take a riding class, a good one. I, personally, am signed up for one of C.L.A.S.S.'s schools at Sears Point in CA, but there are many others all over the nation. After years of trying to keep up with better riders and wondering why other could just plain old smoke me, I finally wised up and took the plunge. I'm very excited about it. Let me reiterate: I have been riding for years and consider myself a good rider. Now, I wish I had taken a school earlier. Vik | ||
| Sethspeaks |
Hey Vik, Thanks for the reply, I'm signed up for a MSF RiderCourse here in CA. Can anyone recommend a good riding class in the Naples, FL area? Thanks, seth | ||
| Rocketman |
Nice choice of Buell, Speaketh one  Rocket in England | ||
| Chuck |
Seth, congratulations, man. My fatherly advice: ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET preferably a full-face. I've crashed my share of bikes both on the street and on the track (sometimes my fault, sometimes bike's fault). But -- the point is -- in many instances, my head had hit the ground before I even knew I was crashing. Wear a helmet; learn and live | ||
| Sethspeaks |
Rocket, it looks like you also made a good choice. :-) I was looking for a black one but this was too good of a deal to pass up. Chuck, thanks for the advice. I do have a full face helmet, just a HJC tho. I'm looking for a top of the line one, does anyone have any info on the Dainese lids?? comfortable? quiet? quality? thanks, seth | ||
| Buellistic |
A BUELLISEM IF IT AIN'T BROKE, DON'T FIX IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! In buelling BUELLISTIC anr/or HardleyHarley | ||
| Mikej |
But where's the fun in that? Sometimes I just gotta mess with things. | ||
| Nitro |
I would love to buy a reliable Buell. I have a 2000 M2 that's for sell now and I've had any sort of problems. I would discourage anyone to buy a Buell product, at least for the moment. I know in the long run things are gonna be different. The main problem beside the never-ending list of recalls is the engine itself. You can't take an engine that's supposed to give 70 hp and squeeze it to output 100+ hp and still maintain reliability. I have a rocker leak every two-three months! So I'm going back to Honda for fun (I got an RC51) and BMW (GS) for commuting. I really hope one day I'll get a Buell again but many things have to change until then... | ||
| Blake |
Nitro: A rocker leak is too easy to fix, permanently too! Go kick Dudley Perkins' service manager in the butt and tell him to FIX your bike now!!! You should not have repeating leakage. And I beg to differ on the reliability issue, especially if you consider a valve/rocker-box cover leak as a reliability issue. I've had two Buells, neither posed any undue reliability problems; none even close to the horrible nightmare I suffered through with a brand new Yamaha from '84 through '94. I've ridden from TX to SD and back via CO/RMNP as well as from TX to NY and back. The worst problem I had was a faulty kickstand safety switch and the damn persistent grin that would not leave my face. The Yammer woulda never made it that far without stranding me. How 'bout we squeeze the engine to produce over 110 HP. Smaad and Rocket can attest to that, and with no loss of dependability. Of course Steve had around 30K miles on his before having the Cycle-Rama treatment done. | ||
| Peter_T |
Forget it Blake. Like Nitro I would never reccomend Buell to any of my friends. Not if I wanted to keep them as friends anyway. I've never had reliability problems with Jap bikes like I've had with the Buell. Only Jap bike to let me down was my 79 GS1000. The regulator died so I spent $20 on parts and made my own. If only the Buell was that simple and cheap to keep on the road. Sorry but when it comes to a sorted product the Buell isn't even close to the quality of other manufacturers. Pete |
