| Author | Message | ||
     Mmmmoto |
I am considering a very nice S2 for my first Buell that has been upgraded with the Thunderstorm heads, etc. I will be using the bike for aggressive street riding (all day solo) and an ocassional track day at a road track like Road America. I have had various sport bikes (GSXR 600, ZX14, etc.), but have always wanted a Buell. The XB12R is not comfy enough, and the S2 seems to be more sporting than an S3. I am wanting a reasonably comfortable bike that will handle well and have enough "poop" to thrill me. Is this the "right" Buell for me? Will it take hard riding and allow me to keep up with the guys on the modern sport bikes while on the road? Or should I consider Thanks for your opinions and feedback. Mike | ||
| Court |
You need to look for something else. | ||
| Reepicheep |
I agree. Just get another Ninja. If you just want to scare people riding aggressively on the street, you have plenty of great options that will more than cover the rest of your short but intense life. Anyone on anything more than a KLR-250 that is finding themselves limited by the bike on the street is either just going really fast 0 to 60 (fun for a week, but pretty lame in the whole scope of stuff to live for) or is taking way too many chances with their own health, and the health of the people around them. On the road, speed is nearly always governed by sight lines, speed limits, and unknown obstacles and surface conditions. The S2 would be the perfect bike if you were asking about learning to carve the perfect graceful line over a cool mountain pass with a group of good friends... some of which will be way ahead of you, some of which will be way behind you, none of which care about their relative position, and all of whom will wait and regroup before any turn. AMHIK.  The S2, like the rest of the tubers, is also a bit of a hobbyist bike... so the idea of taking a few hours to prepare for a big ride going over the bike and checking and repairing things should be something a prospective owner should look forward too... and they should feel like that kind of thing makes them feel more connected with the bike and makes for a better ride. (Not trying to tell you or anyone else how to live your life, just offering my opinion and perspective.) For the track, I don't think any street legal bike will make a good track bike. Too limited in performance, too expensive to have minor wrecks on, always on the wrong tires. A track is a great place to take a street bike to work on your skills, but that's not about top speeds at that point. | ||
| Court |
On the other hand . . . if you are overcome with the need to "surprise" your friends . . . . I have a very powerful S2. Mine is not for sale but I can hook you up with some folks. You can send them some money and your S2. When it gets back your "will my friends get away from me" worries will be history. If you are riding like this on the street your money is better spent on riding classes such as the MSF beginner course. | ||
| Kalali |
If you have your heart set on getting a Buell, given your application I would suggest an 1125 model. You can look for a CR model if you find the R model uncomfortable. | ||
| Mmmmoto |
Thank you for your responses. I guess I wasn't real clear in my post. I am 56 years young and have ridden for 44 years all over the world on various types of bikes. I have been very fortunate, and have a strong desire to "slow down" and continue living. I have done many track and other schools and am a fairly decent rider. I sold my ZX14 the week after I hit 190 MPH at Road America at a track day 3 years ago, as I realized I was far too old to continue this risky and silly behavior. I bought the S2 and love it! I love the way it looks, handles, sounds, rides, etc. The bike needs some maintenance, as the fork oil has never been changed and the steering head bearings have never been greased. Also, the belt is original. This bike will go fast enough and handle well enough for this old man who has finally (and thankfully) found his sanity while he is still alive and healthy! Good riding to all! Mike  | ||
| Prior |
Mike, Glad you are enjoying the new bike. The S2s are awesome, hope to add one to the stable some day. Prior |
