| Author | Message | ||
     Rocketman |
Last June when I finally rebuilt the S1W, it ended a three year battle against a seemingly impossible set of circumstances. To put those three years into context, I could go back even further. Introduce the problems I suffered with my two Sportsters, especially the last one of the two, and add up the down time of all three Harley powered bikes over a sixteen year period, and I'd find it hard to find anyone else with as much patience to the marque's as I've shown. I thought that would end last June and beyond, but to be truthful the writing has been on the wall for a long time before and after the last rebuild. It wouldn't be fair to say the Buell isn't now a great bike, but great as it may well be, it's a bit of a bone shaker in reality and I simply can't find myself looking at it through rose tinted glasses any longer. It's not the bike that 'carves corners', and it never was. I think the closest truth the marketing hype got was probably with the 'hooligan bike' slogans. It doesn't handle at speed unless you ride it with sheer determination, and then you are committed to not making mistakes otherwise you can pay a high price. That's where I'm at with my thoughts right now. To clarify, there are a hell of a lot better bikes, streetfighter bikes at that, available today. One in my opinion is a great looking bike I'd be happy to have on looks alone, and on looks alone I find that perhaps the hardest part of not owning my S1W if I were no longer to. Yesterday along some pretty tight narrow twisties, up and down dale, I found myself following a really fat fella riding a CBR1100. It wasn't like we were going hell for leather or anything, but speedy as we were it took me a couple of miles to get past him, and some concentrated effort too. It wasn't a big deal or anything, but watching him ride that big touring bike made me feel inadequate. He wasn't trying hard at all. His body language was pretty motionless, unlike mine, and his efforts were no doubt the most comfortable one could experience on two wheels. Mine weren't. My right arm was aching with wrist pump, and my right palm was aching too. Never the less, it would be unfair on the Buell to say I wasn't enjoying myself, but when does the enjoyment become a little hard to bare. Several miles later I arrived at the medieval market town of Helmsley in North Yorkshire. Helmsley on any fairly decent weathered Sunday is a biking mecca. It is also where one joins a stretch of road that is infamous throughout biking legend the length and breadth of England. Heading north from Helmsley we call it the Helmsley TT, or approach it from a little heard of industrial town in the north of England, Stokesley, and you'd call it the Stokesley TT. Whichever way you ride it you are faced with about 20 miles of road that would do any TT racer utter justice, it's that good. Ride it fast and well and you will taste biking euphoria like no other road can offer. Well yesterday I couldn't ride it at all. Worse still, after a 9am start to what was supposed to be a long days riding I found myself heading south on my own on a slow and steady journey home at midday. I had noticed the exhaust note changing whilst dicing with the fat fella on the CBR so my arrival at Helmsley for lunch saw me crawling around on the road underneath a big Buell. This I'm afraid is one of those all to frequent happenings. My horizontal explorations revealed a badly cracked race can. So bad in fact that the crack had almost got all the way around at the point where the intake tube is welded to the can. To ride on, just for fun, was out of the question. I had to cut my friends loose. Their day wasn't done. They had a TT to contemplate, and a great coast road to return southward and homeward along. I had to ride steady. To stop and check. To get home without the silencer falling and spitting me off. To get back to my friends place some sixty miles away for a five minute mig weld. Yep, that's all it took. But where on Easter Sunday are you going to find a mig welder out in the sticks when even the local farmers are wearing their Sunday best. I have things to do with the Buell still. Apart from needing a few simple jobs sorting out, I had delusions of grandeur, looking forward to putting on some fancy levers. A fancy paint job is in the works too. There are other things. Finishing touches. I'm considering nitrous too, but maybe now, I don't know. It seems I get more kicks out of making this a great bike by lavishing some great things upon it, rather than riding it, and those thoughts are now more reinforced than ever after yesterdays somewhat minor episode. I mean, it's no big deal watching the fat fella on the CBR effortlessly enjoying himself. Nor is it such a problem to have a silencer crack, but man am I tired of the small things. I want a bike to showcase my talents on. That's on the work bench and on the road. But on the road I want reliability that doesn't spoil my day that often, if ever at all. Maybe now is the time to move on, but I don't mean move on and buy another bike to add to the collection. I mean maybe it's time to part ways with the Buell all together. That is where I'm at right now. Thinking of clearing out my biking system. Maybe if I had a Brutale right now, I'd sort of semi retire the Buell, but I just don't know. I'm confused right now to be honest and that's mainly because I get so much enjoyment out of just looking at the Buell, which would be like parting with a favourite artwork or ornament if I did, but I want more than that from it. I fear though, I will always be let down in some way or other by the Buell, and that leaves a sour taste to deal with. Maybe today I wouldn't feel like this if I'd have taken the 916 out instead yesterday, but my friend was out with his new last week Monster S4R, and another friend on his Suzuki Fighter, so I didn't want to be out of place. Man that S4R can wheelie. Roll on spring. Roll on summer. Maybe then, things will become clearer. Rocket | ||
| Mikej |
Every ray of sun evaporates a little moisture which becomes a cloud and then some rain to water a seed that sprouts a daisy and feeds a bee that flies into an open jacket neck and stings a rider who happened along at just the right/wrong moment in time. This has nothing to do with the S1, and yet it does. In time the swelling will go down and then you'll be at peace with your decision, whatever that decision may be. I would have thoroughly enjoyed seeing whatever was next in the works for your S1, but I also fully understand exactly where you're coming from. Ride well Rocket, a bike is a bike my friend. (Message edited by mikej on April 17, 2006) | ||
| Kaudette |
There aren't many 2 wheeled machines I can't have fun on, and the Buell is just one of them. That being said, I'd take many over my Buell, just as I'd take my Buell over many. Ride what get's your juices flowin' and go from there! If it's the Brutale - let me know how you like it, and in the interim, give the SuperDuke a spin  | ||
| Lake_bueller |
Wow Mike...that was deep  Rocket...I almost know how you feel. While I've yet to have any major complications, it's always lingering in the back of my mind. The S1W is possibly the sexiest bike ever acheivable for us meer mortals. It's like that slutty girl that you know you shouldn't sleep with but still can't help yourself. It's like that crack pipe that you say you'll put down after this last hit. It's the.....you get the idea. For me, my S1W is something magical yet strangely addictive. I also try to realize that it is what it is. Not the perfect machine. Good luck with whatever decision you make. For you, it will be the right thing (or maybe not  ) | ||
| Mr_grumpy |
Quote" For me, my S1W is something magical yet strangely addictive. I also try to realize that it is what it is. Not the perfect machine." Dennis, I've ridden it at homecoming & both ways thru The Gap, it's a Pretzel maker! "Not the perfect machine", as Court would say, "that is an accurate statement" Still damn good fun though, thanks again.  | ||
| Newfie_buell |
Pretzel Maker, You must have those damm rear-sets and clip ons!!!!!!! I tried the rear sets on mine for a month and immediately went back to the normal pegs. I would not want to experience both. I know how you feel Rocket, I started my S1 up recently after sitting all winter and noticed a tint of blue from the exhaust. I anticipate a rebuild at only 50,000km, mind you, I already did the t-storm heads, rings and pistons at 20,000km. I'd like to sell the S1 but its like that wild red head you knew years ago that was always bad for you. Its just so hard to give up. | ||
| Rocketman |
It's not good fun when it spoils your day. That said, looking at it always makes my day, but that's the problem. If it didn't look so bloody good, I'd get rid. Did I mention I like slutty looking women? I guess that means my S1W is a motorcycle equivalent of.........  Rocket | ||
| Rocketman |
Did I mention I prefer classy women, like my wife. Here's the Brutale for ya...........  Rocket | ||
| Nutsosane |
Rocket, with the greater array of available flavors on your side of the pond I'm sure you'll find a bike to your liking. Especially when they so readily offer test rides. If there were better dealer networks by me I might have found myself astride a piece of european exotica! For now the XB pulls all the right levers; like Ringo said "I'm a born lever puller!" NUTS | ||
| Hans |
Rocketman, After carefully listening, as I always do when you speak, I would say: Go for the Brutale. There are no roses without thorns, but your experiences have made too much wounds in the flesh. I don`t think it is Buell`s fault. It is the combination of Rocketman, Buell and the modifications. From memory: Other cylinders, pistons, pushrods, carburettor with air filter, ignition module with cables and plugs, oil tank, battery, exhaust, super duper light wheels. Further a clutch modification, nickel plated frame and there is more: What I forgot or never knew. The most time consuming repairs were directly related with the mods: The problems with the cylinders and the wheel hubs. If there is a bike what will do, what you wish, without the need for any modification: That is the way to go IMO. Keep your wife, swap your bike.  Hans | ||
| Road_thing |
Keep your bike. Send me the brunette bird. rt | ||
| Henrik |
Sounds like you've fallen out of love with the Buell my friend. It's let you down one time too many, and that nagging doubt in the back of your mind just won't let go. No finger pointing or laying blame mind you, just stating what seems to be. Unless you can come to terms with keeping the S1 for general local hooliganism, I think it may be time for you two to part ways ...? Henrik | ||
| Blake |
Stuff can only spoil your day if you let it. It is 100% entirely all up to you. Really.  "My horizontal explorations revealed a badly cracked race can. So bad in fact that the crack had almost got all the way around at the point where the intake tube is welded to the can." A long time ago (well over five years ago), the race can had a very public recall issued due to the very problem you describe. First there was a safety hanger kit issued, then all ensuing race mufflers produced included a steel sleeve welded inside the inlet pipe extending inside the muffler body such that it would support the muffler even if the inlet pipe weld cracks and breaks entirely. I had one break and fall off hundreds of miles from home. I didn't let it spoil anything other than the tranquility anywhere within a mile or so of my then straight race header. LOL. As to your strange perception wrt the handling of your S1W. I'd wager that you could use some help getting the suspension set up properly. We're here should you decide on a more positive course for your old Buell. As a friend, I'd simply say "Sean, buck up! Fix the pipe and ride the bike." | ||
| Road_thing |
On second thought, send me the bird and the bike! That's such a sexy bike... | ||
| Hans |
Another second thought: Don`t forget, that the Buell you kept alive. (I have seen you riding on a two lane road: Lane splitting between the traffic in both directions.)  Hans | ||
| Rich |
I've said many times that I wouldn't sell my '91. Fifteen years of fun can never be replaced. I sold a great bike to get it, and have wondered more than once if I did the right thing. I have five bikes now, and don't ride it as much as I used to, when it was my main machine. License and insurance keep going up, too. And upkeep. But, when I do ride it, I grin like a fool, so it stays, at least for now. Good luck with your decision, Rocket, it's a tough one. | ||
| Rocketman |
Ok, I didn't say I was parting with the Buell, though your opinions were what I was after. Funny though. I thought you'd all be talking me away from something else, but the opposite seems to be the case. Before I go any further, I really must address Hans post. By the way Hans, how are you and your health these days? I hope you are really well, as your continued support of the BadWeB seems to suggest. Anyway, that aside, let's talk Buell. My Buell in fact. Specifically 'those' mods. The cylinders and pistons have never been a problem, except when they were first installed by Just Harleys at nearly 2500 miles on the speedo from new, they rebuilt the motor using stock HD paper gaskets. The rear cylinder base gasket weeped somewhat. At 9500 miles or near enough, the front cylinder head broke at the front right mount hole. After a long winded effort HD \ Buell UK offered a new cylinder head and the labour to replace it. The head, one of the last pair ever flowed by Dick O'Brien was not an option to do anything other than repair it with weld. That was something I myself took care of outside of the 'good will warranty'. Instead I was allowed the money instead for what the head would have cost to buy at trade to the dealer. As was agreed, I spent that 'extra' money with the dealer by asking them to replace the full top end gaskets, meaning removing the rear cylinder in its entirety, and also installing new Wiseco piston rings. The Cometic gaskets and direct replacement rings I sourced myself and took to the dealer for them to continue the rebuild, also with the front cylinder now repaired. After oil and filter etc, and careful running in period, the rear conrod came out of the case 1300 miles later. The cause of this catastrophic failure was due to the dealers technician removing the pistons and putting them back on again with new circlips that were of a thinner wire gauge than required. The pushrods, carburettor and air filter, nor the ignition module with cables and plugs, have never ever been a problem. The Metmachex oil tank constantly fouled the rear carbon fiber hugger, no matter how big a 'window' I cut into it. I finally gave up on the hugger. Now I've even ground off all the mountings for it from the swing arm, and that's something I should have done from the start. It just looks so much better without a hugger as I always really knew. The battery is always a problem. Frankly, they are junk after a year or so if you're lucky, no matter how well you maintain them. The Red Top 20 from DMS Technologies, which is the top of the tree race battery available, that I bought new last June is already showing signs of tiring. I have a warranty claim form already emailed to me just in case before the years warranty expires. The exhaust, despite three replacement sets of headers, two race cans later and the upgrade Y mounting with the later type straps, and meticulous and careful attention to detail when mounting it on the bike, will always be a problem. Did I mention that every header stud at one time or another has broken and needed replacement. One of them required the use of the Jim's special tool. Have you tried sourcing those studs from anywhere other than a HD dealer? You can't, and they will always be a pain in the arse, though I might have got the stud issue resolved finally. As for the super duper light carbon fiber Dymag wheels, the rear hub failure was according to Dymag their fault, despite me pointing out to them that it was suggested I'd ran the belt to tight. Dymag didn't agree. They had had the problem before on some earlier wheels with magnesium hubs, and they used the same fix on my hub too, which is to make an aluminium insert. The problem was solved by them within two weeks and free of charge including postage costs etc. The clutch modifications that constantly failed were I guess down to my lack of information when using kevlar plates. It is simply impossible to run synthetic oil with kevlar plates. So these days I run without that silly expansion plate, instead using the space for extra friction and steel plates. That modification together with a heavy duty spring plate from Barnett, and stock friction plates, is the best the clutch has ever been. The clutch cable that failed some years ago was due to the severe bend it is forced to go around just as it leaves the lever. I have that issue resolved now too. With the new replacement cable I just eased off the bend a little, and lubricated the cable, if you'll pardon the expression, like a new girlfriend. The nickel plated frame has never been an issue, and I'm still running with the isolators that were put there after the rebuild when the frame was plated. They were still good last year when I rebuilt the Buell. Now, back to the situation as it stands. It isn't the back of the mind thing I'm bothered about where reliability is concerned. Honestly, I have complete confidence in the motor now I've put it together. I left no stone unturned. Everything was measured down to the last, and all was absolutely righty tighty in every respect as far as I'm concerned. What for me is a more pressing concern is how long I can keep riding and thrashing this bike before the 'little' things require work. I know the fork seal on the right tube is going to require replacement soon. It's inevitable the steering head bearings will require replacement again one day. The headers and muffler I can see as always going to be high maintenance. Ditto the battery. But aside from these issues, it is also about what the S1W is capable of as a performance ride. Even with 100 rwhp at my command my friends 1990 Ducati 907ie Paso out accelerates it, and beats it on top end too. My other friends KTM 640 Duke out handles it no problem, and it blats to 115 mph nearly as equal as the Buell does, but the Buell struggles to pass 120 mph unless you ring its neck in all gears and get your head down. Even then, the slightest head wind hampers your progress. Like I said yesterday, I've stopped looking at the Buell through rose tinted spectacles, and I simply am facing up to what she is really about. It is a hard motorcycle to ride on a twisty road when you are chasing down bikes of similar performance or more. The physical effort required is more telling. Hanging off is the way to really get it around tight corners fast, and watching some fat geezer on a fat Honda leaning side to side like a metronome drives home the reality very hard. The Buell simply isn't that good a handling bike unless you make it so with your own efforts and skill. It is absolutely unfair to compare it with an MV Brutale, but the short distance I rode one about 18 months ago was a bit of an eye opener as to where modern sit up and beg style bikes have come with their handling. That Brutale changed direction in the corner, and yes I was purposely doing so, like you were putting a knife through butter. The Buell is a bone shaker in comparison to the Monsters, Brutale and Benelli TNT's. Yes I've ridden then too. They are for all their worth, dripping with high end performance components, so this is to be expected, but the Buell rides a different course. Not only are the components of a lesser quality, no offense intended, but the approach to a less conventional style isn't working either. That's my opinion. I believe to make the Buell handle better it will require better rear suspension, costing more money of course, but as I have not experienced such modifications I'm doubtful for instance that a Penske shock would completely solve the issues I have. On the one hand the suspension is like a pogo stick as it's over sprung, or to soft and lacks rebound control. The result is, you bounce out of the seat over bumps, or you buck and weave at the rear in fast corners. Now this isn't a problem unless you're really pushing, and it can be fun, and often is, but there's the niggle in the back of my mind, yes I do have one, that one day it will bite me in the arse and spit me off. Of course, when it does it will be my fault for riding it like an idiot. Then there's the under steer to contend with, which is no doubt a combination of both front and rear ends of the Buell suspension and geometry. The front end I can handle. Sometimes when really leaned over, like on a roundabout, I've felt the front end slide \ slip \ give, but I've fortunately managed to catch it in time. To be fair, the front tyre is worn and that's most likely the major cause as I've not really concerned myself with this in the past. So I can dismiss the front road holding to a degree, but for one slight niggle that is. Again it is my belief, and that is that the niggle I have is brought about by the steep steering angle. On the odd occasion when pushing hard it is easy to find under steer, and find that one is fighting it with on off throttle control and a heavy dose of near instant rear brake. Once use to this riding tactic keeping control is easier, but it is a necessary skill one needs to learn and not forget. More so when you are pushing hard at the limit, otherwise you can find yourself heading in the direction you weren't wanting to when the very next course of action is to sit up and grab a handful of brakes. Now you are committed to straightening that line, and you can very easily be heading to, or already on the wrong side of the apex. Oncoming traffic is scary, as are moorland stone walls. So what's the options? As I see it right now, winter is over and a new riding season is upon us. I'm a little rusty obviously, but that will disappear in quick time. My confidence is obviously not brimming at this moment in time too, but it only takes time. But that's the problem. Eventually everything falls into place and in no time at all you are going hell for leather. That is honestly a pace I like to be at, and that's the scary thing. I think it's time I was pushing the limits on a far more capable bike that does so without the hard work and concentration necessary at the limit the Buell requires. No offense again to the Buell, but I think she'd be a better bike to explore the minor roads around Yorkshire on rather than trying to race Fireblade's and R1's and the like to the Lake District and back. The Buell also makes a fine piece of furniture to just keep gazing at. I don't think I'll ever part with her to be fair, but I really need to stop throwing money at her too. At least not in an effort to try and make her competitive with more modern superior bikes. That it seems is unfair and unwise. As for the brunette, isn't she bloody gorgeous You lot can keep Pammy! Rocket | ||
| Blake |
Some stuff to consider: What are your S1 suspension's sag settings front and rear? What are your damping settings? Maybe consider taking a performance riding class. And again, consider getting some help with the suspension. I'm sorry, it's just tough to swallow that it is the bike's fault that you have difficulty keeping up with others in the twisty stuff. Frankly, I know better. The tube frame Buells in Pro-Thunder did too well racing against the likes of Ducati 748R's to fit your dim view of their handling capabilities. My Cyclone does too well around one of the most technical handling tracks in America to fit your view of tube framer Buell handling. If I'm not mistaken, you run shifter and footpegs in the stock locations, right? Frankly, I don't think you know what "really leaned over" really is my friend. Your S1 should handle well, amazingly so with a little fork rework and a high quality rear shock suited to your mass and riding style. If you want help, let me know. You are irritated that you need to get into a tuck to go 120+ mph on a naked bike?  How much does your friend on the Paso weigh? Mass matters. Both in handling and in acceleration. | ||
| Rocketman |
Effin' hell Blake. My post was in no way meant to be an insult towards tube frame Buells. It's a shame the same could not be said about your post where I'm concerned. My settings are sagging and damp, and that's because as well as the suspension does work on my S1W it is nowhere near the standards offered on todays sit up and beg style bikes that I mentioned in my post. THAT IS THE FACT OF THE MATTER. Now if you've got yours working for you that's fine, but if you don't recognise the tube frame Lightning's suffer from under steer, you haven't ridden one in anger to find out. Doesn't the M2 have a slightly less steep rake? As for bucking and weaving, last time I was on a race track it was billiard table smooth. That's not my bag. I'm not in the slightest interested in track racing. Frankly I would want to be at the front and I'm not good enough. On the road I'm a demon. I'm a demon because I have fantastic road craft to rely upon. I can call upon that craft to keep up, or even pass sometimes, guys on far superior machines. It is the Buell that lets me down, which is what I was explaining in my post. As I see it right now, winter is over and a new riding season is upon us. I'm a little rusty obviously, but that will disappear in quick time. My confidence is obviously not brimming at this moment in time too, but it only takes time. But that's the problem. Eventually everything falls into place and in no time at all you are going hell for leather. That is honestly a pace I like to be at, and that's the scary thing. I think it's time I was pushing the limits on a far more capable bike that does so without the hard work and concentration necessary at the limit the Buell requires. No offense again to the Buell, but I think she'd be a better bike to explore the minor roads around Yorkshire on rather than trying to race Fireblade's and R1's and the like to the Lake District and back. Let me spell it out for you Blake. I'm 45 in about ten weeks time. I'd Thanks for the offer of help. It would have been welcome without the insults toward my manhood. Rocket | ||
| Tramp |
???? Mets game is on right now, braves are spanking my boys tonight. | ||
| Buellfighter |
Sounds like no matter what anyone says, you've made up your mind. It served its purpose for the time you owned it, sell it to someone who can appreciate it and get what you need!! No big deal! | ||
| Blasterd |
Rocket, Do what's best for you and remember, it's all about the ride. I do want to add that it was a picture of your bike back about 6 or so years ago that turned me on to Buell's Ken | ||
| Peter |
If you haven't made up your mind to sell it yet, take it to a suspension company and ask them to set the bike up for you. The difference in my riding at Croix between the 1st and 2nd years was having the front end setup by a suspension shop. Huge difference in how the bike handled. You bike will also accelerate much better if you swap your pulleys to the US 27/55 combo. On the M2, the top speed was faster with the lower gearing, because it could now pull to redline in top gear. Or sell it and buy a SuperDuke | ||
| Court |
Right-hander Victor Zambrano gave up seven hits -- three of them home runs -- in five innings of work as the Braves evened the series with a 7-1 victory at Shea Stadium. Chris Woodward's first home run of the season accounted for the Mets' lone run. | ||
| Rocketman |
Thanks Pete, I'm sure that's sound advice and something I'll look into in the future. Can anyone tell me if the M2 had a different rake from the S1 genre? My curiosity is up now. The Gunners are looking to conquer Europe. Their winning trail towards the finals starts tonight. Non of that fagot stuff over here! Rocket | ||
| Kdan |
Go Braves. From 3%'ers country, I might add. I was looking at a '73 Yamaha RD360 on Ebay...Now that's a few memories right there. But it won't beat a Hayabusa, so what's the point? | ||
| Pammy |
"You lot can keep Pammy!" What's this?! Oh I see...I am "kept" for my extraordinary good looks alone? Sean, life is short at best. Don't dwell for a moment on negativity. Bikes come and go. They are truly only machines(blasphemy!). Also, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and performance is relative and all that crapp. | ||
| Kaudette |
Hi Rocket, Just sell the damn thing already! As for the Buell representing a risk to your physical well being, I'm not so sure this is a really valid argument... I know you've ridden a lot of different bikes in your time, as have I, and I have to say that it's the rider that needs to limit himself to the capability of the bike - above and beyond it's riders error bud... That's not to say you can't possibly find other bikes out there that can perform at higher speeds with a greater level of safety - for me that's a given - but to suggest the Buell is dangerous is going a bit far... Anyhow, whatever you ride, enjoy the time in the saddle and better luck with the next one! | ||
| Bomber |
Rocket -- given our shared propensity for modifying our bikes, I'm thinkin a M2 is not gonna make you happy -- it's not a recent generation sporting motorcycle by any manner of means, and will share many of the design traits your S1 has -- if anything, the stock fork on the MaDuece is a less-adjustable unit than found on the S1. Rake and trail are within a degree or two. Sell the bike -- it no longer is what you desire, clearly -- I don't see much point in trying to rationalize one's self to an emotional decision -- p.s. -- make certain the new scoot has the valve guide seals installed ;-} (Message edited by bomber on April 19, 2006) | ||
| Mikej |
Yep, the S1 has a tighter fork geometry than the M2. I'm probably wrong, but don't the X1 and S1 share the same steering head angle? M2 & S3 are the same. Not sure what the specs are compared to the XB line,nor compared to other marques. And Sean, though some may be missing where you're coming from in your thoughts, some of us do understand. Enjoy it for what it is. Just yesterday on the way in to work I passed someone after following them for a bit who was riding an older 70's-80's bike, well liked in its day, but very dated today. The rider was having a nice ride, I gave a smile and a small wave as he moved over to let me past. I probably tapped a ton on the way give or take a few, a bit much for this time of the season and with a front tire not far from being retired, but sometimes that's where you find yourself at times, tapping a ton on a chilly morning and wearing a smile just to be riding. A bike is a bike, each to be ridden for what each is. You've ridden bikes I've only dreamed of, not envy so much as happy you've had the chance. Keep the S1, it's a work in progress and an outlet for your thoughts. Bomber, I thought you went with new forks with more adjustability than the right-side-up M2 forks you used to have. |
