| Author | Message | ||
     Xl1200r |
Looking for insight from folks who hopefully have ridden both, or maybe even owned both. I want another Buell, something better for the long trips. How do these two bikes stack up in comfort? reliability? handling? | ||
| Hughlysses |
Mark- I had an S3 for 2 years before I got my Uly. IMHO you get much less engine vibrations on the Uly and a MUCH plusher ride. Seat comfort is way better on the Uly, especially for the passenger. I'd think it's significantly more reliable than early S3T's and slightly more reliable than the last ones (2002). While the S3 certainly handles very well, the Uly is better. | ||
| Spiderman |
It will be easier to find parts for a S3 later down the road, and the S3 frames crash better. Seeing as there won't be many made anymore... | ||
| Steve_mackay |
The Uly is light years ahead in EVERYTHING except looks. | ||
| Pkforbes87 |
Although I've never ridden the S3, I've got 95% of the parts to rebuild one in my garage. Since pulling the trigger on an 09 XT Friday, I won't be worrying too much about the S3 project. I've used my X1 for the past three years as a sport tourer and although I'm sure it's less comfortable than the S3, The Uly is a much more capable machine. The only areas I would rate any tube frame higher than an XB are aesthetic appeal and character. The XB line simply does everything more precisely, and with less effort from the rider. | ||
| Buelltours |
me, I wouldn't even consider any XB. It just doesn't compare with the motorcycling experience any early tube frame Buell provides you. But since you consider it, I would definitely recommend an Uly. It is far superior in comfort,reliability, and handling. I don't even mind the looks. And at these bargain prices you should get an XT and be happy for many touring years to come... | ||
| Xl1200r |
I was gaga-ing at the '09 Uly at my dealer for a while today. I really want one. Just trying to find one in my price range, and trying to sell the sporty so I can afford it. | ||
| Xl1200r |
WHat changes did the S3T see through its production run? I know the fuel injection showed up in 2000 along with the new swing arm. Anything else? I really like both bikes, but I've always wanted an S3T. | ||
| Marks3tbillet |
I had a 2000 S3T for about 15k miles. I now ride an '07 Uly with 15k miles. I rode the Uly to Alaska this year. The Uly is much better stock, flatter torque curve due to the variable muffler. I like the seat and riding position much better. I ride it much farther than I would the S3T. The Uly is much more functional with the rear tail and tie downs. Wind protection is about the same using high Zero Gravity windscreen on S3T and Strada brackets with high shield on Uly. Engine heat doesn't exist on S3T, fixed on the Uly with the comfort kit. I feel the S3T is a much nicer looking bike, but really prefer the Uly comfort and reliability. | ||
| Gowindward |
Saddle bag improvements happened I think in '99 or '00. New seat for '99, but the foam on them lacks support. New shift linkage came in in '01??? I think. I have an '02 and would not trade it for an X or XT. The style points make up for her few hanger queen moments IMHO. | ||
| Two_buells |
Fuel Injection started in 1999. I still own a 99 S3. 2001 had all the best upgrades. What ever year you get these are some of the ungrades you need. Newest rear isolators Rear shock front exhaust mount XB rocker covers metal rocker gaskets 2000 or 2001 machined intake there are some more and I'll add some later. I also had a Uly that I traded on my 1125r. I wish I kept the Uly, great bike and I'm in the market for another one. I love both bikes. The S3 is sexy but so is the Uly. The S3 has better wind protection but the ride on the Uly is the best of all Buells | ||
| Xl1200r |
You guys are not helping my decision making process. | ||
| Two_buells |
to own, live and love a Buell you need more than one. decision making process done  | ||
| Xl1200r |
This purchase will make my third Buell, and second that I'll own currently. My budget is whatever I can sell my '64 Sportster for, so roughly $4500. I figure that gets me a nice S3T or a bargain basement Uly. Can't do both, though. | ||
| Dynasport |
There is a very nice s3t for sell in the classifieds here. I was very interested in it until I found such a deal on my XT. Oops, nevermind, I just saw that you have seen that one as well. | ||
| Reindog |
I've owned a 00 S3T, 06 Uly, and just purchased a 09 Uly. I like both the S3T and the Uly but the S3T is more like a boat. The Uly carves mountain curves exceptionally well and can probably beat the 1125R there. I have been comfortable on both even after 11 hours in the saddle. I would recommend the Uly but that is just my style. | ||
| Uncleron |
I used to have a '98 S3, and I have a 2008 Uly now. Both great bikes, but I like the Uly better. The Uly is very comfortable (especially with the 'tall seat'), and handles better than anything else I have ridden. | ||
| F_skinner |
Xl1200r, the Uly is an amazing bike. It is better in every way compared to a S3 or S3T (except in looks like Steve said). That being the facts and as a Uly owner I would take a S3T every time. Anyone can ride a XB but it tales a level of dedication to ride a tuber. I ride with a friend that does iron butt rides on his S3T. He had over 80,000 miles on it the last time I saw him, It never left him stranded and he makes sure it doesn't. My Uly serves two purposes, commuter and long distance bike. When I want to have fun I get on a S2 or S1. A Uly does every thing and it does it well. The S3 is a classic capable machine that is a lot of fun. Just to restate what I think about the Uly, it is a great capable machine that does everything well. It is however, just another XB to me. | ||
| Xl1200r |
Tortoise - the Norge is definitely not less money. I do like that bike, but given the option it just doesn't make my list. I'm also scared of the dealer network - nothing within a couple hours of me. | ||
| Dennis_c |
I use to have 98 s3t with 55,000 and o8 uly with 25,000 miles. ULY wins +++++++  | ||
| Tramp |
I ride an s2t with over 230,000 hard miles.... I own an s3t with fewer than 600 miles. The tubers are simpler and more soulful machines with fewer electronic bells & whistles to go wrong in the near future. | ||
| Cyclone8u |
Since I own both a tube frame Buell (not an S3) and the Uly, I can say unequivocally that the Uly wins hands down in the comfort department. The M2 does have a slightly plusher seat, but that's about it. The improvements in the suspension, handling, clutch feel, shifting, performance and overall reliability make the XB series head and shoulders above the tube frame bikes. That said, you would have to pry my M2 from my cold dead hands before I would give it up. It still puts the same grin on my face that it did the first day I rode it, it's just a much more raw experience. For anything but short trips or quick rips around town, the Uly is the ride of choice. It carried myself and my wife from Maine to South Carolina and back in comfort, I doubt very much that myself or my wife would have enjoyed the trip anywhere near as much as we did on any tube frame Buell. YMMV | ||
| Xl1200r |
Well, whatever I decide on, it would get ridden a lot less often than my 1125, but when it does get ridden, it will be going distances. I live in NY and trips to OH and GA are not out of the ordinary. Would a later S3T give me the confidence to take it cross country? | ||
| Xl1200r |
Tramp, looking to sell? What are you riding to HHV? That S2 you got was pretty bad-assed. | ||
| Pkforbes87 |
I took my X1 from OK City to Milwaukee this summer without any issues. A tuber is a very reliable machine as long as you maintain it. | ||
| M2statz |
Xl1200r Do what I did- Get an M2 put an S3T fairing and hard bags on it. (but, I too am looking at the Uly) | ||
| Bills3t |
Own a s3t . Have ridden a few xb's. I believe that the aftermarket has done a great job of shoring up most of the tubers short comings. And making improvements is part of making a bike yours. With that said , buy the one that gives you the biggest grin . | ||
| Tramp |
Thanks, Mark. Not selling either one anytime soon, the S3t sits in dry storage, the S2t continues to lubricate the highways and parking lots of spaceship earth with a few composite atoms remaining from its original, never-replaced rockerbox gaskets. My two scoots are the "Goofus & Gallant" tubers, one sits politely like sleeping beauty, while the other sluts around belching oily smoke and dripping some gonorrheal fluids from various cases, always looking forward to that next disease-spreading ride. You don't want either of these mounts, trust me. 230,000 miles by a very conservative estimate. damn. I am in the market for a fresh, brandy-new NOS engine, though. Time to speak with dealers about a bro deal. Your shirt is put to the side.  (Message edited by tramp on October 19, 2009) | ||
| Cyclonedon |
interesting tread. I own a Ulysses and have never ridden a ST3, I sure like their looks. Several Badwebbers have owned both, Steve Mackay, Frank Skinner, Crusty and Bob Clement I know for sure. Interesting comment by Steve saying that the Ulysses is light years ahead of the ST3. I think engineering aspects are but I would think the ST3 has better wind protection and is heavier for highway riding comfort. BUT then again, I have never ridden the ST3. I've always have hoped for some aftermarket fairing for better wind protection for my Ulysses, other than that it is a great fun motorcycle to ride. | ||
| Tramp |
The St3 is a fine Ducati touring mount.... but let's get back to Buells.... |
