| Author | Message | ||
     Themalks |
This is one awesome bike. Here's some questions I had you may be able to help me with. I know there are a few things I need now that I have my bike finally, but I'd like to hear from you too. HJC Helmet (Snell, Dot) Full-Face, Flip-shield Gloves with knuckle protection Good boots (brand?) Light Tripper Battery Tender Lose the Breadbox, get K&N Tank Bag (Magnetic) New gas cap (any caps out there with gas guage?) Lock & security system. If you have any suggestions and or weblinks, I'd truly appreciate it.  | ||
| Devdawg |
First off...congrats..You'll LOVE the M2..and welcome to the family... Forget the magnetic tankbag...it won't stick..your tank is plastic. I've got a plate mounted around my filler cap for a small bag to hold on to...let me know I'll send you pics. I'd consider a new exhaust as well as a new filter set up. I'm running an American Sport Bike billet race filter and a Bullett exhaust now and love it. I've got a V&H can laying around I'm not using that I might part with. XB rocker covers to improve venting is also a good idea....got a set of those too I'm thinking of getting rid of. I have a few other M2 items I can help you out with...PM me if you're interested. Instead of getting a new cap, just set your trip counter at each fill-up. You'll get an idea of what you'll get per tank in the first week or so...just keep an eye on it. I've got a '99 M2 and I start thinking about gas at around 150 mi... Those are just a few items to address...I'm sure you'll get much more advice from the rest of the web. | ||
| Rocketman |
Everything you mention in your list is here in the archives. Use the search engine and ye shall find great enlightenment to the world of Buell, Bad Weather Biking, cat fights and contact patch theory and all those juicy goodies you're fancying  Good luck \ look??? Rocket | ||
| Gundog |
That's a good looking bike. This is THE web site for Buells! The people you meet and the information you will get are first rate. No matter what air cleaner you use, consider running the breather lines to a filter or catch can. The bike will run better and stay cleaner. Be sure to take the time to perform a "preflight" inspection every time you ride. A little maintenance goes a long way. Your bike will thank you for it. For clothing, take a look at newenough.com. I buy most of my personal gear there. Finally, The M2 is the "best bike ever built"! | ||
| Themalks |
Thanks for the posts!! I realize everything is searchable, but I figure someone would be willing to give me some updated information since some of the "archived" info my be out of date. I'm new to riding, new to this site, and loving it all. My buddy and I went riding until our tanks were dry yesterday. He was busting my chops about the "breadbox" on side the whole time. He was saying "Hey, you have something on the side of your bike, oh wait, that's your sidecar...nevermind". Haha. Bastid. Anyway, again, many thanks, and I look forward to riding some more. Oh, Devdawg... Semper Fi. I was active duty (2621/29/31/8531) from '90-'99. Now I'm a nasty civilian contractor. | ||
| Chasespeed |
Well, I depending on your climate, I would either choose a leather riding jacket(Vanson), or a textile, mesh...Joe Rocket.... They DO WORK.... Convert to H4 front light...you will actually be able to see....its cheap, and avail from HD/Buell I have the D&D, on my X1, nice and loud...get attention...and around hear, thats not a bad thing(people actually looking for the bike)..my buddy has the V&H on his S1...also nice sounding pipe, not as loud, nice throaty, mellow sound..... when you do the aircleanr(which ever you choose), and the pipe, done forget to rejet.... Then, go from there.... These things are a blast...never owned a M2, but rode my buddies before totalled it a couple years ago... was a nice comfortable bike, though I still prefer my X1.... My 2 cents Chase | ||
| Djkaplan |
Finally, The M2 is the "best bike ever built"! For some people, this is true. | ||
| Djkaplan |
Oh, the only thing I don't see on your list that should be there is signing up for a rider safety course. | ||
| Themalks |
Took the Rider's Edge class awhile ago. Great class, and thanks for looking out for that. | ||
| Daves |
I can get you everything you need and save you 10% off list prices. 1-866-757-1651 ask for Dave in the sales dept. I will be back at work on Tuesday after 10 am Congrats on the new bike, M2s are a great bike. | ||
| Gundog |
Daves is the Man! | ||
| Themalks |
Nice! A fellow Cheesehead too. I grew up in South Milwaukee and settled here in Maryland after I left active duty. Now I just head back every now and then for Summerfest and soon for bike rides. I'll give you a buzz. | ||
| Bomber |
don't worry bout the light tripper - -ya don't need the extra weight, and if you're scoot doesn't trip the lights, it's considered a malfunctioning signal -- wait for a break in traffic and let her rip! the stuff in the Vault is pretty much up to date, that data has aged very well . . . . . if you're not up to the XB rocker box converstion, there's a procedure that'll leave your stock boxes almost as good -- it's in the vault (natch) brand of boots is tough to advise on -- set yer budget, and try em on -- my Sidi Onroad Sympatex ARE waterproof, is that's important to ya! M2s are da best, no doubt! | ||
| Henrik |
Air cleaner; I've always liked the Force unit. Nice looking and works reasonably well. Can't remember if your bike has carb or fuel injection. If it's carbed, watch out for the fuel bowl vent issue on the newer Force units. The fix is in the Vault. Tank bag: RKA, Chase Harper, Buell, Cortech Sport. Boots; may well be a compromise between price, features and fit. I hated my Sidi's - fine quality, but narrow Italian last - not good for my wide duck feet. Gloves; I'm partial to Held gloves. They're pricey though. Newenough.com has lots of good gear - gloves, jackets, pants etc. For your jacket, make sure it has CE certified armor - that will at least give you tried and tested performance. And please remember; whatever you wear when you get on, is what you will be wearing if you go down .... don't be cheap with your protective gear. Henrik | ||
| Fullpower |
nice bike, i want one. for security i prefer something in .45ACP, either Colt or Glock, as suits my mood. | ||
| Themalks |
All - there's a reason my buddy told me this site is the best for anyone who owns a buell... thanks for all the responses. I've already purchased a bunch of items. I bought a nice Joe Rocket jacket (reactor S) and Joe Rocket Razor gloves, an HJC CL-14 Helmet, Battery Tender Jr., Throttle control, and Gorilla cycle alarm. I have some fairly decent boots, but I like the Harley-type riding boots so I'll keep looking for deals. As for upgrades, my buddy is friends with a mechanic at a Harley shop near me so he's going to add a nice Race Kit for about $600 (which will take care of the intake, exhaust and carb). I'll post another pic after all is said and done. Again, thanks for the input. I'll check out those bags you told me about Henrik. Oh, and I noticed that Buell is giving out free sling bags until June 30th with a demo ride at local Harley shops. Nice! Maybe I can pick up a good toolkit at the same time. | ||
| Henrik |
Cruztools makes an Am-sport tool kit that has the right mix of std. & metric tools. A bit limited for my taste, but I have a tendency to over-do it with the tools I bring along. I'd bet that either Al at American Sport Bike or Daves can help you out - support our sponsors and all that. Henrik | ||
| Themalks |
Good point about our sponsors. I like that toolkit, but when I saw it on another site it didn't have a description of what was in it. Thanks for the link, now I know what's in the kit. | ||
| Koz5150 |
good choice in bikes! I like the color  | ||
| Sfarson |
Same here.  | ||
| Themalks |
All - I'm having a hard time tracking down a race kit for this bike. The HD Shop near me just sold one a few weeks ago, but told me they are obsolete and hard to find. Anyone out there know someone who knows someone who might have one? I've checked Ebay and they have the air cleaner and the header on there (expensive). If not, I can always bike the parts seperately from Daves. Thanks ahead. | ||
| Tramp |
first, just buy decent cop boots and put the $avings into getting a real helmet, ie: Shoei or Arai, etc. Better to have a busted foot with an intact noggin than an intact foot in a coffin. noone looks at your feet at funerals, anyway. put your wardrobe $ into yer lid. | ||
| Impulse_101 |
Themalks, If Dave can't find it, it doesn't exist. Dave's the man for Buell accessories and parts. I do business with him via mail and I've gotten everything fast and in great shape, I just wish I lived out of state so I could get the tax break. (I live in Racine, but I was born in South Milwaukee/Cudahy as well. I should have stayed gone when I left the service but I didn't have the sense) I also doubt that you'll need the light tripper, Bomber knows of what he speaks. Although my S3T is a bit heavier than your M2 they have a similar amount of metal and I've never had a problem triggering lights. I run the Vance and Hines SSR2 exhaust and I like it a lot. It's not as loud as the D&D, in fact I don't think anything is as loud as the D&D! But it sounds good, is plenty loud and it has a tonal quality to it that I really like. I have the HJC/Beull flip top helpet as well. It's decent, but I will be upgrading eventually to the Schuberth Concept. The HJC is loud and the protection from the wind is a little lacking, but it's great on hot days and is pretty comfortable for a guy with a large melon like myself. Finally, Welcome to the club. This site is great maybe one of the best resources on the web for motorcycling in general as well as specifics on Buell bikes. I've only had my S3T two years and the people on this site and in my local BRAG clubs have been phenominal at helping me along. JT | ||
| Bomber |
Race Kit -- the exhaust is problematic, you may wish to give it a pass in favor of a wileyco, or other aftermarket can -- while the kit produces bigger numbers, the can self-destructs often and getting a good seal between the header and the heads has been an issue with many -- the air filter is readily available, and the ignition module will add few, if any, ponies -- the diff may show up on the dyno, but not enough to affect real world riding | ||
| Ceejay |
put a tach on there if there isn't one already, just because it can be fun instead of banging the rev limiter all the time. The forcewinder is great especially if your tall, and a wileyco sounds good, nice looking and fair priced. I heard D&D and those are "damn that loud", but I have a force so I can't even hear them. If you aren't going into the engine money is better spendt on gas, protective equipment, and beer, than an ignition. | ||
| Ceejay |
BTW those are the best looking M2s that Buell made, wish I had one of those orange frames  | ||
| S3t_bueller |
Hey Koz5150, after seeing your bike I'm ready to start chroming my grey/ orange '02 S3T like a Harley.  | ||
| Koz5150 |
Pass on the race kit. Just get an exhaust that you will like. I prefer the second generation WileyCo (great quality!), but a Vance and Hines or D&D pipe are just about the same (different sound slightly). I have the Race ECM on my bike, but it realy didn't make a noticable difference. Here is a pic of my exhaust, notice the front mount and how sturdy it is built.  Like I told Daves last time I saw him, the biggest performance advantage I could do to my bike, is drop 25 lbs from my mid section! ha ha... Next there are things like removing the sidestand switch, and changing the tail light setup in the back. Talk to Al of American Sport Bike and have him get you a LED taillight from heavycycles. It rocks! S3t_bueller - If you would like to do what I did, set aside a month and get ready for some serious polishing. Here ar more pics after I finished my bike. http://www.badweatherbikers.com/cgibin/discus/show.cgi?tpc=4062&post=428831#POST 428831 | ||
| Oldog |
Welcome Themalks: | ||
| Tramp |
forget the forcewinder, just run a nice buell race aircleaner... |
