| Author | Message | ||
     Bbbob |
Hi, I'm new here & will try to keep this short... I've ridden for the last 10 yrs, until I got a job at a HD/Buell dealer selling bikes I didn't know much about Buells. I'm more a standard, tourer, sport tourer kind of guy. When I started working there I was riding a BMW K1200LT, still do, no Harley has personally floated my boat. They are what they are, just not for me. The Buells attracted me, but I'm 6'4" with a 34in inseam, other than the XB12X they are too cramped. We rarely get anything other then XB's in on trade. I have had a chance to ride a '02 M2, an '01 X1, & an S3T. I remember the X1's seat being a nut crusher, but liked all 3. About 6 mos. ago I decided if we got a tuber in on trade I'd get it for commuting to work & dawn to dusk riding on days off & keep the BMW for the long 2-up stuff. Of course, we haven't got any in on trade.So I've decided to starting looking for one. Can you guys tell me the differences between the X1, S2 & S3? Which would you pick and why? I don't want to go over $4-5K. Thanks... | ||
| Oldog |
X1 removable side plate eases belt & isolator changes, all years are ddfi (not so S3) If you can find one the factory accessory seat is the best. look for the improved exhaust hangers 2k and later, improved shifter '01 and later The X1 can be dressed up and responds well to hotrodding. | ||
| Rotzaruck |
BB I'm sure you'll get a flurry of discussion, but be prepared. You've asked a question like "what's better Fords or Chevy's?" While you're waiting though, you can scroll down to "Which and Why", and then go on into the archives and find the same question asked and answered repeatedly. The best conclusion I've come to is; if you want and get a tuber, it's just hard to mess up. Everybody pretty much loves what they've got. They also love what everybody else has got. Mostly, you'll see, is most folks with tubers are never trying to figure out which other one they'd rather have instead. The big question is which one they want the most NEXT!!! It's a wonderful thing to have a decision to make, with no wrong choices, just different. Rotzaruck!!!!! | ||
| Warlizard |
Since you have a touring bike already, you can rule out the ST models. I think the S1/2 were the best looking tubers, but too many reliability issues and a seat that makes the X1's feel like a pillow. That leaves the M2 and X1. The differences being cosmetic mostly, though the forks are inverted on the X1 and it is FI versus a carb on the M2. I agree w/ Olddog, the later model the better w/ a 2002 being ideal. You will love either one and it may just come down to which one you get the best deal on. My local dealer has a "new" 2002 X1W for 7200.00. Even includes the original 1 yr warranty. | ||
| Kyrocket |
Rotzaruck is correct, you probably couldn't have opened a bigger can o' worms. I've got a '99 X1 and have had no major issues to date with just under 23k on the clock. I'm 5'10" and it fits me pretty well and have been on week long trips and haven't really gotten saddle sore until the last day, by then EVERYTHING was sore. If you're looking for the hot rod the X1 is the answer but not alot of places for baggage. It's mostly a "get me there quick" commuter and weekend road rocket. Like you said you still have the beemer for trips. I like the looks of all the tubers but the cast aluminum tail on the X1 just sets it off in my opinion. Good luck on whatever you choose, you can't go wrong with a tuber. Michael | ||
| Bbbob |
Although I liked the ride of the X1, the narrow sit was very uncomfortable. If I'm looking for a wider seat, would that narrow my choice to only the M2 & S3? | ||
| Guell |
I just bought a m2, so i dont have much experience with it, but so far its awesome. Cant go wrong with any of them though. | ||
| Danny_h__jesternut |
I personaly would go for a "97" or "98" M2. No, wait I changed my mind. Get the "98" S1. Sorry to do this to you, but now I realy feel you should get any year X1, maby a limited edition like the Millenium or the Stripe,lets not for get the C/F. I would build one if I was you, Start with a "97" M2 chasis. keep the stock seat/tail, with the sm. peanut tank. Either an X1 or S1 upside downer front complete with the fly screen, dash(speedo/tach) and fender. Croosroads bars. "99" or newer swingarm & Penskie rear shock. PM wheels. Power train, ya gota have the stock T-Storm. Its all thats needed. Jest race chip it, Pro race C/F oval intake and pick any good hi flow exaust. "98" wireing harnes by the way. | ||
| Court |
2002 M-2 Next question. | ||
| Kyrocket |
 Ahhhhh if it were only that easy. And even if it was we'd still have to have some type of debate. | ||
| Bigdaddy |
"2002 M2" Does everything and does it well. 53K+ miles, tires, oil, brake pads, one speedo-sensor, one rear bearing (owner induced,,,the product Greased Lightening" does in fact remove oily residue from all surfaces.) It does have a weepy fork seal that I noticed one day last week. If I'm going out by myself I always take the M2 and I've got some options. | ||
| Ratbuell |
I loved my 99 M2 - comfy, good torque, nice ride. Wished I had inverted forks and the sexy S1W body. So years after I sold the M2, I finally scored an S1W. That got me hooked on Buells again (and I also work for HD/Buell). Tons of fun, but if I had to carry anything with me I was still grabbing for the FLHP. So...the hunt for a Buell bagger started. I found a local 95 S2 for sale, and aside from the Uly, it is possibly one of the best all around bikes I've owned. Tubers require some care. You have to be comfortable with tools in your hand and grease under your nails. They return the favor of all that care with a million grins per mile. I've got my eye on the 1125r (can't wait to go to that class!), but I'll never ditch my tubers. The S1W is a blunt instrument; the S2 is a bit more refined and I feel like I could ride it all day - *and* it has luggage! Rotzaruck mentioned you'll love what you have an always want what others have. The S2 actually put a stop to that for me. Far as I'm concerned, I have 2 of the perfect tubers. I *did* put Thunderstorm stuff in the S2 for a little more punch..but it still returns 58mpg commuting to work. Hell, I'll probably sell the FLHP now. | ||
| Bbbob |
What's the difference between an S2 & S3? | ||
| Tom_b |
they will all give you a smile when you ride them. buy what you like. if settled on a tuber find one with the recalls done or an 01 or newer | ||
| Bartimus |
I'm an S2 man myself, and if you enjoy beautiful works of Art, then you love the S2 also. I'm 6'1" and can stretch out well on the S2, I've done cross country rides on it without killing my butt, or breaking down. I've got the NRHS 1250 kit, and it runs like a clock. That being said, I'd have to agree with the '02 M2. I've never owned one, but for the riding you are looking to do, it seems to be the best bang for your bucks. It appears to have one of the most comfortable seats, with a decent tailsection that lends itself well to packing a passenger, or throwing a set of bag over and hitting the road. That year had all the bugs worked out, and seems to be very dependable. I also own an S3T, and leave it parked at home simply because the S2 looks better, handles better, and by far makes me feel better. Just my opinion... | ||
| Buellboiler |
You might try an X-1 with an aftermarket seat, solves your complaint. | ||
| Cpres |
I Own an M2 so I am biased but find a 2000-2002 and you will be set. My 2000 model that has most of the 02 updates is great, the wife even loves it. | ||
| M2statz |
Being about a year removed from the same situation that you are in, I rode as many bikes as I could. BMWs, Ducs, Triumphs, Hondas, etc. I rode them all. A couple times. A good friend kept saying "ride my X1." At first I just laughed, "Why?" He pushed and I rode it. Nice feel, great power, excellent corners. But at 6ft 2in 36in inseam it was a little tight for me. I rode his dad's M2 and that was the bike I had to have. It was a great fit. No shoulder or wrist pressure, the legs felt great. I searched and searched and found the M2 I wanted a 2000, low miles, all recalls done. Before I found this site, I put on a S3 fairing, and bought from a fellow BWBer S3T hard bags to make what my wife calls "The One & Only Reactor Yellow M3." We do some day rides together with no issues. My one and only compliant is the foot pegs are too low but then if they were higher or in a different spot it wouldn't fit as well. My point I guess is ride the tubers until you can find the one THAT YOU like and what you will use it for. Then let the fun begin and the smiles will never fade. This IS the BEST place for info on all things Buell. I am by no means mechanically savy but with a service manual and the KV here I now have greasey nails, some bloody knuckles and a new respect for my "M3." Good luck and Happy Buelling!! Michael |
