| Author | Message | ||
     Igneroid |
I bought this M2L a month ago and am totally infatuated with it. Im 52 and have had several bikes allthough none in the last 25 years. I have some questions about this bike for those in the know...  1. Is there any/what are the difference's between the Buell motor and a Sportster motor? 2. Is the "L" designation a plus or a minus as far as handling goes? 3. Are there any recalls/safety issues with this particular model?? 4. Why is this thing so much fun to ride?? Went for a burn on a Ninja before I bought this one and...Meh, didnt do it for me. Thanks Percy | ||
| Rotzaruck |
Ign Congratulations on finding a fine looking bike, you done good! I am one of the least qualified here to accurately answer your questions, but until some of the more knowledgeable types show up(they will, they've helped me tremendously), I'll at least pass some time with you. We share some things, I too was bikeless for many years, and like you went out and bought a 02 m2(wish it was a low, for my short little legs). Court will tell you it's the best tuber, and keeps promising to prove it, but he knows he doesn't have to, you already rode it!! The 02's didn't have many problems, there is a section on such issues in the knowledge vault section. I did have to replace the rocker box gaskets(with lots of BadweB support)before I ever got mine on the road. http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/384 2/3607.html?1190170692 On #4, it's partly that you've found a long lost love, something thats been missing all those years and Buell and BadWeB make it so much better. Enjoy that thing, but remember, bad things happen much faster than they did 25 years ago. Or maybe I react just a bit slower, (get up slower, heal slower). But it's even more fun than it was way back then. Rotzaruck!!! | ||
| Brinnutz |
1) I dunno 2) I don't know if it does or not...Haven't ridden a regular M2. 3) There's a few, but looks like Rotzaruck helped ya there. 4) Because, well, I don't know but I don't want anything else!!! Now, we need to get rid of that stock airbox and stock muffler so you can make that engine roar!! | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
#1 lighter flywheels (I think 4 pounds are shaved off), higher compression ratio. #2 Dunno #3 You have the optional (and pretty) PM wheels. There was something about the bearings in them. I don't think that were a recall item but they were prone to early failure for some reason. #4 Mind control | ||
| Cyclonecharlie |
Ign., Congratulations, you have just purchased the world's most perfect bike and it's black to boot.Things don't get any better than this. The 02 model had all the things that went bad with the older M2's fixed. The only thing you will have to do to this bike is personalize it to suit you.And there are a lot of options,but take your time and enjoy. As much fun as it is to ride, it is equally fun to work on. Go thru all the pic's on the different sites and your imagination will take over.Some spend a lot of money, other make a lot of their own stuff. Your options are endless. If I had to pick just one reason why your smitten with this bike, it would have to be the torque of the twin cylinder motor.It will keep you grinning and you don't have to ride over a 100 mph to achieve it. Enjoy your NEW life......  Charlie | ||
| Jc000 |
Have an '02 M2L... didn't know it was a "L" until after the fact but I still love it. As far as handling I believe you'll have a little less clearance in corners. Also, I do know that there was a front shock mount recall on the 2002—there are a few guys on here who can check your vin to see if was done or not to your particular bike. Otherwise enjoy the ride! | ||
| Mikef5000 |
I was under the impression that they only made one suspension setup for the M2, the L meant it had a lower seat. In which case, the handling would not be affected in the least. My tidbit on knowledge for you: Make sure your belt is loose! 2" slack is a minimum! | ||
| Djkaplan |
That's a beautiful bike. 2. Is the "L" designation a plus or a minus as far as handling goes? I think for most riders in our age 'demographic', a lower seat height on an M2 is probably a good thing. I wouldn't worry about the slightly decreased ground clearance until you start dragging the pegs (believe me... you'll eventually do it). Some people don't find the M2L seat very comfortable, but I use one on my standard M2 and I like it. The O1-2 tubers are considered the most refined and sorted of the breed. That blue discoloration on the primary pipes can be polished away pretty easily. Once you do it a few times, the blueing doesn't come back as bad. You're gonna love that bike. Be careful out there - 25 years is a long time between bikes. | ||
| Zenfrogmaster |
The low has a different seat, shock, and forks - as well as a shorter sidestand. You can also tell by the VIN - the fourth character is K for standard and L for low. | ||
| Buellgrrrl |
Congrats on the "new" M2L! As the others have said, by '02 the "tubers" had been pretty well debugged. I'd watch for rocker box gasket leaks, of if you want to be proactive go ahead and replace them with the newer metal gaskets that don't leak. The big, silent thing on the M2s to watch is the belt- it's a pain in the rear to replace, so inspect it regularly and avoid gravel roads. Otherwise, most of the power train is pretty durable and will last a long time if not abused. Take note of headlight dimming too- there's no charging system warning light on these bikes and alternator stators have been known to fail at low mileages. | ||
| Jayvee |
1. The differences are few but significant in performance. "Most" parts interchange, not all. The details are scattered throughout this site, but there are also several magazine articles that identify some. 2. It's neutral. If you need the Low it's a great thing, if not, it's a 'minus' but it won't be that noticeable. BUT the suspension is very adjustable. Make sure your 'sag' height is right (see owners manual, or Shop Manual) and then you can tune the rest a little, depending on your weight. If you're like me (also 52) you may have to consider stronger fork springs eventually, to get the suspension "right" for your weight. 3. Your 2002 model is past the recall era, but aside from rocker box gaskets, the intake seals are the most likely to fail. You might as well buy a pair of these, they're only $8 but they go out by time, not by miles, so you're just about due. Maybe a winter project for you? Get familiar with the American Sport Bike site... 4. It was designed this way (by a road racer); good handling, high-torque. Once you get the ergonomics sorted out (I switched to higher bars, and changed air cleaner to a Force) it can feel just about perfect. Just from looking at your header pipe I would suggest you look into the carb tuning thing; which is unscrew the Idle Air mixture screw 2.5 turns out, and also change your Slow Speed jet to one step higher (i.e. from #42 to $45) (Message edited by jayvee on September 20, 2007) | ||
| Djkaplan |
I was under the impression that they only made one suspension setup for the M2, the L meant it had a lower seat. Hey Einstein...  , I do believe the M2L is a little lower in the supsension, too. It can't be much though, based on the pic of Ig's bike compared to standard M2s. It didn't seem possible when I got my bike, but stock M2's of all ilks will drag their pegs like a mofo in the twisties. It took me years to get to the point where it was a real issue, though. For some riders (like Mikef5000  ) it is a problem right away. He's half our age, though, with only 1/4 of the sense (...fear). | ||
| Jc000 |
The suspension is lowered from the standard M2 (but not by much), can check the manual when I get home for exact numbers. Definitely don't sleep on the shock mount recall! | ||
| Mikef5000 |
Bwaaahahahaha. I was dissed, congradulated, and dissed again, all in one post! Excellent! To clarify, I defenately have fear, gravel and blind corners scare the hell out of me, and cause me to enter most corners slower than I wish I could. | ||
| Aesquire |
1) lighter flywheels ( 4 lbs.??? I believe it! ), bigger valves, bigger ports, ( bigger than many Sportsters w/a port job ) Eurospec close ratio trans. The mounts are different, ( as is frame, so that's obvious ) The belt should be set far slacker than a H-D mechanic will believe, and idle should be set at 1100 rpm. 2) I drag my boots a little sooner than I would with the tall suspension, but have not found it an issue. I still eat CBRR'S in corners. The "L" seat is less comfortable, IMO, so i bought the "custom color matched" seat. ( see my profile ) 3) the other guys did a good job on that. 4) Real world torque to dislocate your shoulders, Handling that is matched by VERY few other machines, oddball exclusivity. For technical details, see the Buell website, tech videos, "Trilogy of Tech". Zenfrogmaster has the truth of the difference between "L" & regular. | ||
| Nevrenuf |
i've had the fun of draging both the low and the standard that i have now. even tour up the muffler riding around earlier this year(check the profile) the problem that i had the most of beside replacing the rockbox gaskets were the neutral sensor a couple of time's. one time there was a hole burnt through the sensor. they never saw anything like it. you have got the best buell there ever will be by most standards. performance, handling, trips and two up riding. enjoy the ride. | ||
| M2statz |
Yeah... what they all said. Make it your own and ride it like your own. Happy Buelling!! | ||
| Cpres |
You have a good one the posters above said it all so ride and enjoy | ||
| Igneroid |
Hey Wowzers! Thanks for all the info/positive comments. The previous owner had it since new. He gave me all the work orders/ detailed log of what was done to the bike. It has had the new steel rocker cover gaskets installed but I dont have a work order/ info fo the shock mount. I will go to the Knowledge vault with my VIN and see whai I can find. Thanks again. and hope I didnt over tighten my belt....heh | ||
| Igneroid |
Well, Im back from the "Vault" and I cant find a shock mount recall that applies to my bike(2002M2L). Am I daft or perhaps there isnt one??? Anyhow, I put on the new Kawasaki adjustable clutch and brake levers this afternoon. Its fun workin on a bike...I forgot.....  | ||
| Fasted |
would you please list part #s for levers? straight swap? | ||
| Igneroid |
This is where I got the info from... http://www.badweatherbikers.com/cgibin/discus/show .cgi?tpc=3842&post=625763#POST625763 The levers feel very high zoot and the Buell mirror screws right in. Drilling is a breeze and I used an exacto knife to cut the plug apart to separate the clutch safety switch wires...Biggest part was getting the old stuff off... | ||
| Nevrenuf |
i bought my m2l brand new and did not ever receive a recall for the shock or anything else for that matter, the rockerbox gaskets were covered under the warranty as were the sensors that i had trouble with. don't worry about the shock. | ||
| Fasted |
thanks | ||
| Richieg150 |
The bike you have ,IMHO.........is the best all around bike Buell has ever produced.Its runs great,handels great,is carburated,no DFI,and is easy to maintain.It has loads of torque,and..............CHARACTER!Have fun,enjoy the bike,I know I enjoy my TUBER!PS..........I believe the L model is only 1 inch lower than the regular model. | ||
| Jc000 |
Well, Im back from the "Vault" and I cant find a shock mount recall that applies to my bike(2002M2L). Am I daft or perhaps there isnt one?? Check this out: http://auto-recalls.justia.com/content/02V003000-B UELL-M2L-2002.html My servicing dealer took care of it for me at my 2500 mile service. I'm pretty sure it's a bonafide recall, someone else on this board who works for a dealer checked it out for me. Anyway that's all I have... | ||
| Igneroid |
Check this out: http://auto-recalls.justia.com/content/02V003000-B UELL-M2L-2002.html My servicing dealer took care of it for me at my 2500 mile service. I'm pretty sure it's a bonafide recall, someone else on this board who works for a dealer checked it out for me. Anyway that's all I have... Thanks alot. This bike was sold/delivered in June of 2002. The recall is dated Jan 2002. Do you think they fixed it before it left the dealership??? I guess the only way to know for sure is to do the VIN thing, Thanks again.... | ||
| Nevrenuf |
i bought mine sept 28 2001 so it must not have been the early one's. |
