| Author | Message | ||
     Drummer |
Guys, I've been riding a Honda Hawk GT for about nine years and I love it. I've also had two SV650s but they are now gone and the Hawk remains. I'm really interested in a Buell and "think" I'd like to investigate the older models rather than the new XB series. Is there one source I can go to for an overview of all the older models which would include pros and cons, models to stay away from, years and models that are better to stay away from,etc.? Or, do I just scan all the old archives as best I can and try to come up with my own assessment? Last...I'm a small guy; 5'5" 130lbs. The lower the seat the better. Thanks! | ||
| Ratbuell |
M2L (L for Low). The M2 was arguably one of the most sorted of the tubers as far as bugs go. It was a more "economy" minded model without the sexy inverted front end...but has a great seating position and seat area, good ergos, and is a very capable bike. The L adds a lower seat to the mix. My first bike (and first Buell) was a 99 M2. I ran the wheels off it for nearly 40k miles and loved every one of them. I had to sell it due to a lack of self control and a growing collection of violations...but have since (mostly) outgrown that phase and now own an S2 and S1W. But I still have a place in my heart for that Molten Orange M2  | ||
| Cyclonemduece |
looks like you need to test an m2L find one in your area and give it a try | ||
| Bad_karma |
Steve What kinda of riding do you intend to do? Heres my take on the tubers. M2 - jack of all trades - best all around S1/S1W - great twisties Bike - The Hooligan S2/S3 - Sport Touring Buell style X1/X1W - See S1 but FI I notice that my 96 S1 is lower that my 98 S1W. There are others here that have had a completely different experience then me but I would avoid the 99 first year of DDFI. But as in all things tuber there are options. Joe | ||
| Cyclonemduece |
but there were alot of issue not dealt with untill 01- 02 model years so your mechanical know how should help you in makeing the decision to go older than that. | ||
| Bobflh47 |
I have had two Hawk GTs and loved them for there abilities on back roads but I am taller and felt a little big on them. I tried others but never felt the same until I bought a 2000 X1 Buell Lightning. It is the same feeling as the Hawk but on a larger bike. When I am asked why I bought the Buell I always say it is because it is like the Hawk GT. For me the seat height is fine. I bought a tuber because I didn't like the newer models, and the X1 has a better look for me.  | ||
| Drummer |
Bad_karma, I don't do a lot of long distance stuff. I live in N. GA and generally it's a few hours once or twice a week cruising the mountains. I'm 50 so while I ride aggressively it's not THAT aggressive. I love the styling of the tubers but also appreciate the reliability of my Hawk...would rather not spend lots of time and money in my dealer's repair shop. Sounds like the M2 is the first bike to look at? Thanks guys. | ||
| Guell |
The m2 is a great bike, and i wouldnt really worry about a pre-2001. I have a 97 (first year of the m2) and so far no problems. Just make sure all the recalls have been done. I dont think i would trade mine for any other bike. | ||
| Kilroy |
Another vote for the M2. bought mine new in 2000, can't believe I've owned the same bike for 8 years. It does everything well. It is surprisingly comfortable on long rides (I'm 43 YO with back problems BTW). Can keep up with any bike in the curves, different story on the freeway, but there is an unlimited supply of aftermarket mods to remedy that if you are so inclined. I can honestly say that I will NEVER get rid of this bike, so any new bike in my garage will have to come with the explanation to my wife that I need more than 1 motorcycle. (Anyone with any good arguments that have worked for them please feel free to post them so that those of us that will need it in the future will have some tried and true arguments in our arsenal) | ||
| Djkaplan |
I bought my M2 brand new in 2000 also. I've been riding motorcycles since 1976 and in that time I've never felt compelled to keep a bike for longer than the next factory update or until another faster, lighter and better handling model came along. That was until I got my M2. The thought that I'd ever keep a motorcycle for almost a decade was inconceivable to me before 2000, but now I can't see me ever getting rid of it. It still gets me to the top of the mountain first (or second if Phil is reading this) and I love the way the bike still stops some people in their tracks when they see it parked. | ||
| Oldog |
The X1 adds more than FI to the pic, but its a love hate thing. the X1 has a plate on the frame that eases belt changes and rear iso issues. The EFI on post 99 units is said to be better ecm spy and a cable can take care of any of those issues. | ||
| Jstfrfun |
My 99X1 is so close to original and so clean I don't want to change anything, But, the F/I is probably the only area that I would change if I could...yet keep it stock looking. the Mikuni 42 is the answer but my beautiful side pods and ducting would go away, not an option. | ||
| Scott_in_nh |
my 99 FI has performed flawlessly, what issues have you had? | ||
| Fullauto |
I've got a '99 X1 and have had no FI issues yet. I've just dealt with the early X1 problems as they came up and it's been a great bike. Never sell it. Although a beautiful S1W would tempt me badly. Buy one before they all get turned into choppers....... |
