| Author | Message | ||
     Desertwndrr |
I have been going over these pages quite a bit for the last few days in an effort to gain as much information as possible about a potential purchase. Problem is that I am having a heck of a time finding anything out about the S3. Here's the deal, I am looking to buy a 2000 S3 in the next day or so. I am just wanting to find some resources as to what to look for in this model. Aside from being a bit dirty, it doesn't appear as if there would be any real issues. That said, the guy is currently out of town so I have not been able to start or ride it yet. Here is some information about the bike: He is asking $2900 and it has around 16,000 miles. It looks to have been parked outdoors but under a canopy. Seat has no tears but feels a bit loose. No real leaks but maybe a light enough coating of oil that the dust sticks to. The headlight faring has rub marks like it got laid over but the frame and rest of the body aren't damaged. Overall it appears to have been used as a driver and has some light scratches that would be expected of its age. It also has a new back tire. I also do not know of the service records and if any recalls, etc, have been performed. My guess is that I would have to go over things and at least perform a 10k mile service just to be sure. I appreciate any help as this will assist in making my decision. | ||
| Jos51700 |
Sounds decent to me! | ||
| Werewulf |
i looked at a lot of them before i bought mine...a really pristine one with low miles can be had for about 4 to 5k bucks....but, from what ive seen, you will probably end up buying a new shock etc no matter what kind of shape its in....my new xb is two months old and ready for new tires, but still looks new... mileage is a relative thing.... | ||
| Buelltours |
I have to agree with Jos. Sounds like a good deal. I have bought many tube frame Buells and learned that when they have made the 10K+ miles all bugs are usually worked out, the bike is well "broken in" and less problems are to be expected. This goes -again, according to my experience- especially for the EFI bikes. Ride it, see if the front rotor is warped (they often are) and if the bikes is going straight with your hands off to check potential frame warp. Depending on what you think to find, talk the guy another 100 Dollars down... You will have lots of fun. | ||
| Desertwndrr |
Thanks guys. Do you know where I find find a list of specs such as HP, etc? What would really be cool is if there was a FAQ somewhere that listed each model and info about each, what to look out for, what years came equipped with what items and such. I just went back and looked at it again. It all appears to be bone stock, factory shock, factory can and all except for the CF air cleaner cover.. I may be looking for a slip-on and ECU. | ||
| Scott_in_nh |
Sounds like a fair price for the condition. It appears unlikely that everything that typically needs to be done to these bikes has been done. So you can figure on having some oil leaks appear. Plenty of us here with FI S3's but the information is not all in one place. Use the search function - everything you are looking for and more is already posted! | ||
| Buell78758 |
Just FYI, sometimes these bikes are parked and not ridden for a while because typical Buell issues come up that are pretty easily resolved. Often the TPS sensor craps out, so the bike runs bad on low end and cuts out. My bros S3 had 3,000 miles on it was perfect but for bad TPS, replaced and fixed. My S3T ran great in CA where I picked it up, then we trucked it back to TX, and TPS crapped out right away. Replaced. Did 3,500 miles on one big trip no problems, 50 mpg and hitting 80/90 MPH cruising. I would look for: - TPS crapping out - Air sensor wires bent/broken - Muffler or pipe mounts cracked. If installing new pipe, make sure it hangs right, is not stressed at any mounts. I like Supertrapp or Vance Hines slip-on, can find good deals on E-bay. - Fork seals leaking, good idea to rebuild at some point. I run Hyperpro progressive springs. - Primary chain out of adjustment (change all oils ASAP, I run Mobil 1 synthetic) - At some point, new shock, but if it still has rebound damping your good for a while. Buells always need some sorting, if your patient and willing to work on it you can resolve most issues fairly easily. You need metric, american, and torx tools! Let us know how you like the bike! Christian | ||
| Desertwndrr |
I was a helicopter mechanic for quite a while and really enjoy having a good project to tinker with. I feel that this bike will be perfect and tools are not an issue. I'll probably order a VDSTS and FSM here shortly assuming that this deal goes through. The first thing I ever purchase for any vehicle is the FSM as it is the most invaluable tool in the shop. Thanks Buell78758 for the maint recommendations. New fluids would be in short order along with verifying various freeplays, etc. One thing that I did notice was that the clutch sucked. I have also search quite a bit here but it is a bit difficult to find a basic listing of known issues/fixes/maintenance recommendations in one place and I feel like I am missing something. Believe me, I am not one to waste anybody's time by asking before looking but realize that I am pretty green to Buell's unlike many here. I do appreciate the time and help. | ||
| Mark61 |
I have scanned the "Sales Book" pages for 2000 S3 but every time I reduce them to fit in allowable space here they degrade. Give me an e mail address and I will send you good copies of them. Radar (Message edited by mark61 on May 18, 2008) | ||
| Desertwndrr |
desertwndrr(at)yahoo.com Thanks. (Message edited by desertwndrr on May 18, 2008) | ||
| Werewulf |
you can get deals sometimes... i have a 99 buell that had 4k miles and was "like brand new"... i put it on ebay and would have taken 3800 bucks for it...it didnt sell, so i kept it and its my project bike now.. | ||
| Adrift1371 |
1999 HD Buell 1200cc | ||
| Adrift1371 |
oops typo 1999 s3t thunderbolt im looking for a manual .... | ||
| Mark61 |
Any specific part or thing out of the manual? I could scan and e mail you pages if you need. From what i can tell all the manuals are alike just a few different pictures in them. mark61 | ||
| Adrift1371 |
i'm looking for a full manual, id be willing to pay $$ i have an 5 in one & printer / also laptop.......i could scan print - , i have a direct ac/dc converter for an auto , thanks | ||
| Adrift1371 |
hummmm no responce .................?? |
