| Author | Message | ||
     Riviera |
I'm looking at a 2002 M2 with 11,000 miles for $4000 and a 1996 S2 with 8000 miles for $3000. Both bikes are local, clean and well-maintained. Other than style and riding position, I'm trying to decide which would be the better bike for me. I'm not a super-aggresive rider but do enjoy hammering on it occasionally. Bike would see a mix of mostly local use with some 200-400 mile excursions. Are the technological upgrades from '96 to '02 worth the extra $1000 between the two bikes? Any advice would be appreciated. | ||
| Blks1l |
I would personally go for the S2. Although some parts will be harder to find, but the Badweb is a good place for that. Dean | ||
| Gowindward |
Grasshopper only you can answer this question for yourself, although the Buell S2 would be my choice if it was for myself. I really don't think you will get any technology upgrades on the M2. Both bikes are carbed and the S2 really probably has better running gear than the M2. I think it cost nearly twice as much as the M2 when both were new. | ||
| Kilroy |
The M2 will have the Thunderstorm heads and upraded flywheel, so it will have a superior power plant. Plus the stronger swingarm. Plus, most recall issues were addressed by the factory by the time the '02s rolled out. they are both great bikes in their own ways - why don't you get both? | ||
| Phelan |
The M2 has a LOT of tech advances, but the S2 has more prestige. Trust me on one thing- most S2s are divas. The S2 motor is a bone stock '96 Sportster motor (no lightning heads like the S1 had), 62 rwhp, and terrible gaskets if stock. I would go for the S2 anyway cuz I love them, but this is the downside. The neutral zone is that S2s have factory pre-'96 harley controls with 1" bars, while the M2 has 7/8" bars and import style controls. The M2 has a better oil pump, lighter flywheels, thunderstorm heads, better cams, better gaskets, better cam oiling design, etc. The downside to the M2 is that it is a pain to change isolators, and IIRC the front end is not as adjustable as the S2's WP ROMA forks. The S2 has a side plate design so that with the right tools/lift you can change the rear isos in about 20 min each. | ||
| F_skinner |
Both are good bikes and I think Phelan highlighted the differences very well. Like Gowindward said, only you can choose. The M2 is a very versatile bike. The S2s are classy. I like them both but if I could have only one bike it would be a S2 but I am biased. | ||
| Ratbuell |
Get the S2. It's a more comfortable bike IMO (6'4") and has luggage capability if you can find the bag kit from an S2T. I've owned both - still have my 95 S2 with T stuff (lowers, bags, tall bars, drop pegs), and used to own a 99 M2. Stock to stock the M2 had a little more grunt. When my S2 started leaking at a base gasket, I upgraded - Thunderstorm heads and pistons, and Lightning component cam kit (same as X1). Plenty of power, still has all the comfort. And oh.....that body....mmmmm, sexy. The S2 has to be one of the best looking sets of bodywork ever hung on a motorcycle frame. | ||
| Riviera |
Yes, you are correct, in the end only I can truly answer this question for myself. But, I cannot afford to purchase both bikes and I don't have the luxury of being able to ride both bikes long enough to get thoroughly in tune with either before purchasing. Being located in the upper midwest, I actually will be purchasing without riding first. Hoping to get a price advantage now as opposed to waiting for spring weather. Just looking for knowledgeable opinions to hopefully make an informed purchase. Thanks to all! | ||
| Pkforbes87 |
Buying the s2 then putting $1000 into whatever you want for it will give you a more satisfying, and WAY better looking bike than just spending 4k on the M2. | ||
| Buelltours |
Hey if you end up getting the M2, let me know where I can find the S... Good luck! | ||
| Fasted |
if you want a kickass fun motorcycle, buy the m2. if you need the esoteric undefinable touchy feely mysticism of an older bike with less power, go s2. both will attract girls.............. | ||
| Hippyjoe |
Being located in the upper midwest, I actually will be purchasing without riding first. This is a mistake... where you sit is a big difference between the two bikes... the S2 you sit in, the M2 you sit on. The 02 will have all the updates sorted out. The 96 will need every update in the book if they haven't already been done. Both are priced a bit high IMO in this market, in winter. M2s seem to be in the 3k range these days, S2s lower... except among Badwebbers. Otherwise what Fasted said, lol. And everyone else. |
