| Author | Message | ||
     Mrwoodboat |
Hi looking at a 1999 M2 w/ 7k on it and a 1997 M2 w/12k on it, both are completely stock and do not have leaking shock (yet) or busted exhaust mounts- is one yr better than the other? And what should be my list of priorities after I pick the bike up? I read about the rocker gaskets but I am hoping for some insight from you guys who have been riding these for a while- and while I have ridden most of my life- this is my 1st Buell- any wisdom will greatly appreciated thanks | ||
| Littlebuggles |
The 99 has the more powerful stock thunderstorm motor, wider seat, and larger fuel tank. Both may require upgrading the front exhaust hanger and the primary chain tensioner. Both were stock with the old paper rockerbox gaskets (and maybe the primary gasket too), if the owner has updated them you are golden on either bike. Personally I've always loved the look of the pre 99 model years but am very pleased to have bought a 2000 with more of the reliability issues fixed. That said, given the opportunity I'd buy a earlier model if a sweet deal came up. my $.02 (Message edited by littlebuggles on July 08, 2009) | ||
| Guell |
I like the looks of the early model a lot more, but im a bit biased. I did put a manta tank on it and x1 forks, so its like a poor mans s1 now haha. Either one would serve you well. | ||
| Redefine420 |
I have a 97 and love it. I prefer the looks over the 99 and up. I do wish I had the thunderstorm heads though. I havent had any of the issues associated with the earlier year bikes. I updated the primary chain tensioner, not because it was a problem, just a precautionary thing. I've put about 10,000 trouble free miles on it. They're both great bikes, but if I had a choice between the two I'd go with the 97. Are the asking prices the same? | ||
| Ratbuell |
My first Buell (first bike ever, actually) was a 99 M2, so I have a soft spot. I put over 50k on that bike in 2 years. 99-up is MUCH more comfy, and as noted above has a stronger stock motor. 98-earlier is VERY similar to the S1...cosmetics and comfort-wise, that is. Having both an S1W and my wife's '02 M2L in the garage...it's a coin toss. If you're gonna ride for more than 2 hours at a time, go 99. If you want badass/sexy looks and shorter rides...go 97. You can always put a larger tank on for more range. One other thing to note - the 99 (and later) is a DIRT-SIMPLE bike to ride. I hadn't had an M2 since my '99 was sold years ago (to keep the license on life support, LOL), and when I got on Kim's a month or so ago right before we bought it, I was instantly reminded HOW easy and friendly they were. Handling, powerband, everything - totally intuitive. | ||
| Mrwoodboat |
The price is within a couple hundred of each other- leaning towards the 99 mainly due to the saddle and heads on the motor. What in your opinion, should be my plan of attack so to speak- chain tensioner, shock, exhaust hanger mod, etc...Thank you each... | ||
| Jayvee |
Yeah, the saddle might be the biggest difference really. Or just the looks, or even which color you like. You'll be replacing eventually about the same number of bits on each anyway. You can't really go wrong, which one do you like the looks of? How long at a stretch would you expect to ride it? A Corbin seat is available for either model anyway. I have a 2000, same as the '99, but like many folks, I actually prefer the looks of the '97. I just came across a used 2000 model first. | ||
| Cyclonemick |
I would just make sure you have a good chain tensioner, proper fluid levels, drive belt adjusted properly, y exhaust hangar and just ride! Your gonna love it! | ||
| Randymoser |
Hey y'all.Just wondering... how much difference can you feel between the 97-98 M2 and the 99+ one? One of the things I like about my '97 is the way you have power from VERY low. My brother's S3 was slightly more peaky. Randy | ||
| Brinnutz |
Well, there's more HP all around because of the T-storm top end..I don't know if the cams were the same or not. S3's have different cams then the M2, hence why it would feel different. | ||
| Randymoser |
It would be fun to test ride a newer model. Where I live it's mostly handling and weight that matters, but speed is always fun... and I do think the later Cyclones are probably better bikes from an objective standpoint. But I picked up one of those geeky Motorcycle Memories portfolios and I'm not sure the later bikes are actually faster on the spec sheet, either. The difference between them is probably less drastic than the difference between a X1 and a M2, yes? Just geeking out.  Randy |
