| Author | Message | ||
     Slowride |
Most of you guys know me and I have had my lot of Buell's and well the wild hair has flared back up and I am trying to decide between two bikes. The funny thing is I have already owned both the M2 and the X1. My M2 was a my first Buell and it fell apart every chance it got. Matter of fact it caused me the most intellectual pain of my Buell engagement so far due to the frustration I splattered all over this board and Blake's rebuttal of praise to the contrary of the M2. The X1 was a good bike, but it didn't seem to have what the M2 had.... anyway, it has been a long time and I have had many a Buell since then. Does anyone want to step up and swing my vote in either direction? 2000 X1 or 2002 M2 | ||
| Kalali |
Why not a 2002 X1? Most people seem to think that is the best year. | ||
| Slowride |
No reason other than I have found both of the bikes mentioned fairly close to me and both bikes are priced under $2500. | ||
| Mtjm2 |
Slowride , myself owning an m2 my view may be totally one sided , got a 01 m2 so you know were I stand . Im almost 50 yrs young and my knee dragging days may soon be over . I like the ability to do it but am more in line with touring at this point,but I can do both in the same ride . For what its worth | ||
| Kilroy |
One of the greatest motorcycles ever built - M2 | ||
| Bernard |
Had you asked S1 or S2, I would have compelled to dig deep into his, but your question is rather if you should buy bike number 1 (the X1) or bike number 2 (the M2) for your money, and the answer is simple as both bikes are in the same category, meaning the can do the same equally well: buy the bike that is in better condition with the lower miles, regardless of whether it's bike number 1 or number 2. | ||
| Kalali |
I have never ridden an M2 so I can't comment on ride quality , etc. But on paper X1 appears to have a higher performance motor. For me the choice would boil down to carb vs. FI and I prefer FI since I know very little about carb. | ||
| Slowride |
Good Points Guys... I almost would prefer an S3 vs the M2, but the X1 is one of the best looking bikes in the line up. Anyway, keep it coming... I am checking the miles now and rechecking the pictures now to see which one stands out more... | ||
| Mtjm2 |
OK , looks only get you so far and carbs rule . so whats the question again ? | ||
| Cyclonemick |
Love my Cyclone! Just as fast as an X1 with a little modding, More Comfortable, More room for a pretty Lady, Reliable, Easy to work on, Did I already tell you to pick the M2?  | ||
| Outdoors |
I have an '00 M2 and wouldn't dream of trading for an X1 (just personal preference). If I was doing it over though, I would hold out for a clean S3T with some nice options like an aftermarket shock from Works or Penske. I like all of the tubers, just maybe the S3 most based on my use. Find one that has been maintained well and they are a great bike. Come to think of it, if I could find an S3 fairing set up for my M2, that would likely be the best from every angle. Anyone selling a decent S3 fairing? | ||
| Britchri10 |
I have never ridden an M2. However,I have ridden my X1 quite a lot. Pluses: No room for the spouse. No room for luggage.: FI: fast: fun: annoys the IL4 riders. Minuses: No room for the spouse: No room for luggage: have to plug in ECM Spy every time I want to re-tune it: annoys the IL4 crowd. Try them both and see which one you prefer. None of us are going to be riding it for you. It is you that has to be happy with the ride you choose. I hope this helps (but I am sure it won't!) Chris C | ||
| Biggsammy13 |
I own an 02 m2L - I love every minute on that bike. With that said I have driven an 01 X1 and the tank + side vents seem a little massive (still a beautiful bike though) -Carb vs FI: I feel like the carb has more growl and umphh behind it. If you're into that deep throaty roar, I'd go carb -Should you decide x1 - I believe 99 was the first year they started the FI and supposedly, never got it right that year. A former friend was always having to replace FI components on his 99 I would go for a later year. -you can get down and dirty in the twisties on an m2 and still sit fairly upright for cruising. -tail fairing on the m2 is plastic - which is easier for painting in my mind. not to mention there is a store across the pond (i've seen it once on this forum) that sells a fairing for the m2 to look like an s1 (without having to chop the frame) seems like the m2 seat is a little bit wider, so if you like mcdonalds's this might be something to consider  just my thoughts, I'm definitely partial to my M2 but the x1 is just as sexy. It's like asking, which one of the olsen twins do you want to bring home? why not both? | ||
| Mmcustoms |
I have both m2 and x1 and I would say my m2 is the best bike ive ever had and its never done me wrong . the x1 is not as fun or as comfortable to ride | ||
| Jramsey |
"Anyone selling a decent S3 fairing?" . . Yep have a perfect one, Blue Streak colored. $3,600, the only problem it comes attached to the bike.lol  | ||
| Slowride |
Jramsey, what are the details on the bike? I might be interested... and don't forget the location. | ||
| Littlebuggles |
Profile indicates location is Garland, KS. Gorgeous bike there James! Great price on a very sharp looking bike. From his posts here we know Jramsey is a conscientious owner too. Remember the cams in the two bikes are different, and make a huge (to my perception) difference in the way they feel. I would love to own a completely stock X1 someday. But having ridden M2/S1 and X1 I really preferred the torque of the M2 motor. As I mod my M2 over the years I've almost bought cams a couple times, but can never quite close the deal. | ||
| Blake |
For comfort's sake, the S3 is the choice. Between the later model M2 and X1, I'm not sure. The '97/'98 Cyclone seat can be a torture rack for some. It can be much improved with adept insertion of a stiffer padding and/or gel pad. I prefer the M2. I really like the old tech carburetor. Do you ride around town much? | ||
| Slowride |
Honestly, most of my riding has been in the Sport Touring class. That's why I ended up purchasing the ST1300. I have put some 800+ mile days on that bike with no ills. So, no... not much street riding, but that could change with the bike I pick. The ST1300 has been my only bike since the 1st of the year and it is just a pig in town. The idea was to go back to my first love, the tuber. At this point I would take any of the 3 mentioned, if I could get any of their owners to actually want to sell me the bike rather than just posting them up on Craigslist or (pick a forum) and then never returning emails.... *wink* *Wink* | ||
| Kalali |
"..tail fairing on the m2 is plastic - which is easier for painting in my mind.." I have to agree with this point. Even with matching painted tail on the X1, the M2 somehow flows a lot nicer. But that is just a matter of taste. As for the torque, I don't believe M2 has more torque but it sounds like the max value is reached either at lower engine speed or the curve stays flat over broader RPM range. Does anyone know the "Max torque @ RPM" differences between the X1 and M2? | ||
| Slowride |
Seat of the pants feel on the M2 My M2 could out run any xb by about a bike length and I weighed 250lbs. Mine also had a Givi fairing and the funny thing was, I could find the sweet spot in the slip stream running top speed that would allow me to either hit the rev limiter or by raising my head keep the rpm's just off the limiter. It was always fun walking past the XB's or whatever 12R was up front. The only down side was when we hit the twisty's again, I would always drift wide and the xb's would come screaming past me. Good times... on a bone stock motor. | ||
| Jramsey |
wink wink, email showed up 8:45 this am. Last month due to lightning strike lost a desk top 2 tv's, antenna and rotor plus 3 surge protectors.Severe T storms again today. Being on line today iffee,kinda gun shy, $100 laptop in the shop is all I have at the moment. Here's a link, http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/21/ 629955.html?1304969150 Any questions/info/more pics just ask. | ||
| Gomo |
Jramsey Your S3 is the first one I've seen with the X1 spoiler & Lower fairings installed. Just wondering if the fitment was straight forward or did you need to modify anything | ||
| Jramsey |
Right side only required drilling another hole in the bracket The left side only need slight trimming of the lower to clear the chin fairing. If the chin fairing was removed 99.9% of people would never know the lower was trimmed because its so slight. | ||
| Jramsey |
Have a half decent connection again if 15K can be considered decent. Couple more pics.   I'd rate it at a 8+ out of 10. | ||
| Pkforbes87 |
X1 may have more hp on paper, but the m2 feels faster imo. Cams are geared more toward low end torque than the x1 cams. That being said, I'd never trade my x1 for an m2. I would like m2 cams in my x1 though. Also if this kind of thing matters to you, the seat heights are almost the same but the wider m2 seat makes it feel considerably taller. | ||
| Mtjm2 |
THAT IS AN AWSOME LOOKING BIKE ! but wouldnt trade it for my m2 , give me another 10 yrs | ||
| Ratbuell |
Gorgeous S3. Blue, I don't have yet...and it would make a nice set if I had money. I'd have S1,2,and 3...in red, white, and blue! (I think you should DONATE it, just because of that LOL). To the OP - I'd go M2. DDFI-I was always a little hiccup-y to me, never really did fall in love with that software or its performance. But I've had 2 M2's now and loveloveLOVE that tractor torque those cams give. Totally predictable, tabletop-flat power curve. The 99-up bikes have a seat that rivals my Ulysses for comfort and acreage, and you just...can't...kill 'em. I tried for years to kill my '99 (hence the username "Ratbuell" - rat-rod, rat-bike, it's a Buell...Ratbuell) and all it did was keep coming back for more. My current '01 is a little better-treated...but once I dump that Low suspension (I'm 6'4", don't need it and I'm tired of dragging pegs) watch out. It'll be playtime again! Don't get me wrong - I'm not "anti-EFI", I love my Ulysses and I love my 1125. But like I said, the early system...it was like it had a cold. Always sneezing and snorting. | ||
| Weatherbyman |
I agree! X1 2002 Best Year Ever! > http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/476 23/632130.html?1305937614 | ||
| Weatherbyman |
Oh wait... correction.... all years of Buell were good  | ||
| Jramsey |
Here's a couple naked pics, been sitting collecting dust since last Sept. Washed it,blew it dry with the leaf blower and hit the battery with a 2 amp trickle for 30 minutes................and Boom it fired right off and settled to a nice 1075-1100 idle!   (Message edited by Jramsey on May 21, 2011) |
