| Author | Message | ||
     Rockhead |
i've been lurking about and have sourced a few regional S2's that are stirring emotions deep inside. what should i be looking for in these bikes? any routine issues or problems? what am i getting myself into?? thanks rocky | ||
| Essmjay |
The big question is, are you looking for collector value, or just a fun, easy to work on, eye catching ride. If the former- look for stock set up, clean body work, numbered plate available, low miles. If the later, look for documented engine upgrades, proper service intervals with medium high mileage (better than just sitting in a hot dusty barn), single owner, comfort upgrades, and so on. | ||
| Rockhead |
certainly the latter. currently ride a '99 cyclone, so i'm familiar with the tubers in general, just not this vintage. what engine upgrades are common or expected? the shock recall applied to both the '95 & '96 S2s, correct? | ||
| Ratbuell |
The S2 literally has a sportster motor in it. Right off the shelf, same cams, same heads, etc. Many people do a thunderstorm top end. Some change cams. Some just do exhaust. Some go 1250 or even 88". Personally I'd stay away from bikes that are heavily modified - these are rare birds, and its getting harder and harder to put them back to stock should the urge arise. I found a stock bike...did a thunderstorm conversion...and kept all my take-offs. | ||
| Hootowl |
"The S2 literally has a sportster motor in it." Another reason seeing one get redneck choppered is a travesty. These are not the "Buell" engines they think they're getting. | ||
| Ratbuell |
They're still gonna get chopped because you can buy a used S2 far cheaper than a used XL. | ||
| Rex |
Rockhead. neat bikes. I have a cool 95 S2, stock,with the exception of exhaust ( super trap) and the carbon fiber clutch cover ( American Sport Bike) and the corbin seat. White body work, white frame, white wheels, new rear tire. Stock. $4500. I have a RED S2. White frame, Red Bodywork, PM wheels. S3 motor in the frame. Still to be titled in Arizona. I have the title for the frame and engine case from California, and a title for the motor. Just had not had time to get them titled together. Was running when I got it back from Fireman Jim, but it has sat and the battery is dead. $2500 the way it currently sits. I have two S2 frames, 1 with a title. 2 sets of bodywork. I set is yellow and is in pretty good shape. The other is white, and the tailsection and fairing is not perfect. Wheels also, plus bars. Almost everything except a motor. Would be willing to discuss this one. I also have an RSS 1200, pristine condition. Candy Red. $6500. Looks like the one on the cover of the first 25 years of Buell. REX | ||
| Zenbiker |
Rocky, I live in Stowe, just moved here from Minnesota. I brought out my blue 95 S2 and the movers are storing my red 96 S2 until I buy a house. As stated earlier, the S2 motor is almost a stock Evo XL, with a european spec cassette in the trans, different exhaust, ign. module, and intake. There were a lot of little changes over the build (94-96), but they generally look the same. There were a lot of 'invisible' changes during that time due to known problems, recall work and ongoing upgrades at Buell and to the powertrain at HD. I have owned an S2 since 99, fun bikes, easy to work on and many parts are off the HD parts shelf, so easy to find. If you do a little searching on this website, X1files, and my favorite, Don Castos S2 improvement website, you will learn alot. Although the bike is 18 years old, there are a lot of little things you can do to make it a fun, reliable ride. My blue S2 was raced at Elkart lake and has reworked and flowed heads, among other things, but looks stock. I get 46 mpg around town and upper 50s on long trips. My red 96 has the Pro Series air filter kit and aftermarket muffler, the rest is as it came from the factory, both very satisfying. Feel free to email me and we can meet up for a brew to chat if you like (and if the rain stops). Good luck. Neil | ||
| Rockhead |
Awesome! I'm just on the other side of the notch in Underhill. Making some minor repairs to my Cylcone after a little spill, but will give a shout once it's ready to hit the roads again. Rumor has it the rain... just.... might... Not gonna jinx it. | ||
| Zenbiker |
Rocky, Rain stopped, I was on your side of the Notch today. Neil | ||
| Zenbiker |
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| Lornce |
So, Rockheed. Did you get the S2? | ||
| Jolly |
I can only help in respect to what not to buy...mine had a broken frame tab for the tail section which coincidently is also one of the mount tabs for the saddle bag rack, the forks leaked like they part of a Wikki program, tires were so old they may have been carved with a rock hammer and flint chisel, the exhaust was missing every tune disc (its a super trap) the header was missing a nut...wonder why, and it was way over serviced and leaking out of every gasket..like timing plug, cam cover, primary cover...oh yeah...and the case was broken in front of the crank and JB WELDED....so how's that for a buyers guide? it will rise from the ashes though for sure!! but at least it was a "one owner bike" .... PO-POS!!! | ||
| Rockhead |
Never did pick one up. Local options disappeared and I realized I'd be better off putting the time & effort into my Cyclone than taking on another rehab project. But maybe someday... | ||
| Ratbuell |
If you get the chance, they are a *completely* different animal than any other tuber. Definitely worth the experiment, should the opportunity present itself. |
