| Author | Message | ||
     P0p0k0pf |
Well, just finished Riders Edge, and I am looking to get a bike ahead of my original schedule. The prices for S1s look attractive, not to mention the designs of the bikes themselves! My plan was an XB, but an S1 is probably a more realistic target. Can someone sum up the major points on owning a 1998-ish S1 as far as things to look out for? Ex: I have read that pre-99 Buells aren't equipped with the best performing transmissions... I didn't have much luck with the Search function, so I'm sorry if this is a FAQ! Thanks- | ||
| Josh_ |
I don't think there is a tranny difference 95-99. There was a revamped shift component in.... 00? to make it smoother. 98s had carbs. Other than recalls, bubbling tanks and rockerbox gaskets (an issues until.. 03?) not too much to worry about. Mine's for sale   www.highwayride.com | ||
| Bomber |
gearbox is basically a sporty, Pop, and, compared to Japanese gearboxes, it leaves something to be desired, no doubt -- shifting effort is higher than you would expect from a Japanese bike, but the good news is ya don't gotta shift much! they don't blow up every day (though there are those who have had issues -- the Knowledge Vault contains that, and more) if an S1 is in your future, you are blessed -- great bike, great history, a classic in the making, I'm thinkin . . .. however, if you are considering a 6 year old bike of any kind, I gotta ask, how comfortable are you spinning wrenches? | ||
| P0p0k0pf |
I've had plenty o' wrench time in my life... no probs there! How are S1s on belts? Braking performance? I'd actually prefer carbs over FI because of throttle control... carbs are generallY smoother, at least in the off/on throttle transition... Are there and frequent issues that seem to pop up on the boards here? Thanks for the responses everyone! | ||
| Josh_ |
98s had the "new" Nissin brakes and cast-iron rotors (switched to stainless in 99). the fronts tend to rattle over time due to the way the "float" is configured. (switched in '01 - the new ones look much nicer too) Belts should last "forever" as long as they are not run too tight. Not a lot of frequent issues pop up on the pre-FI bikes. Exhaust is right by the right leg (thus the exhaust coating). Parts are getting scarce at the dealerships but plentiful and cheap on eBay. | ||
| Road_thing |
Pop: You need to realize that: 1) It won't run with the Japanese bikes on the top end. 2) It will require maintenance. 3) It will bust your nuts on a bumpy road. If you don't mind those little quirks, you'll love an S1. Enjoy for what it is: a torquey, noisy, kind of brutish bike that goes, stops and turns pretty well. I've had two. No major problems over about 30,000 cumulative miles. No belt breakage on mine. Front brakes are great, but the older style discs loosen up and rattle after a while. Rear brakes are weak. Rocker box gasket leaks are pretty common but easy to fix. Some bikes blow a fair amount of oil mist out of the breathers, just like the Sportsters that they are. rt | ||
| Bomber |
figure that you're buying a 2-wheel GT350 Shelby, and you'll be in the right ballpark | ||
| Steveford |
You should look out for all of the above plus the early-style primary chain tensioner. You don't want a broken one migrating into your gearbox. If you can swing it, Josh's S1W would be the ticket. | ||
| Phillyblast |
ssssshhhhhh!! Actually, I've ridden it and yeah, it definitely would be the ticket. Well sorted, frame brace already in place and powder coated, and knowing Josh maintained within a millimeter of perfection. 98S1WL is T-storm heads, too. So more ponies. | ||
| P0p0k0pf |
Good! I don't want a spec monster... I already have a 4 cyl. vehicle covered in plastic... it's my 01 Jetta <smile> The S1 looks like what I am looking for in a bike- Handling and Simplicity. As far as updated designs (01 brakes, late model tensioners, etc.) are they easily adaptable with earlier model bikes? I know that's a vague question... Hopefully I can come across one soon that fits me as far as condition and finances go... I appreciate the feedback! | ||
| Doum2 |
Josh, Great looking bike, is that a borla on the bottom? | ||
| Phillyblast |
Pop, The updated parts, AFAIK pop right in (pun intended). Hint: look a couple of posts above for an exceptional example with updated design parts installed  | ||
| Josh_ |
no, a Stainless Specialties (ie Daytona Boss) custom made muffler. 4" body, 3" outlet. Earplugs not included but NASCAR fans love it 1998 Buell S1 White Lightning 12k mi Carbon Fiber Buell Race air cleaner, Buell Race Ignition Buell Race header (ceramic coated), Stainless Specialties muffler dyno-tuned by Aaron American Sport Bike CNC aluminum rear sets Race-Tech forks Buell Pro-Series bars, New Buell “Traction” grips WestTek frame brace – powder coated white White powder coat: Adj brake lever, clutch lever, heat shield and trans brace New white Buell kickstand (from 2001 X1WL) Buell ProSeries Seat Carbon fiber rear fender w/ aluminum license relocate New updated rear isolators, new X1 front engine mount New Metzeler Sportec M1 tires, Fresh brake fluid and new pads (f/r) Upgraded battery kit $5500 as is $4525 naked. (knock off $150 to swap the stock seat for the ProSeries, $400 for new RaceTech forks (you'll get fresh 97 S1 forks), $300 for stock pegs (frame scratches from rearsets no charge), $125 for Buell ProSeries bars.) Delivery avail if you reimburse my chiropractor bills | ||
| Southernmarine |
Josh, If I had the money I'd buy your bike in a heartbeat. Hell my Dad lives in Memphis and could pick it up. DAMN, where the hell is all that extra money of mine? Hope you find a good home for her. | ||
| Josh_ |
Memphis I'd ride to, no problem. More than that would be a chore. I'm hoping the wife relents (I can't complain, I agreed to sell it). Meanwhile it's pulling weekend carshow duty and winning trophys. | ||
| Lake_bueller |
J.C. Gotta love the S1!!! If you really want the Buell experience, the S1W is the way to go. Josh has one sweet looking ride. There's also one in the classified section for $4K. Here's a few pics of my Marilyn (my S1W)   | ||
| Bluelightning |
L.B., What's the ugly yellow plastic thing in the background of those 2 beautiful clean Buells?  | ||
| Lake_bueller |
Plastic???? I don't see any plastic. Maybe a little fiberglass, but no plastic  | ||
| Socoken |
Dennis THAT is a toy collection. a nice sunny saturday, hmmm....... the S3, the S1W, or the C5. a guy should be so lucky as to have that tough decision to make. AND you work for the greatest pro sports franchise in the world? dude, did you save a bus load of nuns in a past life????? | ||
| Lake_bueller |
Sometimes it's better to be lucky than good Actually, the car was my dad's. When he passed away last fall, my mom & I decided we should keep the car. It splits time between the two of us. But I've notice she doesn't put on too many miles. To be honest, I'd rather ride the Buells. The S1W has somehow become my "daily" rider. The S3T only leaves the garage when the wife is along or I'm going for a weekend trip. | ||
| Bomber |
Lake -- it's good to have a tangible and happy reminder of who your Dad was in your life -- can't think of a better one that the yellow vette (except, maybe, the Model A in my garage from my father in law) . .. . we are lucky men, no doubt about it! | ||
| Overload |
I've missed out on a bunch. What's a WestTek frame brace, where does it go, and what does it do? thanks, Overload in Colorado 98S1W | ||
| Josh_ |
Look at the pic of Lake's S1. The frame brace connects the front "triangle" of the frame with the side. The 99+ tubers had a piece welded in from the factory. Lake's is a painted?powdered? white Banke brace, mine has a white-powercoated WestTek/American Sport Bike. The Banke is less expensive and squarish/flat. The WestTek/American Sport Bike is round. Both bolt-in to stiffen the frame a little. Lake also has a steering dampner that bolts to the frame just above the rear mount of the frame brace. (Message edited by josh_ on July 30, 2004) | ||
| Steveford |
The one from Banke is also NLA but the American Sport Bike brace is a really nice piece. | ||
| Josh_ |
Banke will make them if you call him. | ||
| Overload |
I see it now. Can you tell the difference with or w/o it? I think I like the round one better. It makes the frame look like a Ducati ladder frame. Overload in Colorado (Message edited by Overload on August 01, 2004) | ||
| Josh_ |
>Can you tell the difference with or w/o it? I changed a bunch of things at the same time (tires, RaceTech forks, etc) so could not really give an opinion. | ||
| Loki |
Banke just did a short run on them. Just put a new one on the S1. The price went up though. I can feel the difference. Night and day feeling with how I push the gurl some rides. | ||
| Lake_bueller |
I couldn't feel a big difference when I had the brace on the S3. I think the set-up on my S1 benefits from the brace. But the S1 also has Pro Series fork springs, EBC race rotor and Crossroad Race bars. I'm putting a TON more input into the front than I do on the S3. | ||
| Timbo |
Not for sale. Just stokin' P0p's fire.  Timbo  |
