| Author | Message | ||
     Bubabuell |
Sorry for my tuber ignorance but I'm not sure I understand the differences between the S1 and the M2. Are there major differences? I see the M2 has a longer seat base and standard forks as opposed to USD. Any other differences? (Message edited by BubaBuell on August 28, 2004) (Message edited by BubaBuell on August 28, 2004) | ||
| Davefl |
M2's have milder cams stock. Older M2s did not have stainless headers and they tend to rust. Both are good bikes. I have to say if comfort is an issue the '99 up M2 are heads and tails above the S1 but the S1 is Sexier | ||
| Bubabuell |
Thanks for the heads up. I'm looking for second bike and the S1 seems like a good choice for me. Are there two different types of seat bases for the S1 - one for a pass and one without? | ||
| Davefl |
Yea, they had a thing called a twin tail. I guess with it you could put someone back there for short trips. I don't know how hard the twin tail would be to get because they may be rare. | ||
| Captainkirk |
First of all, it all depends on what year/model you're talking. The older bikes (96-97) came with stock and or Lightning heads and pistons, the S1 with Lightning cams. They also had the smaller seats and tank/bodywork, steel weld swingarm and mechanical (cable driven) speedo. HP and RW torque were also substantially lower than the Thunderstorm models, which were introduced (I believe) on the S1W and the '98 M2. This was a 91 HP, 85 ft/lb torque motor. The stock '97 M2 was pushing about 70 hp if I'm right (Anybody feel free to jump in and correct me at any time here...) There were also a number of service bulletins out that need to be complied with-there's a list in the knowledge vault. If buying from a dealer, these should all be complied with, but if not, make sure they're done as the cost of doing them yourself could easily overtake the cost of the bike. Just make sure you know all the facts before you buy. FYI it will cost at least a grand to convert an older stock sporty motor to a T-storm motor so factor that into your pricing (if you care-some people don't) These facts aren't ironclad; I'm just trying to give you a generalization. I looked at a '97 M2 before I bought my '99 M2. It was almost 2 grand cheaper, but when I factored in the upgrades I wanted, it was obvious the '99 was MUCH cheaper in the long run. It was a decision I have not regretted. Any other questions or specifics, fire away! If I don't know, I'm sure there are others here that do. Best of luck with your search! ck  PS- The late model M2 passenger seating is MUCH more accommodating than either the S1 or early M2-take it from my passenger! | ||
| Bubabuell |
Thanks Captain. I'm looking at a 98 S1 and don't mind spending the $ on the motor as I planned on beefing up a few things. I suppose I should read a bit more on the specific years to learn the in's and outs. Paul | ||
| Newfie_buell |
Go with the S1!!!!! I absolutely love mine!!!! | ||
| Tripper |
An M2 can never look like this.  | ||
| Captainkirk |
Spend a couple hours wandering thru the KV-you won't regret it. It all comes down to what yanks your crank more-the M2 or S1. A '98 S1 should have the T-storm heads and pistons-look to see if the cylinder heads are flat black in color-I'm not sure exactly when they started installing the aluminum arc swingarm. That's easy enough to spot. The rear shock should be the Showa aluminum can with the accumulator strapped to it. The rear isolators should have a raised "B" on them. Inspect both rear isolators and the front one as well for sagging, cracking and tears as this is one of the weak spots and is neither quick nor cheap to fix. Other things to check for are the upgraded front muffler hanger and the change from 6R12 to 10R12 spark plugs. Again, all the service bulletins that SHOULD be done are listed in the KV. If you need more specifics, though, let me know and I'll do a little digging through my back issues of Battle2win. You still never said whether this is a dealer or private individual. I'll help as much as I can. | ||
| Bubabuell |
It was private as I just found out it was sold on Friday before I could make it up to Lancaster yesterday (some 30 miles north of me). Back to the recycler I suppose. I'm not sure what the "rear isolator" is. Motor mount? I'll keep my eyes open. I'd be interested in getting more specifics from you if it's not too much trouble. I did sift through the KV and came across a few things to look out for. Some as you mentioned, though was there a recall on the gas tanks as well? Maybe due to vapor lock? Edited to mention...Sweet ride Tripper. Love to see some more pics! (Message edited by BubaBuell on August 29, 2004) | ||
| Captainkirk |
The rear isolators are rubber shock "doughnuts which connect the frame/forks to the engine/swingarm assembly. On the tubers, the swingarm assembly bolts up to the back of the motor, and the frame kind of sits on top of it. The job of the isolators is to...well, isolate the vibrations of the motor and drivetrain from the frame (and rider) which is one of the reasons the Buells smooth out so nice in the mid-rpm range, unlike the pre-'04 Sportsters. My Jap IL4 gets a nasty buzz in the bars around 5k that will put your hands to sleep after an hour of cruising-not so with the Buell. Needless to say,isolator condition is important and they will go bad...eventually, if they already haven't. Which is why you need to check them carefully. Fire away on your specifics, I'll answer if I can. If not, I'm sure others will jump in! | ||
| Bubabuell |
Okay....Well after reading through the KV file again I feel I have a little more grasp as to the concerns and recalls. I've been looking for a project bike for some time now (by that I mean one I can tailor to my liking) and have always liked the tubers from the get go. I ended up with a XB12S which is nice in its own way. I inherited some S1 parts from a friend on the east coast who was forced to part with them after a crash (penske shock, V&H pipe, spurgin cooler) so it's only obvious I go in the S1 direction. Nevertheless I'm some what intrigued with the idea of putting XB heads on a S1 along with a Nallin kit and maybe a N6 cam. Matched with a mikuni 42. Will I do this? I don't know. Finding a S1 is the first step. I've rebuilt many a air cooled v-dub and a few Jap bikes, but never a Harley. Not that I'm daunted from the task, but I feel confident given the resources here (and your recent suggestions) that I should be in good hands. So, I guess I should find one first as I'm sure I'll have many a ? to ask. Thanks again. And if anyone knows of a S1 for sale on the west coast...please shoot me a PM. | ||
| Captainkirk |
Sigh...I was looking for one, too...at first. None of the dealerships had any and hadn't for quite some time. You'll probably have to hook up with one on eBay. You just missed buying Ferris's Thong-too bad! I do see quite a few of them on eBay (search;Buell). Good hunting. Your combo sounds good (I think I'd go with a little more cam, tho!) | ||
| Bubabuell |
They must be in demand as I've come across quite a few M2's and S3's. I suppose it'll be worth the wait. And yup, just missed Ferris Thongs by a week or so. Doh! | ||
| Newfie_buell |
Here is a picture of a failed isolator!!!!! This happened on my way back from Buell's 20th Anniversary and I was in Detroit when I noticed that every bump I'd hit. It was like someone was pounding on the frame with a hammer.  Luckily a fellow Bueller by the name of Ozz was there to help out. | ||
| Newfie_buell |
I know a while back Harley Davidson in Toronto, Ontario had a beautiful example of an S1 on the floor for about $7000 Canadian. I almost bought it when I was there but I already have one. Should have bought the damm thing!!!!! | ||
| Lornce |
Newfer, Not to worry, met the new owner of the molten orange and nuke blue S1W in Perry Sound, and it appears to have gone to a good home. His buddy rode a Guzzi.  Check THIS out for a peek at the latest addition to the Southern Ontario Buellers (S.O.B.'s for short). http://www.badweatherbikers.com/cgibin/discus/show.cgi?37/18390 Aaron brought this prize back from Illinois just last week. I'd never seen a reactor yellow S1 before, and I've gotta tell you, it's one of the most stunning S1's I've ever laid eyes on. The thing GLOWS at dusk. Course it didn't hurt that the previous owner never rode it in the rain. Bike's truly "like new" only better, cause it's T-Stormed and race kitted. Scha-weet! | ||
| Newfie_buell |
That is a nice one!!! | ||
| Captainkirk |
'course there's nothing wrong with an M2-IMHO it's one of the true "sleepers" of the Buell line as well as the motorcycle world. GOBS of torque, great looks and a really super-flickable bike. You don't realize how effortless it is until you've ridden something else first...and then hop on the M2.There are a lot of them out there, and reasonably priced, for the most part. Ride one before you rule it out- you might be surprised.  PS- Newfie, that isolator is just WRONG!  | ||
| Court |
It's not Reactor Yellow, it's "High Voltage Yellow". | ||
| Lornce |
Thanks for the colour clarification, Court. Explains why it looks nothing like 99X1's "reactor yellow".... errmmn, '99 X1. I should have dug a little deeper and not taken the PO's description at face value.... It's a remarkable colour when seen in the flesh, as you well know. | ||
| Rex |
The M-2 was the best bike ever made, and court can prove it.....REX | ||
| Newfie_buell |
That isolator sits on a shelf in my garage as a memento of my trip in 2003. Not as good at the signed poster I have mounted and on the wall of my office or the signed flyscreen!!!!! I am still trying to figure out haw Court can prove the M2 was the best bike ever made!!!! I think the S1 was?!??! | ||
| Court |
It *IS* one of the most remarkable and memory filled (story filled) colors in Mike S's Buell history. Rigth up there with "how we got to Greeen in 1997" is the High Voltage Yellow. It is not UNrelated to Molten Orange or the roof/closet. Remind.....yeah,yeah,yeah... Court - these are FASCINATING MOTORCYCLES ! | ||
| Bubabuell |
I am now obsessed with the S1. I will have one. Soon. Pictures to follow...  | ||
| Tripper |
Come join the fun Baba!  | ||
| Tripper |
Let's pour the fuel on Bababuell's flame... MORE S1 PICTURES!    | ||
| Bubabuell |
One nice bike, Trip. This is the first time orange (sorry molten orange) has ever looked good on a bike IMO.  Soon. Very soon... Paul | ||
| Aesquire |
My Bud Wulfstan says my M2L is the best handling "big" bike he's ever been on. I think he's got fond memories of a RD400, he owned Suzuki of Dansville, and seldom lost money street racing. ( both guys put a $50 in a can outside the shop, roll slow to the edge of town, then run what I call "Batf#$^K Crazy hill road" (not it's real name but has tight tight turns) first one back to the town line waits for the other. ) He agrees with me that the acceleration falls off between 120 and 130+, but M2's are killer in real world riding...0-90 mph. I let him try my '01 Cyclone, he said "I was cruising Batf$%k, thought it was doing 60-65, nice & mellow, looked down & I was at 95!" (Message edited by aesquire on August 31, 2004) | ||
| Awprior |
Tripper doing a wheelie... Now THERE is a shocker. That is a fine looking bike though! |
