| Author | Message | ||
     Bikerrides |
After two years of owning my S3T, I finally got to ride with a fellow Bueller who was on an S2. After riding a bit, we stopped and were discussing the differences between the two bikes, when he offered to let me ride the S2 so I'd know for myself. He rode my S3 and I rode his S2; these are the most beautiful bikes on the road! DAYUM! I really like both bikes while they are noticeably different. The S2 seemed smaller and more responsive to handlebar input; my DDFI S3 w/race ECM, was much stronger and smoother, maybe a bit more refined. Then again, I'm used to my bike and Only rode the S2 for about 30 miles. It needed tires and I'm pretty sure it needed new ISO's, so it is probably a much smoother bike than what I experienced today. Regardless, it is an American bad ass and I loved it! It was really cool how he went on and on about how awesome my S3T is...he kept saying, "That is beautiful." | ||
| Rex |
I always thought the S2 was one you think around the corners......the m2 and s3's, you ride around the corners. The S2 you become a part of. you think it, and it happens... | ||
| Alfau |
Thinking your a good lover while your cornering might help do you think? wanker | ||
| Bikerrides |
Hope I can get more time on an S2 so I can learn more about how it rides and handles. After looking at the ISOs the next day, the front is toast and the rears probably are, too. I'm sure that's why the vibes were so bad, which made it difficult to appreciate the S2's character. | ||
| Lynrd |
I think you nailed it when you described your S3T as "Refined" as that was almost exactly my impression when I rode my S3 home. The S3 felt so solid and well-sorted, it initially struck me as boring compared to my S2. It took all of about 200 miles for me to get over that and accept that this is what mass production brought to Buell. Now, the S3 is my designated "Long ride" bike - mostly out of respect for the much better S3 luggage. The S2 is my favorite for day trips and general bombing around. Both are great bikes. But if one had to go, it would be the S3. (Message edited by Lynrd on February 11, 2014) | ||
| Bikerrides |
Based on my 30 miles on the S2, my S3 felt much smoother and settled. However, the S2 has badly worn tires and the front ISO has a tear in it, so I know it's bad; not sure about the rears, but they are likely original to the bike and are gone as well. I took the S2 to 70mph and slowed back down to 60 because the vibes came in really bad above 60 and made me nervous at 70. A few minutes later I noticed a front turn signal dangling; the vibes had caused the stem to break! So that experience doesn't give me a true impression of how the S2 performs. I'd like to buy this S2 from the guy, if he'll sell it. But I want to make sure the vibes are just old, worn out tires and bad ISO's first. I think he's going to put new tires and at least a new front ISO on it. I hope to get to ride it again after that is done! | ||
| Lynrd |
Yeah, fix the isolators and try it again. Rhonda's preferred speed is about 90. Her engine isn't stock, she's a low geared chain drive bike, she's a damned fire breathing dragon off the line...and she is almost as smooth from a vibration standpoint as my box stock S3. The S2 is a double crapload easier to do the rear isolators on. If you can get it, I shore wood...If he fixes the isolators and the tires....well, he might ride it that way and remember what a great handling bike it is...and decide to keep it. (Message edited by Lynrd on February 11, 2014) | ||
| Bikerrides |
Well, I want to make sure it is actually the tires and ISOs before I make him an offer. I'd hate to buy it, put new tires and ISOs on and find out its something with the engine or more expensive. Risk I have to take. | ||
| Hootowl |
It's the isolator. If the engine was that hosed, it would have given up by now. | ||
| Lynrd |
+1 Hootowl. Inspect the engine to make sure front head is not cracked. It probably isn't since the S2s have a better front isolator mount. If it passes that visual inspection and the price is right...I think you'll be OK. That said, do be prepared to put a bit of work into it. If it's rolling on bad tires and is vibrating that bad, it may have not had a great maintenance cycle and the vibration may have fatigued some other parts (notably the exhaust mounting system) so other things may need addressing. Ask Jolly about his JB Weld experience... Is the 'glass in good shape? What color and wheel combo? | ||
| Jolly |
oh yeah....that thing!! ugh previous owner should have had his bike and his tools taken away!! funny thing though, I don't regret buying it for a minute! sure I could have bought a better one, bought one that ultimately would have cost me less....but in the end... I will truly own this bike and be grateful for every moment of wrenching time..I spend way too much time and energy into work and not enough time with my hobbies so this bike may actually be the perfect one for me! yes I do have a point that I am trying to get to... SAVE THAT BIKE you will not regret it, even if you have to find a new motor like I did! If you are experienced with these bikes you know how "ultimately" easy they are to work with, (I say that recognizing that I still troll for nuggets of help and regularly reach out for help) if you are not, we are all here to help someone save another tuber, and it seems that there are some true experts here that are more than willing to help those of us out that are still learning. some things that were wrong with my bike that could be adding to the vibration in the bike you were looking at; cupped tires loose / torn front isolator trashed rear isolators leaking front forks loose rear shock mount (front boomerang both bolts) loose front tie bar mount (bent bolt) stripped front motor mount bolt (easy fix with a time-sert)) and a few other issues check all of those areas as they all translate to a vibration issue clearly I bought a train wreck, but it will live again! | ||
| Hootowl |
The longer you ride it with the bad iso the greater chance you have of cracking the head. | ||
| Jolly |
I'm sure that's part of what happened to mine before I bought it, the iso failed, then it probably vibrated every other key bolt loose doing more and more damage! | ||
| Bikerrides |
He's going to put new tires, already has the front, and put a new front ISO at a minimum. He uses the same mechanic as me, who is AWESOME, and I can find out from him what the condition of the bike is. I know he'll be thorough and will warn me of any potential issues. If it needs new rear ISOs as well, I know he'll point that fact out to the owner and highly suggest that he do it while the rest is being done. This mechanic doesn't like anything leaving his door that isn't right. | ||
| Jolly |
what color? what condition is the body? S2? S2T? | ||
| Bikerrides |
Red w/white frame. Bike is 8.5-9 out of 10 condition. Absolutely beautiful. S2 only, not an S2T sadly. PM wheels and many parts and accessories to go with! |
