| Author | Message | ||
     Mhlunsford |
How does the S3 compare to riding the S2 ? I have a M2 and honestly I am begining to think the M2 is more comfortable for long rides. S3 look like M2 with fairings and inverted forks. Are they more comfortable than the S2 ? I like the quality and fairing of the S2 but after a long ride my throttle wrist hurts and I feel the vibs in my handlebars and pegs. | ||
| Steveford |
Seeing as how nobody else answered, the S3 would be better two up, I think the S2 would be more comfortable for solo riding. The suspension on the S2 is more compliant, wind protection is about the same. Vibration levels should be about the same. I'd say that the S2 is a higher quality motorcycle but the S3 has a better motor. I ended up making a mutant by taking a 98 S3 engine, swing arm, shock, exhaust and wheels and bolting them into/onto a 96 S2 rolling chassis. That made it what I want but it's still not a two-up motorcycle if that's important to you. Nobody in their right mind would want to ride back there for more than a very short trip.  | ||
| Jolly |
+1 to Steve, and Ive got a mutant S2 as well, same motor, 98S3 since the motor was questionable when I was building the bike (thanks again for the assist Steve!) S3 is definitely the more comfortable bigger bike for the long haul with 2 up riding, though from a distance you could argue (ok not very well, but to the untrained eye?) that they look about the same, they are definitely different bikes. Think of the S2 as a HAND-MADE niche bike for the select few, and the s3 as a LINE-PRODUCED bike for (almost) the masses.... I like them both, the only thing better than one of each would be...two of each!!! | ||
| Dave |
I find my S3 more comfortable than my S2. Rider position, legs, seat.... A different riding experience between the two - I like them both. DAve | ||
| Skntpig |
Good thread. Help me understand the difference in passenger experience on each for a few hundred mile ride. | ||
| Mhlunsford |
what does the newer swing arm do for the S2 ? | ||
| Jolly |
Just did a over 400 mile weekend on some great roads with JeffC73, good ride!!, on the S2s. its the longest Ive been on an S2, and the more time in the saddle the more I liked the bike, but definitely not what I would consider a 2 up machine...of course I am over 45 (barely!) and have multiple bikes to choose from, I think of the S2 as an AC Cobra...hand built hotrod and a lot of fun and will always have one, the S3 is certainly a very stable fun platform and has worked its way into my favorite commuter bike (close to 60 miles each way to work and home, well over 100 total each day), and also more comfortable as a two up rider, the S2...I will always have one, the S3, would hate to sell it but if it came down to one or the other...I would keep the S2...wife can take a car and follow!  | ||
| Two_seasons |
I've never owned an S3. October 19, 2012, I purchased an S2T in Lee's Summit Missouri and drove it home, via the back roads, arriving at 7am. 7xx miles on it and never been on an S2 before! With the exception of the HD left and right controls, I enjoyed every minute. And, it is very comfortable. Had compliments from other motorists the whole time I was traveling...through cold, rain, and sleet that evening. There is something very different about the S2 that I've never experienced on any other bike I've owned. Maybe it's the heavy flywheel that allows the slow cruising without the buzz of the engine. Maybe it's the corner confidence this bike exudes. Or maybe it's the way you sit into it instead of "on top of it". Whatever it is, it's comfortable in all conditions. And the rarity of them these days attracts people to them. As I think will become the case of the 1190 platform. EBR today and BMC back then did it for us, not for the masses, but for those of us who know better and seek out the best riding experiences we can have before we aren't able to any more. Thanks   |
