| Author | Message | ||
     Izakwould |
I've got the option to purchase a 1995 Buell S2 Thunderbolt with about 13,000 miles. I've got a couple of questions. Can someone tell me what a good price range would be? Is there anything I should look out for? I've heard that there have been a bunch of recalls, but I don't really know any specifics. I currently own a Yamaha cruiser, and am interested in adding this as a second bike. Any tips or advice anyone can offer would greatly be appreciated. | ||
| Mikej |
Price depends on many factors and would probably range from $2000 to $9000. If the bike comes with the Signature Series documentation that adds a little interest and may or may not affect the price depending on the buyer and the seller. Complete and original bodywork that never been crashed or repainted if well maintained will add value. Some performance upgrades can add value, some can detract value depending on how the buyer perceives the bike has been treated by current or previous owners of it. Original owner of the bike with original dealership sales documentation and full warranty and repair records will add value to a collector or Buell enthusiast in some cases, but some buyers will just consider the accumulated paperwork as a form of anal retentiveness and will discount the price due to having to deal with the extra paperwork.  Questions: 1. What is the asking price. 2. What condition does the bike seem to be in. 3. How many miles are on the odometer and is the current owner willing to say if that odometer is accurate. For example on my S2 the speedometer cable broke once as I was riding the bike in the dead of winter in zero degree weather when moving from one residence to another and the bike acumulated about 50 miles before I replaced the cable. 4. What modifications have been done to the bike. For example at one Buell Homecoming a few years ago a couple of guys were there with two S2's that had the tail section molded into the tank cover, they did a very nice job, but the bikes are no longer stock, worth more to some due to the customization, worth less to others for the same reason, but both bikes were very nice and the level of the work into them would in my opinion increase their values. 5. What condition are the tires and brakes and seat in. 6. Has the front cast iron rotor been changed out to a stainless steel one that doesn't rust but also doesn't stop as well IMHO. 7....the list goes on. The more and better the input you give the more and better the replies you'll receive. And welcome to the board. Check out the dcbrag.org web site, the owners/members of which are in your region and may know the bike you are looking at. | ||
| Izakwould |
Wow, thanks for all of the feedback. I haven't seen the bike in person, only pictures, since it's in another state. I had my brother check it out when he was in the area, and he said everything looks pretty good, other than a couple of bubbles in the paint, and possibly a motor mount that needs to be replaced? According to the seller, it's been signed under the seat, so I don't know if that means it's a signature series or not. I believe the actual mileage is under 13k, but I guess there's no guarantee of that. I'm going to ask the seller if he's got all of the maintenence records and any recall info. | ||
| Izakwould |
I also forgot to add that the bike appears to be fully stock. | ||
| Bluzm2 |
S2's really grow on you, be carefull! | ||
| Buells2t |
It is possible that out of all the steel frame Buells that the S2 had the fewest problems. All the early Buells (including the S2) had some recalls, shock, swing arm, fuel tank vents/mounts, … Almost everyone I know/knew with S1’s and S3’s went through motor mounts; S2’s didn’t seem to have that problem. I have never seen paint bubble on an S2 though, early S1’s and S3’s but not an S2. The signature Series is a certificate, and ign. Cover issued by Buell, for S2’s marking them collectors items. The certificate has information like the VIN, crankcase #, Engine #, Build date, and of course the S2 Signature #. Which shows what number of how many built for that model for instance my 96 S2T is number 227 of 398 S2T’s built in 1996. If I’m reading this wrong someone please correct me. I have put 48,600 mostly trouble free miles on my S2. I still think she is the funest bike I have ever owned. She has never left me on the side of the road. By the way my bike was built 10/31/1995 so happy birthday baby. Mike | ||
| Mikej |
I'm having some minor paint bubbling on my S2, not really noticible unless you look for it on the tail section. A big heavy flywheel in a stock Sportster engine keeps things running a little smoother and milder. Still fun though. | ||
| Court |
Mine was born in November 1994. It's been in 4 of the contiguous 48; the first Buell at most places including Mt. Wilson, Palomar, Mt. St. Helens and the Blue Ridge Parkway. I've owned many motorcycles, as many as 9 (including 4 Buells) at one time and this is one of two I would never sell. Also, note that many of the afficianados (including Aaron, Henrik, et al) have, after riding all Buells and other bikes, added an S-2. Perhaps one of the most satisfying motorcycles I have ever ridden. Court | ||
| Doughnut |
S2 good. S2 Fun. Buy S2. (Done in a very bad Frankenstien's monster voice)  | ||
| Firemanjim |
S-2's in very nice condition are out ther to be had for 4000,the mileage can vary greatly.I bought one 2 years ago with 5600,my other has 75,000 on it.My 3rd had 13,000 on it before becoming a Bonneville bike.The body work can get stress cracks and they had a bit of bubbling on some.You want one with the most stuff already done, so you don't have to do it.Aftermarket pipe,new tires,bags,touring bars,Corbin seat,that sort of stuff,maybe some Nallin heads and a Mikuni,all recalls done---shock and swingarm are the biggies.You will love it. | ||
| Lornce |
These guys aren't just blowing smoke: S2's are sweet bikes. T-Stormed and T-bagged, it's a hugely gratifying combination of comfort, convenience, style and agility. Sampling other bikes simply increases my appreciation and enjoyment. I really dig it. A bargain classic: Hurry and buy it before word gets out. Lornce | ||
| Careyj |
I love my S2, I have #89 of 2,147 ever built and she was born on 6/22/1994. done a ton upgrades over the years, and she has never left me stranded either.  | ||
| Thunderbolt |
good bike, as many have said. but you are getting a ten year old touring bike that handles really well, not a sport bike. just don't be confused about that. and, whatever you do, don't overpay. depending on a lot of stuff like condition, etc. i think the bike is worth ~$3,000. just my $.02 | ||
| Mikeyp |
Court, not being a wisea$$, but do you still own a Buell? | ||
| Court |
I do, but only one at present. I've owned a Buell, without interruption, since 1989. No problem asking...it get's confusing. A year ago I owned a Buell, Yamaha, BMW and Kawasaki but was often riding a Bandit or Hayabusa. This week I am going to ride a Suzuki DRZ400 to work. Always keep'em wonderin'......  | ||
| Kevyn |
..."whatever you do, don't overpay. depending on a lot of stuff like condition, etc. i think the bike is worth ~$3,000. just my $.02" So, does that mean you'd sell yours for ~$3K? | ||
| Mikeyp |
Which model Buell? I'm riding to the ferry tomorrow, it should be nice out. We should catch up. What time you get home? | ||
| Jlnance |
FWIW, I was at the Suzuiki dealer in Raleigh yesterday. They have an S2 which I assume someone traded in, for sale. I asked what they wanted for it and they told me $4500. | ||
| Sandblast |
Yes, Izakwould, you should. So should I for that matter. | ||
| Tramp |
BUY IT- do not pass "GO".... MY S2T has over 213,000 hassle-free miles on it. been coast to coast three times, I ride it absolutely year-round here in NY. While it certainly ain't purdy no more (see pic in profile) it's a beautiful machine which has proven to be even more reliable than the slough of old BMWs I've beaten on over the years. I slapped an S3 frontend on, though, so i could run conventional bars in 7/8" dia. I cannot say enough wonderful things about my S2T  | ||
| Firemanjim |
Damn,Tramp.It sure would have been easier to weld some 7/8" bars to the existing S-2 ones and used S-1 controls than change the frontend.And the S-2's had the more desirable front forks. | ||
| Firemanjim |
Was that bike ever in CA?Swear I saw one just like it years ago. | ||
| Tramp |
man who fired jim- i changed the bars primarily so i could have more adjustment, esp. fore/aft up/down (clipons only allow medialateral) and choose from a wide variety of bars. i used to run pro-tapers and will likely go back to 'em, they are fun as all git-out on the MX course. i also don't care much about the loss of travel in my forks, i'm planning on switching to M2 forks asap, anyway- they allow a MUCH tighter steering radius than the inverts. i lived in california for years, and my S2T's been back and forth several times. i actually bought it out there, as well, and quickly got rid of that heinous edelbrock qwicksilver ca. version carb. my bike rarely sits for long, so odds are you've seen it out there i lived up in the bay area and i have relatives all around carmel, so it's been 'relatively' ubiquitous there- when you put really idiotic miles on a scoot, changing bars can be a good way to avoid carpal tunnel in the ol'"clutch and throttle muscles"- when my right wrist was really bad from continuous throttle abuse, that ended my sex life for awhile (Message edited by tramp on November 01, 2004) | ||
| Court |
Most of you know I am a avid campaigner spreading the word that S2 parts have NOT been obsoleted and in fact folks at Buell are wanting to know what other we want. I bear glad tidings..... Several weeks ago someone lamented the inability to get an owners manual for their S2. Not a parts or service manual, but the owners manual. I placed an order for one each of every S2 manual, they arrived at the house today. This is good news; thumbs up to BC and the team at Buell. Court | ||
| Buelliedan |
Tramp, Orange County, NY? As in Rock Tavern?? Cough, OCC, Cough!! | ||
| Tramp |
cough cough HACK Cough...yep- The OC East. Those clowns only started 'building' bikes a few years back. unlike them , i'm an OC native and i was building bikes in the 70s. nice 'nuff folks, though. great biking area, the OC. | ||
| Doughnut |
I have found it very easy to find S2 parts thus far. Maybe because they are so "H-D"? | ||
| Firemanjim |
Tramp,were you at Reg's first Blue Groove in Santa Cruz--musta been 1996?? | ||
| Tramp |
hell- likely- my bike actually CAME from santa cruz HD- it was often parked a couple miles north of town on rt. 1 @ a beach in davenport- like very often  in '96 i was living up in palo alto and i was in santa cruz a lot. i'll likely be living out there again, soon. if you attended any 'blood runs' or poker runs at the daly city clubhouse you may have seen the bike there, too | ||
| Mikej |
Tramp, If possible please post a few more pics of your bike. It has an, er, uh, certain character to it. Very nice, in an ornery sort of way.  | ||
| Rex |
The S-2 is cool...It really grows on you. Kind of like a Sportbike cruiser....Relaxed motor and handles good, looks good. The only thing wierd is the side stand...get ready for it.....REX | ||
| Tramp |
thank you mike  . i will try, today, to toss up a shot from this year. rex- very nicely put- one thing i've pointed out to my riding buddies is the fact that my S2T looks (welll....*looked*  @ one time) like a sportbike........until i'm actually astride it and you can see the totally 'standard' rider attitude- very easy on the knees, these heah' T-bolt Ts |
