| Author | Message | ||
     Bsanorton |
I'm fortunate enough to be getting a bonus on the 15th of Feb. Time to acquire another tuber for me. I'm looking at a gorgeous S2 that I will need to have shipped to me or there are 2 S3T's in my state. Nice ones, One I owned for probably 10 years and it was well maintained with few miles put on it. The asking prices are $3300-$4500. I have always owned X1's, S3's and M2's. Never a pre 99' motor. Will I be disappointed in the S2's performance or reliability? It is quite the looker..Advice appreciated as I am ignorant about S2's or S1's | ||
| Upthemaiden |
The information I have is pretty basic, but since you said you're ignorant about S2's and S1's... As far as I know, the S2 came with a stock sportster motor, which doesn't include the lightning heads on the early M2/S1s, and isn't the thunderstorm heads on the later M2s and X1s. The X1 has about 10 more hp than the S1, and the S2 should have even less than that. I don't see any reason the S2 would be any less reliable than any of the other tubers though. The big appeal with the S2 seems to be their more hand-build appeal, as well as a better suspension than some of the later tubers(if I remember right). You can tell the S2s were more hands on, less assembly line. Aside from all that, they're definitely gorgeous, and in my opinion look nicer than the S3s do, which already look good. As far as being disappointed in the S2's performance, I guess just picture an S3 with less power and better forks, but that one's hard to say. The S3 will also have FI and the S2 has a carb and hamcan style intake. If the S3s you're looking at are the S3T, then I think they should come with the hard bags, which could be a bonus over the S2s. That's all I've got, and it's VERY possible someone will come around and say that not all of that is correct. I'm strictly an S1 man, and haven't paid a ton of attention to the other tubers, but that's just some of the information I remember seeing on here over time. If I was to pick another tuber though, it'd be an S2/S3. I think personally I'd go for an S2, just because they look that little bit better and for that kind of bike I'd be fine giving up the extra power. | ||
| Bsanorton |
thanks for the information, I've been strictly a 99'-02' tuber freak for the past 15 years. Had multiple S3's and X1's. Have an 02' M2 that's a keeper. all the bikes I'm looking at have the bags, so it's a S2T & 2 S3T's | ||
| Kc_zombie |
S2! | ||
| Upthemaiden |
It sounds like it's about time for you to try an S1. | ||
| Bsanorton |
LOL! Could be the time. I'm just tired of paying for shipping fees, lol | ||
| Lake_bueller |
You want a beautiful white S2 with matching saddlebags  | ||
| Bsanorton |
Make me deal for a bwb member I Can't refuse fellas lol | ||
| Williamscottrobertson |
I have an s2 and an s3 ddfi. (I think the pre-99 s3 was carbed also). Anyway, the S2 is damn sexy. Hard to find parts of things are missing. I had to source a CF rear fender and some other bits. Fork seals were shot, available but probably not much longer after the shelf life. KTM ones are supposed to cross. Idk. As far as performance, the S2 is a slug compared to the S3. The S3 is peppy, revs quick. The S2 is smooth as butter, revs slower, and does have that sportster performance if you’ve ever been on one. I’m betting it makes 45-50rwhp, compared to probably 80rwhp on the S3. As they say, you sit in an S2 and you sit on an S3. To be honest, if I had to pick one to sell, it’d be the S3. As we say in Aviation, they are purpose built. If you are touring and just cruising around - the S2 is stylish, has a broad, smooth, low, and flat power band, perfect for that mission IMO. You won’t be keeping up with Metrics anyway, with either one LOL. sex sells   | ||
| Lake_bueller |
^^^^ I've said many of the same things when comparing the S2 to the S3. If I thought my S3 had any real value, I'd sell it and keep the S2. Mmmmm....maybe I'll explore that route  | ||
| Screamer |
I'd have to check, but I think claimed crank hp on the S2 was 76 hp. Stock except for a very early can-style Supertrapp and jetting, my first S2 made 68hp at the rear wheel (which may not have been corrected for elevation, August 1994). The S2's hp issue is easy to overcome - whereas changing the looks of the S3's isn't (if the looks of the S3 are an issue for you). | ||
| Screamer |
I'd have to check, but I think claimed crank hp on the S2 was 76 hp. Stock except for a very early can-style Supertrapp and jetting, my first S2 made 68hp at the rear wheel (which may not have been corrected for elevation, August 1994). The S2's hp issue is easy to overcome - whereas changing the looks of the S3's isn't (if the looks of the S3 are an issue for you). | ||
| Milar |
While we are comparing tubers, what are the differences between between an S2 and a Westwind? I think the motor is the same. Is the frame the same? Riding differences? Mike   | ||
| Hootowl |
Frames are different. | ||
| Hootowl |
Motors are pretty much the same, but the s2 has the from heim joint mount as part of the case. Earlier models it’s an add on. | ||
| Williamscottrobertson |
You’re probably right screamer. I was on the low side on those numbers. Looks like a stock xl1200 runs about 60rwhp, and that’s not “free breathing” with a muffler. Those straight pipes on the Sportster weren’t good for much but noise. Always surprised me that the aerocharger dumped straight out, I guess there was backpressure for flow on the exhaust vanes of the turbo. | ||
| Jolly |
I have 2 S2s and an S3T in my collection... sold the S3 last summer..... one of my S2s has the S3T bag conversion rack and S3T bags so the S3 just was not getting ridden much... I’ve been through both S2s (well all my tubers) and fixed all the little stuff that needs to be fixed or upgraded. The S2 is just a sexy bike and a lot more fun to ride!! The only real issue with an S2 is the kick stand design and lean angle with the resulting tip over risk... but I fixed that..(and about 10 other bikes out there!) I don’t even really notice or miss the extra RWHP that the 2002 S3 claimed to deliver, but if I ever had to go into the motor I would take that opportunity to build it a bit, but I don’t plan on tearing into it just to build it...(famous last words..) | ||
| Upthemaiden |
"LOL! Could be the time. I'm just tired of paying for shipping fees, lol" I drove 3.5 hours each way to get mine, plus had to stop at a mall on the way to kill an hour+ because the PO owner didn't leave when he was supposed to. Buying something local is definitely a plus. You get into trouble though when you start browsing with Searchtempest.com "Fork seals were shot, available but probably not much longer after the shelf life. KTM ones are supposed to cross. Idk." I put KTM fork seals on my S1. Working well so far, and only a fraction of the cost of the actual S1 seals. | ||
| Bsanorton |
I've been known to drive well over 6 hours for a bike. After that it's worth it for me to use uship and save my time and wear and tear on my trailer/truck. The sweet S2 was sold. Looking at the S3T's in FL, only 1 to 3 hour drive. If anyone knows of anybody selling a nice S1/S2T, X1 or S3T let me know. Thank for all. Trying to keep the price range from $2500-$3800 | ||
| Phelan |
Hey, I recognize that yellow S2 with the Force pipe!  That was my first S2, after I replaced the bodywork from the low side. Having owned 4 S2s, my preference is the S2 over an S3, though these days I'm heavily considering an RS1200. Very different riding position, but awesome looks and heritage. | ||
| Johnod |
I asked this same question a couple of years ago. I ended up buying an S2T, I'm very happy with it. I did a Thunderstorm top end myself, and there is plenty of HP for me. I like it a lot and am happy with my decision. Of course I've never owned an S3. | ||
| Ratbuell |
I love my S2, with T conversion - drop pegs, and bags. I have tall bars on the shelf but haven't felt the need to make that swap yet. I did change to thunderstorm top end years ago - along with X1 cams and an S1W race ignition box. Still a heavy flywheel motor, but a very nice performer. I've ridden it to multiple events (homecomings, WVBRs, Daytona 200s) and have yet to be left behind by the pack - she holds her own. Even stayed mid-pack at the 25th homecoming "parade lap"...2-up! I own one of every generation - S2, S1W, 01 M2, Uly, and an 1125CR. I also have an S3 Defender but that's a project that I haven't ridden yet. I will say, the S2 has a conversation with you every time you ride. It is truly teamwork as opposed to just sitting on a machine. As Jolly said, simply changing the side stand/side plate to a later design for less lean makes a huge difference in rideability. The rest is up to you. Stock, she's no screamer, but a simple top end and cam swap can change that if you need it. Amazing chassis, great riding position, and if you get one with the T setup (lower pegs, taller bars, or even just the saddlebags) you're doing even better. And as noted above...they're just SEXY. | ||
| Williamscottrobertson |
I’ve contemplated selling my S3 T conversion, for a Ulysses. I just bought a Penske for it off the sale board and it’s on its way to Penske for a refresh. I feel like the rear shock and older isolators made it weak for two up. That, and the “nicer” bags on the Uly and more modern construction. However I also think tuber/XL parts will be more readily available in the future vs XB. Anyway, I’ve done just about everything to it, 5,500 miles, deep and shallow bags fiberglass modded, new Duracell battery, fresh tires, black XB rocker covers, t bars, oil pump gear, primary tensioner, ect. Pegasus seat and Corbin with lady backrest, stock muffler in the box. I’d have to be closer to $5500 to let it go where i could buy a nice clean Uly. Hell, as much as I’ve done to it, with the Penske coming, I may just use it for two up and traveling. Idk.  (Message edited by Williamscottrobertson on January 25, 2018) (Message edited by Williamscottrobertson on January 25, 2018) | ||
| Bsanorton |
Beautiful! Just out of my price range, lol! | ||
| Mhlunsford |
My S2 has some work done on it 11:1 compression bored and not sure cams. It pulled pretty good and was more reliable than my m2 and handled better than my m2. But for traffic I liked sitting upright for more visibility on the m2. | ||
| Skntpig |
PM sent. I have a nice S2 with touring pack I would sell. I’m in SW FL |
