| Author | Message | ||
     Lawhook |
It’s been like almost 10 years from the time I first test rode a Buell and I can finally get one! I’ve test rode mostly tubers back in the day and almost bought a S3 and a badweb CO Springs local “Frank” went with me to look it over then (I believe Frank was his name is he still around-he owned an S2 and S1W??) After looking at it my son got some new medical bills And the money had to go elsewhere. Now I’m ready and debating a newer XB 12 or the love of my life the OG :-) 96 s1. I’ve heard from every S1 owner they would never part with the bike but I’m not in a position to tinker with a bike all the time like I swore Frank said he does  so newer has appeal....but if it wasn’t in need of constant tinkering and a local badweb friend (anyone in co Springs?) could offer a hand when needed for other maintence (also so I could learn a thing or two) then I’d love an S1... nonetheless the s1 I’m looking at has 18k all recalls done! No leaks and was taken care of, with not too many modifications....any thoughts and opinions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks and I’m stoked to be back and able to become a Buell owner. (Message edited by Lawhook on April 23, 2018) | ||
| Phelan |
Hey Luke, I'm your Huckleberry. I'm in Fountain and actually bought Frank's bikes a couple weeks ago. He and I go way back. Call me sometime and we can talk, and you can come by and see what I have as well. My phone number is 806 six eight one 8004. My name is Ross | ||
| Lawhook |
Thanks Ross! Tell Frank hi! I enjoyed meeting up with him and talking Buells back then... good guy for sure. I’ll call for sure! (Message edited by Lawhook on April 23, 2018) | ||
| Oopezoo |
I think an S1 can be fine as long as it was maintained up until this point. The important stuff should be done already if the owner actually rode and cared about the bike. I went the opposite route and unknowingly bought one that was completely neglected. It was a complete PITA the first 2+ years I owned it. I swear every time I attempted to ride it, something else broke, or I found something that immediately needed updated/addressed. It spent more time in pieces on my garage floor than on the road. That being said.....I have the major stuff updated and fixed now. No more leaks, exhaust stopped breaking, and it has a usable rear shock instead of a pogo stick. I still have a laundry list of things I want to do to it, but at this point it is ridable......and I love it. Add me to the list of owners who will never sell their S1 | ||
| Upthemaiden |
I've been down that exact road, always loved the S1, but ended up buying an xb9 because I thought something a little more modern would be the way to go as an only bike. It was a great bike(and the most reliable/low maintenance bike I've ever owned), but it wasn't an S1. I'm sure I would've liked it a little more if it was an xb12, but regardless the reasons I sold it would've been the same on a 12. I ended up selling it, went through a few bikes, and finally picked up an S1. Just like Oopezoo's, my bike was a bit neglected, and has been a little bit of a pain. I've replaced.... Isolators, front brake/MC, front rotor, primary chain tensioner, clutch grenade disc, front exhaust hanger, fork seals, clutch cable, rebuilt the hand controls, leaking grommets on the oil tank, sidestand switch.... I'm sure a few more things I'm forgetting. There's a few additional things I've upgraded and am still in the process of replacing, either from PO neglect or just in an attempt to plan ahead. As an only bike, it would be perfectly fine because they're super easy bikes to work on, and most of those things could be knocked out over a couple weekends. I on the other hand have a baby and another on the way, so I'm lucky to get 2-3 hours in a weekend and it's had a bit of downtime since I bought it 2 years ago. I enjoy working on the bike, so none of it has been a pain, but I'd certainly rather be riding it than driving the truck to work. Also have to consider the money I've spent on brake and engine parts... I got a decent deal on the bike($2400 for a 97 S1 w/11k miles), but had I just added in the extra money I've spent on parts, I could've just spend $1000 more and bought a bike that was cared for and ready to go. Like Oopezoo.... once I get these things knocked out, the bike will be back to regular commuting duty and life will be good. If you happen to find one that's clean and well cared for, and the current owner can tell you things like the isolators, primary chain tensioner, clutch spring plate/grenade plate, and front exhaust hanger have all been updated... you've likely got a good seller and a reliable bike. Unlike the XB, which I've always regretted selling(and of all the ones I've sold, is the only one I regret letting go), I'm never selling the S1. | ||
| Ratbuell |
I bought my 98 S1W in 2006, with 1100 miles on it. Once I got through the neglect-repairs...it's been bulletproof for me. Took me less than a year to get stuff sorted one-by-one, but once sorted it hasn't ever needed anything other than scheduled maintenance, and wear items. Got about 10k on it now, tons of smiles and tons of fun miles. If you find one...grab it. You won't regret it. XBs, at this point/time, will also need some time-attention. The tubers are certainly an easier platform in many aspects to do those jobs on. And as I said, once sorted...they're rock solid. | ||
| Lawhook |
Thanks y’all for taking the time to share your experiences!..I’ll post here when I get one! Here we go!!! | ||
| Ratbuell |
Good luck, you're gonna love it when you get one! The extent of my neglect-repairs were re-jet the carb properly; replaced the output shaft bearing when it siezed (too many years on the sidestand, put the bearing "uphill" and it dried out - thank God for the trapdoor transmission!); replaced the leaking rear OEM shock with a rebuildable Penske; and...I think that's it. Oh, wait, maybe a speedo drive gear on the front hub. And maybe rockerbox gaskets, I just can't remember. While the trans was out I backcut the gears and had them micropolished. I pulled the stock header and crappy SS2R that was on it when I got it and replaced them with Buell Race parts. I added a Buell Race intake, and final-jetted it. Clear lens taillight with LED internals. Pulled the front signals and installed 1125CR mirrors with signals in them, some LED rear signals, and an A.S.B. LED flasher relay. Found and installed an OEM hugger with license plate mount and updated it to LED. Added a Kuryakyn voltmeter and a Gerbings plug. And I've been loving every mile since I got it. It is a hooligan. Not a long distance bike with the solo "one-cheek" seat...but a hell of a lot of fun for half-day blasts! | ||
| Mike_lee |
"but a hell of a lot of fun for half-day blasts" oh ya! (Message edited by mike lee on April 25, 2018) | ||
| Williamscottrobertson |
I ride mine 45 mins to work with crossroads bars lol Paid 3800 for 98 S1W, replaced: isolators, rocker box gaskets, oil pump gear, race exhaust, race iggy box, CVP jet kit 45/195, intake gaskets, primary tensioner, updated detent plate, front exhaust hanger update, some other odds and ends stuff too. Recently put running light modules on the front signals, replaced the signal bulbs with LED, and LED blinker relay. | ||
| Jolly |
If you take care of “the short list” of things these bikes need, they’re actually quite reliable... comfortable... NOOOOOOO.... FUN... YESSSSS!!!! And yes quite reliable... but some things have to be done to get them there... | ||
| S1owner |
Oh common Jolly sitting on a 2x4 is plenty comfortable! | ||
| Ratbuell |
2x6, let's give credit where it's due  | ||
| S1owner |
Rat thats only if you have a pro select or Corbin seat! Lol | ||
| Ratbuell |
Nah, my factory Euro solo is definitely wider than a 2x4. Trust me. Been doing plenty of framing work on an apartment renovation...I know 2x4s these days! | ||
| K12pilot |
1/2 hr VS 1/2 day. I don’t really miss either of my S1W’s except for the beauty of them. I think I will miss my CR when it goes bye bye this year. | ||
| Ratbuell |
I flat-out LOVE my S1W. I have no illusions that it's a "touring" motorcycle - that's what the Uly and the S2 are for - but for rude blasts through the mountains, or a kickass commute to work, I'll jump on it every chance I get. That said - she just cracked 10k miles (10,017 in the garage now; bought the bike in '06 with 1,100 on the clock). Time for fluids and service, and judging by last ride, time for some spring-washers for the front rotor while she's on the lift. I love my CR just as much...but honestly, it's the S1W turned up to "eleven" and I won't ride it this early in the season. Roads are still cold; tire temps are still cold; my riding "skills" (such as they are) are still VERY cold after a dormant season...I need to get my chops back before I straddle 150hp. (Message edited by ratbuell on April 29, 2018) | ||
| Gmaple |
I have 2 s2`s a xb12x and a s1wl. The white lightning is my favorite ride by far of the 4. Not a touring bike for sure, gets lots of attention wherever i ride though. | ||
| Ratbuell |
gets lots of attention wherever i ride though. How true! The only vehicle I have that gets more "man, you need to sell that to me" comments is (and granted, I live in the sticks - we've got lots of hillbillies 'round these parts) is my rust-free 2001 Dodge diesel stick shift 4x4. | ||
| Lawhook |
thanks again y'all! Much appreciated! Going to look at a few this weekend! | ||
| Upthemaiden |
A few! you must live somewhere good to have your pick of an S1. I had to drive 4 hours to buy one | ||
| Oopezoo |
I got "lucky" and found my S1 in the back of a garage while checking out a BMW for a friend who lives out of state. My buddy bought the BMW, and I worked out a separate deal for the S1. | ||
| Phelan |
Luke came by and saw all my tubers last week and got the bug hard, and rode my white S2 today (previously Frank's bike) and REALLY has the bug now  . | ||
| Damnut |
I have a 97 S1 for sale if anyone is interested. | ||
| Phelan |
Luke hasn't been posting, but he is busy riding his new Pearl White S2 . |
