| Author | Message | ||
     Spike |
Alright, this could be a long one: Call it a perk, but last week I got to borrow a '99 X1 from work. I was excited at first, but after 300 miles I was ready to get away from that horrid seat, sluggish fuel injection, and relatively weak midrange. Now that I'm back on my Cyclone I miss the feel of the Lightning. Don't get me wrong, I love my Cyclone, but I can't get rid of this feeling that I'm sitting on the bike rather than sitting in the bike. Also, the ground clearance on the X1 spoiled me. Now on my Cyclone I'm dragging the shifter/brake lever everywhere I go. Another thing, the top-end rush of the Lightning is really fun. What I'm realizing is that my ideal bike is somewhere between the X1 and the M2. I want the top end of the X1, but without the dip in the midrange. I want the feeling that I'm in the bike, but I want the all-day comfort of the M2. I also want the throttle response of the M2's carb, but I want (need?) the ground clearance of the X1. I figure I could keep the Cyclone, get rearsets for ground clearance, get a full exhaust and cams to bring up the top end, and get a lower seat to feel more in the bike. This would be the easiest and most afforable option, but even with a lower seat it still wouldn't feel quite as good as the Lightning. My other idea is to get an X1, find a better seat (is there one?), get M2 handlebars, get a full exhaust to clear up the midrange, and switch to a carb setup. That way I'd be comfortable enough to tour but still have the great ergonomics of the X1. Also I'd have all the advantages of the X1 such as the tach, headlight, locking storage, helmet lock, removable frame section for belt changes, and the inverted forks. This seems like the better option, but it'll clearly be more expensive. Also, an X1 in my price range probably won't have all the updates (exhaust mount, rockerbox gaskets, etc.), so I'd be back to square one. So how about some feedback? Have any of the M2 guys tried different seats? Did it change the feel of the bike much? How about you X1 guys? Has anyone had any luck making their X1 more comfortable? For now I'll probably stick with the M2, but I'll be keeping my eye out for a good deal on an X1. Thanks in advance. Mike L. '99 Cyclone | ||
| Gotbuell |
Get Corbin or Saddleman to make a new X-1 seat. Have a Power Commander installed to reprogram the fuel injection along with a good muffler and the midrange dip will be gone. Don't go backwards to a carb. I have a 2000 X-1 Red Racing Stripe limited for sale with 138 miles on it! $6,500.00 It is in So Cal. | ||
| Spike |
Does the properly tuned fuel injection have good throttle response? I never beleived the CV carb would respond better than FI, but the X1 I rode was just plain sluggish. Also, where's the preload adjustment on the X1/S3 forks? Mike L. '99 Cyclone | ||
| Redline |
Spike, I can second what Gotbuell has to say. A new ECM, K&N filter and a new exhaust sure did wonders for my X1. Buell also has a replacement seat that is more comfortable than the stock. Apparently Gotbuell and I have the exact same bike. #290 of 800. I've got about 10000miles on it (estimate because of the kilometers to miles conversion) | ||
| Dynarider |
Spike, yes the F.I. has good response. I have an 01 with the race ecm & it made all the difference in the world. Stock it was sluggish & would hesitate when you cracked the throttle, but with the ecm no such problems. Damn things outta come from the factory with them. | ||
| Kahuna |
I completely second that. I have an X1M (#292 of 800) with Race ECM, S3 Race cleaner and V&H slip-on. The bike pulls like a monster at all RPMs. WOW! I just came back from a couple of hours ride and I still can't believe how amazing this bike is! The thing I've been running into the most is the amount of people drooling over my bike! I love the fact that nobody knows what it is! BUELL???  What's that? Who makes it?  | ||
| Loki |
I like my M-deuce, with all the Banke goodies installed(shifter, adapter, brake arm, rearsets). | ||
| Kevyn |
Never tried the X1 or a fuelie for that matter. Can testify that a properly cammed, jetted and free breathing M2 will walk on top rock steady!! Just six more weeks and I can cross the river a free man once again!! Personally, done over again, I'd Race Tech the M2 forks and shock and go with the rear sets for cornering clearance, but then what the heck, I can't turn left anyway! | ||
| José_Quiñones |
The EPA won't let them........ Spike, Changing your M2 is the easiest, cheapest way to go.  You could try the M2L seat You can then get some rearsets, a full race system, and X1 cams for the extra top end. If you want an X1, wait about a year, you should be able to get some deals from people getting Firebolts or whatever is next..... | ||
| Sybren |
Just a detail but the helmet lock on an X1 is crap  doesn't secure anything. | ||
| Rocketman |
SPIKED : Yeah, get an S1 Rocket in England | ||
| Timmy2shoes |
S1W 'Nuff Said   | ||
| Spike |
Rocket and Timmy: Should have known those posts were coming. Honestly I love the S1. It was the bike that turned me on to Buells in the first place. The problem is that I carry a passenger quite frequently. My girlfriend likes riding with me on my M2 and she doesn't mind riding on the X1, but there's just no way she'll tour with me on the back of an S1. If she won't ride the bike I own, that means I ride that bike less often. Even if she would ride with me, I don't know that I can handle 600 mile days on that tiny seat. I'm determined to own a White Lightning someday, but not as my only bike. Mike L. '99 Cyclone | ||
| Gotbuell |
As a fairly new S1W owner (but a Buell owner since '95) I will second that you won't do 600 miles days on one, at least not unless you are a Masochist. I like the Power Commander better than the rade ECM because it is totally programable for any modifications you may ever do. I have installed 20+ of them on EFI Harley's at my shop and they are absolutley wonderful. Buy the X-1 - It suits your needs perfectly! | ||
| Timmy2shoes |
Well, then, Spike... You need to buy my 98 S1W, in Ice white Pearl, with the optional Twintail saddle, and keep that cyclone in the stable. Put the Corbin Gunfighter and lady on it, and it is actually comfy. Even as it is, the twintail seat (stock)( isn't all that bad, but then again, maybe i am immune to it by now. I will make you an excellent deal, Spike  My S1W for sale BTW, Price reduced, if you are at all serious, make me an offer, i'll consider them all. | ||
| Ebear |
SPIKE!!I would second that second that GOTBUELL left.The other bikes you need to do mods to ,to get them like an X1.Why not just get the X1 and be done with it??Though I have had excellent results with the race ecm and its half the price of the PC!Ive ridden 400 miles in a day and still been O.K. on the X1.Talk to Hotroddon (Gotbuell) He can do you excellent deals on Buells!!! | ||
| Blake |
The power comander is a fine tuning tool. First you need the race ECM. | ||
| Dynarider |
New Buell site | ||
| Newfie_Buell |
I am partial to the S1, most esthetically pleasing bike on the planet. As for your girlfriend, give her the M2 and buy a good S1. | ||
| Anonymous |
I'm not about to click a web address with "pornolize" in the string, at least not from work. I accidently ring the alert bell enough as it is. Dyna, what's the rating on that link? | ||
| Road_Thing |
Whoa, Dyna, somebody has WAY too much time on his hands... r-t | ||
| Loki |
dyna really really has way to much time on his hands or worse | ||
| Dynarider |
Actually I do have way to much time on my hands right now. Currently unemployed for the short term. Going for an interview tomorrow..hope I get it. Will put a serious cramp in my web surfing tho  | ||
| Blake |
Dyna: It may be funny to you and me, but some unsuspecting surfers may not appreciate the "pornalize" site's humor. We do have an "R" page in the Quick Board that would be suitable for posting pornalized links. | ||
| Kevyn |
Ahem, back to the M2-X1 question...really two different bikes with distinctly different personalities...there's no reason why a tweaked M2 won't keep pace anywhere anytime with an X1 tweaked or not...not sure that some suspension tuning on the M2 wouldn't keep it in pace with an S1. The M2 is just a great all around bike. KevynS12T and former 99M2owner. | ||
| Newfie_Buell |
Dyna, Let me shake your hand............errr on second thought. | ||
| Dynarider |
Blake, sorry about posting it here. I looked for the NC/17 site & couldnt seem to find it. Getting blind in my old age or maybe I'm losing my eyesite due to................ | ||
| Ken01mp |
to anyone thinking about the M2L seat for their M2, i strongly advise against it. it is far less comfortable, tougher to do wheelies, and being lower makes it tougher to shift the bike (unless adjustments are made) my 01 m2 made 88 rwhp with ignition, V&h, thunderslide, and K&N. thats more than most X1's make after the ecm and pipe duo. plus, the m2 is lighter. and, i will never replace a sensor, injector, relay, or anything else FI related. can you tell i like my M2? the X1 does have a little more attitude though..... Ken | ||
| Spike |
Has anyone tried the Buell color-matched seats? They look good but I'd like to know how comfortable they are for longer rides. TIA Mike L. '99 Cyclone | ||
| Robr |
Keep in mind that while horsepower and torque figures can be tailered for your preferences, the rake and trail figures are different for the X1 and the M2. This defines the character of the X1 perhaps greater than any other one thing but is often overlooked. You will never get your M2 to handle like an X1. The secret is in the frame. M2: 24.5 degree rake, 3.8 inches of trail. X1: 23 degree rake, 3.5 inches of trail. Get the X1! Rob. |
