| Author | Message | ||
     Groundscrew |
Has anyone out there rode a T sport? A friend of mine is looking to buy one, but I am trying to turn him to the Buell side. Is the S3 the better all around bike? The bike would be used mostly as a commuter with a few 500 to 1000 mile trips thrown in. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks, Matt | ||
| 99buellx1 |
Just a FYI, 2003 will be the last production year for the T-Sport. I would have to say that the Buell is way more fun, and agile if going to be used as an in-town commuter. Craig Buell Cycle Center Waterloo, Iowa | ||
| Paroyboy |
I had a 2001 T-Sport and I test rode an S3T. Hate to say this boys (and girls?) but my vote would be with the T-Sport. It was comfortable on trips, long and short, had decent power, was fairly nimble and the rubber mounted TC88 was nearly vibe free. Granted, I only took the S3T for about a 30 minute ride but I knew that it wasnt for me. But really, if he is interested in a cruiser type bike, is he even going to look twice at the S3? Just my .02  | ||
| Daves |
Paroyboy hit it on the head, The T sport is a cruiser and the S3 is a sport touring bike. He'll have to decide which one is right for him. Ride to the edge! Dave HD/Buell Cycle Center Waterloo Ia | ||
| X1glider |
I ride an FXDX which is a T-sport without the bags and fairing. Despite being 660 lbs wet and having a 63" wheelbase, with my feet on the rear pegs and the front pegs folded up, I can almost get a knee on the ground. I can't get beyond 3/16" (5mm) chicken strips tho. This seems to be it's cornering limit with the K591 rubbers and this type of tire's profile. Of 7 different sets of tires I went back to the K591s because they had the best traction, balance and stability. Fully adjustable front and rear suspension, 6" ground clearance, a good controlable riding position. a good solid powertrain...and a carb! The brakes are very capable too and it wont stand up on you during heavy braking thru a turn. The T-sport has a thicker more comfy seat and the expandable bags hold a decent amount, they have internal liners. The windscreen has some helmet buffeting but a taller screen is optional, but I don't know if it cures the issue. I did Houston to Jackson Hole in 1 1/2 days (1750 miles), Houston to Calgary in 3 days (2650 miles), Houston to Berthoud, Co in 1 1/2 days (1300 miles) and Houston to Boston in 2 days (1850 miles total, 1300 miles in one day) all in some pretty crappy and violent weather. Those were my longest sittings and it does a damn fine job at touring, but I DO WISH I had the seat that was on the T-Sport sometimes, mine's real thin. Commuting in the big city it is still nimble enough to get out of some pretty bad situations and big enough to be seen by others. Downside is out of the crate, it still doesn't have the horsepower of the Buells. I recommend the K&N, SE-203 cams, SE 6200 rpm preformance ignition and SE slip-ons. The stealer has shown me countless dyno charts with other pipes and the SE's seem to be the best all around performer with a more desirable curve, even over a 2-1. Those mild mods will give you more reliable power in the bottom and mid. If you ever want more radical cams, don't be a cheap ass, get the gear drive setup, it costs more but it beats having to buy a new engine.  Never ridden an S3T. Obviously the riding postion is different, probably like my X1. Power to weight ratio is definitely more favorable. Sounds cool at WOT. Can do track days with it too. Cheaper. All depends on his riding preferences. I like these computer cafes! Time to go home, got a rugby game in the morning. | ||
| X1glider |
 | ||
| Newfie_Buell |
If I had to own a Harley that would be the one!!!! But the S3 is a much nicer, better handling bike and would be my first choice. I could see the T Sport better at carrying luggage over long distances but what would I know, I am planning on riding a fully laden S1 3852km this summer so I can party with the best damm Buell guys/gals in North America. | ||
| Sarodude |
I have an FXD - though I wish it was an FXDX or FXDXT (minus the cheese up front). I refer to the FXD as a "super standard" or some such. It's just a regular bike - albeit kinda big and heavy. I wish I had the FXDX 'cause the suspension adjustability would be REALLY nice - but that said, it's easy enough to surprise the unknowing Squid who can't quite keep up with you in the twisties. Some aspects of its handling are quite forgiving and the somewhat limited lean angle assures that you have some grip left over for mid corner braking or an aggressive squirt on the power. Other aspects of its handling are not quite so forgiving. God help you if an ascillation starts. I don't think I believe in god, but I'm glad the one instance it got a little interesting that it didn't break my back as the back end went through 2 violent oscillations. You have to be way ahead of this bike. Changing your mind about your line 'cause you misjudged that decreasing radius turn is a particularly tough situation. The bike doesn't do anything bad - other than not really want to change lines. All in all, I enjoy the crap out of it. It's kinda like flinging my old Astro van through a damp canyon road. It's fun because of the effort and challenge. From the around town perspective, I've been commuting on the thing. Fighting Downtown LA San Fernando Valley traffic. A little high effort but doable. Long distance riding is ok. The ergos aren't perfect - but I've somehow managed to put 16000 miles on this bike in less than a year. I'd personally opt for the S3T. More my style. That just wasn't an option when we got the Dyna. -Saro |
