| Author | Message | ||
     Captainkirk |
..Ummm, well here goes... I know the current fleet of S1 Lightnings is dwindling, and those few left (especially the White Lightnings) are way out of my price range. Now, I need another motorcycle like a hole in the head, and I really don't even need another Buell. But, dammit, the S1s are so, well, sexy, that I feel like I NEED one! So, here's the question; Would I be totally insane to attempt to build one from the ground up using eBay parts (at least the rolling chassis part), or will I spend way more in the end than I would just saving my nickels and dimes for a good used one? I realize the engine is the most expensive part. But starting the chassis from scratch would allow me to custom-build this thing from the frame up, and give me lots of time to search for a motor. Opinions?  | ||
| Whatsabuell |
dont know if it would be cheaper but would be a cool project the little things would really add up. but on the other hand it could also be done slowly as money allows | ||
| Firebolt020283 |
yea I dont think it will be cheaper at all. I started such a thing on an xb then gave up and bought my m2. It can get expensive but if you go slow and wait for deals I am sure it can get done. | ||
| The_italian_job |
No way, just the motor would cost you between 1500 and 2000 dollars! With 4 grand, 4500 maximum you buy a good base to customize whenever you feel ready. Buy a good used, trust me... | ||
| Smoke |
guaranteed to spend more building from scratch. tim  | ||
| Eshardball |
May not be cheaper but if you took your time you would end up with exactly what you want instead of modifying what you bought. I have been changing things since the day I bought mine. It is without question, my favorite bike. | ||
| Capital_g |
Buy a runner. Thats's why people part bikes, individual pieces bring more money. | ||
| Jstfrfun |
There are many available to buy in the classifieds(well maybe not many,but some)at reasonable prices, that you can save from being parted out. | ||
| Firebolt020283 |
now the best of both worlds would be if you could find a complete bike that is dismantled. | ||
| Road_thing |
Definitely cheaper to buy a whole bike. Never mind how I know. rt | ||
| Slc4me |
I know of a 98 s1 with a fresh motor ohlins forks/works shock completely gone through for 3300 | ||
| Mm128 |
TAKE A LOOK IN THE FORSALE SECTION IF YOUR INTERESTED IN A: 96 S1 MINT CONDITION. Matt. | ||
| Texastechx1 |
you can still find S1's cheap. There was a 98 S1w in Tomball (north of Houston, TX) that had the 88ci kit and all sorts of other goodies for 5 grand. too bad I passed that deal up... I am also a BIG fan of S1's. you can find them, they're just getting harder to find... Unlike X1's, those things are EVERYWHERE! | ||
| Ratbuell |
I scored my S1W about three years ago, with 1,100 miles on it. They're out there. I am, however, considering a bare S1 frame we have at work...really liking the idea of building an "original Blast" out of it. Just for grins, and to keep myself in the garage and out of trouble, lol. | ||
| Creature_x1 |
I know of a 1997 s1 being sat on by an ex-dealership owner. The bike only has 187 miles on it! It is still in showroom condition. If only I could coax him away from it....... | ||
| Captainkirk |
I get what you all are saying; thanks for the input! I realize it would be cheaper..INITIALLY..to just up and buy an S1. Time is less of an issue than money right now, and I wouldn't mind having a five-year project, if that's what it takes. It would be so cool to build an S1...my way....from the ground up. My biggest concerns are the cost of a piecemeal engine, and whether enough chassis parts are still available on the 'bay. | ||
| Skntpig |
Just buy a semi decent one and a polisher. Make the project polishing and renewing. Replace any part you want with new or better parts. This way you get to build it and then sell the take offs. You'll have less invested with a nicer bike in the end. |
