| Author | Message | ||
     Lowroad |
OK, you guys are the knowledge bank I have been looking for. I have been bitten by the Buell bug. I am particularly enamored with the 1999-2002 Lightnings, and maybe the to a lesser extent the cyclones (I prefer the thought of fuel injection). A little background... I have been riding vintage triumphs for about 6 years now. I love them, but I really can't take them too far due to reliability issues, the brakes are non existent, leaks, etc.. So, In my search for a more modern and reliable motorcycle that is not japanese, I have have turned towards the tubers. So, tell me everything you can. Can I use it as daily transportation? Can I drive it a couple hundred miles or more in a day with no issues? Are there common known issues to look for? The web is dodgey on information at best. Some folks swear by these things, others say they are plagued with problems. Please, someone give me the straight scoop. Thanks in advance, I look forward to spending time here. Eric | ||
| Limitedx1 |
2-3 hundred miles could get a little uncomfortable on an x1-depending on what bars you have. an x1 will be like no triumph you have ever ridden problems are minor just like any bike and parts can still be had very easy through dealers or a few aftermarket companies, common things are......about the only things that need attention different than other bikes are rear isolators, chain tensioners, oil pump drive gear, stock rocker box gaskets will leak. my only major itch about my x1 now that i have had it for a few years is the stock rear shock.....ive heard the best mod for these bikes is an aftermarket shock, and im beggining to save for mine now. i run the snot out of mine and it has never once let me down..plus tuning software is now readily available to fix ddfi problems or engine lights at home. oh best of all, bad web is the only dealer you will ever need!!!! (Message edited by limitedx1 on April 03, 2009) | ||
| Lowroad |
Hey, thanks! I had heard about the stock paper rocker box gaskets that everyone seems to replace with metal right off the bat. What's up with the oil pump drive gear? I see they sell aftermarket ones at american sport bike. Aren't these belt drive? why would there be chain tensioners? | ||
| Kilroy |
You have a chain tensioner on your primary drive chain. I believe after 2000 the beefier one came standard on the X1. The oil pump drive gear also, I believe. (Neither one is expensive or overly to switch out yourself though). If you pick up a tuber, you will not regret it. Kilroy | ||
| Preybird1 |
Buy a 2001-2002 it has the upgraded shift linkage, Upgraded primary tension shoe, And the better cams, and polished PM wheels and the recall shock already done. The oil pump drive gear is a must as they can frag unexpectedly. Cheap and easy upgrade, Also if these bike are stock they are bulletproof! Buellistic says he has over 106k miles with no problems, and these are such fun bikes i have had many many many jap bikes and they were nowhere near as fun as these v-twins are. Also this is the easiest bike i have ever worked on it's like a lawnmower to repair, simple easy. | ||
| Lowroad |
Man, you guys are great. Looks like I'm in! Yeah, I was thinking 2001-2002 would be better as I hear the kinks were worked out by then. When I get one, I will get right into that oil pump drive gear first thing. Seems like it's a cheap and simple thing to do that will save hundreds (thousands?) if it frags down the line. I would definitely prefer a stock bike to a shade tree mechanic hot rod project. | ||
| Riviera |
This didn't sell recently on ebay. I don't know the full story and why it didn't get bid higher. Not an X1, but it's a 2001 with the same power output as the X1. For what it's worth, I paid $3850 this past January for basically an identical bike with about the same mileage. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Buell-Thunderbolt-T hunderbolt-2001-Buell-S-3-Thunderbolt-PM-Wheels-MU ST-SEE-MINT_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ72Q3a1171Q 7c66Q3a2Q7c65Q3a12Q7c39Q3a1Q7c240Q3a1318Q7c301Q3a1 Q7c293Q3a1Q7c294Q3a50QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQh ashZitem130296187951QQitemZ130296187951QQptZUSQ5fm otorcycles | ||
| Pkforbes87 |
"2-3 hundred miles could get a little uncomfortable on an x1-depending on what bars you have." I'm sure there are more comfortable bikes out there, but I've done 500 mile days on my X1 with no problems.. just needed a little medicated goldbond to keep MY tailsection awake  btw I'm running a select seat and stock handlebars. IMO any aluminum footpegs will reduce the vibration you feel in your feet. Most X1's will still have the stock rubber coated steel footpegs. The rocker box gasket replacement is a must sooner or later - just like everyone has mentioned before. The OPDG seems to be a little more random as some people have bad luck with them, and others never do. I've got 25000 miles on my 2000 X1 and the stock drive gear shows no signs of wear at all. If you do look at tubers other than the X1, keep in mind that the X1 and S3 are the only fuel injected tuber models. They are also the only models with a removable section in the right side of the frame for easier drive belt replacements. The other tuber models require removing the swingarm to replace the belt. Good luck in your search for one of the seksiest bikes ever built! (get an X1 in molten orange / nuclear blue - those are the fastest)  | ||
| Lowroad |
"This didn't sell recently on ebay. I don't know the full story and why it didn't get bid higher. Not an X1, but it's a 2001 with the same power output as the X1. For what it's worth, I paid $3850 this past January for basically an identical bike with about the same mileage. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Buell-Thunderbolt-T hunderbolt-2001-Buell-S-3-Thunderbolt-PM-Wheels-MU ST-SEE-MINT_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ72Q3a1171Q 7c66Q3a2Q7c65Q3a12Q7c39Q3a1Q7c240Q3a1318Q7c301Q3a1 Q7c293Q3a1Q7c294Q3a50QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQh ashZitem130296187951QQitemZ130296187951QQptZUSQ5fm otorcycles" I did see that one go. I'm interested in the S3's, but I'm not sure I can hang with the rectangular headlight. How difficult is it to switch it over to a lightning style headlight assembly? Thank you ALL for the help and guidance so far. I really do appreciate it. } (Message edited by lowroad on April 03, 2009) | ||
| Hootowl |
I'm pretty sure the S3 doesn't have the removable section like the X1 does, but I could be mistaken. Things to do: 1. Remove the kickstand safety switch. 2. replace the primary shoe tensioner for $15 if you have the old style. If the base plate under the shoe is 1/8" thick, you have the old style. 3. replace the paper primary cover gasket with the new coated metal one while you're replacing the tensioner. 4. replace the rocker box gaskets with new stock or cometic metal ones. 5. For 99 model, pick up the footpeg springs that came on the 2000 and up. 6. For 99, replace the front rotor with a 2000+ model. 7. Not all bikes have an oil pump gear issue, but it doesn't hurt to replace it. I have 50K on my 99, and I haven't had a problem. 8. Replace the speedo sensor with the new model that has a 5 volt regulator built in, or install a 5 volt regulator inline with your existing sensor. 9. Make sure all the recalls got done. 10. (optional) replace the rear shock with a Works or Penske model for a vast improvement in handling. $1000.00, but if you get the bike cheap enough, it may be worth it. 11. If your bike doesn't already have the new Y type front exhaust hanger, get the upgrade kit. If your voltage regulator is mounted sideways, you have the updated hanger. 12. Get the 2001 shifter kit if you pick up a 99-2000. 13. Search the knowledge vault for more info. You are not the first person to request this type of information, and there are more good ideas in there than I can remember off the top of my head. Enjoy your bike. "You have chosen...wisely." | ||
| Lowroad |
Wow, that's awesome Hoot, thanks very much. I'm sure this thread pops up once a month or so and is old hat for you guys. I can not stress enough how much I really do appreciate it. | ||
| Hootowl |
Another thing to keep in mind is that the previous owner may have done a lot of this stuff already. | ||
| Jmkybf |
I believe that you would be able to switch the S3 headlight/fairing to an M2 style. Some people have put S3 front fairings on their M2. That's currently what I'm looking to do if I can find and S3 fairing. |
