| Author | Message | ||
     Tleighbell |
I posted this in the M2 section, might as well get get input from everyone. Thinking of getting a tuber, had a couple of XB's in the past. Leaning toward an M2 having ridden one at a demo years ago. Did not like the X1 due to twitchy handling and lack of bottom end and mid-range compared to the M2. Question is how different is an S3 to ride compared to the M2, as saddlebags would be a convenient plus. Most of my riding these days is a couple of hours on the backroads Sunday mornings. Handling, grunt and just plain fun are the priorities. Saddlebags might make it convenient to use bike for work etc. which means more riding. Also have an eye on an S1W, but impracticality, comfort will be an issue. I would probably have to buy an S3 long distance and have it shipped to probably won't have a chance to take a ride. Thanks for any feedback. | ||
| Two_seasons |
There is an M2 in the classifieds on this board. Located in Denver. Maybe the X1 you rode had some funky tires on it. I've got two and they handle great. | ||
| Eshardball |
The S1 will bring you an ear to ear grin if you invest in a good seat. Otherwise you will need to get off the bike every 1.5 hrs to maintain the smile otherwise monkey butt will encroach on the smile | ||
| Rlgiv |
If your looking for a tuber I would suggest at leastt a 99 or newer. Fuel injected with thunderstorm heads. I drive an S3 and the torgue is amazing and the handling is the most neutral of any bike I have ever ridden including an 1125. Saddlebags are awesome, I have taken this bike on 2 week road trips and it performs as well as any bagger and cuts the corners as good as any japanese bike. | ||
| Someday |
My '98 S3T is the last of the carburated bikes and once you set the carb up it's on par with the injected bikes and a little simpler too. I have a Uly also but if I'm going on a very long ride I prefer the tuber as it's a little more comfortable for the long haul. Wonderful bikes! | ||
| Tleighbell |
Thanks guys. The X1 I rode was a factory demo. Maybe my impression was exaggerated because I rode it back to back with the M2. I inquired about the M2 in Denver, it looks great but since I am near Toronto, there are cross border and transportation issues. I can only think of 1 time I have seen an S3 up here, and it was one of our US friends at a Vintage Road Race Association event at Shannonville. There are a few M2s, X1's and S1s around, only a few come up for sale locally in any given year. Any more comments appreciated. | ||
| Devil_car |
I have, unfortunately, only ridden an M2, but I would imagine that you can't go wrong with any of the later model tubers. If my finances and garage space would allow it, I'd love to have one of each. Having said that, I kind of wish I would have bought the S3T that was on the showroom floor when I bought my M2L. The added protection of the fairing is nice if you spend a lot of time on the freeway. But the nice thing about the M2 is that adding the S3 fairing is a simple chore. Just installed one on mine last weekend and am loving the wind protection! | ||
| Zenbiker |
Aside from being down on power and a lot more difficult to find, my favorite is the S2. With a few tweaks and some off the shelf parts, the S2 can really be a great sport riding/commuting/touring/houiliganing bike.  | ||
| Tom_b |
The x-1 you rode must have had issues. An x-1 will out run and usually outhandle an m2. The x-1 has the better heads, fuel injection and inverted front end. Zenbiker, that is a GORGEOUS bike. If i was ever to buy another tuber it would be an S3-T. | ||
| Guell |
The x1 heads are identical, nothing better about them. M2 came make more low end grunt. An inverted fork swap is a very simple task too | ||
| Ratbuell |
An inverted fork swap is a very simple task too Yeah, that's on the list for the M2L. Rode it today to get gas, LOVE the "new" Buell Select Seat on it. WOW. Now to "un-L" it with a standard rear shock and some inverted forks off an S1 or S3 or X1 - whatever I can find cheapest - and put the race exhaust on. But damn, that thing runs good! I forgot how much I like the M2 cam's torque curve...might have to consider re-camming the thunderstormed S2... | ||
| Free_bird |
I'm 6 ft 3 inches and about 230 lbs. I've owned several tubers, XB's etc. My '02 S3T is the most ergonomically comfortable and fun to ride on all of them, No problem with using this bike as a Sp0rt Tourer for 600 mile days or a two hour fun run. | ||
| Zenbiker |
Thanks Tom. I agree, an S3T out of the box is a hard combination to beat. | ||
| F_skinner |
Zenbiker, beautiful S2. | ||
| Tleighbell |
Thanks all, appreciate the comments, and the pic, Zenbiker. Sounds like it would be hard to go wrong. | ||
| Zenbiker |
Thanks Guys! Now back to shoveling!! | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
I enjoyed the crap out of M2 today. The more I ride it, the more I love it! Coming from an XB12X, I think the M2 handles better. | ||
| Tleighbell |
Thanks for all the feed back. Now I am re-thinking the X1, as there are more around. RE: X1 handling, anyone agree it feels more "nervous" at the front than other tubers? A local Harley tuner bought one to race and gave up on it, said it was too twitchy even for the track. Comments? Suggestions to make it feel more secure/relaxed? Steering damper? I don't plan to ride it like a racer, have a track bike for that, but do enjoy some brisk bend swinging. Had a couple of XBS's which I thought handled great once the suspension was set up but I actually want something a little more conservative, that won't encourage so much misbehaviour on the road. Isn't maturity wonderful (sigh)? | ||
| Devil_car |
If you're looking for something more conservative, you may want to consider a different motorcycle  Sure the tubers can't pull 100 mph wheelies, but they are still more than capable of pulling hooligan stunts. | ||
| Kdstang |
For Buells, I've only ridden an X1, but compared to my other bikes, its rock solid, even at over 125mph, I've never had an twitchy feeling on mine. I've always heard that the XB can feel a little more nervous because of less rake, but I can't back that up. | ||
| Af226 |
From a guy that bought a X1 and imported it to Canada. The X1 is not twitchy...I have had CBR's that tank slapped long before my 00 X1 and not near as much fun. Getting it imported was a little bit of hassel but driving it across myself made it easier. | ||
| Tleighbell |
Well by conservative I mean enjoyable and fun without having to drive in a crazy way. With a torquey twin, it feels fast without having to go really fast. Problem with the XB was it handled so well that it did not feel like you are going fast in a corner until you are going really fast. Resulting in grounded footpeg, slide, left right left oscillation, over the high side, feelings of remorse, attempts at becoming responsible adult, sale of XB, purchase of VFR, boredom, interest in a tuber. Life is too short to ride a boring motorcycle. | ||
| Bsanorton |
I justed picked up an X1 from a buddy of mine who also is a tube frame fanatic. He is left with two S3's. He loves the crap out of them. Me, I love them all. The X1 has the best ergo's for me, feels lighter, handles the best. The M2, lots or torque, damn good looking, love it too. The S3 has the looks, torque and comfort to run all day. Sorry, I can't decide for ya!   | ||
| 46champ |
Bsanorton that is a mighty fine fleet of tubers you have there. Now you need to show us another picture of the rest of your flock. Fellow riders this is what each of us should do to preserve Buells from the hated chopping block, each Bueller saves one of each. | ||
| Dave_02_1200 |
You just might have to get an M2 and an S3 to go along with your X1. If you did, you would have invested less than buying a new Harley Davidson and you wouldn't regret it either. I couldn't decide which bike to buy, an M2 or an S3T so I bought both thinking I would eventually sell one and keep the one I like best. Now, several years later I have decided which one I like best: I like both best. | ||
| Buellish |
This discussion got me thinking about cams.If the X1 is cammed for top end.How is the '99 through '02 S3 cammed?For top end speed like the X1 or for bottom and mid range like the M2? | ||
| Kilroy |
I believe the X1 and S3 motors are exactly the same. Only the M2 had the different cams (and carb of course) Kilroy | ||
| Someday |
Kilroy's correct. | ||
| Xl1200r |
This discussion got me thinking about cams.If the X1 is cammed for top end.How is the '99 through '02 S3 cammed?For top end speed like the X1 or for bottom and mid range like the M2? Calling a tuber cammed for 'top-end' needs to be taken in context. The reality is they're all monsters off-idle. | ||
| Lager |
I find the comment about the X1 being "twitchy"? If anything, I find it to be extremely stable,almost sluggish, to bar response as compared to my Honda ST-1300 which is Honda's Sport Touring bike. If I want to take a romp thru the twisties, I take the ST, not the X1. If I need to be someplace in a hurry, I take the ST. If I just want to ride and remember what it is like to ride a MotorCycle. I take the X1.This is the one bike I cant see myself ever selling. |
