| Author | Message | ||
     General_ulysses |
I'm in the market for either an X1 or an S1. I like the added power and refinement of the X1, but prefer the raw simplicity of the S1's appearance. I've seen some X1's with S1's rear end/seats on them and they look very similar to '98 model S1's. They also appear to have a filler material or cover or something under the tank to fill the voids caused by the original plastic air scoop thing. So I'm wondering what does it take to convert an X1 cosmetically to an S1 in appearance? I like the X1's swingarm better than the S1 swingarm, so that's one part I'd keep the same on the X1. | ||
| S1owner |
You will need an S1 seat and tail then you will neen to fab your own frame add a mount for the front clip on the seat. | ||
| Hootowl |
Take the gas cap off of the X1, roll an S1 under it, and put the cap on the S1.  Sorry, old badweb joke. You may find it easier to make the s1 engine more like the x1 than to make the x1 body and frame more like the s1. | ||
| Kc_zombie |
I would simply steer you toward the S1. The X1 while more "refined" does tend have a few uhhhh shall we say gremlins in the FI design and implementation. IMHO, the X1 may not be the best choice for starting a relationship with a Buell. Parues some of the recent topics here and you will understand. With that said, they are both very capable machines, a hoot to ride, look at, talk about and (for me anyway) fun to work on. Now I will hide and wait for my shellacking...  | ||
| General_ulysses |
Thanks for the responses everyone. Based on what you guys say, it sounds like it may be easier to just get an S1. Although I do like the added performance of the X1. I ride a Uly now and one thing I don't want is a bike that is any less powerful - otherwise I'd never ride it.  I know the S1 seat is not very comfortable, so I was also thinking if I had an X1 and I found the S1 seat intolerable, I could always switch back to the original X1 seat. Otherwise, the FI system is a bit of a concern. I have a taste of it with my Uly with an occasional pop or stumble. But I'm hoping the X1 system would be a little simpler and less involved. I know how to use a voltmeter and perform basic troubleshooting, so the simpler FI system found on the X1 doesn't worry me too much. Thanks again for the responses. | ||
| Tony302 |
well I had a 97 m2, now I have a 99 x1 I love it the seat is like a brick seriously it is. As far as the FI system I been lucky on that, I guess it all depends who worked on it before, and how much steps did they skip to fixing a problem on it only thing I hate now I am getting the infamous front disk rattle now easy fix though | ||
| Mr_grumpy |
X1's are easier to find & cheaper generally too. Have a look here too. http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/476 23/726102.html?1384107635 Roy's a good guy. | ||
| S1owner |
You want a serious S1 here you go http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/21/ 726730.html?1384904045 | ||
| Hootowl |
The tuber efi is simpler, but that doesn't make it better. 'Simple' in this context means 'rather dumb' compared to the ddfi system on the xb line. It's all in the ecm, where its learned areas are, etc. not in the sensors or ease of troubleshooting. | ||
| Trouble_enabler |
Don't forget about the M2! 99-02 had thunderstorm heads, so a change to the N4 cam and it's got X1 performance. Change the front forks for USD, change the tail/seat to the 97-98 slimmer one and you have near S1 styling (only with comfort). I have had an X1, S3, S1 (with motor mods), S2 and 97 M2. All that's left are the S2 and M2. My lo-po S2 is still the funnest to ride for some reason, I didn't like the looks of the tail on the X1 and I had to sell the S1 because it was just too uncomfortable for me. My 97 M2 has USD forks, a few trick pieces on it and I am putting an XB top end (heads out for valve job now), N4 cams and mikuni on it in next month. I love the look, the seat is a couch compared to the S1 and it's super easy to maintain. You pay your monies and take your choice!  | ||
| General_ulysses |
Thanks everybody. The S2 sounds cool too. Maybe I should just get one of each? I'm starting to realize how you guys get bit by the Buell bug. Actually I don't mind that the S1 has an uncomfortable seat. I plan on keeping my Uly for longer rides (which is very comfortable and fun to ride). Although I'm wondering if Corbin or someone else makes a seat that substantially enhances the comfort provided by the factory "slab of pine." | ||
| Hootowl |
There's really good looking S2 in San Fran right now, begging to be saved. http://www.badweatherbikers.com/cgibin/discus/show .cgi?tpc=47623&post=2372255#POST2372255 | ||
| Fahren |
You can make an X1 look raw and bad-ash with minimal edits. The X1 tail piece/seat frame is kind of unique in all of motorcycling, so I think it's pretty cool. Forks are better on X1. It's nice to have the exhaust pipe routed under the frame and away from the leg. The X1 has a tank cover that does not have the same paint peel issues as the S1. EFI may be basic, but it's still fuel injection - you'll find arguments for and against that one all over the bike and car world. Strip off whatever extraneous bits you can from an X1 and it's an awesome naked bike. Strip the stock air intake and replace; no chin fairing. delete the rear plate holder, edit the belt guard pieces if you wish. All pretty straightforward mod's. All of the above is from me as owner of an S1W, and not an X1. Would I have an X1 too? You bet, if I felt like increasing domestic strife ;- ) with my wife. | ||
| Serialk |
I have both... I have a 99 X1. which it had a family of gremlins when I bought it... Now they are all gone... Hopefully. I also have a 97 S1. Which I love. Here is MY breakdown of the 2 X1 - more comfortable seat, easier start, passenger seat,Larger Fuel tank, removable subframe = customization of rear end easier, removable sideplate makes belt change a breeze. FI with the fun of ECM spy. I love to tinker. S1 - More fun then the X1. More power then the X1 (NOT STOCK AT ALL) Way more uncomforatable then The X1. The snap of 1/4 turn throttle and a HSR42 is hands down more fun the FI. I burned through 4 pairs of riding pants from the rear exhaust. NO passengers!! shorter wheel base and more rare then the X1... The X1 you can pick up for cheap. It was the largest produced Tube frame Buell. S1's are getting harder to find. In Canada at least. Both bikes are great. That is why I own 2. Depending on what type of day it is or which one wants to be tempermental you get to choose. BTW the fun factor of the S1 takes your mind off the 2x4 wrapped in leather seat. | ||
| Steveford |
One thing that people haven't mentioned is the seating position. On the S1 (and S3 and your Uly) you sit on top of the bike On the X1 (and S2) you sit in the bike. They're all different, they're all fun motorcycles and they all feel like they're from a different manufacturer than the one who made the XBs. The tube framed ones are vibrating, rip snortin' monsters when they're set up right, the XBs have the rough edges polished smooth. You'd just better get one of each! | ||
| General_ulysses |
Hmm. Starting to wonder if I'd be better off getting an X1. Another thing is that I've never actually sat on or even seen an S1 up close. I'm 6'2", is the S1 a little small for someone my size? From what I gather the x1 is a little bigger with a longer wheelbase. Also, it sounds like the X1's have a lot if significant upgrades over the standard S1 in engine power and with better suspension. Plus they fixed the tank paint bubbling, which is sounding almost like an unfixable problem (barring making a tank cover for it like the X1 has). The only thing I don't really care for on the X1 is the FI, I'd really prefer a carb setup. How expensive/difficult is it to convert to carb? Do I need an ECU and wiring off a carb bike? I want the bike to run right and don't want a jewelry rig setup. I also don't want a check engine light on all the time telling me my fuel pump and injectors have disappeared. And does anyone have a link to some pics of X1's with S1 rear ends on them? Or other types of rear ends similar to an S1? Thanks again for the helpful advice... | ||
| Steveford |
I've put around 22,000 miles on two 2002 X1Ws and once you put on the race ECM there's nothing wrong with the fuel injection. I also changed the air box and exhaust along with the ECM. Reset the TPS every 10,000 miles and they run perfectly, no fooling. You might be a little cramped on either the S1 or X1 so there's always the Cyclone and S3 models to consider. (Message edited by SteveFord on November 23, 2013) |
