| Author | Message | ||
     Buell_less |
New registeree here, but I've been visiting for a couple of weeks and have noticed, um, not a bias, exactly, but a subtle undercurrent against the S3. It's not an outright sport-type bike like the S1/X1/M2, it's not hand-built like the S2, and it's apparently not as reliable as the XB. I don't currently own a Buell, mostly because I have a bike now and no room for another one, but I've ridden and enjoyed a number of them. The one I liked the most was the standard S3, because it works well and is one of the best-fitting motorcycles I've ever ridden. Like I said, it's subtle, not outright disdain or even disrespect, just... umm, a sort of ho-hum attitude about the S3. Is it just because it's so competent, for lack of a better word? | ||
| Captainkirk |
No, it's because there aren't that many "plain" S3's out there. If I had to choose a bike other than my M2 it would be an S3. | ||
| Henrik |
The S3, when sorted out is a very competent bike. And if you're into riding longer distances, The S3 with hard bags is a good place to start. Sporting but comfy ergos, good power with the T-storm engine. Plenty of handling for the twisties. Of course if some Fireman offers to let you take his S2 for a spin ... take care  Henrik | ||
| Tombo |
The S3 does often get overlooked. The 97 was basically an S1 with two-up seating and a fairing (same cams and same inverted forks and same adjustable shock). The 98 was essentially an S1W with seating and fairing (same T-Storm motor and header). I own both an S1 and S3 and prefer riding the 3 most of the time and it has never given me a problem. If not for several failures of isolators I could say the same about the 1 as well. The 3 and 3T were the most expensive Buells of their time and there is not much you can do with an S1 that you couldn't do with an S3 (I can't think of anything), but the reverse can not be said (reasonable two-up riding included). There isn't a tube frame Buell that I don't like, but if I only had space for one in my garage it would be the S3. I debated getting an S2 when you could buy them new and might feel differently if I had, but the newer S3 offered a couple of things I liked better, including the S1 motor and the handlebars (growing up on dirt bikes the one inch bars just did not feel natural to me). | ||
| Crusty |
The S3-T is the most beautiful motorcycle ever made. If you get one, you'll fall in love with it. | ||
| Niceharleystuff |
Well said crusty. I am totally in love with my 2002 S3T. | ||
| S3t_bueller |
I gotta agree with Crusty. I'm loving my '02 S3T and I didn't even know what one was 3 weeks ago.  Now with a little more power it's going to be even better. | ||
| Jammer |
 It's all about the love | ||
| Rex |
S-3's are good bikes....Just not as overall popular as the S-1 naked looking bikes. Prices were a little higher than what you could of bought a honda st 1100 etc. and that is what they were up against.....M-2's and S-1's were the big sellers of the group. REX | ||
| Mcgiver |
I have a 98s3, and a brand new xb12r, I will never part with my s3. Brian | ||
| Bikerjim99 |
Mine is a 99 S3, touring equipment. It is the most comfortable, best handling bike I have ever owned. You need to customize it to your tastes, such as bars, seat, etc; this is necessary for most motorcycles for optimum enjoyment. Every time I ride it, I think to myself "Now this is what a motorcycle should be!" I will never sell my S3. | ||
| Kaese |
First Buell I ever rode was an S3. Ended up buying an low mileage used S2 with all the HP parts because of the half price difference. That thing was wicked fast and handled well. Until I took in for some service. "Go ride our XB and just have some fun" was the line. I required a commute bike and the XB was for me. I thought the S2 was the best handling bike I had ever ridden, but the XB put it to shame! The XB is not a tourer, I would never ride it cross country, the the S's I would in a heartbeat. Now you have me thinking about getting a S for a Tourer. (Message edited by kaese on May 27, 2005) |
