| Author | Message | ||
     Maxbuell |
Have had my 02 M2 for little over a year. I love the bike. However when ever I see a S1 my pulse quickens. I have never seen one in person or rode one. Is the S1 much different from the M2 (handling, power, geometrics) or is it just (a more minamal) LOOKS?? | ||
| Ryker77 |
Never riden an M2 but owned a S1 and a x1. For some reason the S1w just felt lighter and quicker. Plus it looked badass. And thats comparing a near stock s1w to a highly built x1. But then again back then I upgraded from an 883 sportster to the s1w so any bike would feel lighter and quicker. I'd love to find a ultra low mileage all white s1w in near stock shape. | ||
| Cereal |
I've got a '96 S1 and recently picked up an '03 XB9R. Planed on selling the S1 when I finished repairing the XB, but I can't get myself to part with it. I think the biggest difference between the S1 and the M2 is the riding position. The M2 has a much more comfortable seat, but the S1 puts the rider in a more comfortable position. Oh yeah, and your 02 M2 is fuel injected. | ||
| Cyclonemaniac |
"Oh yeah, and your 02 M2 is fuel injected." An M2 is carbed, not fuel injected. The X1 was fuel injected.  | ||
| Captainkirk |
'02 M2 is carbed as previously mentioned. Also, 91 HP (stock). Comes stock w/ Thunderstorm heads (NOT on the S1)A much better deal IMHO! ('course, I'm partial to M2s) | ||
| Seth |
Front shocks are different | ||
| Xldevil |
M2 has TS heads,which flow better than the former Lightening or SE heads.The exception was the S1W, which had TS heads as well.Cams are slightly different.Frame and front end,swingarm,shock,header and exhaust and many other parts are different. The M2 is the better engineered or more sophisticated bike,but the S1 looks better. To get the best of both worlds,you only have to make a M2-S1 conversion,which is not that hard. | ||
| Steveford |
Your M2 is a better everyday, do everything motorcycle but you really should pick up an S1 and add a Corbin seat. You won't be sorry. | ||
| Cereal |
Oops. My bad on the FI. And I meant more aggressive position on the S1, not more comfortable. I tried the Corbin and it didn't come close to fitting on my S1. They seem to be kind of hit and miss for being custom made. | ||
| Bomber |
better fork for your M2 are about 90 minutes of work away  | ||
| Grndskpr |
The M2 is the better engineered or more sophisticated bike,but the S1 looks better. Please explain, since they have very similar frames, motors and bodywork R | ||
| Cyclonemick |
Do the Inverted forks really make a real world difference? I have read about the benefits and understand them but was curious if the rider could actually feel the difference. | ||
| Bomber |
Mick -- I can notice the advantages of the inverted forks during track days and maybe 5 or 6 times a year (sprited romp on alphabet soup roads) however, the increased adjustability of the inverted forks is something I notice every time I ride -- I never could get the stock M2 forks quite right -- the inverteds (early S3 in my case), with their increased adjustability makes a big improvement | ||
| Rex |
Basically the following differences. -Cams. M2 used stock sportster cams, vrs. the S1. More torque on the m2. -More upright riding position. S1 higher pegs and lower bars. -Tailsection. Longer tailsection on the M2, more of a standard. -Usually the M2's had a speedo, but no tach. -I believe at one time, the pipe was different, as far as material. -At one time the shock was different. My original shock did not have the reservoir. -Front forks. Inverted vrs. standard. REX | ||
| Djkaplan |
"I never could get the stock M2 forks quite right -- the inverteds (early S3 in my case), with their increased adjustability makes a big improvement" I could care less if the fork was USD or not as long as it worked right, but I've never been happy with the stock M2 fork. The spring rate is too low and the compression damping is harsh at high speeds - not a good combination. | ||
| Bomber |
Deej -- my setiments exactly -- I tried stiffer srpings in the M2 forks, and, while it helped a lot, the damping adjustability in the S3 forks made the effort very much worth while . . . . | ||
| Ratbuell |
Had a 99 M2 that I bought new, now have a 98 S1W that I bought this spring with 1100 miles (many more than that on it now, LOL). I also work for HD/Buell and sell XBs. Mainly the M2 was designed as the "entry level" Buell - only available as carbureted among DDFI bikes, heavy-side-down front forks, wider seat, no tach from the factory, and slightly cushier suspension settings. Don't get me wrong, I loved my M2....but this S1W is a HUGE improvement even though it's a year older. TS heads, better cams, lighter platform by a couple pounds, inverted front end, better adjustability, better (IMHO) riding position, and a much more agressive ride. Not to mention it's my absolute favorite color - white, with white frame and white wheels. Same as my FLHP, same as my Shelby Daytona, same as my fiancee's Shelby Daytona. Hey - you find something you like.... Both the bikes I'm comparing personally were set up the same, too - race ECM, Thunderslide, race air cleaner, V&H pipe. I can definitely notice the handling difference between the 2 bikes. As for the headers - the early pre-Manta tank bikes had a different header than the Manta bikes did. The only thing I'm about to change on my S1W are a set of American Sport Bike clip on style bars and a Penske shock - I'm 6'4" and a lower riding position is a welcome change to me, and being that tall (long, on the bike) I like the triple adjustability of the Penske. But I'm keeping my single tail - something just bad-ass about the look of that bike. Short wheelbase, big engine, fuel tank...oh yeah, we should hang a place to sit off the back, too  |
