buell s1 any thoughts?

[riktherider]

seen a couple around, and have to say i really like. 99 models, 1200cc engine, torquey and loud. just wondering if anyone has experianced them before and if there is anything i should look out for?

[PaulSV650S]

They are here in the states. Not reliable at all. Maybe the euro model is better quality?:smt102

[rictus01]

They are here in the states. Not reliable at all. Maybe the euro model is better quality?:smt102

Nope they're not, real muscle bike though, but as said not what you'd call durable ;)

Nice as a toy, but not an everyday bike*, I like them more than the later (fuell in frame) ones

S1 nice
http://www.bikez.com/pictures/buell/1997/929_0_1_2_s1%20lightning_Submitted%20by%20anonymou s%20user..jpg

X1 is better though
http://www.dkimages.com/discover/previews/889/20243340.JPG

And whatever you do don't look at one of these

http://www.bikez.com/pictures/buell/2002/19945_0_1_2_blast_Image%20by%20Buell.%20Published% 20with%20permission..jpg:smt021







* without deep pockets and a reliable mechanic on hand 24/7

Cheers Mark.

[riktherider]

do you know about the reliability?? what seems to go wrong occasionally, etc. im a competant mechanic so i should be able to sort most of the problems out. im keeping the sv as a work horse, so the buell is more of a good weather bike and weekend blast, but would be nice to make it more reliable.

[kwak zzr]

my mates firebolt is faultless up to now (touches wood):)

[rictus01]

the issues I'm aware of on the S1 are (to what extent you'd have to investigate),

engine mount cracks,
belt wear
collapsing rear shock,
gearbox problems (from very stiff changes to complete failure),
ansilary electricl problems,
fuel leaks,
exhaust rot,
and brake fade.

I'm not aware of any of the recall notices, but do know there were some, so another point to investigate.

Cheers Mark.

[PaulSV650S]

I hate to say it since I am over here but american bikes S**K the quality control is not there. Like Harley they think they can sale a pile of horse crap and slap a lable on it and get top dollar. The tech is cool but no quality control. the list of problems for the early buells go on and on. Dude it uses a harley engine that should answer the question. they look cool and sound cool butttttttt. I came very close to buying a city X but got the SV instead. Since I am in the states and if you get the buell let me know if you start buying parts and I'll compare the price over here to see if it will be a savings to you to buy from the states.... same for the other readers if there is anything that you may want to buy and If the price is better here let me know.:smt102

[Daimo]

Friend has the 900cc model. Changed all the tank and customised it. Great engineering, oil stored in the rear swinging arm. Its about as quick as an SV650S to 100mph but you wouldn't really want to go much quicker. Its tiny, great little town toy.