I sure miss my tuber; think I'll look for another one.

[blackbuell]

I rode a '97 S3T for three years. Absolutely loved the bike, but man did it have reliability issues! However, Buell was really good about fixing things under waranty and in recalls. In 2000 the local dealer offered me a great deal on a new S3, so I traded in the '97. Rode the 2000 S3 until last year. Though it had some issues, it developed far fewer problems than did the '97.

Bottom line....that 2000 S3 was my favorite bike of all time. Notice I am not saying it was the best bike I have ever owned (that would be the XX); but no other bike was as much fun to ride.

With the recent demise of Buell, I assume that the value of all used Buells has plummeted (maybe I'm wrong). I am thinking of shopping around for a low-mileage S3. A few questions for you Buell fans:

Did the S3 build quality continue to improve over the last few years of its manufacture? Are many good deals available on these bikes?

Jon

[hhhch45]

I had a 2002 M2, I regretted selling that bike 20 minutes after I sold it. I did not have many issues with mine other than replacing the rockerbox gaskets. I did alot of 700 to 1000 mile weekend rides on that bike. I do see some low mile tubers out there for sale every once in a while. I have thought about getting another M2 myself.

The biggest thing is finding one that some one has not run at high RPM a lot, these motors did not take well to that.

Jim

[whodom]

The 2001/2002 tubers had several upgrades compared to the 2000's, including an upgraded front muffler mount, better shift linkage, a heavy duty primary shoe, and a better rear shock (upgraded through recalls on earlier bikes).

The late tubers are great bikes.

[Rogue]

With the greater availability and much higher quality of the Lightning XB12S, why not just go with that and benefit from up to date chassis and motor?

[chornbe]

Bottom line....that 2000 S3 was my favorite bike of all time. Notice I am not saying it was the best bike I have ever owned (that would be the XX); but no other bike was as much fun to ride.

It's funny how that works out sometimes with the most unexpected bikes, huh?  

[scottzilla]

I'm with Rogue.  Check out the XB line.

[smackdoogle]

I loved my XB12 and yes I regret selling it but I just couldn't ride for any distance with the wife on it.  The VFR is much better at that.  If I could afford another bike I would have a Buell in my garage.

[whodom]

BTW- there's a nice 2002 S3T in Badweb's classifieds right now (I have no relation to the seller, etc., etc.):

http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/21/516811.html?1259689846

[Mastros2]

Recently, I've read a few cases where the tuber owners have been pulling them off the market.  I'm one of them.  I want to keep the bike now.  Since the closing, it's a classic in my book!  Also, it's too much fun to ride and I was lucky.  The original owner fixed all the issues that the early model Buells had.  

[Tpoppa]

At some point, I believe the tubers will have collector value.  There weren't that many to start with, and more then a few were pieced for custom chop projects.

[whodom]

Check out this guy's collection:  http://classicbuell.com/home.htm

He goes by Buelltours on Badweb; I sold him my S3 a couple of years ago.  Very nice guy and I hope his collection's value skyrockets.