I saw an X1 at Brands Hatch yesterday and fell in love with it.
It had a short tail & seat unit, with carbon airbox (oval shape) and the tank finishers, with aftermarket shock and exhaust, and it was blue with a white racing stripe.

I'd like to buy one in similar spec as a Sunday bike (already have a Superduke and an XB9), but I'm sure there are well known issues, essential mods, and things to look out for.

I'm sure there will be a few pisstakers (yes, I've been on here befrore ), and strong opinions, but can anyone who is interested in helping out (?) give me the lowdown on what I should be looking for, and paying, for a decent X1. ...and where else to look apart from here.

Thanks.

...and if anyone has one for sale in similar spec - or an S1? - then feel free to PM or message me here, or point to any ebay links, etc.

...something like this perhaps?



Non PURPLE frames welcome.

Conventional wisdom is that the 2001 MY bikes are the ones to go for. There has been a rash of them for sale recently.

_________________
Be seeing you

I

Make sure it is 2001 / 2002.

The tank accents are chuffing expensive, so try to get one with them fitted if you want them.

Buell's race kit is the best upgrade you can get, followed by an AST shock.

That bike has the standard shock and seat unit and coated headers with tank accents and a Force-winder snorkel. I'd be happy with that.

_________________
Good in straight lines
2001 X1 "The Tart's Handbag"
2001 FZS1000 "The Fridge"

And it's not purple - it's nuclear blue ....

Looks great in that combo in the flesh ....

Be aware that some X1s are described as S1s on there V5.

Either the DVLA didn't know what they were doing, or Buell didn't know what they were selling ....

Buell knew exactly what they were doing ie. avoiding the cost of homologating a new model

_________________
Mithered ta death.
92 MB
96 S2T
98 S1W
00 M2
01 X1
03 P3
10 CR

There is a first time for everything !!

Great help and advice so far fellas. Please keep it coming.

(Not sure about the Nuclear Blue though... Looks more like Elton John Blue.)


What should I expect to pay for a well specced and looked-after 01/02 bike? - and is here the best place to look. I struggle with buying something as expensive and "proper" as a motorbike on fleabay.

...any views on this S1 on the bay?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... %26otn%3D1

or this X1
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2002-BUELL-X1-LIG ... 286.c0.m14


...and what is the difference between S1 and X1?

An important point is the better frame geometry of the X1, they do handle better than an S1.

_________________
If your dreams don't scare you, they are not big enough.

I paid £3,500 for a very original amazingly low mileage bike from a dealer. They have been up for about £2,500 in the For Sale section. Some extras are worth paying more for e.g. AST shock and a GOOD exhaust. I woudn't pay extra for bling but that would be your choice.

_________________
Be seeing you

I

Dutch,

The answer I think you want is as follows:

S1 was the first buell to be introduced into the UK ( more or less - the S2 may have got here first). It is the Buell that makes most enthusiasts get a little moist ... essentially a single seater. Frame not as good as the M2 or X1 but can be braced. Swing arm is steel and not as good as the cast later ali one. Many S1s may have had this swapped to the newer swing arm. Most engines are not "Thunderstorm" head - so are less powerful that the X1. Again this upgrade may well have been done by the owner.
Forks were WP upsidedowners - the X1s are better
Rear shock - original WP but now the Showa unit that is on all models - check the recalls have been done
S1s have a cult following , and the pinnacle is a "White Lightning" but I will let Maz tell you how to spot one of those ....
Originals had a small tank, later ones have a bigger capacity tank (4.5 gallons?) known as a Manta tank

X1 - evolution of the S1 . Thunderstormed heads, fuel injected, strange fuel cell and cover combo, ali rear subframe. Came in some really frightening "factory custom" paint jobs. And some nice ones as well. Basically, for a Buell, a quite sorted motorbike.
Different frame and Showa forks ... and the ali swing arm
Nominally can be driven two up !

That's about it

Reinforcing your comment.

_________________
Good in straight lines
2001 X1 "The Tart's Handbag"
2001 FZS1000 "The Fridge"

Reinforcing your comment. [/quote]

They did that at the factory?

_________________
Be seeing you

I

They designed and produced it at the factory, but that particular bike was finished by a certain Mr Bernie Tiller.

I've turned it down a bit since that first pic was taken.

_________________
Good in straight lines
2001 X1 "The Tart's Handbag"
2001 FZS1000 "The Fridge"

This is all brilliant help so far, thanks.

Can anyone comment on the spec of this one on ebay for me?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2002-BUELL-X1-LIG ... 286.c0.m14

I can't see the tank finishers as teh pics are too contrasty, and I'm no expert on the benefits of US gearing or Forcewinder air filters, etc. ...and how does the price look?