Diiferences in years of S

John Diakonis · 01-27-2006, 04:53 PM

Are there any significant changes to model years 99 -04 that a potential buyer should consider or just go with the one that has the most toys even if the miles are higher ?

Flatbutt1 · 01-27-2006, 04:56 PM

Yes a couple, well maybe not siginificant but some changes. Brakes, IIRC gearbox, no I think that was after 04. A search would reveal all of the threads for you.

X-Triple · X-Triple's Garage

Hi,

Single Spark evolved into Dual-Spark. I believe this was done to help eliminate surging?

X-Triple

motoman · motoman's Garage

In '01 they finally got it right, and it was all downhill after that.

Steve Carlton · 01-27-2006, 09:02 PM

John- if I was in your shoes, I'd look for an '04-05. In '04 they got the 2-spark engine, which seems to resist pinging, runs a little better, and gets better mileage. Also an improved tranny in '04. In '02 the frame tabs to the transmission were strengthened. I get the impression it's the earlier ones that suffer surging issues. None of these improvements are make-it-or-break it, but on top of that the resale values are in a narrow range, with the newer ones not that much more money. Also, they'd still have a warranty.

gigantic · gigantic's Garage

here's a nice example it has abs though which isn't my preference, but it depends on the type of riding you'll be doing, whether it's right for you.
cheers, Lance

John Diakonis · 01-28-2006, 05:20 AM

What's the deal on the frame tabs, any pics so I can see where their located and what to look for?

Chris Canning · 01-28-2006, 12:10 PM

The fact you asked the question shows what a great job the promo guys at BM have done,although it took the PR dept three years to work out how to do it,the difference between the first 98's and the latest ain't worth diddly!!!

The most obvious is the latter bikes are taller,so a little difficult if your a short ass,and note i said taller not better.

I'd say the thing to look for when buying an S,make sure it's got 10,000 miles on,cuz their crap till they have,an Induct,K+N or better a SJ Filter,a decent aftermarket pipe,and an Ohlin or something similar,short para arm or Verholen,and no matter what year bike you buy if those bits aren't on it,then you'll need to put e'm on to get the best out of it.

markjenn · 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Chris Canning
I'd say the thing to look for when buying an S,make sure it's got 10,000 miles on,cuz their crap till they have,an Induct,K+N or better a SJ Filter,a decent aftermarket pipe,and an Ohlin or something similar,short para arm or Verholen,and no matter what year bike you buy if those bits aren't on it,then you'll need to put e'm on to get the best out of it.

And just to present the contrarian POV, I've got a 99 S with 45K miles without an induct, without a K&N, with stock pipes, and although I had a short paralever, I went back to the original to get a more useful centerstand. I do have Ohlins, but even with the stock suspension, I don't think my bike is "crap".

I do think K&N filters are "crap" however.

In short, accessories and upgrades are very much an indivdiual thing.

- Mark

JeremySmith · 01-28-2006, 11:13 PM

Don't forget the *****en "light" ones with all the carbon fiber and black engine blocks. Only the coolest people have them. I have one too.

Chris Geuting · 01-29-2006, 09:24 AM

I had a 99 and have now an 04 and I have to slighly disagree with Chris;there are some changes that I would go for a twinspark model.
The tranny even upgraded with the higher overlap gears that are supposedly quieter is not to felt in my opinion;99 or 03 and late were both spot on.What I like about the twinspark is that it runs much smoother and feels almost as good as a new 1200 engine but power and fuel consumption is nothing better than the 99.Another big improvement is the newer ABS system.Much stronger as just as easy to modulate if you don't have the motoric of a drunk and no ABS light problems with a low amp battery...
Too bad the twinspark models never got the 6 gallon tank upgrade;then it would have been the perfect sports-tourer...
Of course a center stand that works with the tall suspension would have been a nice upgrade,too.
But 99 or 04 they were all great bikes except for the 150 mile tank...
Chris

Chris Canning · 01-29-2006, 12:12 PM

It took me four years to find someone in the UK to do a tank exstension 22 and bit litres what a difference.

Chris Geuting · 01-29-2006, 07:20 PM

Chris of course you don't have the ABS??!
And the idiots made the tank on the new S even smaller...What's planned for the even sportier HP2-S? 12 litre "sportster" peanut tank...;-)??
Chris

ErricZ · 08:20 AM

Not all of us feel the EVO brakes are "better" -- some of us don't like the idea of "too many electronics" in their braking system. While they are working, I'm sure they are the top-nothc system they are purported to be -- however, ask some of the locals who have actually had problems, like foobeemer and his issues or anyone who had to stop their EVO with "residual braking power".

Personally, I highly doubt I'll ever own an Evo BeeEmm, I just got another 2001 Yellow/Black Special Edition w/ lots of touring upgrades (some goodies that I'll be selling), 28k miles and immaculately clean for just over $7k.

Keep looking, the right deal will come along!

The Sea Dog · 01-30-2006, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by markjenn
And just to present the contrarian POV, I've got a 99 S with 45K miles without an induct, without a K&N, with stock pipes, and although I had a short paralever, I went back to the original to get a more useful centerstand. I do have Ohlins, but even with the stock suspension, I don't think my bike is "crap".

I do think K&N filters are "crap" however.

In short, accessories and upgrades are very much an indivdiual thing.

- Mark

Mark, I think you've misunderstood Chris's post. He was saying that until the engine has >10K on it, it's crap, after that as we all know it losens nicely and just improves with age. ( until something else breaks of course !

) I've got upper 30's on mine now and it's getting better every mile ! Upgrades are as you say subjective, but most people would agree on certain mods making an improvement for most riders . . . .

Toodle PIp

John Diakonis · 01-30-2006, 07:36 AM

ErricZ, I sent you a PM.

markjenn · 01-30-2006, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by The Sea Dog
Mark, I think you've misunderstood Chris's post. He was saying that until the engine has >10K on it, it's crap, after that as we all know it losens nicely and just improves with age. ( until something else breaks of course ! ) I've got upper 30's on mine now and it's getting better every mile ! Upgrades are as you say subjective, but most people would agree on certain mods making an improvement for most riders . . . .

Toodle PIp

If I misread it, my apologies to Chris. It's one of my pet peeves - people saying that certain upgrades and modifications are "required". Especially on the exhaust; frankly, many of the systems out there are prettty shoddy, and none do much for power without other changes.

- Mark

Chris Canning · 01-30-2006, 10:59 AM

No worries,to get my S how i wanted it I bet i'm 10,000 bucks into my S plus the price of the bike!!!,actually at a dollar 70 to the £pound a bit more than that!,and i'm not the only one.

It's runs great,steers like a roller skate one up or two up,will out brake most things, and after a couple hours of rideing close to three figures the suspension doesn't go belly up,but like everything in this life it costs!!!