| Author | Message | ||
     Steve_mackay |
For those of you that haven't heard about my 'lil project... I bought a "Super TT" from Hals HD/Buell back in March. Along with the purchase of the STT, I bought most of the parts to convert it in to a "ulybolt" using a firebolt fairing, and Ulysses tail section. Some of the pics from 'stage 1' of the project... Here's the nice air conditioned shop I get to work in... Along with the many packages you see with firebolt and Uly parts on the counters.  Think I've got enough room to work?  Here's some front end disassembly pics.  The next pic is actually sideways. Showing how the ignition cylinder normally mounts sideways on the Lightnings and Ulys.   Now, I'm not entirely satisified with the light output from the stock firebolt lights. I can't take credit for this mod, as others have done this before me. But I used Hella 90MM H9 lights from http://www.rallylights.com/hella/90mm_modules.asp Being a tool & die maker/designer/machinist has it's advantages at times. So I cleaned up a design given to me by another Bueller to create a custom bracket that I cut out of 6061-T6 plate.      This one looks quite alien like... "take me to your leader"  So now time to put the fairing on...  Now without the mickey mouse ears...  And, completely finished Stage I...     Remember the pic with the ignition cylinder sideways? Well, I had to machine up another bracket that swung the cylinder 90 degrees, and still retained the steering lock. I looks kind goofy, but it's functional.   Now, Stage II started last night with the breakdown of the original lightning tail.  Damn there are a lot of wires in there!  One thing I did not anticipate was that the Uly rear brake line is a bit longer, so I have to order that Monday morning from Hals.    And the vultures appear out of nowhere! Here's Budc from Hals stealing my freshly removed parts for use on his '04 Lightning.  The Uly rear frame rails installed. I had them powdercoated the same charcoal color as the frame. The Powdercoater did a FANTASTIC job. I did a crappy job on prepping them, the bead blaster actually removed material from the casting. So I'll have to re-do them this winter.    The biggest hurdle I have is mounting the fuse block. It's considerably different than the Uly one. And the wire harness for it is actually longer. But that's as far as I've gotten as of this afternoon. I'll post more pics tonight/tomorrow with the final portion of Stage II | ||
| Treadmarks |
Nice lookin Ulybolt. Clean job on the lights. Nice garage...  | ||
| Birdmanrh |
Just a suggestion. But if I were you I would change the ignition out to a FOB type system. It would fit a lot better and be just another part of your trick custom. I saw this system at SEMA, it works rather well. http://bulletproofelectronics.com/arseHOME.htm | ||
| Bertotti |
Very cool, thanks for the pics. | ||
| Captain_nartman |
Great Pics of the Stages. UNIQUE!!! Like it. N x | ||
| Steve_mackay |
Treadmarks, thank, but I can't take credit for the garage. That's actually my place of employment. A Tool and die shop. But this bay at the moment, is empty. How nice of 'em to leave it empty for me Birdmanrh, that would be cool, except I'd lose my steering head lock, which I'd like to keep. | ||
| Birdmanrh |
I am sure you can figure out another way to lock the steering head.....given the machining equipment at your disposal.... | ||
| Fookinbueller |
Looking good so far... I'm a machinist/toolmaker myself and would LOVE to take my bike into work and spend a day making parts for her! It's a large plant and very professional and they just would not tolerate it... thought about bribing the weekend supervisor with Breakfast to let me come in on Saturday and have at it... doubt it would work and I'm certain that it would get back to Management...oh well. | ||
| Bertotti |
••••••••••••• it sure couldn't hurt to ask though. You never know one of them may be a closet bike lover or they may want to showcase their work through you. Your bike in a couple of photos for some advertising. Who knows, anything is possible if approached right. FB apparently your name is taboo. Funny! (Message edited by Bertotti on June 24, 2007) | ||
| Bake |
Looks great! But......wouldn't it be a Ulyboltt? | ||
| Steve_mackay |
FB, yup, I'm lucky. The place I work it is small. 8 guys. I was thier first employee 11 years ago. I currently help run the place, and wear a bunch of hats during my day. So that responsibility, and dedication awards me with a certain amount of perks. Bake, actually, it's designation is XB12XR-STT ULYBOLT | ||
| Fookinbueller |
FB apparently your name is taboo. Funny! Yeah that is pretty funny... I'm guessing that people were using the first half of my name to represent the F-word so it was added to the post filter but never added to the name approval system... Your place of business sounds a lot like the shop I worked in prior to moving down to NC... they do have perks, but so does working for a large company. I do miss the abundance of overtime, this company is stingy with OT. | ||
| Old_mil |
Random question: it was my impression that you couldn't hook saddlebags up to the TT's tail (only the ULYs)...so what's the motivation to make such a mod? | ||
| Steve_mackay |
Old_mil, like it says in your profile, "bring back an S3T". Well, that's what I'm doing. Started with an STT, because I don't like the height of the Uly. The STT is about an inch lower. Added the firebolt fairing for some wind protection. Adding the Uly tail for added passenger accommodations and the bags. | ||
| Old_mil |
Gotcha...for some reason I thought you'd gone with the TT tail... Great plan! | ||
| Doerman |
Very interesting project and a great job so far. I fear you may have voided the warranty though. I hope you did not spring for an extended warranty  Asbjorn | ||
| Steve_mackay |
I've been assured that Hals will warranty the bike. Now things *I* have changed, are not under warranty. That's a given. | ||
| Crusty |
That's a really neat project. It's something I'd like to do, if I were a little more financially solvent. I think I'd start with a Uly, though and change the suspension, rather than starting with the TT; but that's because I already have a Uly. One concern I have is, will the rear wheel hit the underside of the tail section? I've heard that it will. Have you come up with a modification to prevent contact? | ||
| Swordsman |
Good to see things are moving along. I'm REALLY interested in that Uly tail conversion for my Ss, though it looks like it may be a buggar, and more work than I could handle! What kind of trick do you have up your sleeve to prevent the rear tire from coming in contact with the bottom of the Uly tray at full shock compression? That's been the big drawback others have complained about that went through this conversion already... ~SM | ||
| Steve_mackay |
One concern I have is, will the rear wheel hit the underside of the tail section? I've heard that it will. Have you come up with a modification to prevent contact? After talking with some Buell engineers, I had the same concern. So, I turned the compression all the way down on the rear shock, sat on the bike, and with help from Budc, we ran a ratchet tie down strap between the rear wheel and the tail. I could only get the rear shock compressed to about 3/16" of an inch of full compression. At that point, there was a good 1/2" to 3/4" between fender and the undertail. So, I think I'm pretty safe. } | ||
| Court |
Steve: That's a really nice looking job. Well planned and executed. You are going to have this done in time to bring to the factory on Friday, right? Don't make me come find you. | ||
| Steve_mackay |
Thanks Court. Yes, it will be there Friday. | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
TTulyBolt a TT ULY Firebolt good for the toolies as well as the track. Top Drawer! (Message edited by electraglider_1997 on June 25, 2007) | ||
| Fookinbueller |
I'm glad to see it will be MUCH better looking than an S3T though... They gave me the willies to look at them... I rode with a guy who had one some years back, when I was full blown, into Jap sporties and always asked myself, "What the HECK were the Buell design engineers thinking?!!!" He was happy with it though, so I guess they were good bikes but, I think I was in an entirely different place in my life and I am even Now @ 33... I'd imagine that @ 40 something I'd look at that bike as hot... I'm still not fond of the S3T styling, I suspect your XB based Ulybolt will kick it's tail in EVERY aspect, save for wind protection. We know it has it in the bag as far as LUST factor goes... Shaping up to be a gorgeous piece of Buell tail, if I do say so myself!  | ||
| Maximum |
Beautiful job Steve, there is nothing like a red Uly...ummm ...Lighting...ahhh ...Firebolt...I mean......a red Buell !!!  | ||
| Lorazepam |
I like that a lot. A most excellent start. I will be looking for it at homecoming. | ||
| Crusty |
The S3-T is the most beautiful motorcycle ever made. Period. | ||
| Sleez |
this project is exactly what i would have done....if i had the money!! great job, keep the pics coming. | ||
| Steve_mackay |
Thanks for the compliments guys. It does make the hard work more rewarding I was back in the shop hooking all the electricals up, and it dawned on me... I forgot to sand off the powder coat where it attaches to the frame, so I can get a good consistent ground... DOOOH! I'm still not sure WHAT to do with the fuse block. It PROBABLY would have been easier to get a Uly rear wire harness. But that would have taken ALL the fun out of it | ||
| Xbullet |
I was back in the shop hooking all the electricals up, and it dawned on me... I forgot to sand off the powder coat where it attaches to the frame, so I can get a good consistent ground... DOOOH! been there...done that....got stuck on the side of the road.... GREAT JOB!! i've been followin' this project from the sidelines, and i too had imagined an XB version of the S3T. your reality is so far kickin' my imagination's @$$. way to go! |
