| Author | Message | ||
     Firstbatch |
This is the before picture. Space between bolt and mount was about 3/16" so it did not look like it was completely collapsed but the vibes were bad  My helper getting ready to install the new one  Failed one on left    Old  New   CCan't see real well but not only is the rubber collapsed but it is torn on all the three contact points   New Installed and the proper 3/8" to 7/16" gap   Here is a link to a YouTube video showing how much lateral movement I had in the old isolator. I suspect that in about another 1K miles and the rubber would have totally separated from the metal housing http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROjQ8Gen56k | ||
| Hdbobwithabuell |
Thanks for the pictures. I really need to replace the front isolator on my firebolt. | ||
| Firstbatch |
I think the collapse on some is more obvious and the bolt goes tight to the mount, but failure of this isolator I believe is gradual and as the rubber tears away from the center you slowly get more vibes thru the frame to the rider. As all have said before it is like riding a new bike when you first install the new one. This one lasted about 11K miles. | ||
| F_skinner |
Firstbatch, how many miles did you have on the bike when it went south? Thanks, Frank | ||
| Firstbatch |
Frank, it was about 11K. It was during my recent trip in your neck of the woods after mucho twisties/elevation change that it finally gave up. | ||
| F_skinner |
I have 11K on my Uly but I imagine it is similar in feeling to a tuber isolator going bad and I will feel the vibrations like you said you did. It still feels brand new to me but of course it is new. At least you could still ride it without everything else breaking,  Thanks for the pics and video. I did not realize it came as a whole assembly like in your pictures. I better go check mine now. Thanks again. | ||
| Firstbatch |
Thanks to Al @ American Sportbike that he was able to overnight one. I think it was $85. The last 800 miles that I rode when it had completely failed coming from Yellowstone to Louisville, CO where I had it shipped I knew there was no way I could make it back to Virginia in that condition. | ||
| Idaho_buelly |
Firstbatch, Great Pics!.Thanks | ||
| Tginnh |
So, what is done with the old one? Tossed in the can? Seems like it could be returned for a core charge refund and rebuilt like other auto parts. Thanks for the pics and heads up. I'm going downstairs to check mine now since my bike is at the 11k mark as well. ...Just checked - mine's in good shape. Also, I slipped on Palmer's mount saver several k back. http://palmerproducts.auto.officelive.com/buellxb12x.aspx (Message edited by tginnh on September 11, 2009) | ||
| Paralegalpete |
I just ordered a number of items from Palmer but not the mount saver  | ||
| Firstbatch |
Tginnh, that "mount saver" doughnut looks interesting and pretty cheap. It does seem like a waste that you have to chuck the old mount in the trash as it is a pretty hefty piece. I'm glad it is not a BMW because it would probably be a $300 part!  | ||
| Tginnh |
Funny you should mention the cost of parts and pieces for beemers. I had a recent conversation with a friend who owns a beemer about the cost of my forks parts. Springs, dust seals, oil seals and bushings for under $70 dollars. He was incredulous to say the least and figured the same pieces would easily run into the hundreds of $$$. He's about ready to sell his beemer... Chalk up another benefit of owning a Buell. | ||
| Flynuly |
Firstbatch- Thanks that reminds me I should probably go look at mine again. Keep an eye on your wire clutch cable retainer, they have a habit of failing and melting the cable on the exhaust header. In '08(?) Buell improved to this type.  | ||
| Firstbatch |
Good catch Tim....I look at that from time to time and wonder why it has not failed yet considering all the discussions early on about how fragile it is. Probably should buy the new part now and keep it in my tool pouch as I'm sure it will let go when I am furthest from home base. | ||
| Pso |
tried to swap mine out this weekend. Ended up snapping the allen wrench that fits in bolt. I guess I will need to go somewhere that they have a impact wrench to break bolts loose. |
