| Author | Message | ||
     Slimshaky |
I'm new to motorcycles and the Buell Blast. I bought a 2003 a couple of months ago. I've put on about 200 miles without any issue. Today I took it out for a ride for a few miles. It started out fine, but a couple of miles in, it started shaking pretty bad at about 15 miles or greater. I was able to coast home at about 10mph. I tried riding down my court again, and it still shakes really bad if i get up to about 15mph. I took a look at both the tires, and I don't see any stones or nails in them. Clearly I am a novice when it comes to this stuff. What are some other things that I would look for? If nothing else, I need to figure out where to find a reputable mechanic to look the bike over. | ||
| Slimshaky |
I did a more thorough inspection of the bike. It appears that the front isolator/engine bracket (according to the wording in the service manual) snapped in half. I'll need to do some research to determine if it is something that I can take care of or if i need help.  | ||
| Slimshaky |
For future reference for other folks, I also found this thread which talks about the same issue: http://www.buellxb.com/forum/showthread.php?28407- Front-Engine-Mount-bracket | ||
| 651lance |
When you pull the mount out make sure you check both of the mounting bolts closely. If there and type of twist or bend to them replace them. Use the correct bolt not hardware store bolts. | ||
| Slimshaky |
I take that I will want to pull things apart and assess the extent of the damage before ordering just the bracket. What all would you folks recommend taking a look at for potential damage? When I searched for the bracket, I found a couple of Harley dealers online that sell it, and that seems like the only source currently. Do you guys have a tough time finding some of the replacement parts for your bike? I'm guessing that there are no third party manufacturers making replacements. | ||
| 651lance |
Remove the bracket first and inspect all parts before ordering. Make sure you double check your head mounting tower on the left side of the head for cracks. When reinstalling the mount make sure you follow the service manual. If they are installing incorrectly you will break the mount again or the head. I would replace the mounting bolts and washers for the bracket to head for safety. | ||
| Slimshaky |
When you mention the "head mounting tower" are you talking about what is referred to as the "push rod cover" in the parts and service manual? If not, what is the wording used in those manuals? If so, would I need to remove it to fully inspect? A quick visual check of the front and side of that part reveals no issues. I am looking at the "Stripping motorcycle for engine service" procedure in the 2003 service manual on page 3-8. They mention lifting and securing the motorcycle. What kind of equipment would you recommend that I use to achieve this? I have a car jack that I use for working on my car, so I can use that for the motor, but I don't have any special motorcycle lifts. | ||
| 651lance |
You don't need to remove the engine, just the engine support mount. You should have the bike straight up to make this easier. Place your jack under front of the engine jack up the engine from the front just enough to relieve the pressure on the front mount then remove all three bolts. The left front mount bolts into a casted part of the head that protrudes from the head about 1/2". That is the pat that can crack if the engine mount breaks | ||
| Slimshaky |
Thanks for your feedback. I really appreciate your help. I will need to remove the muffler, correct? What is going to be my best bet in helping me to ensure that the bike is straight while I work on it? I don't have any special motorcycle equipment, but if I need to obtain something to do that, I can. | ||
| 651lance |
You shouldn't have to remove the exhaust. You can use a rear bike stand to hold the bike upright. | ||
| Slimshaky |
I got a closer look at the front isolator bracket and I see now that it is snapped in two places. As a result, the engine is not getting any support from that bracket at all. Considering that, should I be concerned with the condition of the rear isolator bracket as well (wondering if it is carrying too much load)? What is visible of the rear isolator looks fine, but I can't see much of it without disassembling. | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
The rear mount might have gone bad, but you'll never know by looking at it on or off the bike, unless it is REALLY bad. After you fix everything else, you'll notice the engine will move while sitting on the kickstand-it will be obvious-then you'll know it's bad. | ||
| Slimshaky |
What is the best recommended approach for removing the screw that goes through the center of the mounting bracket and the isolator? What tools are best for getting that loose with a limited space? | ||
| Slimshaky |
I got the screw off. In case someone else tries to do this and is as unhandy as me, I had to use a 3/8 allen wrench and an 11/16 offset wrench. I am also a weakling who typically has problems with automotive bolts. As a result, I ended up spraying the tough bolts with a mix of ATF and acetone. After an hour or two, I was able to bust them loose. | ||
| Slimshaky |
I have everything removed now that I planned on removing. The only thing that is clearly damaged to my eye is the snapped bracket. With that in mind, what all do you folks recommend that I replace with new? Do I need to replace the front isolator? I took it out and did not notice any visible damage. You can see a pic of it below. The service manual says that you should replace some bolts and miscellaneous hardware. In particular, the bolts attaching the bracket to the engine head are mentioned. Is it best to follow the manual and replace with new for any item that it says to?  | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
There used to be some aftermarket mounts, but they are no longer available, as far as I could find. Not all the bolts need to be replaced, but it's difficult to know which ones have been over stressed. It's wise to replace them all, if you don't know which are damaged. Carefully inspect the isolator. Personally, I'd replace it, if it was suspect. | ||
| Slimshaky |
Others are probably aware of this, but I found out that the replacement part number for the front isolator is L1501.T (replacing L0501.T). Also, based on some other threads, it sounds like HD part 16207-79D might work as well. Is there a listing somewhere of part numbers for the Blast that have been superseded? | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/201 64/377682.html?1327808981 That will help. Get yourself a 2009 or 2010 parts manual. That will have most of the latest part numbers. As the blast gets older, many Harley parts will have to be retrofitted. That isolater is a part that will work. | ||
| Slimshaky |
Thanks for all your help, folks. I finally got the bike back out on the road tonight. | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
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