| Author | Message | ||
     Buellbob |
I need to ask about the swingarm isolators. Is this a recent problem? When I had all the factory recall stuff done to my bike which included a new swingarm would the isolators have been replaced at that time or would the old ones reused? Has all this happened since the first recall in 1999? BOB  | ||
| Hootowl |
Buellbob Ask your local service manager to look up your VIN, and see if the recall has been done. If you want to see for yourself, well, without taking them out to look at them, there's really no way to tell. The replacement isolators have a "B" (I think it's a "B" ) stamped into them, and there may or may not be .030" spacers in between them and the swingarm mounting block. The original recall replacement isolators aren't made anymore in favor of the 2001 version. (See top of page.) If yours aren't torn, I guess I wouldn't worry about it. My recall replacement isolators tore again anyway, so I went ahead and put the 01's in. What kind/year is your bike? You had your swingarm replaced? | ||
| Buellbob |
Hootowl I have a 97 S3T. I bought it in 1999. I was positive the swingarm was replaced because of potential breakage of the shock mount, maybe I'm wrong it could have been the front shock mount. I didn't get a list of all that was replaced. The dealer just called me up when they got all the replacement parts in for the recall work and they did everything all at once. My memory is a little fuzzy on this , maybe I'll go ask just so I know for sure for myself. BOB | ||
| Shooter |
Penske shock question I picked up a used penske off another racer for a good price, it was set up for a 99 x1.I am running a 99M2 with an early M2 square swingarm (for chain clearance).I set the sag and have a eye to eye measurement of 16".It looks like I turned it into a M2 low !!! I had a late recall (post srp) showa on it before, but am not sure if the shock mount was changed. I need the rear ride hight back up.What am I missing here? | ||
| Henrik |
Shooter: I think the Penske is the same length as the old shock. So you may need the old style front shock mount to get your ride height back. Henrik | ||
| Shooter |
Thanks Henrik...the last shock I had on My M2 was replaced with the latest and greatest shock, at no cost by my friends at Eastside HD/Buell.I wasn't aware the fromt shock mount was changed as well.My guess is the old style mount is no longer "supported" by HD.Anybody have one laying around? | ||
| Doncasto |
Shooter: I have one, but it came off an S3. A part # search says; 1999 M2 = 47725-94YB 1998 S3 = 47725-94YA Haven't got a clue what the "A" to "B" difference is, but you are welcome for the cost of shipping. Don | ||
| Shooter |
 Thanks Don.My guess is the part # difference is holes for the remote shock rebound can that wasn't on the M2.Maybe some one can confirm. Anyway,I feel better knowing there is a solution.I really want the extra rear ride height. | ||
| Doncasto |
Shooter: Its been a while, but as I recall er . . . poor choice of words in a Buell forum hehe . . remember the remote reservior was/is attached to the bolts that hold the the voltage regulator to the front of the engine. In other words, no extra holes or provisions for mounting the res should be required. Anyhooo . . . The mount will be on the way today! Don | ||
| Tripper |
Don; do ya still have a shock left over from the S3? I sent my WP to be rebuilt and can't get it back. No Buell ride for 7 weeks can kill a marraige.  | ||
| Doncasto |
Trippah: Y'all gots email. sorry for the accent, just spent an hour talking to my new neighbor from Joejah Dahnn (Don) | ||
| Tripper |
Easy there Yank, I'm moovin to Joejah. Got your mail. Go to UPS in the moanin', kay? Bubba. er, Tripper | ||
| Sparky |
Don, I spoke to the Buell guy at Bartels', Erich Martin, about info regarding the American Made shock on his 96 S1. He has it but it's "buried" somewhere in his crib. I don't know what it'll take to persuade him to dig it out but, he suggested talking to Scott Bartels' of Bartels Performance Products, (310) 578-9888. They used to carry them and he may have what you need be it instruction sheet, parts list, etc. If anyone else on the Badweb happens to have what Don needs, maybe you can help too. BTW, Erich recently joined the 21st century & got a computer and is just coming up to speed with email, internet & such, so I told him where to find us on the Badweb, hehehe. Thanks, Sparky | ||
| Doncasto |
Thanks, Darrell! I spoke with Scott last week and even though his brother used to work for American Made Motorycle Suspension, he does not have any documentation for their Buell shock. He was able to confirm that 1) The company is in the process of being revived 2) all the wear and tear parts are generic and can be readily located and 3) any/all competant motorcycle suspension service can rebuild/reset/reconfigure the shock. I am ready to put it on Ebay and hope to be able to find a new home for it this time out. Thanks again for the effort on my behalf. Don | ||
| Sickboy |
Can someone give me some instructions on removing my old swingarm on my 1997 S1? Is it necessary to remove the entire rear assembly to accomplish this ?  | ||
| Ccryder |
While giving Stripe'r the once over 2x(before a trip and at her 25k checkup) I noticed this on the left hand isolator:  Is this what the start of a torn isolator looks like? The right isolator does not show anything like this on it's surface. I have noticed that the rear end feels like it wants to waddle a little in some hard corners. Also some more vibration than usual in the footpegs. Is it time for upgraded Isolators, or just my paranoid nature? TIA Neil S. | ||
| Tripper |
Neil; it is time. | ||
| Al_Lighton |
Paul, Yes, to remove the swingarm, you have to remove the isolators. Don't follow the manual, go to the link below for the instructions. I didn't think the job was too bad. http://www.americanthunderbike.com/pages/isolator_main.html | ||
| Tricklidz |
Yes, replace iso's...use ATC link....I just did mine, (actually I replaced a broken belt @ 15k) not to bad of a job. I did it right in my trailer. BTW..don't forget to check the alignment pin height!! | ||
| Tricklidz |
Quick fork question: My front fork tubes (97 S3) were raised about 10mm above top clamp. I received the bike new this way!! I never gave it a thought until a friend with exact machine pointed it out. His are even with the clamp. Every other Buell I have checked were even. The handling has been O.K. until a ride today. I just wasn't happy with the suspension today..so I set all adjustments to reccommended settings, including dropping the forks down level with clamp. Now my question: Where should tubes be "STOCK" and has anyone tried raising, lowering, with any success?? TIA, Steve | ||
| Blake |
Tricklidz, Raising the forks will decrease rake and trail thus quickening the steering. Raising the forks too too much can cause instability. Lowering the forks will have the opposite effect. | ||
| Henrik |
Steve: my '98 S3 came with the fork tubes level with the top triple tree. By raising the fork tubes in the trees (lowering the front of the bike), you will decrease your rake (increase your trail as well ?) and put a bit more weight bias toward the front wheel. That will quicken your steering and may give you a bit more front end feel. As a crude rule of thumb, if you change the ride height 1" you will change your rake by about 1°. If you decide to play with front end ride height, be aware that too much may cause the handling to become unstable. Also check and make sure that front wheel and fender will not bottom out against other hard parts. FWIW, on the SV I've raised the fork tubes 13 mm and lengthened the shock 20 mm to get close to optimal handling. Now, that kind of geometry requires a steering damper - just in case  On the S2 I'm running the Penske shock about 8 mm shorter than stock - for a bit quicker handling. I ran it too short on the S3, and the rear wheel would start skipping/loose grip on hard acceleration - the swingarm angle had become to steep to the point where the rear whould actually rise when I got on the throttle. I had to lengthen the shock a bit to make the rear wheel stick. Anyway, lot's of fun to be had, lot's of mistakes to be made. If in doubt, check with a good suspension shop Henrik | ||
| Ccryder |
Just an FYI. I followed accepted BMC Dealer warranty procedure and had the Dealer look at my isolators. Their Technician felt my left one was torn and should be replaced. The Service Writer called BMC and noted the S/B. Buell C/S stated that the S/B was expired and if the isolators were to be replaced it would be on the Owners (Mine) $0.02. I inquired about "Good-Will" and their reply was no. So, I have a kit due to arrive from Modesto today (thank you Heather). Maybe I'll attempt the job this weekend (hint MRR are you around). Time2Run Neil S. | ||
| Ccryder |
Hey Hootowl: You must be a better wrench than me  it took me 2.5 hours to change my isolators. I guess pulling the battery and rear fender added to the time. All in all on an X-1 it's reallly not too bad of a job. I probably wouldn't make rate as a Buell Technician but all my tools were wrist powered and it's my first time. First test drive will be in the AM. Can't wake the neighbors. Time4Sleep. Neil S. | ||
| Ccryder |
Special Tools for Isolator R&R: T-60 Torx bit (Same as for seatbelt bolts) 1/2" Hex head bit. I had the 1/2" but the T-60 was off the shelf at Autozone. BTW: Stripe'r never felt better than with her new isolators. Time2Ride Neil S. | ||
| Hootowl |
45 minutes is my fastest time. The first two times took a whole lot longer. Did you remember to make sure the locator pins aren't too long? | ||
| Jasons1 |
I tried to post this yesterday, so I'm sorry if it comes up twice...but. I know you guys have probably answered this question a MILLION times on this forum, but I'm still a little confused, and am hoping for some final clarity. The left rear isolator is torn on my '96 S1. How much longer/farther can I ride with a bad isolator? What damage could I potentially do? Also, do the instructions on the link above apply to my S1 also, or were they intended for the X1 models only? Finally, does the new '01 isolator kit (at top of this page) work for my S1, or is that only for the newer Buells with Aluminum swingarms? Your advice is always appreciated. Thanks. Ride Safe - Jason Fuhst | ||
| Hootowl |
Jasons1, It works on any model. There's a faster way to do it on X1's though. I don't know whether the 01 isolators will work on your 96, but I believe I saw a blurb about it in Battle2Win. I'll see if I can find it again. | ||
| Rick_A |
The '01 isolators retrofit all existing Buells that use 'em. | ||
| Jasons1 |
Thanks guys. Should I avoid riding my bike at all until I can get the isolators replaced? Am I risking major damage to other parts, or is it just my numb feet that I'm risking? Thanks again. - Jason |
