| Author | Message | ||
     Dougp |
Buellzebub, the Buell Lightning Series spring set is .85kg. Luckily Cap brought this to my attention and saved me $56.50 over the Race Tech springs. Installed the Gold valves without mishaps, thanks to Don's PVC seal,bushing installer. The improvement is beyond description. It's now enhanced the short-comings of the WP rear shock............... .......hello, Penske????? Quick thanks to Cap, Don, and Jose. p.s. An empty campbells tomato soup can with a 1 3/8" hole in the bottom makes a great spring compressor. Split it in half and tape up with electrical tape to ease in removing. dp  | ||
| Buellzebub |
Thanx Dougp: coincidentally that is the rate i wanted, cool! cheap parts from the factory good tips, i'm getting my springs changed out friday. also swapping out the rear shock for the newest one. maybe i'll see what they can do about the valving too. | ||
| Jmartz |
DP: How many of the large wahers did you use? 32 setting or...? I have yet to try mine out as my bike is laid up waiting for other parts. J | ||
| Jmartz |
Am I the only one out there still using the original WP shock on my Buell? Would like to hear from others if any. The rear suspension is still workimg properly but with a rebuilt front end and nearly 40,000 miles I'm begining to wonder how long before the rear shock fails. As a long time HD owner it is very difficult for me not to put form before function and IMHO the new enclosed units are just butt ugly. Jose | ||
| Jmartz |
A while back bartels announced a shock replacement with titanium bolts. Someone told me they never actually produced it and that a company called American Suspension had acquired the design and was producing it. I saw one for sale on ebay but was afraid to buy it if it was no longer in production (I already have one like that). RaceTech refuses to service the WP on a liability basis and although I don't like it, can't say that I blame them. The Penske is cool but it is heavier than either the old or present shocks. | ||
| Ralph |
Jose, I'm still running with the old WP. At the moment, I'm afraid that's part of my problem. I installed the new aluminum swingarm. I had expected it lift the bike but not as much as it did. Now I've got a little bit of a clearance problem with the chain. I may need to make a new front shock mount to push the shock back, lowering the bike, giving me my clearance back. Now, the question. Does anyone know; 1. How far does the recall shock mount move the shock back. 2. What is the alloy of the aluminum swingarm. bighairyralph | ||
| Jmartz |
I know this much Ralph, the new "kit" used to replace the WP as a recall includes a front mount and reatails for over $500. A bitter pill to swallow for those of us who would like to keep the old shock for its looks. The shock is rebuildable but having a pressurized interior will nescessitate special tooling owned only by a shop who will refuse the job because of potential liability induced litigation. Tripper runs a WP (late model a la S2 {progressive spring, aluminum front eye) but with iron end plates) and a 99 swingarm (that I installed). he uses a belt though. His set up performs flalessly buy if memory serves me right I recall a slight increse in height. J | ||
| Jmartz |
I have yet to replace my isolators but have not found a reason to do so. I did go and buy a set of the pre 2001 type just in case they become obsolete. I don't want to deal with the ugly hang tab, extra weight and a different cover. | ||
| Rickway |
To repeat a previous question, what suspension oil (non-harley) is recommended for a '99 Cyclone forks. Also, I just got the 2001 recall rear shock. Does anyone know if there is a special "Buell Tool" for this. The lock nut and the adjusting nut are larger than most regular wrenches. Richard | ||
| Dougp |
Jose, are you referring to the valve stack on the Gold Valves or the spacers and pre-load on the fork springs? I ran the c32 valve stack recommended by Race Tech. Used both (2 per fork) stock spacers to attain 32mm of fork spring pre-load. I didn't think firm and plush could be used in the same description, but that's exactly what these forks are now. As far as White Power shocks, hands down better looking than the "pop-can covered" Showa. Take your WP to a KTM dealer. They seem happy to work on them. I had mine charged with gas recently and re-sprung with a 9.0kg spring. Still lacks in the rebound dept. I'm going to order a Penske simply because of the numerous adjustments it presents. dp | ||
| Sparky |
Rickway, as mentioned in the Rear Shock Locknut Service Bulletin B-037 at the top of this section, it is Buell Part No. B-45110. It consists of two crow's foot type wrenches, 60 mm & 52 mm, for around $50 or so. Sparky | ||
| Jmartz |
DougP: That is the same set up I selected and I agree with you wholehartedly about the better looks of the WP over the Showas particularly around the bottom of the upper leg. The lower legs are uglier is style in the Showas but better finished. The finish on the WP's leaves much to be desired and are really hard to clean. Jose PS I used 7.5W oil, couldn't find any 5W. Did you change springs or altered their preload? | ||
| Dougp |
Jose, yes. I changed out the .646kg (stock) for the .85kgs (Buell race springs). Found some Bel-ray 5W. Need some fine-tuning yet, but the factory recommendations were awfully close. dp | ||
| Ralph |
Jose, sure, five hundred includes the shock. Not what I'm intrested in as you may imagine. I'm sure I could come up with the mount seperatly. In fact, it's probably the same one they use on the M2Low. So, if any one can tell me the amount the shock eye is moved back I would certainly appreciate it. By the way, Jose, you could just cut the offending ears off of the the new isolators. Tripper runs a WP (late model a la S2 {progressive spring, aluminum front eye) but with iron end plates) Huh? What progressive spring? You mean a S3 spring? Or after market? Another favour. Could some one with a stock, non-futzed with aluminum swing arm bike please measure the amount of clearance between the swingarm and belt, top and bottom. I would greatly appreciate it. Obviously it will vary with the amount of preload on the shock but will help give me an where I'm working from. bighairyralph | ||
| Jmartz |
BHR: I can provide that info for you as soon as I get a rear pulley and reassemble my bike. There is quite a bit or room above the pre '99 SW but only about 1/2 inch above the swingarm block. Tripper's spring is the stock unit fitted to '98 S1's, but you are correct in calling it an S3 as they are likely one and the same... Jose | ||
| Court |
Except for spring rates... | ||
| Tripper |
Here is a pic where you can see the spring. It is a progressively wound (not straight rate) spring, and the shock body at the front mount is cast. It looks just like the ones on S2's I ride with. Buell had at least 2 varieties of shock for the 98 S1. This shock is handling my 230 lbs real well with +2 clicks dialed in on both damping knobs. 16K miles.  | ||
| Ralph |
Hm, that's very interesting Trip. I was under the impression that the S1 and S3 used different shocks. It must be the same shock with a different spring. That makes alot more sense. Cool, now if I can get a heavier spring for the S3 I can throw that spring onto the S1. I'll measure the bolt length sometime. That would help the S1's ride fer sure. It won't be the first cast off the the S1 has gotten. It's gettin' to be a pretty cool bike just from hand me downs! bighairyralph | ||
| Ralph |
So, I called up Steve at White Brothers and ordered a heavier spring for the White Power shock I like so much. Turns out the S3 spring is the heaviest progressive wound spring so I'm going with a "straight" spring. I'm not really bothered by that. The original spring is a 90/150 but remember, the 150 isn't reached until just before the shock bottoms out. I'll be using a 120. I'm getting an Iboc spring, that'll save me about forty bucks over the WP spring. Only difference is it's red. I like red. Couldn't find out what alloy the aluminum swing arm is made of but it is weldable. bighairyralph | ||
| Jeffh |
It may have been posted here before - I'm not sure... For complete suspension setup guidelines, go to race-tech.com and click on "valving search" or "spring rate search" (they both take you to the same 'start' page). You can find out what Race-Tech components you would use to tailor your bikes' suspension to your bodyweight, riding style, and intended use. It returns a personalized, serialized webpage that you can use as a guide to tuning your suspension, either yourself, or with their assistance. | ||
| Blake |
Ralph: Are you planning on welding the swingarm?!! Careful! You can easily wipe out the heat treat if there is any, and I'm betting there is. Plus, you risk significant heat induced deformation. The list of common castable structural aluminum alloys is not too extensive. Check out this site. http://www.diecasting.org/faq/introduction/alloys.htm#aluminum I wouldn't want to weld on the swingarm though. How about a good structural adhesive instead? | ||
| Ralph |
Blake, I will do everything I can to avoid radical surgery. I believe it is possible to get by without it. It is honestly not an avenue I want to utilize but I always try to research all options to solve a problem. Aside from that, I don't believe the swingarm is heat treated. With the small area effected by what would be necessary I don't think any warpage would occure (especially with a little jigging goin' on). For the modification being looked at an adhesive short of molecular is out of the question. Don't worry, I won't be doing it. Oh, by the way, expect an email from me in the next couple days. I want to use your edumacation some. bighairyralph | ||
| Doncasto |
Anyone know the correct part number for the "newer/beefier" Showa for a 1998 S3T? Thanks in advance. Don | ||
| Dave |
Corrected Post: According to the "SAFETY RECALL CODE 0817 - REVISED SHOCK EYE" B-024B it is "S3/S3T: Part No. 93930YA" According to B-035A: The purpose of this bulletin is to announce the release of a new shock absorber kit for all 1995-2000 S1, S1W, M2, S2/S2T, S3/S3T, and X1 Model Buell motorcycles and to provide installation and adjustment instructions. Buell Motorcycle Company has developed this kit as an upgrade to the shock absorbers currently in use. 1997-1998 S3/S3T: Part No. K1400.E DAve | ||
| Doncasto |
Thanks, Dave. I appreciate the assistance. Don | ||
| Meandmym2 |
Hey, Tried to read though the posts to find any info on replacement rear shock for recall last year. Has Buell come out with a redesign to replace the "fancy" straps added to my 2000 m2 under the recall. Thanks Dan | ||
| Tripper |
March into your dealer and tell him you object to the appaerance of the SRP shock. You should get the improved 2001 shock at no charge. Scroll to the top of this page for more details. | ||
| Wet4uracing |
Does anyone know of a modification to the front head to strengthen the front engine mount? Someone borrowed my S1w(without asking!)and whilst trying to do wheelies ,broke the throttle side bolt casting in the head.I would like to get up to speed with wheelies on this bike,but am scared of damaging it. | ||
| Jmartz |
Having put 185 miles on the gold valves from RaceTech I want to report a very favorable review. I chose the C32 setting using 7.5W oil. There is no more bottoming out, stabilty in curves has incresead and reaction to minor bumps is softer that to potholes. Fork settings are still the factory ones (whatever those were in 1996)so I am going to experiment with softening the compression dampening a few clicks. In general I must say the forks feel like a million bucks! | ||
| Chuck |
Paul Thede knows his stuff! |
