| Author | Message | ||
     Rocketman |
As custom jobs go, they never seem to be finished. My S1W is no exception. That said, it's as near to 'finished' as it's ever been. Fashions inevitably change. New products hit the market. Technology marches ever forward. Whatever comes next I've always had a simple rule in mind where modifying the Buell is concerned. That rule has also set the target, and frankly I think I've done well to get where the Buell is today by reaching at least close, if never quite there, that target. That is to enhance, develop and bring forward, certainly the greatest looking motorcycle of its generation. It has never been my intention to detract too much from that lofty position Buell created for itself. Just simply try and make it richer, somewhat individual, and not freak it up for the sake of freaking it up. Buell after all are in the mass production business. I'm fortunate in this regard not to be. So performance and handling have played a major part of my custom port folio, as has staying true to the original shape and style, and where possible use Buell performance parts too. That I hanker for a 910 Brutale offers an interesting paradox. I view both the S1W and the Brutale as the best of their generation. All be it for very different reasons when summed up for individual qualities. But exactly the same reason when it comes to looks. Put it this way, and I make no apology to XB owners, the MV Brutale is the most stunning looking naked production motorcycle of the first decade of the new millennium. The last decade of the last millennium, those honours went to the mighty Buell S1W. Never mind the Ducati Monster preceding the Buell in the naked class. Step back a decade further and the title for greatest looking naked bike surely goes to the mighty and somewhat troublesome Harley XR1000. But if I had a Brutale today I wouldn't dare alter, change or customise one anywhere near as much as I have my Buell. Some things don't need much improving upon, be that a good thing or not, but in the case of a Buell S1W, it offers a great platform for the individuals taste when it comes to change. By the way and speaking of change. I reserve the right to change my mind at any time. Motorcycles can be at the best of times, fickle objects. For now though, despite my often and more recent cravings for another ride, here's Rockets hard to part with, sometimes burdening, Big Hairy Buell.  Enjoy. Rocket There are 14 pic's in this sequence. Please, comments if any afterwards, and I load them all, some with my comments, in a set order. | ||
| Rocketman |
 Rocket | ||
| Rocketman |
 Rocket | ||
| Rocketman |
 This shot clearly shows one of the few design flaws of the S1's. That horrible on view rear light mounting bracket that can be seen underneath the rear of the seat, spoiling the wonderful line of the tail unit. Mine's in need of a fresh paint, but I think I'll end up fabricating something in alloy that cannot be seen, or maybe one day get it made in carbon fiber. Rocket | ||
| Rocketman |
 Had the seat recovered in expensive black suede. Rocket | ||
| Rocketman |
 Chunky mean looking K&N, but I'm thinking I prefer the original oval shape now. Maybe time for a change. Rocket | ||
| Rocketman |
 In all the threads I've read on BadWeB no one tells the whole of the story when it comes to wrapping this stuff. It's essential you soak it in water before you try applying it! Rocket | ||
| Rocketman |
 Note the way this stuff ties. You need the stainless bands for this job. Without them you're kung foo'd. Rocket | ||
| Rocketman |
 In the above seat pic you can see the flake effect (slightly) going on. It's hard to capture on a paltry phone camera but this pic does show well the way you can't see the black holographic rainbow flake. If the sun were out you'd be dazzled, but otherwise you're just looking at a black Buell. Rocket | ||
| Rocketman |
 Slight hint of flake here. Rocket | ||
| Rocketman |
No the above pic didn't hint at the flake. My mistake. It shows how the Buell logo is ghosted, but it's hard to see really in the above pic. Maybe there's a hint of it on top of the 'B'.  Here's a slightly better idea of the flake effect. Rocket | ||
| Rocketman |
 I just love this tiny bar end mirror. You can see images in it but the kind of pack riding I often do demands more. I've never seen a pair of mirrors I liked enough to swap out the Mickey Mouse ears. One day! This pic also shows how bland the front end is with stock levers etc. Definitely my next purchase is a compliment of ISR levers and master cylinder set-up. Rocket | ||
| Rocketman |
 This billet water tight license disc holder is pure art. Made by the same company as the bar end mirror. I like it a lot. It's designed for European style license discs so I had to fold my license around a little using my origami skills. Rocket | ||
| Rocketman |
 Finally, and one for the road. Two of my classics. The Jag is a fabulous car and a very very very nice low mile example, as in not the usual rot box we see with the British climate. Rocket | ||
| Reepicheep |
Looks great Rocket! | ||
| Bigdaddy |
Sean, Well done. G2 | ||
| Spiderman |
Beutiful! | ||
| Oldog |
Rocket: that is ........................... ................................... beyond my ability to express how bloody cool that is ....... Nice Job... | ||
| Davegess |
Cool, I do want to see a pix that show off that paint. It looks great. | ||
| Cereal |
Nice to finally see an S1 thread! | ||
| Henrik |
Very nice job Rocket. A few thoughts; I'd tug away the crank case breather, and I agree that the oval K&N has a more tugged in look. Henrik | ||
| Bigbadbuell |
hey rocket nice bike and sorry about the trash talking. All you need is some carbon fiber look at myspace page and see how much i have (too much really). O ya the myspace page is on my profile. Big bad buell peace out | ||
| Bigbadbuell |
Wait sorry i see some carbon fiber pics took too long to load on dail up. And don't worrie mods are comming soon to my bike !!! bigbadbuell peace out | ||
| Mick |
sweet ride Rocket, love S1's. anything special you have to do to the tank before painting? as mines in need. | ||
| Hans |
One of the finest bikes. Marvelous ! Much better without the painted tyres, Sir. Hans | ||
| Blake |
Very nice. Get thee a pro to take some proper photos! A custome rear sprocket would really finish her off I think.  I like the current intake/filter setup for sure much better than the ham can or any other I've seen. It just seems to fit the whole naked theme and it also exposes more of the engine. Remove the heat shield on the right side near the rear cylinder? I had no trouble at all applying dry header wrap. | ||
| Lake_bueller |
Rocket....you're yellow heads were the inspiration for my rebuild. I don't have any pictures of the completed bike but here's a quick shot of the heads prior to installation...  BTW...love the Dynamag rims!!!! | ||
| Xldevil |
Dennis,which paint did you use? Will it stand the heat in the long run? Ralph | ||
| Lake_bueller |
It hasn't held up as well as I would have liked. A local painter did it for me at "no charge" That's in quotes because I've had my tank painted 2x at the tune of $300/ea). He used a standard automotive paint. It has tinted a little from the heat. The blue "high temp" paint on the rocker is starting to flake. I'll redo they rockers this winter. Overall, they heads still look good; just not great. (Message edited by lake_bueller on October 23, 2006) (Message edited by lake_bueller on October 23, 2006) | ||
| Captpete |
If it looks that good with a phone camera... I'm going to bookmark this thread, and the next time you start one one of those POS Buell rants, I'll have quick access to a couple of quotes to remind you how you really feel. You've put a lot of time, thought, and labor into that machine, Sean, not to mention funds. It shows! |
