| Author | Message | ||
     Newbuellertoo |
After 30+ years, my wife has finally decided to get back on a bike. (We were hit by a truck when we were dating back in 1975.) I've never had anyone on the back of this bike yet and was wondering if anyone could give me some tips for setting up the suspension. Also, does anyone know of a back rest that is available for the S3 other than a high dollar Corbin Gunfighter & Lady seat? Maybe even a grab rail or something to keep her from sliding off of the back. Any help would be greatly appreciated. As much as I love my Buell, the only thing that could make it better would be sharing it with my bride. | ||
| Buellistic |
Set the spring pre-load for the riders two up weight ... In the FACTORY SERVICE MANUAL ... The drive belt if not correctly adjusted stands a good chance of breaking if not adjusted correctly ... Belt adjustment is posted on this site !!! That is why "i" bought a CORBIN SEAT is for a better seat and back rest .. | ||
| Gowindward |
Gary, Here's an idea for a seat. http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/476 23/404830.html?1228435356 Do you have the owners manual. If you do take a look at page 44 thru 47 for the suspension settings for you and your girl.  (Message edited by gowindward on February 04, 2009) | ||
| Ebutch |
S3 is a two-up sport-tourer!!!! All day!!Your wife can hold on to you,you don,t want her too comfortable and fall asleep Gary.Corbin is a good choice!Pull Some GGGGs!!! Butch  | ||
| Dfbutler |
+1 on the belt and preload. Not only can you damage/trash the belt, the rear wheel bearings can fail with the extra weight and too much tension. If you want her on the back, spring for the Corbin with back rest. | ||
| Bartimus |
Better yet, trade it in for an '07 Uly! It has a back rest, saddle bags, and can roll all day effortlessly... | ||
| Buellsrule |
Although no where near as nice to look at as a S3T or S2T, the Uly is the better bike for two up. It's roomier, and more comfortable and really designed for two up riding. The S3T will do the job and looks a lot better doing it. The Corbin is a must have. If you buy new, make sure to order it from Corbin with the soft foam. I hated mine with the original hard foam but won't take it off the bike now that it has the soft foam. Awesome seat! | ||
| Ratbuell |
When my wife gets on the back of my S2 (or my Uly, come to think of it) the only thing I change is rear preload. I'm not going to push a bike very hard with her on the back anyway, so I don't worry about front end stuff or rear damping - just the preload, to keep ride height correct. You can check out a ventura rack for the back. It's not a backrest, but should be a sufficient "speed bump" to tell her it's time to hold on  I've got a Corbin on the S2 and love it....but it was on there when I bought the bike. No backrest available for the S2 version, though. No matter, we still crossed start/finish at Homecoming, 2-up with fully loaded bags, at an indicated 110 | ||
| Chadr81 |
Gary, like they are saying, the Corbin is the best. Make sure you have the suspension set up for both of you. And then RIDE!!! When I bought my S3T, it came with the Corbin seat w/ backrest. I set up the suspension for the two of us right away when I got it home. We only had the bike for a week and we took a trip from Appleton, WI to St Louis, MO. What a great trip. Really do love this bike!! Once you get/do these couple things, you'd be amazed how far you can go and how comfortable you can be while doing it! (My wife really didn't like riding motorcycle that much. The smile on her face in this picture says it all!)  (Message edited by chadr81 on February 05, 2009) | ||
| Firstbuell |
I've long used the Ventura system's lo-loop luggage rack, with a M/X handlebar pad over the loop, as a very comfy lower back stop for distaff passengers the Ventura's MUCH cheaper than the full-tilt Corbin setup [which may or may not be comfortable on its own] & provides flexible storage options 1- & 2-up | ||
| Newbuellertoo |
Thanks all, Some great suggestions. Last time she rode was on my 1974 Honda CB750 with a full tall backrest on it. And yes E Butch, she used to fall asleep on long rides. I keep the belt sloppy loose at all times, but I will check how it looks with two aboard. I have the manual so will follow the directions although it's kind of a P.I.A. to change back and forth. I have been looking at the Uly with the bags all winter wondering what it would be like but if the Corbin is not in the financial plan right now you can guess my chances of swinging a new bike. Anyway, baby steps here, get her around the block first, then some longer trips before I make too many plans. I'll keep an eye out for a used Corbin or Ventura rack. I do have a Buell Select seat and a Chin fairing I'm not using if anyone would like to make some kind of trade/ cash / swap. Thanks again for all the helpful advice guys. | ||
| Slaughter |
Something to consider is actually getting help from a friend to MEASURE your preload. Pull the bike UP so the shock extends - measure to the axle from somewhere on the frame (this is "zero") Now, you both sit on it wearing all your gear and measure from the frame to the axle. This should now be about 30mm from your "zero." Adjust the shock until you can sit on it and have it "sag" 25-30mm That'll be in the ball park. Note your position solo and 2-up (paint pen on shock body) and you won't have to do this again. Sunny and I ride 2-up on the S3 a lot when we have a long ride (and she's not going on her trusty 1984 Interceptor) - she's about split on her opinion of riding the back of the S3 and the back of the Uly (Homecoming) | ||
| Buellistic |
Slaughter: Set my sag for 1 inch both front and rear for my wife and "i" ... | ||
| Newbuellertoo |
Steve /Buellistic, How does this differ from doing the measurement between to two attachment points in the manual? (15.2 - 15.5 inches)Your way sounds easier. | ||
| Slaughter |
Measuring sag directly is a very standrd way of doing it - on any sportbike. Measuring shock length will work only if bone stock. | ||
| Newbuellertoo |
Update: Things are going great. I managed to get a great used Corbin with backrest from a fellow Badwebber which has made all of the difference. Prior to having the backrest she was very nervous and tense and I was afraid of losing her off the back. I'm still experimenting with shock settings but I'm pretty close now. She's even talking about us buying something a little bigger and more comfortable for when she is on the back.( I get to keep my S3T just for me!) Thanks for all the advice and support. |
