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Geedee
Posted on Saturday, January 18, 2014 - 01:59 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I've received a load of pictures of my S1 now waiting in LA for shipping. Included were shots of the Chassis/ Vin, so I was able to have my dealer search its history.

The bike is low mileage and looks very good in the photos, in High Voltage Yellow with PM wheels. It has a SuperTrapp instead of the factory muffler, and the rubber is not the original.

Everything else including the factory hugger and original white coil shock is still on it. Unmolested, to the point where not a single recall has been done to it.

It was built 5 days before Christmas '95, and shipped to Liberty HD 1st of May 1996. No history available of the first owner, and if that was Liberty NJ, then New Jersey is quite a way from Oklahoma where it was.

Now is no upgrades good or bad?

Flasher unit, Neg. Battery cable, Sidestand switch, Fuel tank return, Fuel tank vent, Swing arm and Shock eye were listed in the safety campaigns.

I intend to ride it like my others, so should I start ordering parts or leave it as it was made? I would really appreciate some opinions while I start learning more about S1's.

Gary
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Kilroy
Posted on Saturday, January 18, 2014 - 07:02 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

its a classic. it is rare. it is not a real performance machine. if you have others I say leave it as is. Ride the other ones for speed and performance.
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General_ulysses
Posted on Saturday, January 18, 2014 - 09:50 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

According to the NHTSA, a few of the S1 recalls were potentially dangerous - even lethal under the right circumstances. The rear shock and/or the swingarm were known to break/collapse and a few deaths were recorded as a result of losing control at speed. Also, the fuel vent can become plugged causing fuel overflow onto the engine creating a fire hazard (I think that one is pretty easy to fix though). Here's a link to the website:

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchSafetyIs sues

I would advise fixing the dangerous ones (at a minimum) and keep the original first generation parts on the shelf. In the decades to come, they'll become unobtainium parts for collectors wanting an ultra-original first generation S1.

(Message edited by General_Ulysses on January 18, 2014)
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Court
Posted on Saturday, January 18, 2014 - 10:23 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

>>>>The rear shock and/or the swingarm were known to break/collapse and a few deaths were recorded as a result of losing control at speed.

If you can find any record of a death resulting from a swingarm or shock failure, please post it.

The NHTSA never found any.

I think I am the only one to have had a shock fail on a public road and it was on a test bike about 3 months before it was released to the public. It was one of the things (along with the side stand switch which failed in 19F weather in Perry, OK the following morning after a late night changing a shock on the side of I-35) that led to a couple of the early recalls.

The instant S1 under discussion should be left untouched. The swing arm and shock should be carefully examined. If you need details of how and where to examine drop me a note.

The problem with the shock was that a few (presumably less than 20) had the wrong aluminum alloy. The alloy used did not like road salt. The manufacture had a really crummy QA/QC program and was unable to differentiate as to which shocks went where. All Buells were recalled, voluntarily by Buell, prior to any NHTSA intervention (other than the required notices by Dave at Buell).
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Kc_zombie
Posted on Saturday, January 18, 2014 - 12:17 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Oh boy, here we go! : )

Don't get dragged down into the recall vortex too deep. Bone stock untouched is a beautiful thing. A blank canvas.

I agree with the General, educate yourself on the potentially hazardous items and replace or upgrade as necessary.

Now the shock. While there is no documented evidence of shock related deaths it should be examined. But, please don't let a dealer take it and cut it in half. If you feel you must replace it then buy a recall shock (the last version) or an after market and keep the old one as a collector's item or sell it to a bad webber.

Needless to say Court is in the know on this stuff so be sure take him up on his offer.

Try to do the work your self if at all possible.

Nice profile pic by the way...and congratulations on your new baby
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General_ulysses
Posted on Saturday, January 18, 2014 - 01:02 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Sorry Court, not trying to badmouth the bike. I'm in the market for an S1 myself. But here's a few excerpts from the referenced NHTSA website:

Date Complaint Filed: 05/14/2004
Component(s): EQUIPMENT , UNKNOWN OR OTHER NHTSA ID Number: 10072622

Crash:Yes Fire:No Number of Injuries:0 Number of Deaths:1
Manufacturer: BUELL MOTORCYCLE CO. , UNKNOWN MANUFACTURER
Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): Not Available

SUMMARY:

I OWNED A 1997 BUELL. IT HAD 8 SAFTEY RECALLS ISSUED BY NASTA. OF THESE 8 RECALLS I ALLOWED THE DEALER TO DO REPAIRS. THREE OF THESE "REPAIRS" FAILED SHORTLY AFTER THEY WERE COMPLETED. ONE FAILED ON MY WAY HOME FROM THE DEALER. I HAVE TRIED MANY TIMES TO CONTACT NASTA AND BUELL ABOUT THESE PROBLEMS. THE PERSON THAT I SOLD MY BUELL TO WAS KILLED. HE DIED BECAUSE RECALL #4 FAILED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONCERN.*AK

Date Complaint Filed: 09/30/1997
Component(s): SUSPENSION Date of Incident: 10/31/1996 NHTSA ID Number: 522808

Crash:Yes Fire:No Number of Injuries:0 Number of Deaths:1
Manufacturer: BUELL MOTORCYCLE CO. , UNKNOWN MANUFACTURER
Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): Not Available

SUMMARY:

CENTER SHOCK OF MOTORCYLCE BROKE CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL/DEATH.

There was also a reference to an E clip or something for the front brake that may become dislodged and cause the front wheel to seize. Also, apparently the fuel tank securing system in the early bikes could allow the tank to easily separate from the bike during a crash, creating an elevated fire hazard. Not sure how significant these things are, but at a minimum, if it were my bike and it was affected, I'd certainly replace the swingarm and shock with something known to be good, especially if you're a heavier rider or planning on riding two up. Just my $0.02, don't spend it all in the same place. ; )
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Rocket_in_uk
Posted on Saturday, January 18, 2014 - 03:02 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I wish I still had my WP shock. The dealer 'stole' it from me when my S1W was in their workshop for other warranty work.

I certainly wouldn't let one failure put me off. I'd just have it tested if I had a WP shock, or replace or remake the eye to a higher grade.

Rocket in England
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Impala
Posted on Saturday, January 18, 2014 - 03:18 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I actually put a WP shock on my X1. Was a brand new take off and was better than the stock even before it leaked. I would keep that and the swing arm stock if they pass inspection.
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Court
Posted on Saturday, January 18, 2014 - 06:56 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I'm not getting into details . . .I'll leave you with this. ANYONE can file ANYTHING with NHTSA in the form of a complaint. I'm not taking them to task, but some of the things people say are based on more opinion than fact.

Fact is . . . there was a problem and Buell was on top of it long before anyone contact NHSTA.

>>>There was also a reference to an E clip or something for the front brake

The "E-Clip" was an entirely different matter . . NEVER resulted in an accident nor did an E-clip EVER fail. What we did discover is that errant dealer mechanics would get in a hurry and not install them using the proper technique and would fracture them in the process.

They were replaced with a bolt and series of washers. That was indeed a recall and I've either got (or they were in the loads of crap that just went dumpster bound) a box of recall kits for the E-clips. If I find one, I'll post a photo.

The great story of the e-clips is when Harley wanted to cancel the big dealer event at Baldor . . . Matt Levatich (now President of Harley) and I pulled a very "unorthodox" stunt . . . . as soon as Matt retires . . . remind me to tell you.

:-)


>>>>There was also a reference to an E clip or something for the front brake
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Geedee
Posted on Monday, January 20, 2014 - 02:53 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Thank you everyone for your suggestions and thoughts. Common sense really I suppose. I'll have it thoroughly checked over and then implement my cunning plan.

I'll buy another S1 and keep this baby as it is. Maybe an S1W.

"The instant S1 under discussion should be left untouched. The swing arm and shock should be carefully examined. If you need details of how and where to examine drop me a note."
Thank you Court. I will take you up on that offer.

Gary
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Thylacine
Posted on Monday, January 20, 2014 - 09:53 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

My s1 is the same vintage, serial # 091. No recalls= no problems, flogged often, over 50k
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S1owner
Posted on Monday, January 20, 2014 - 05:25 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I ran the original WP shock that was rebuilt by linder eng loved it had no issues compared to the leaky pos that I replaced 2 times!
If you have a big stick and bark load enough with a lawyer you can recall anything!
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Geedee
Posted on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 - 01:02 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

That's good to know Thylacine. Nice looking bike. Have you had it from new?

I think the coil shock looks perfect with the minimalist S1 styling.

Looking forward to #150 arriving in the next 5 or 6 weeks.
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Thylacine
Posted on Friday, January 24, 2014 - 03:31 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Thank you, yes, I bought it new.
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Sleez
Posted on Friday, January 24, 2014 - 06:25 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

i was one of the few that actually had a cracked swingarm, on my 97 S3, was replaced, even rode it a few hundred miles after noticing it.

was seen by dozens at a SCAB meeting many, many years ago.

don't know if there were ever any accidents related to cracked swingarms, but i would definitely have it replaced, the new one is much stronger.
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