| Author | Message | ||
     California_pushrod |
This is my first post here. I have a S3T which I haven't ridden in a long time. I got it going again, cleaned it off. It's so fun to ride! The only mechanical problem now is the fork seals are leaking. I need to get them replaced. I like it better than any current-production bike except maybe the Moto Guzzi California. My question: The decal on the tank that says "Buell" is bubbling and looks bad. Does anyone have a suggestion about this? Could I remove it somehow, or can I get a new decal to put on? The controls have some problems. The high beam switch is somehow loose, and the starter button sometimes doesn't engage easily. Are there new controls I could put on there, or should I just live with it? Also it has these two little bags in the fairing. The bags are handy for a garage door opener, etc, but they're pretty old. Are there any good replacements for them, or should I just live with it? It's nearly all stock. That's all my questions for now. | ||
| Lynrd |
Welcome to BadWeb! The bubbling Decal thing is really, really common. The cheap, quick and not terribly elegant fix is to remove the bubbles (I used a razor blade) and then use the slightly larger thick stick on letters available on e-bay. While not a perfect cover, it is pretty damned close. I used the "Chrome" ones on my Ice White Pearl 98 S3. http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-NEW-BUELL-AMERICAN-MOTOR CYLES-EMBLEMS-CHROME-DECALS-RAISED-LETTERED-STICKE RS-/271479771226?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories& hash=item3f3574905a&vxp=mtr One of the other BadWebbers has screens available for the logos to paint them on instead. Replacing the decals with similar water slide decals will just ultimately cause a repeat of the failure. When I repaint that S3 I ntend to paint those logos on For both of the parts questions, there is a pretty active "Swap meet" in the classifieds section. You can post what you seek, or just watch for what you need. For those fairing bags - they all seem to fade over time...they show up occasionally. Handlebar controls should be easy... | ||
| Court |
>>>>can I get a new decal to put on? I'd sure try a Harley-Davidson dealer first. Be sure you have the decal part numbers . . . I can help if you need (they are in the parts manual) since there were many more in stock than ever sold. | ||
| Mnscrounger |
Somebody on here had new pouches made for the fairing, embroidered logo and all. The pics looked like they came out nice, and I don't think they were all that expensive. Search around this forum and I'll bet you'll find the poster, and the company they used. If the company was smart they saved the pattern. | ||
| Mnscrounger |
Oh, and welcome! The people on here are amazing sources of information (and opinions)on just about everything. | ||
| California_pushrod |
Thank you everyone! One more question: Are the current decals under the clear coat? How do I remove them? I think at this point I'm just going to remove them, and see how that looks. Thanks! | ||
| Jolly |
When I was searching for new bags I couldn't find any so I'm the guy that had a set reproduced. Since they were one off And I wasn't selling for profit, personal use only, I had the logo done in orange to match my frame. I used a company in Turkey that I used to stop in occasionally while flying for the AF. Bags look great. | ||
| Court |
There should be LOTS of those bags out there somewhere. The originals, fairing bags and inner liners, were made by a company in Topeka, KS and Buell bought thousands more than were ever sold. | ||
| Lynrd |
Re: removing the decals...here's the thing. The decals are under the clear. The decals themselves don't bubble, the clear *over* the decals blisters. I went down the path you are starting...and ended up with those thick decals to cover the indignities in the paint after removing the decals and ending up with "Buell" shaped holes in the paint. | ||
| California_pushrod |
Thanks Lynrd. I'll just leave it as it is, until I decide I want to repaint the tank, which might be never. Court, thanks for the info. I may just leave the bags as they are for now, until someone finds a warehouse full of Buell original bags. | ||
| California_pushrod |
One more question: My front forks are leaking. Is it safe to ride around like this? I understand that the oil will eventually cause problems with the front brakes but they are ok for now and I'm only going on city streets. I need something to ride until I can get this into the shop. Obviously I want it fixed ASAP but it might not be until the weekend. Thanks | ||
| Jolly |
if you are not going to rebuild your forks yourself, get a quote on the price from your shop. there is a brand new set for sale on ebay from 651Lance, he does all of the Buell stuff for the St. Paul Mn HD, I have bought three sets of forks from him and have never had an issue. your bid should be WELL BELOW the price of new forks, but there is a set for sale... http://www.ebay.com/itm/Buell-S3-Thunderbolt-Forks -Showa-Pair-NEW-J0120-ML-J0120-MR-U8C-/39082682483 1?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3ABue ll%7CSubmodel%3AS3&hash=item5aff18147f&vxp=mtr he also has new controls left and right listed occasionally... |
