| Author | Message | ||
     Dino1 |
Picked up a 2002 S3T with PM wheels and panniers, the wide ones and had some questions. Tires are original from 2000 or 2001, what’s a good tire for these bikes and are the PM wheels wider then stock? I am partial to Michelins though. Any way to upgrade the head light? I’d like to turn it into a sports tourer and use it like it was intended. I think the thin lids look sexy, is it easier to get new complete panniers or just swap lids? As far as swapping tires, the best way to support the bike? | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
I can tell you at least one thing with certainty: The easiest way to jack up a tuber is to hoist it from above. I use a harborfreight engine hoist and a pair of ratchet straps. I only do one at a time. My old garage was most easy since it had exposed beams that I used along with a come-along and the ratchet straps. | ||
| Ratbuell |
Or Pit Bull stands - swingarm lift, and steering head pin. Michelin Pilot Road5. Dual compound, outstanding tire, excellent treadlife, great handling. I run PR4s; the 5 is the newest version. PM should run a 180 rear instead of a 170; front is the same 120. Get a Hella sealed beam conversion light, 4x6", I prefer the E-code right hand drive but you can get the DOT version as well (I like the E-codes beam spread better). Put in a 55w HID bulb from ddmtuning.com, color temp 4300k to mimic daylight (or a 3000k if you like amber). Get some aux lights and wire them up to your high beam for extra light. | ||
| Dino1 |
I’m also needing rocker box gaskets. Can I get the better after market gaskets from my local dealer? Pics coming | ||
| M2x2 |
I agree with Ratbuell, pitbull stands are essential, and Michelin PR4s best for these bikes. | ||
| Two_seasons |
Rocker box gaskets from your local HD dealer. | ||
| S1owner |
I have this 4x6 led for sale. Hi and low beam bright as hell! 30 shipped in the 48   | ||
| Ratbuell |
The thing I hate about those style LED's is, they're bright as hell to oncoming traffic as well. I much prefer the OEM style where the LED is mounted to a bar, facing back to a traditional reflector - puts light where it belongs, and doens't blind oncoming traffic. | ||
| S1owner |
If properly aimed it should not blind on coming traffic. But honestly most people do not aim their lights they change their vehicle, lift kits lowering towing adjusting shocks on bikes but they never go and readjust their lights!!! | ||
| Airbozo |
I agree with Nate about hanging the bike from the rafters. Way easier to swap tires. I just use heavy duty ratchet straps and change both at the same time. Also agree with the pro-pilots. Great touring tire. I have the 3's on my S3T now. Almost ready for a new set and will be putting the 4 or 5's on. | ||
| Ratbuell |
Any headlight like that, where you can look in the lens and see the light source, is going to blind oncoming drivers. That's why they paint the little silver caps on the incandescent bulbs - so the light travels into the reflector, where it can be focused, instead of simply being a bright spot in the face of anyone out front. Edit: they paint the tips of low beam bulbs, not high beams - because brights aren't supposed to be on when there's traffic anyway. New generation LED lamps, including the Truck-Lite aftermarkets, have a flat bar across the center of the lens. Mounted to the reflector-side of the bar, is the light source chip(s). Their light does not travel forward through the lens; it is focused at the reflector, which points it in a proper direction. No blinding oncoming traffic. | ||
| Dino1 |
I have an engine hoist so I can just hang the bike and do the tires one at a time. Picked up the gaskets from HD. $68 | ||
| Williamscottrobertson |
I did the LED conversion to my S3. I posted all about it on Facebook Buell Tubeframe Owners Group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/579944672082562/pe rmalink/1708864489190569/ | ||
| Dino1 |
I’m also missing my clock. Is there a better replacement then stock? | ||
| Screamer |
Marlin and Formotion have small (very nice) instruments like clocks and ambient temp gauges with either black or white faces. On the S3 that one of my sons now has, the OE S3 clock did a surprisingly good job of keeping accurate time. | ||
| No_sprk |
I'm still new but I've done some tire size searching concerning PM wheels. Buell still said 170 was the rear size even though it's wider than the mag wheels. My bike has an 180 on it but it just barley touches the belt. I just got my new tires haven't installed yet. | ||
| S1owner |
Different tire brands will measure slightly different. I ran a 180 that had 1/8” space between the belt and tire. | ||
| No_sprk |
Lol well too late for me. I ordered a 170. Plus it will make my chicken strips look thinner. There's always next time. Congrats at the purchase. People like us will never be satisfied with the typical UJM (Universal Japanese Motorcycle) | ||
| Dino1 |
Having issues finding regular pilot roads. Seems they are either GT’s or Trails. No regular pilot roads. Ended up with Pirelli Angle GT’s. Hope I like them. (Message edited by Dino1 on June 16, 2018) | ||
| Ratbuell |
PR-GT would be perfect. Sport tour version, for heavier bikes. Thicker carcass. If I remember correctly the angels are single compound. | ||
| Dino1 |
Bought the Hella E code lamp but went to install it today and notice the Hella didn’t come with the adjustment/mounting screws. Is there a trick to mounting the Hella? |
