| Author | Message | ||
     Xb_blaster |
Howdy, I just learned the S3T are sport-touring bikes and now that I know I can have that, I want one. But before I jump both feet first, I have some questions. I have an XB and parts are a bit of a pain sometimes and wonder how that is for the older Buells. Anything I should look out for? | ||
| 89rs1200 |
We love ours. Ride them daily and have taken may long trips. Converted one to a trike, (see my profile photo). Could also buy an S3 and add used bag frames, (There is a fender bit and large frame), and bags. Can still find them used. 1997 - 1998 used carburetors: That is what I own. I believe much easier to maintain. Greatest issue here is the alcohol in fuel causes the rubber on the carburetor float bowl needle to harden. This allows gas to leak into the intake, and because the motor leans to the left, fuel into the oil. Fix? 1. Replace the float bowl needle valve every five years or so. 2. Turn fuel valve off when stored. 1999 - 2001 use fuel injection: This means more issues sourcing: fuel pump, injection module, oxygen sensor, injection module programmer. Unubtanium, (except, as used, on: Ebay, BadWeb, . . .): Body panels, fuel tank, (New windshields are available). 1998 - 2001 Thunderstorm heads & cams but these have equivalent replacements; https://www.hammerperf.com/xltopend.shtml. Still available because they are standard Harley-Davidson parts: Engine and transmission parts, gaskets, seals, (except as noted as unobtanium). All are standard Sportster XLH parts. Thunderstorm pistons. NOTE these are Buell specific! Steering head & swingarm bearings. Turn signals & other bits; https://st-paul-harley-davidson-buell.myshopify.co m/ & https://buellsterparts.com/. Ignition module for 1997 - 1998 carburetor models. Ignition module for Fuel Injected models. NOTE these are Buell specific! Belt & pulleys Wheels & wheel bearings Clutch cable & both caburetor/Fuel injector cables, metric on the lever end and Harley-Davidson on the transmission end. Very few failures, but recommend getting one each spare. Switch gear is metric. Very few failures. Still available but nearly gone. Still available from other sources: Note that metric parts are used on many other brands. Brake caliper rebuild kits. Fork rebuild kits. Brake rotors. Bolts, screws, well nuts, plastic washers. | ||
| Sbaugz |
I have a 1999 S3 with full touring package. Its my go-to bike on any given day. Very comfortable and I love riding it. Even though mine only has 4000 original miles, I have put it thru a nearly complete overhaul. Once you get it running properly, they are very reliable. I recently replaced nearly all my fuel injection parts, sensors, and they were all readily available. I also did an oil pump drive gear and completed all the recalls that weren't done. Most of those parts are on ebay or St Paul HD. Overall, Its a great bike and I wouldn't hesitate recommending that you get one. | ||
| 89rs1200 |
My original 1997 S3 - at 65,000 miles, loaned out to a family member who lugged the motor, (ran it below 3000 RPM regularly), and destroyed the connecting rod bearings. Rebuilt and running again. 1998 S3 - At 60,000 miles, rebuilt top end due to decreased power, but mostly because of oil leakage and oil burning. 1997 S3 Trike - At 45,000 miles and still running strong. 1998 S3 - At 43,000 miles and still running strong. Problems: * Front motor mount failure. Have had the Left side bolt fail three times now. These are grade 9 bolts. Replacement bolt kit from American Sport Bike states this is caused by a harmonic vibration of the Left side of the motor mount. Fix: * Look for a broken bolt head before and after each ride. *A. For two of my failures, the bolt head stayed in place even though the bolt was sheared in half. *B. Add a "Stenzel" bar. I did and still had one bolt failure. "Stenzel" bar does substantially reduce felt engine vibration. *C. Replace the front motor mount with an after market one. * Three alternator stator failures due to burning where the braided wires connect to the solid copper winding wires. Really getting tired of this issue. Thankfully I know, on a carbureted S3, I can travel 200 - 450 miles on battery alone! * Above stator failures caused failure of two voltage regulators. Or was it the other way around? * Original rear shocks last 5,000 to 30,000 miles. Replace with a Penske, Works, or possibly one from www.twinmotorcycles.nl. Ride is much improved. Penske and Works shocks last a life time. * Original cheap wheel bearings last 10,000 to 20,000 miles. Harley-Davidson, to this day, still has recalls because of cheap wheel bearing failures. Have these replaced with top quality bearings with better seal material. They cost $10 - $15 more than the originals and last 10s of thousands of miles. NOTE: Washing wheel bearing area with high pressure water can cause loss of grease in the bearing and failure. * Right fork leg will occasionally weep oil from the bottom fork seal. Have never had the left one leak. Keep dust wiped clean off the lower tube and clean the seal with soft rag. Can use a strip of film to clean the dirt from under the seal. Seals are easily replaced when fork oil is changed. * Original rear motor mount rubber will tear and fail. Replace the old doughnut shaped ones with the new style, which have a metal "wing". Have not had a failure of the new style motor mounts. Suggestions: * Get https://www.ventura-mca.com/bike-pack-system-kits/buell/ pack system for extra luggage. Great system! Can quickly replace the pack frame with a Grab-Handle. * Add a voltmeter display so you know immediately when the charging system fails. * Replace rear shock. * Replace steel oil pump drive gear with the bronze one. * Replace 1997-1998 oil pump with the higher capacity 2001 pump. * Replace the 1997 - 1998 ball buster seat with one from the 2000 S3. * Add a layer of gel in the seat padding. * On long rides, carry a spare drive belt and "frame spreader" to assist in it's replacement. * Ride a lot. (Message edited by 89rs1200 on August 23, 2019) (Message edited by 89rs1200 on August 23, 2019) | ||
| Mnscrounger |
9 years and 50000 miles and its still the go to bike for me. Its showing its age to be sure scratches dings worn shift dog, etc. but i cant see myself on any other bike for a daily rider. ..except... maybe a Ulysses...some day. | ||
| Staps2 |
Good to know, I just bought a UK black S3t. Many previous owners. Will a S2 front fairing fit? They can still be had new | ||
| Mnscrounger |
I think there are differences in S2/S3 fairings, I couldn't tell you exactly what they are, but they do have different windscreens and fairing brackets. The bolt holes might line up but I doubt it. | ||
| 89rs1200 |
Hello and welcome Staps2, For you, one of the best resources for parts and service is; https://www.twinmotorcycles.nl/webshop/index.asp?m c=1 I have used them myself. | ||
| 1313 |
I just bought a UK black S3t. Many previous owners. Will a S2 front fairing fit? Negative. The fairing brackets are considerably different, including how they mount to the respective bikes. | ||
| Staps2 |
Thanks for the welcome! and wow thats some quick replies. I was hoping something could be done with https://www.airtech-streamlining.com/buell-fairings-seats-fenders-parts/S21995-96.htm The only place I could find with a similar buell tuber front fairing. I should say I have an 1998 carbed bike without thunderstorm heads. 89rs1200 did you use a real stenzel bar? or a another "manufacturer" reviews seem so mixed I gotta ask. I am gonna seriously consider the upgrades you recommeded, budget allowing - starting with the stenzel and voltmeter. (Message edited by Staps2 on August 27, 2019) | ||
| 89rs1200 |
Hello Staps2, * 1998 S3 came with black painted Thunderstorm heads. Cylinders were unpainted. Odd that yours does not. Note the Thunderstorm pistons are domed to get 10:1 compression. 1997 Pistons are flat topped. * Stenzel type bar I have from a USA manufacturer. Made from a thick aluminum bar. * Ventura is an Australian company, so go to their site to get a distributor near you; https://www.ventura-bike.com/. The USA distributor did have S3 & S3T mounts in stock. | ||
| Xb_blaster |
So it looks like parts are gonna be an issue other than St. Paul or Twin motorcycles, but the bike is overall pretty reliable. No one other than '89RS1200 mentioned engine mounts, has anyone else had that issue a lot? With the carb issues of US gasoline being more of a solvent, are there any additives that could help with that? Is a there way to have a larger fairing but keep the look of the bike? I would like to get a little more wind protection, I'm thinking along the lines of a Concours or FJR look. | ||
| Steveford |
Unless something has recently changed ANY Hardley Abelson dealer should be able to order Buell parts. You will want to own a parts and a service manual. My old 98 S3 used to eat tail lights, the plastic threaded towers would break from vibration. Fun bikes, I especially like the 02 S3 as it came with all of the upgrades. | ||
| Williamscottrobertson |
I put updated mounts, wishbone exhaust hanger, bronze oil pump gear, and most definitely the updated primary tensioner on all my tubers. It probably needs intake gaskets. I’d put a CVP deluxe carb kit in it while apart 45/195 jets. Gustafsson and Zero Gravity both make taller windscreens. https://zerogravity-racing.com/products/buell-s-3- s3t-97-02?variant=29850864465 | ||
| 89rs1200 |
Hello Xb_blaster & All, * Don Castro has a great reference page with most all you need to know concerning S3 & S2 "Conventional Wisdom and Suggestions". Read it, download it, print it now; http://doncasto.net/DonCastosS3ConventionalWisdom. html & http://doncasto.net/DonCastosS2ConventionalWisdom. html * Most parts are not yet an issue. St. Paul or Twin motorcycles are just the easiest because they specialize in old Buells. * You will be surprised what is available new. Try one of the recommended H-D sources mentioned BEFORE going to EBay! Those EBay folks are really ripping off the community. * For in-stock parts, (once the H-D part number is know, both new and old numbers), I also use: http://surdyke.com/SubCats.aspx?CatID=26&name=Buel l%C2%AE https://shop.newcastlehd.com/catalog/parts/harley- davidson https://buellsterparts.com/ * Find one of the latest part number cross reference lists. H-D dealers use the latest part numbers not the one in the Buell parts books; https://shop.newcastlehd.com/sites/default/files/a ttachments/obsolete_buell.pdf ** A cheat is to search the old part number, to find the new part number at; https://www.jwboon.com/index2.php OR https://www.twinmotorcycles.nl/webshop/searchparts .asp * Have not had failures of the new rear motor mounts. The ones with metal "wings". The original, smaller, "doughnut" shaped will tear fore & aft. * Fuel additives I know of stop the alcohol from attracting as much water. Important for folks who have metal fuel tanks. Rusting fuel tanks are really pissing off the classic car folks. | ||
| 1313 |
1998 S3 came with black painted Thunderstorm heads. Correct - for the US market. Not all markets, however. Note the subject bike is in the UK. I'd have to check reference material to be certain, but I believe that for the HDI '98 bikes, the only true Thunderstorm engines were in the S1W's. Heck, I'd even hazard a guess that this '98 S3T in the UK has a 2" header on it... | ||
| Staps2 |
Thanks for the info! ive been researching buells for a few months and not come across the Dan Castro site Has anybody figured out a centre stand trick with these or its buying paddock stands to do wheel changes etc. My bike was https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Buell-S3T-Thunderbolt-1 998-/153571298372?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageNam e=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&nma=true&si=j%252BrAQ3Qs4K9yR wx6Coiajb%252F6QuU%253D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true& rt=nc And Thanks Guys I have to say im drinking tonight with all the brexit stuff going on  | ||
| 89rs1200 |
1313, Thank you, but to my mind, how odd. Sure there was good reason to do that. Staps2, Center stand? I purchased an automotive engine stand years ago to perform tire and engine changes on my Buells. I made 24" long straps which have loops on the ends. Use 4, for safety, two on each side, wrapped around frame tubes then up to the hoist hook, to lift the frame. In my opinion, other than ropes from the ceiling, the most secure and stable way of lifting and working on a Buell. Nice S3. Would like this one for myself! Noticed already installed: upgraded rear motor mounts, upgraded front muffler mount, 2001 front brake rotor, carbon fiber inner fender, after market exhaust. Believe I even see a replacement, billet aluminum, front motor mount. Excellent, major issues already resolved! Expect you will want to replace that "ball buster" saddle for the 2000 saddle for long rides and a new rear shock. Those can be found later. Enjoy the ride. Concerning brexit, I will join you in lifting a pint. (Message edited by 89rs1200 on August 28, 2019) | ||
| 89rs1200 |
Staps2, * D'oh! Just noticed the belt guard is missing. Should get a replacement, which will stop rocks being thrown and caught between the belt and rear pulley. Rocks can puncture holes in the belt. * "Corbin Touring Seat" & "heated grips", nice. Wish I had them. * Interested and confused by how the oil lines are routed over the top of the transmission. Not a problem, just interesting. * Noticed the braided rear brake line. Do not see the rear brake light switch. * The right side Leg Guards/Lower Fairing mounts to the air box at top and the frame at the bottom. This will cause it to crack in half due to engine vibration. Recommend you do not use the right side (Besides, that exhaust vaporizes most rain water and your right leg will stay mostly dry). Some have glued Velcro between the lower steel mounting plate and the plastic with the idea that this allows the plastic to move and not crack. | ||
| Steveford |
If you get bored you can retrofit the later swing arm (need different rear hugger, shock and I think the rear mounting block). I had the same year, the exhaust header is unique to the 98 S1W and S3 so that can make replacement a challenge. You could try a Caswell product to see if you can't keep the paint from bubbling, it starts at the decals. A fun bike, congratulations! | ||
| Staps2 |
Thanks guys, really good to know what's already been done to the bike. I will look into the lower guard as a priority I think. Gonna search for a front fairing too |
