| Author | Message | ||
     Izakwould  |
I just picked up a used 1995 S2 Thunderbolt, and I think it's been a while since the previous owner changed the oil and transmission fluid, so that's the first thing I want to do. I picked up a service manual, but it seems to indicate that I need a front or rear wheel lift to change the transmission fluid. Is there any way I can get around this, or do I really need to purchase a lift? I was thinking I could just have a friend hold the bike level, but I didn't know if there's something I am missing... | ||
| Mikej  |
I just open the clutch inspection cover and siphon it out, saves the hassle of trying to get the drain plug out. I just lean the bike over some to help get lube out of the tranny cavity once the level is down some. A friend would help, others have used straps or lifts hung from rafters or ladders, still others just use rear swingarm stands. The swingarm stands come in handy when doing other stuff to the bike like adjusting the primary chain tension/slack and rear drive belt slack. Note: if you come across those nifty PitBull front stands/lifts, they will not work for S2's. Also note, if you get the idea or notion of getting a Corbin seat and want the rear passenger pad/rest, Corbin does not offer the rear passenger backrest for the S2 seats. Beyond those little nitpicks you'll most likely really enjoy your S2. Congratulations on getting a fine bike. | ||
| Izakwould |
Thanks! Also, is it really necessary to remove the muffler and isolator mounts to change the transmission fluid? | ||
| Mikej |
Huh? Isolator mounts? No. Not sure about the S2 muffler if there is clearance to remove the drain bolt on the bottom of the primary cover. On my M2 there is a slight indentation in the stock muffler that allows the drain plug to sort of be removed if you have butter knife thin fingers, I've never tried it with the S2 since I just use a clear tube and suck/siphon out the lube. The primary and tranny share fluid/lube. | ||
| Mikej |
Isolators: There are several "isolators" on Buells, muffler isolators, swingarm isolators, so forth. If the service manual is referring to the front muffler isolators then yes if you remove the muffler then those will be involved. But be very carefull when removing stuff and watch what goes where, several people have accidently removed the bolt that holds the front shock mount when messing with the front muffler mount - not fun from what I've heard. Take your time, enjoy the experience, nothing on the S2 is too hard to deal with using a little common sense and a basic practical approach to things. | ||
| Izakwould |
I believe the isolator mounts shown in the service manual hold the front and rear footpegs. | ||
| Mikej |
Ah, okay, I've heard you have to remove the side plate on the S2 to get the primary cover off, but haven't tried it myself yet. I've also heard it can be done without removing the sideplate. Regardless, you don't have to remove the primary cover to change the lube in there. Either use the drain plug or siphon it out from the inspection cover. And when you remove the clutch inspection cover watch out for the little spring that sort of usually sometimes sticks to the inside indentation of the inspection cover and holds the clutch plate adjustment lock nut in place. Easy to loose the spring and never even know it was supposed to be there if this is the first time for you doing this. | ||
| Firemanjim  |
No need to remove sideplates,cover will sneak out,though no need to remove it to change fluid.If it does not have stock muffler you may not need to remove whichever one is there.It will depend on access to the plug.Be careful when you drain the aluminum oil tank,the gasket on the oil plug likes to disappear,and if you go to tighten the steel plug into alum threads,bad things happen.New gaskets are available at any auto parts store.Get a nylon one.Make a nice shield/funnel from a plastic jug to keep mess down when changing filter and draining oil.(Whoever the moronic engineer was that put the oil filter on in such a way as to make the biggest mess should be shot.) When refilling trans you only need about 3/4 quart to bring fluid level up to bottom of clutch basket.And just put a block under the kickstand. Also,RE kickstand--ALWAYS!!!!! park your S-2 in gear.Avoid heartbreak and embarassment. Enjoy your "new" S-2. | ||
| Leftcoastal  |
Mike I've got one of those "nifty Pit Bull front stands/lift" that I use for my RS, it works GREAT! Mine has S2 'glass and if I'm careful I can put the bike on the front lift without removing fairing or any other parts. Is there much of a difference with the S2 lower tree that would make the Pit Bull front lift unusable? If it has a hollow stem and open at the bottom the lift should work fine. I'm pretty sure that the pin I bought for the lift was sized for an S2 fork from the mfg. Isaac - congrats on your S2! It may not be the highest tech Buell available, but with proper maintenance it could last "forever". It's also the most comfortable Buell you are likely to find. Good Luck and enjoy! AL |
