| Author | Message | ||
     Kwcnq2 |
Let me start by saying I am new to the forum and have been recently looking to buy my first Buell. Now I'm going to make some of you hate me but hopefully there is a few out there that can tolerate me long enough to help me out. I have the opportunity to buy a confirmed 98 Buell white lightning, however this white lightning has had what many would call sacrilegious modifications to it. The s1w in question has had an extended swingarm added with a solid strut, I like the appearance and stance the bike has and in the event I purchase the said bike I would like to add a shock back to it. Does anyone know of a pull shock that would work with an 8" over swingarm or where I could purchase a push linkage system from? The other option would be some custom air shock setup, has anyone seen an air ride suspension on a pull shock Buell or have any suggestions on making one work. For those that are still with me there is a disclaimer here that will comfort some: if the bike was in original condition I would leave it as such because of its rarity and history. But being that this one has been modified it is no longer a virgin s1w but deserves a respectable life where it is ridden, taken care of, and most importantly enjoyed. | ||
| Jolly |
First off, if you get it, it's your bike and you should enjoy it however you want!! Opinion only!!! - I have drag raced motorcycles with purpose built design elements of extended swing arms slammed to the ground wheelie bars, full electrics etc... What I can't seem to wrap me head around is taking a sport bike or street fighter built for one thing and cobbling it up to do another (drag racing) but then ride it to do a third thing... Stay on the street...not owning the corners, and not drag racing.... These are amazing bikes and are most enjoyed being ridden for what they were built!! Ok, end of my opinion.... They are fantastic bikes, full of soul and a joy to own, ride and work on!!! What ever form it takes or stays in your hands... ENJOY!! This is a great place with great people who are passionate and dedicated to helping and sharing the fun of owning an old school Buell!! I hope you change your mind and decide to track down the parts to put the bike back right, but, it's not my bike.. SO..,,,, Good luck and welcome to the forum! | ||
| Akbuell |
Agree with Jolly, your bike, your choice. Something in an aftermarket shock, like a Penske or Works, with a heavy-duty spring to go with the longer swingarm, would work. Were it me, to ride on the street, I would look for a stock swingarm and shock. Or get an X-1 swingarm, a common upgrade. FWIW, the stock shocks are a price-point item, and have a history of leaking. There were accessory add-ons to convert to a push shock, but don't know if they are still available, or where to get one. Hope this helps, Dave | ||
| Phelan |
The extended arm will act like a giant torque wrench to the shock compared to the stock arm. The stock shock is seriously underpowered for an 8" over arm. | ||
| Jolly |
Every time I see this type of build, and I see a lot of them in southern MD, it makes me think of another mixup genre as an example... Like taking a motocross bike and building it into a hill climber, then riding it as a motocross bike.... If you change your mind and want to go back to a stock setup, I might have a stock swingarm somewhere in the garage.... Either way, GOOD LUCK with the build!!! | ||
| Lynrd |
The math to make that swing arm work with a shock is possible, but you are going to need to a LOT heavier spring. All of the valving is going to be out of whack as well for compression and rebound. And the fact that it works "backwards" will confuse a lot of suspension guys. The longer swing arm may look cool, but the longer wheelbase also impedes your cornering ability. But, your bike....just don't paint it green or flat black. | ||
| Hootowl |
Penske will sell you any spring you want if you buy a shock. I would give serious consideration to returning to the stock length swing arm though. I think you'll be happier with it. | ||
| Ratbuell |
I'll echo the "your bike, your choice" sentiment. However...once you ride it, I suspect the "stance" will be overpowered by its abilities (or rather, lack thereof). I'm nearly certain someone on Badweb who's close to your location, will loan you a stock swingarm and shock, so you can see what a Buell is all about. I have a feeling once you ride a stock setup...you'll understand  | ||
| Kwcnq2 |
I called and spoke with the lead engineer at works, pier, he was a great help and the shock build is very possible to get correct. He built the shock for one of s&s's salt flat buells with a super long swing arm, he was also the designer of the current works replacement shock. I have not decided if I will purchase this bike or not but I wanted to know my options before hand. Unfortunately have not even seen the bike in person and had to send someone else to look it over for me. Until I see it for myself I am unsure what will come of the bike if I decide to buy it. At this point all I known is it's a low mileage clean bike that has a kick attitude, I'm not a racer and if I want twisties that's why I built a supermoto I want something that looks cool and is fun and enjoyable to ride that's all. | ||
| 46champ |
You are on the right track talking to Works I am sure this is something they have done before. Good luck. |
