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Johnod
Posted on Monday, April 17, 2017 - 05:58 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I'm hoping for a quick answer here if anyone can help.

Are 95 and 96 S2 bodywork pieces interchangeable, mix and match, especially the tail and tank cover?

Thanks
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Ebutch
Posted on Monday, April 17, 2017 - 06:12 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Yes but 95 body parts thicker than 96.95 Front fender a little different still fit the same.
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Johnod
Posted on Monday, April 17, 2017 - 06:54 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I noticed the different thickness, and the different fender holes etc.

Mainly wondering about tank and tail.

Threw the tank on just before supper and it didn't seem to match with tail at all.

I haven't tried to finesse it yet.

Hopefully it'll all work out, otherwise I spent a lot of money on bodywork and paint for nothing.
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Ebutch
Posted on Monday, April 17, 2017 - 08:23 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

You must spread tank cover at front screw holes to fit over frame grommets a little and tail section under seat 4 holes has wiggle room for screws.Cover tape front of tank near steering neck from scratching too. 95 front fender is different shape from 96.but fit either year.
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Screamer
Posted on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 - 09:10 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

The molds for the tank cover and the tailsection were discovered to have "relaxed" over time and the tank cover-to-tailsection fitment relationship sometimes became challenging - especially when shipping (later) replacement pieces to match up to earlier pieces. The width could vary by nearly two inches at the mounting location (front of seat). If at all possible, it's best to buy the tank cover and tailsection off of the same bike. That reduces the potential of dealing with a mismatched width.
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Johnod
Posted on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 - 09:20 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Screamer, that pretty much describes the problem. I bolted it together, cant be good to be stressed like that for no good reason.

Not too impressed with the Buell body building quality control at the moment.
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K12pilot
Posted on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 - 10:42 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

HAND BUILT MACHINES!!!
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Johnod
Posted on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 - 05:56 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

If I'm not mistaken, hand built, usually implies better fit and finish.

It is what it is, but there are some major fitment issues at the tank and tail joint.

And,, my tank cover is new, never been used.
Theoretically it should be perfect.
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Sportyeric
Posted on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 - 09:49 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

My new-to-me 96 S2T has a tank section that flares quite wide where it joins the tailsection and the holes didn't all line up. I reinforced the tailsection from behind and drilled a new hole or two to line them up. The screws suck in the tank cover so it more or less works. I've considered the merits of heating it with a blow-dryer to see if it might mold to better shape but that runs the risk of buggering the paint so I'll probably just leave it. Of course, the poor fit suggests that one or the other piece was probably replaced from crash damage by a previous owner.
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Ratbuell
Posted on Tuesday, April 25, 2017 - 11:21 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

"Hand built" can describe better fit and finish, yes. When you are using pieces that were originally fit together at the factory, and have been massaged to fit up to each other.

"Hand built" means more tolerances and more character, as well as more complexity. There's no way they could have pulled off the S2's lines with a machinery-built setup; too many complex curves and folds and bends.

Brand new, I have no doubt these bikes went down the line and the assembler had a rack full of...say...tank covers to choose from in the needed color, to find the one that fit the best, and installed it on the motorcycle. No two are alike, and if one is replaced at a later date for some reason...it'll fit differently. I know my '95 had its tail section replaced under warranty in '96; I saw the work order in the computer when I worked at the dealership. Don't remember why it was done...I think it was a delamination issue or a paint-peel issue, but not sure. I will say that my tail section fits the frame perfectly. My tank cover fits the frame perfectly. But my tank cover doesn't fit the tail section so perfectly and it's always a matter of "start all the bolts first, then go around and tighten them". It's no XB or 1125 as far as cross-fitment from bike to bike, but...it also looks one hell of a lot better in my mind because of the sculpted lines.
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Ratbuell
Posted on Tuesday, April 25, 2017 - 11:24 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Also bear in mind, these FRAMES were hand-built.

I had my '95 at the 25th homecoming in '08, and although my memory sucks and I can't remember his name...I met The Guy who welded (by hand) all the S2 frames. Sure, they used jigs and measurements and all that stuff...but I still bet there's differences from one bike to the next, and that will translate to slightly different body mount points from bike to bike.
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Tigermann
Posted on Tuesday, April 25, 2017 - 05:26 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Yes, found this out when I recently took the Corbin seat from my '95 S2 and placed it on my '96 S2T....there was about 1/4 inch difference in the distance between the tank and the end of the tail section that has the seat lock tab
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1313
Posted on Tuesday, April 25, 2017 - 09:32 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I met The Guy who welded (by hand) all the S2 frames.

Jim Schneider.

He's in the book...
1313
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Court
Posted on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 - 06:29 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Brankin will have to correct me here . . . I think Jim did about the fist half of 1995 production before it was moved to some sort of more production oriented arrangement.

Jim was both a fascinating and talented guy.


http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/17/ 657198.html?1321764618

http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/476 23/657166.html?1320282586
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Ratbuell
Posted on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 - 09:41 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Funny that I'm running my mouth in both those links ; )

Did we ever determine if there were visual cues on the frames? I could swear Jim introduced himself to me as "hi, I'm Jim, I built your frame"...but not sure if he just said that when he saw the S2, or if he'd checked numbers or welds and actually ID'd it as "his". I do know some spots on mine look...human.
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1313
Posted on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 - 12:30 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Brankin will have to correct me here . . . I think Jim did about the fist half of 1995 production before it was moved to some sort of more production oriented arrangement.

Funny you should mention this. As I was posting last night, I was wondering just how many of the S2 frames he did. There's a nagging feeling in the back of my cranium that Jim made all of the S2 oil tanks - and his work on the frames tapered off at some point. At the point of building 8 bikes a day, I'm sure I certainly wouldn't be able to keep up making 8 frames a day to support production...

I do remember working on frame topics with the guys from ArcRon at some point, but thought it was more during the S1 days.


Funny that I'm running my mouth in both those links


What I think is 'funny' is that your memory hasn't changed...

OH WAIT, I believe mine HAS - and for the worse...
1313
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Court
Posted on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 - 12:47 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

>>>> it was more during the S1 days.


The S1 frame was an AMAZING advancement and incorporated some sheer genius to become "more buildable" (hell of a lot easier than the Monster) by eliminating so much of the beveling and fish-mouthing with the serpentine member.
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Ratbuell
Posted on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 - 01:26 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

What I think is 'funny' is that your memory hasn't changed...


It has...trust me. Age is one thing...head traumae another feature entirely.

But when I can look up my own references...it makes it a lot easier to stay consistent. ish.
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