| Author | Message | ||
     Fidel (Doncasto) |
Doug: Tat is a Bad Weather Biker's sponsor, huge Buell resource and all around great guy. I make a point of ordering from him as my own small way of showing my appreciation for all the support he has provided to Buellers over the years. It is sometimes possible to find some of his products available from other suppliers for a few dollars less, but no one beats his devotion to the Buell cause and customer support. American Sport Bike Fidel | ||
| Steve Madden (Smadd) |
I would have to second Fidel's vote for Tat. They're great to deal with and we should certainly support them. But... should you want to have some actual suspension work done... Max (Traxxion Dynamics) *is* suspension tuner to the Stars! You should see how busy the guy is trackside... he's quite a popular fixture at any of the roadraces. And he travels with a huge trailer with a state-of-the-art suspension workshop. He rebuilt my forks in-between working on the racebikes at Daytona last year.  Steve | ||
| Bruce Parmenter (Rr_Eater) |
I am curious to know if a 2000 X1 front suspension setup will fit and function on a 2000 M2 frame, to include all obviously required parts, i.e. trees, forks, brake lines, etc..... I know of an X1 that will soon be parted out do to a smack-the-railing experience. the forks themselves are still strait, but the upper triple clamp is cracked and will need replaced, but everything else is good to go.. He is not rebuilding it because the frame is seriously bent along with the swing arm and rear tail assembly. Any help or ideas would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanx everybody Bruce | ||
| Daniel Dunn (Buelliedan) |
Bruce, I do believe that it is a simple bolt on job. The S3/M2 use the same frames and S3/X1 use the same front ends so it seems to me that it will work fine. Dan | ||
| Jim Holmen (Jimh) |
I was wondering if anyone here has any experience with setup/modification of Buell suspensions for the track. I've decided to race my S1W at selected races next year in the CCS Mid- America region. I'm trolling for opinions on mods such as: springs,emulators,shocks, frame brace,steering damper etc.... I race mainly at Blackhawk, weigh 205 dressed, and currently run mid-pack in the lightweight classes if that helps. Thanks, Jim | ||
| Lyons Dunn Lillard (Cap) |
Jim, You will definately need to spring the bike for your weight and speed. The forks will need more rebound also. You will need 1.0 to 1.2 kg fork springs and to add some shims to your rebound stack. I can give you some valving notes when I get home from Thanksgiving. | ||
| Al Lighton (Al_Lighton) |
Fork Mods: I just bought a set of used forks for my 98 S1W. They were from a 96 S1. There isn't any difference between the 98 and 96 S1 forks, is there? The reason I bought them was to do a bunch of cosmetic and performance mods to them without having to take my bike down. Once complete, I'll probably sell my stock forks. Cosmetic mods include polishing (and possibly anodizing) the big tubes and the slider end pieces. I'm less sure what to do for the performance stuff. I'm not a racer, only a 7/10ths rider. I was wondering if someone could point out what options exist for performance mods, ball park costs, and expected gains. I figured I'd send 'em somewhere for the performance mods given that I don't' have any special tools, but if you tell me what I can do myself without specialized, I'd consider doing some myself. Any input appreciated. Al | ||
| SHOOTER (Hooliganracing) |
Al,I would be very interested in your forks.I will be club racing my 99M2 next year and have debated what to do with the front suspension.I alsohave a 200 s3 and thought of trading out forks,and have also considered spending some $$ on upgrading the convential showas.I do feel that they are as rigid as the inverted style,but the spring rate and valving are too weak.Anybody ever upgrade convential Showas?? thoughts and comments?? | ||
| Henrik (Henrik) |
Conventional Showa's with a fork brace is supposed to be a really good set-up. If you're going to change the front end, word from Traxxion is that revalving the inverted Showa's give a much better result than what they can do with the '97-'98 WP forks (not the older Roma forks). Henrik (Waiting for the turkey to cook) | ||
| Donn Griffin (Seeeu911) |
Al....Great bike (98S1W) ! You have put lots of work and effort into it. It looks sweet. Post some more pictures of it...and lets see what the 99S3 looks like also. | ||
| James BuellElbow Witt (Jim_Witt) |
Cheers, Last week my recall shock failed on my 98 S3T (the canister one, not the original). The dealer is trying to tell me I have to pay for a new one. I know Don put together something on failure rates on the recall shocks, but I can't find his homepage that details it. Anyone know the specifics about failures on the canister and if they should be covered? Thanks, -JW:>) | ||
| Tony DeRossett (Tonyinvabeach) |
Good news and bad news. My recall shock started leaking like heck yesterday with only 3600 miles on the bike - it's only 3 months old! But, the dealer called today and they will replace it with the newer shock tomorrow!! I'm loving it. For the board, does this seem quicker than normal for a shock failure. I ride hard but I'm not a maniac or anything. Has anybody heard anything good or bad about the new shocks? Tony | ||
| Kevin Lacostelo (Kevyn) |
Tony, Good news, the new shock is reported to be 'much better' than the one being replaced. Personally, the one rider I know of who has the shock has nothing but praise---and he is a very picky rider, he'd call it like it is and if it passes muster on his S3, it's a good thing. Great dealer service! Have fun, happy buellin' kevyn S1/M2 | ||
| LeeM2 (Leeaw) |
Tony, Come over and make my shock leak too, please! I would like the remote res. | ||
| Tony DeRossett (Tonyinvabeach) |
The new shock is amazing. I honestly didn't expect a huge difference. Despite the cool temps, I couldn't resist the urge to go hit some of my favorite roads. Wow! I could never get the preload and dampening just right on my old shock...had to run it a bit stiff but never felt comfortable on the wash board roads in a turn. This thing hugs the ground now!! And, your right, my dealer rocks - Southside Harley Davidson of Virginia Beach. I'm definitely going to write Buell a letter telling how good this dealership is. Ciao, Tony | ||
| Jeremy Pinsly (Jeremy) |
I just had the new rear shock installed on my 99 X1. Can someone please describe to me (or tell me where I can read about) the best way to set up the suspension on my bike? What should I be looking for in terms of how the bike feels? Things to look out for? Thanks in advance---Jeremy | ||
| BigHairyRalph (Ralph) |
Does the aluminum swingarm use a different axle than the old steel swingarm? | ||
| J Calhoun (V2win) |
Ralph, Yep. | ||
| BigHairyRalph (Ralph) |
Thanks J, kinda thought but wasn't sure. Only have the '99 parts book. Figures, me owning a '97. | ||
| Bradgross |
Hello all, Its been some time since my last post. I guess that kind of stuff will happen when you have servers going down on you for no reason. Tis the season. I'm still looking around for a bike. No money yet. Looks like the end of 2001 before the money will be there. Marriage is expensive. However I wanted to get some "wise" opinions. If this question has been asked before please forgive this poor sap. Do you think that changes made to the 2001 Buells will make a big improvement over the 2000 models? Do you think that Buell went far enough or nowhere near what they should have? Thanks and have a great Christmas, Brad | ||
| Tripper |
Bradgross: Click here | ||
| Bradgross |
Thanks Tripper. See my comments in the pictures forum. Brad | ||
| 99buellx1 |
Jeremy, Did you get that shock replaced by Buell, or did you have to pony the dough? I also have a '99 X1 and want the new shock, but im trying to find out how to get it from BMC. Thanks Red | ||
| Jeremy |
99buellx1, I went to my dealer and they said to me "Did you know there was another recall to your shock?" I said no way---they showed me recall notice # 820 and I said ok, throw it on the bike (I had the bike in the shop getting the rocker box gaskets replaced anyway). No charge at all for the shock. Most people are telling me that the 99 X1 is not covered by the recall--but I read the recall notice with my own eyes and it definitely included the 99 X1. Regardless, I got the new shock for free. I'm on really good terms with the dealer--I've purchased 3 bikes from them over the past 6 years, I'm in the shop probably once a week or so just to say hi. Maybe that helps...... | ||
| 99buellx1 |
Jeremy Great, im going to talk to my dealer as soon as possible. I'll make sure to look at the recall notice. When he looked up the recalls for my bike by the VIN # it didnt show up. Maybee its just on the notice sheet. Thanks a bunch. Wish me luck. Red | ||
| Nemo |
Rear Isolator Gap I noticed a gap of nore than 40 thousands between the rear isolator and the swingarm carrier. I searched the factory manual and cannot find any spec. for this. Is the gap a problem? Thanks | ||
| Jmartz |
Nemo: When I installed a '99 swingarm in my buddy's S1 I changed the "carriers" to the later model with the long allen bolt. These parts were slightly thicker (.040) and had a bevel or chamfer on the outer face. They also did not fit flush with the swing arm block as did the original ones. On later visits to the dealer the mechanics commented on the isolators being separated from the SA block. Not sure what to make of this. The bike has now over 10000 miles on that mod with no problems. Jose | ||
| Al_Lighton |
Jose, When I put a Metmachex swingarm on my S1W, the "carriers" at first did not sit flush with the swingarm block. I posted to ATC, was told I must've done something wrong, they should be flush. So I took it back apart and found out that the Metmachex bearings had integral seals that spaced the "carriers" further out. I took the seals off, since they are redundant with the Buell Seals anyway, and then the carriers sat flush. But even if they weren't flush, that gap might look wrong but I can't see any problem it would cause. Once the clamp bolts are tight, the carriers and the SA block are essentially one in the same, and the isolators bearing against the carriers are therefore essentially bearing against the SA block. The only possible negative impact I would see is that if somone loosened either of those clamp bolts, the isolator compression force would translate into bearing preload that MIGHT be higher than what the long allen bolt provides, not sure. I guess it's possible that the isolators themselves are in higher preload than desireable with non flush carriers, not sure what negative effect that would have. Sure wouldn't keep me up at night. Al | ||
| Al_Lighton |
Well, it finally happened to me: My recall showa rear shock on my S1W is leaking. I put about 6k on it since it was installed 600 miles after I bought the bike, but the bike itself is out of warranty (the guy I bought it from owned it a year and put 84 miles on it). Has anyone successfully negotiated a new Showa to replace a leaking recall showa on a bike out of warranty? Any tips? Do I have a prayer? If not, this is my excuse to go buy that $850 Penske I've been longing for. It sure would look cooler than the silver can, and I know it works better. Pricey, though. I've heard it said that a boat is a hole in the water that you dump money in. My Buells are the same. But very little of the money spent on them so far was maintenance or fixing broken things. Most was customization and stuff to make it faster/cooler/MINE. I've got no complaints. Al | ||
| Sparky |
After hearing Big J's enthusiasm for his Race Tech modified M2 forks I'd like to mod my S1 too over the holiday break. That bike has always been kind of harsh riding compared to the S3. The recall shock helped tremendously but I can't seem to dial in the front end for a comfortable ride over the varying road surfaces I use. After demoing a new M2 at the Long Beach Cycle World show I know how smooth it can get. I think the stock springs are OK for my weight with a sag of about 1 1/4 inch. I'm not sure what I'm getting into here but do I just replace the stock parts with the Fork Gold Valve kit in the cartridge for each leg? Is there an alternative for going with the Gold Valves? Do Gold Valves affect the stock compression and rebound adjusters at the top of the forks? If so how do you make adjustments or is that necessary after it's dialed in? Thanks for any info, Sparky 96S1, 98S3 | ||
| Al_Lighton |
S3 Showa vs S1W showa recall rear shocks...are they the same Part number? Are they the same for the new 2001 shock? If not the same, what is the difference? Length? Spring rate? My dealer has agreed to replace my leaking recall S1W shock with a new 2001 shock when he gets one. I'm thinking that if that happens, I may eventually buy a Penske for the S1W and I'd want to put that 2001 shock on my S3 at that time. Al | ||
| Jmartz |
Al: I'm not sure I'll ever buy anything made by Metmachex after my Oil Tank experience. $300 down the drain for a poorly fitting part that did not increase oil capacity by much due to poor placement of the pressure equalization vent. | ||
| Seeeu911 |
Jmartz: what was wrong ? did you talk to the mfg ? any feed back from them ? your post stopped me cold cause I was planning on purchasing their boxed swing arm. | ||
| Al_Lighton |
Donn, I have no problems at all with the metmachex swingarm. It's a quality piece. There is a touch of grinding that needs to be done on the swingarm carrier block where it touches the welds on the swingarm at the extreme upwards part of the travel, but it's really minor grinding. 15 minutes with a dremel and it's done. The bearings that came with them had the integral seals like I said, but they are the same bearings as the stock bearings with the additional seals added. A couple minutes with a dremel and the seals are off and you're as good as stock spacing wise. The only part that I'm not crazy about is that the bolt that attaches the shock to the swingarm is cantilevered, not "saddle" supported on each side. It's a grade 8 bolt, the fit is snug, doesn't seem to be any problem, just an inferior aspect of the design. The braced version of the metmachex swingarm supports the other side of the bolt, but I don't run the brace, didn't even buy it. It's ugly, it reduces ground clearance, increases unsprung weight. I think the metmachex swingarm is a good piece. I got mine used/new for a substantial discount, though. I probably would've have bought a 99 style swingarm and polished it if I'd had to pay full price for the metmachex. The oil tank is a different story. Fit was not very good at all, had fender clearance issues that required me to hack a hole in my fender to prevent interferance, and required me to go to a stainless braided rear brake line due to the smaler diameter. It does hold 3 quarts though, not sure about the pressure vent issue Jose referred to. I'm not sure I'd buy that part if I had to do it over again. But even with the hole it looks better and doesn't have any leaking tendencies like the stock plastic oil bag. Al | ||
| Jmartz |
The oil tank pressure is equlized with that of the inside of the engine at the gear case. The small 1/4 id hose provides for this. Metmachex positioned this hole at the front of the tank. Since the top surface of the tank rises towards the rear a large "wedge" of void is created. The oil level needs to be below the "pressure equalizing breather" or the oil will fill the gear case by gravity and pressure gradient. I could put the entire contents of the Metmachex tank into my stock unit w/o room to spare. | ||
| Rocketman |
Jose : I know you were disappointed with your Metmachex tank, but I think your criticisms are a little harsh. As you know, I have the early design, which necessitated some cutting of my CF hugger, but I do have the X1 arm too. I think the alloy bag is a work of art. Yes it's a tight squeeze getting it in, but once in, it's a great improvement in every aspect, above the plastic bag. As for the pressure thing, no problems here and I get loads more oil capacity. Yes, the s\s brake line is a necessary item too. It also helps if you remove the rear brake light switch, which isn't that important anyway. As for Metmachex, I've found them to be "good people", as you guys say. They are a very high tech modern outfit, and their manufacturing standards are second to none from what I can perceive. I think anyone considering a Metmachex alloy bag would do well to realise that it is not the easiest of applications to design, manufacture and fit such a thing on a Buell. However, with a little perseverance, I belive it is well worth the effort. Rocket in England | ||
| Jmartz |
Merry Christmas Rocket! Hope you are doing well in England. As my bike piles up the miles I have begun considering a replacement. Seems like Ducs are out of the ? for 2001 as the 998 motor will not be available as of yet. Here in the us the ST4S (996 powered ST4) might not come until later fall 2001. By this time Buell might be showing their new motor. I am reluctant to get my hopes up as it will likely be underpowered with respect to the competition. As to Metmachex I must say they are wonderful people trying their best, unfortunately their stuff is not an exact fit. I like the RMD SA best from what comes out of the UK. Spondon, Yuk! way too fat... This is not the 1st item I buy and trash nor will it be the last. When one does one's own R & D this sort of stuff is expected. By the way there is no need for an aftermarket brake line with thew new model oil tank. | ||
| Rocketman |
Jose : If I had the 23 grand spare, I'd buy the Brutale today. If I had another 50 grand spare, I'd buy the Munch too. It isn't as big as it looks, and better still, it does look like it will handle despite it's massive weight. Still, even if I did have all that money, I'd keep the S1W. For all it's minimalism, it beats the competition hands down. Merry xmas dude. Rocket in England | ||
| Cap |
The Gold Valves only work on compression. They give you recommendations on revalving the rebound stack. Depending on your weight, I might have some pointers. The correct spring rate will allow you to use minimal preload. I have the Metmachex swingarm and oil tank. The oil tank was a little work putting on but has been great for 14000 miles. I'm sorry that it contacted the fender but I had the swingarm installed. I needed no grinding to fit the swingarm on my S1 and the brace has no ground clearance problems since the redesign after the Battle2Win test. | ||
| Jmartz |
Rocketperson: I have no intentions to rid myself of the Buell. This baby is staying with me for good. I even like it better than the now more common wide tank variety. After 5 years of ownership and lots of miles I want to reduce the hard use I put it through. There is no question that this bike holds a special place in my heart. When I moved to Georgia in 1986 I had owned motorcycles since age 7 (my 1st was a VeloSolex). The places I had lived until then did not require helmets (under penalty of law). After the 1st summer I just could not get used to the turtle shell on my head (it gave me lots of itches). I sold my bikes and retired. 10 years later on a visit to milwaukee (my former home) I saw this picture of the next buell to be relased. W/o any consideration bought the 1st 1 available (had to go to Alabama). At 1st I just rode the 100 miles to the South Carolina border and took off the lid. Now, although I still go ocassionally, I just do not ride during the dog days of summer, about 6 weeks in all. You should see me now I'm the good bleeding heart liberal I never was. |
