| Author | Message | ||
     Midnightrider |
Well I finally broke down and sent my stock can if for a Drummer transformation. My stumbling block was not wanting to be bikeless for the short time it will take. I want it done by Rolling Thunder in DC on Memorial Day and after talking to Kevin he's going to be out of the shop for a good part of May. As I have posted here before I have average mechanical aptitude but no experience with bike maintenance. Kevin's muffler removal instructions were great for a novice like me. The only wrong turn I took was nearly removing the moon-shaped aluminum piece that hold the two rear band straps instead of the bands themselves. The only recommendation I can make is that I found I didn't need to back out the rear axle and pull the tensioner wheel - there is plenty of room to slip a T-Handle nut driver by the belt and loosen the nuts on the band straps. Unfortunately, I didn't find this out until I had already pulled the tensioner. I kept track of things and might later do a short report - tentative title is "Drummer for the Complete Klutz" Now that the can is off and I have some time on my hands I plan to replace the kickstand bolts. Any other suggestions for stuff to do with the can off? By the way, I'm looking at the chin fairing and wondering why the front piece (pre-Kirk Douglas Edition) is a different material and color. Its already pretty stained. Style or function? I'm thinking about a little glossy black rustoleum treatment. Something that would be easy to maintain. OK, now its 20 minutes closer to the arrival of my Drummer............. | ||
| Javadog |
You'll be glad you waited for the Drummer. I had very little experience either when I started out with mine. I found that things usually went OK if I worked on the bike a little at a time, when I was rested, had the proper tools, and adequate lighting. I also thought that the chin fairing did not look right and spray painted it with Krylon fusion for plastic(black). The bike is acquiring a lot of scratches, scuffs, dents and bent parts that gives it some character  so I am not too worried about the paint job. | ||
| Lonexb |
Midnightrider just a few tips for you. when reinstalling the rear straps that hold on the muffler, turn them so you can tighten/loosen them from the other side of the bike.(clutch side). if you are going to paint the center part of your chin fairing,use some kind of primer paint with an adhesion promoter. or the paint will just flake off. brian (lonexb) | ||
| Lovematt |
You will be glad to make the switch to a Drummer. I continue to be amazed at the difference that one change made. As for the center of the chin fairing...consider that it is 2" away from the front wheel and gets all the stuff picked up and thrown back...especially on gravelly/sandy roads. | ||
| Debueller |
You are supposed to replace the "torca" strap clamps upon reinstallation of the muffler. I chose not to (they are about $75). If you reuse them DO NOT overtighten them. If they break the muffler could drop and cause a crash. | ||
| Thunderbox |
Very unlikely that 3 straps and a clamp would break. Thats what would have to happen to have a muffler fall down. It is one of the most unlikely scenarios I have ever considered. I have never heard of a single case like that on ant Buell ever. I think this is a none issue. |
