| Author | Message | ||
     Adam |
Fellow riders - Not sure if this would technically constitute a new line of questioning, but I have a quick question for those with the Ventura system. Their web site only lists setups for the '97-'00 year M2's. I'm wondering if this setup would work on my '01. Any guesses or firsthand experience? Adam | ||
| Rippin |
Adam: Yes it will still work! I had the system on my 99 and when I got my 01 M2 in May it went right on no problems. Ryan | ||
| Jerome |
Henrik : thanks for the input. All : another question regarding S3 bags. I was told that there was a recall on early versions because of problems with the lock. Can one shortly explain what was the exact problem and on which versions it started to be solved from the factory ? Is there a "repair kit" for older versions ? Again thanks for your help, as usual always appreciated. S3 are nearly inexistant in France, so I have to ask to our experienced friends from the other side of the pond before considering to spend my bucks on used S3 bags... ;-) | ||
| Doncasto |
Jerome: The '97 and '98 hard bags had a bad habit of having the latch mechinism malfunction with the bags closed. For me it always seemed to happen when I was on a road trip and the failed bag always had my wallet, tools, registration, etc. in it. I went through 3 of these incidences before an "upgraded" latch assembly was provided by Buell. I was still on my warranty at the time so there was no cost. IMHO the hard bags are a marginal value for all the problems I continue to have with them. The latches continue to fail, now the tines that contact the latch assembly break off. The inner bag (the part that attaches to the frame) has cracked on both bags although not enough to require replacement. They leak, even when they were not cracked. In spite of Sir Court's assertions that they can be adjusted to close correctly, mine rattle constantly and take way to much time and effort to get closed. I have also found that since the bags are the widest part of the bike, they seem to be scratch magnets. I am planning to paint mine flat black so that cosmetic repainting will be less expensive in the future. YMMV, but if I had it to do over I would go with an after market soft bag set. I suspect I was thoroughly spoiled by the hard bags on my BMW K110RS which make Buell's versions look like hack jobs. Don | ||
| Buelliedan |
Don, Lets be honest here. In comparison to the BMWs luggage the Buell bags ARE hack jobs!! I sold my S3 bags after only using them twice. Not because they malfunctioned or anything but because I found them to be ugly and I never used them!! | ||
| Jim_Witt |
Jerome: I'm with Don on the hard-bags. I've lost count on how many times the lock mechanism has failed or fallen apart. I went on a 10,000 mile, 2 1/2 month trip, a few years back and I fought the hard-bag problem at every campground I stayed at. It's pretty frustrating when you can't get to your camping stove and other equipment. In my case, the Buell hard-bags are absolutely useless. I've never use them since and that was about 3 1/2 years ago. Cheers, -JW:>) | ||
| Jim_Sb |
Damn, this whole hard bag thread is depressing. One of the reasons I bought my S2 was I wanted a bike that would accept decent hard bags. I recently picked up some used '95 vintage S2 bags that I plan to repaint to match the bike. Sounds like I should test them first to see if they are even worth the effort.... I cannot imagine why Buell wouldn't want to focus on this problem and get it resolved. If you're going to build something how much harder is it to build something that works? (rhetorical quesiton) Jim in Santa Barbara | ||
| Aaron |
S2 hard bags are a whole different animal. People have issues with them, too, but they seem to work okay for me. Except that one time when the mounting bracket broke and the right side bag went tumbling down the road. | ||
| Dave |
FWIW The hard bags on my 99S3 leak a bit, rattle a bit, boot marks too. They even cracked on the inner assmebly where they mount but guess what? Buell took care of replacing them good will. Overall, I like 'em. Locks have never given me fits (knock on woood) and I think the leak was mostly due to the seal under the lock/latch area. I do use my shallow lids more than my deep ones. If anyone wants to part with thiers ... drop me a note.  DAve | ||
| Doncasto |
Jim: The S2 bags (like the S2 lower fairings and many other components) are a higher quality than those on the later cost controlled Buells. From what I have seen, they don't seem to have as many problems with latches that won't open. Ironically, I have seen at least one that had problem with the bags popping open while being ridden. Don | ||
| Adam |
Thanks Ryan. That was the incentive I needed to order a set. Now, if only the calendar had some blank space. Adam | ||
| Henrik |
S2/S3 hard bags: having tried both, let me say that they both have strong and weak points. The S3 bags locked up on me on a trip 'bout 200 miles from home (Me: "Honey, I can't open one of the bags", Melissa: "It's not my stuff in there, is it?". Me: "Well ... yes" Melissa (in stern voice): "I'm going to our room, will you bring my stuff over when you're done?" Me (as I fumble for the Leatherman): "Sure Honey" ... end of discussion. Now, some 2 years after the latch replacement, they have yet to fail (knock on wood). The inner bag is still holding up, but I intend to reinforce the area known to crack with thin aluminum plate. The S2 bags are pretty crude compared to the S3 bags (imagine that). Two locks to open and a less than impressive mounting system - mine is showing some wear and looseness. I would be hesitant to load up the S2 bags with deep lids for a 2-up long trip. However, the locking system seems nearly foolproof, and they are even easier to mount/unmount than the S3 bags. I'm looking into the S3-bags-on-S2 kit that Buell have made. First impression: *rediculously* expensive. For instance, they charge $17.50 for a 3/4" clamp {  }. The whole kit with shallow lids run around $1600. I'm going through the Service Bulletin parts list for the brackets alone, weeding out the *stupid* stuff, like a 4" piece of wire with bullet connectors for $9.30. So before anyone springs for the whole kit, shoot me a mail. To conclude these ramblings, while they're not great, I still feel more comfortable with the S3 bags, and will try them out on the S2. Soft bags: I've looked around, and there are some really good stuff out there. Chase Harper and RKA to mention 2 I'm familiar with. They do wear on the paint, but I've seen some clear plastic sheets that stick to the paint with static, suction or such magic, and would be plenty protection even for longer trips - 3M I think - and Chapparel carries something similar. Henrik | ||
| Aaron |
Just keep an eye on that bracket. Actually, I had noticed an increase in the rattling sound from the rear of the bike in the days before I lost the bag, I just never bothered to poke around and see what it was. Ironically, it was the bag that's normally empty that broke off it's bracket. The bag with my tools and raingear was fine. I almost think a little weight in there might dampen the vibrations. | ||
| Blake |
Jerome: I highly recommend the Ventura Bike Pack system. With two packs zipped together you get over 90L of luggage space. Very high quality luggage too I might add. In the absense of needing to carry luggage/rack, the grab handle's appearance is hardly noticeable. And, you can still throw a set of soft bags on as well. You can use that clear semi-adhesive type of plastic film to protect the paint your tail section. | ||
| Jerome |
Thanks Blake. Actually I already have the Ventura Bike Pack system, but it's too much limited in size when riding with my wife as a passenger. I know that if I try to install S3 bags I'll be in trouble with fitting again the Ventura hardware, except if I purchase their special reference for S3T hoping that it would also fit a M2 frame... Nothing is perfect in this world ! And the Buell market is apparently too small to see a maker of hard bags designing something special for our beloved bike. $1600 for the all setup (bags + hardware) ? Wow, the used S3 bags proposed to me are thus pretty cheap (200 bucks including the inner bags). Should I worry about something or just sign a check immediately ??!! | ||
| Court |
I've had a tad of experience with both systems.  The S-2, like many things Buell, require some love of the bike. Pay attention to the center of the 3 mounting points. Learn to lock them gently and do the "S-2 wiggle/tug manuvuer" prior to riding. The only time I didn't was the day I jetisoned the IBM ThinkPad at 4:10AM on the Blue Ridge Parkway enroute from Orange, VA to Marietta, GA. My fault and didn't keep me from making 853 miles that day. Er....the day before the ugly "I am a hero, run out of gas and get picked up by Vince Gill's manager" day......I regress. The S-3 bags were developed by Dave Ulicki and a couple of guys you'd love to have as brothers or buddies. The dreams of doing the tooling "right" were obviated by the new found, post S2, we have to bring this thing in on budget concerns and the resultant means and methods of manufacturing. In view of the meager budget, they did well. Early versions suffered from a cam arm that was a tad short and tended to not work just right and make the bags impossible to open. High mileage S3 folks could always be found with 1/2 hacksaw blade with the end wrapped in duct tape, a spare set of latches and the "hold in the center" security tool and a small box end wrench. I can (er, could) change a set of latches in a matter of minutes. Doug Manternach (now with Indian in Gilroy, CA) was assigned to straighten this mess out. Like Dave U, Doug is a talented young engineer who rose to, not shyed away from the "do much with little" challenge. Doug came up with a new cam and a repair kit. Although it was never actually a "recall" it eventually got a part number and made it into the system. Key elements are proper adjustment, proper operation and proper expectations. I've had many happy miles and only once (Gillete, WY) had to limp into town with a tie down securing the bag. If you have the S-2 bags....do the "sit on a milk crate and commune" drill. You'll be rewarded. If you have the S-3 bags....study them. See what works, what doesn't and a couple of your snow bound days dialing the latches in. If you need parts or advise, I think I have a couple kits left. If anyone needs I can try to post a picture of the two cams. But, that's all I know about it....... Court | ||
| Jim_Sb |
Court: You are a wonderful storyteller. As a certified financial type who travels extensively on business, the IBM Thinkpad is my weapon of choice as well. But jettisoned? LMAO! That would ruin my day.... Anyway, I am unfamiliar with the term "sit on a milk crate and commune" for the S2 bags. Could you elaborate? As for the Buell hard bag conversion kit, {with no disrespect intended to the fine supporters of this site)if budget is truly an issue, it can be had for 20% off from Chicago HD online which helps ease the pain (BTW, if this is an inappropriate comment Blake or someone should simply delete it...). But compared to HD's Sportster hard bags which sell for around $800 they are quite pricey indeed. Which is why I went for some used S2 bags... I am hopeful that any shortcomings I find with the bags can be overcome with a little effort and some ingenuity. At least that's my plan... Jim in Santa Barbara | ||
| Henrik |
Jerome: if you can get a set of S3 bags for $200 from a reputable seller - absolutely go for it. If you won't I'd like sellers name :-) Jim Sb: it was Derek at Chicago HD that quoted me the $1600 for the kit. Brackets etc. alone (no bags) comes out to about $456 (Chicago HD prices). As for security of S2 bag mounting, Jay Hom a.k.a. Dr. Gadget - official S2 afficionado - removed the twisty locks and bolted his bags permanently to the brackets. Just an idea. Henrik | ||
| Jim_Sb |
Henrik: I have (somewhere at work) the Buell Part Number for the current 'S3 Hard Bags for S2 Conversion Kit'. The kit purportedly includes everything. I priced it on Chicago HD's web site (just punch in the part number) and it was around $1,300 or so. Still too steep (did you hear my Wife screaming?) so I picked up some used S2 bags & hardware for $300. Jim in Santa Barbara |
