| Author | Message | ||
     Ratbuell |
Major or minor PITA? Read thru it in the manual and it doesn't look too hard...I'm thinking at 23k it may be a good idea to go ahead and do it, especially since my wheels will be off soon for new tires. Anyone tackled this? Any advice? | ||
| Langperf |
its really not that bad, if you're mechanically inclined, and have tools. I did it with no "special" tools but its been a while since I did it. But I have a butt load of snap-on stuff. If i remember right there were a couple of swivel sockets and stubby wrenches you'll need to access some of the rear bolts. You work at HD frederick right, shouldnt be a problem there, or are you doing at home? | ||
| Ratbuell |
I'll probably do it myself - keeps the techs from getting tetanus from my filthy ride, LOL. It's also practice for the bare frame I'm going to rebuild into a whole bike....I've done lots of engine and electrical stuff, but not so much on suspension yet. And my wife says working in the garage helps keep me out of trouble  Looking in the parts diagram...do most folks just replace the isolator rubbers as maintenance items, or is it a good idea to do the bearings and cups on the pivot assembly too? I'm getting a little wonkiness on off-center tip-in to turns. There's no "tug on the swingarm" play that I can see, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have wear that presents itself under cornering loads. I had a notch in my steering head bearings so I replaced them about 100 miles ago, I'm figuring the rears may be worn as well? | ||
| Langperf |
I replaced mine years ago because I made the novice mistake of having the belt to tight, and with my gf on the back we hit a whoop in the road and almost bottomed the suspension. With that and the belt being to tight it ripped the right isolator. I could immediately tell something was wrong, vibration and suspension felt different. Upon inspection you could visually see the right isolator failure. So I limped her home at a reduced speed. The bike was still under warranty at that time, but I chose to do the work myself as the updated isolators were available, and my phobia about letting the dealer techs touch it,(after being a dealer mechanic for several years and seeing what can go on) not to mention downtime.And Buells were still the bastard child at the HD dealer at that time. Still are now for the most part. My swingarm bearings were good....but the bike was only a year old. Let me know if you want a hand replacing them, I'll come up and help, or you can bring it to my shop and we can do it some weekend |
