| Author | Message | ||
     Bernard |
Howdy! My '95 S2 came to me with a totally open Supertrapp muffler (no discs, no end piece) which I found to be too loud for taste. I therefore bought a stock muffler off eBay, just to experience what a stock S2 sounds like with 80db max (according to the engraving on the muffler itself). When mounting the stock exhaust (everything cleaned, all new stainless hardware), I noticed that I can't really slide the muffler all the way onto the header, because the shock reservoir's pressure fitting interferes all so slightly and is the limiting factor. I have the Buell factory replacement shock for the recalled one with the white spring. It seems to be okay the way it is, meaning it seems to be gas tight and rattle free, but okay isn't really what I like. I wonder if anybody out there with an S2 and a stock muffler has experienced the same. And, while we're at it: how many of you still have the stock muffler mounted, I wonder? | ||
| F_skinner |
Bernard, I am having a little trouble visualizing this, can you post a picture? I do not recall any of my mufflers touching the shock reservoir or anything else. I have a stock exhaust on one S2, a Supertrapp on another, a VH on another and a Buell Race Pipe on yet another one. I like a little sound but with the stock exhaust it really gets up and goes and is a blast around town. I prefer a more open pipe for the highway. | ||
| Gowindward |
Hey Barnard, Did you loosen the fasteners for the header at the heads, and the lower header support? It's a VERY good practice to get the complete assembly fitted and installed loose and in a nice neutral state. Then start tightening fasteners at the header and work you way back, while making sure nothing binds along the way. If this is not done, the results will be broken exhaust studs, or a cracked header. If you don't have the Y-yoke lower header support it would be a good time to add it. The original is a week link in the system. Next is the rear muffler support bracket. The two straps can be replaced with a Z-bracket..requires a little grinding on the bracket to clear, but it was also an improvement on the later model tube frame Buells. I swapped back to the stock exhaust from a V&H after buying "Baby" last year. I really like the tone and level of sound from the stock muffler. Loren | ||
| Gowindward |
"I prefer a more open pipe for the highway." Ya, your just an old FAG at heart. LOL | ||
| F_skinner |
After riding a Harley for 25 years I deserve that. I hope I have made up for my sins in some small way.  | ||
| Gowindward |
You keep running that Buell rescue program and you will be redeemed in no time at all.  | ||
| Bernard |
Finally I had a chance to take some photos and ride the bike. As you may remember, I stated that the factory muffler cannot slip all the way onto the header flange, as the pressure fitting from the shock is in the way. If I were to turn the muffler to the left so that it would clear the fitting, it would not align with the two factory mounting points. Here are two photos I took that illustrate the problem.  Photo 1 shows the fitting that's in the way. This in turn, as shown in photo 2, causes the muffler to barely clear the rear tire.  When riding the bike and getting air-born, the rear shock compresses and, as the guy riding behind me told me, touches the tire so that it looks like an overbraked rear wheel. That's pretty crazy and outright dangerous. While, unlike many of you, I actually like the look of the factory muffler, I was extremely unhappy with its non-existent sound. It was like riding a new BMW where I had to look at the tach to get any idea on how low or high my engine was reving, so I took it off again and ordered parts from Supertrapp to fine tune my "old" muffler. Still, I'd like to explore what the problem with that fitting is. If you have an S2 with stock exhaust mounted, what does it look like on your bike? | ||
| F_skinner |
Flip your shock so that fitting is pointing away from the bike... | ||
| Rex |
I like my supertrap, for it is much quieter than the vance and hines on my m2. I have an end piece with rings? want to sell your supertrapp? I also have a brand new D and D exhaust for an S2. chrome with a reverse cone megaphone. I believe one of the first exhaust for the S2 from the aftermarket? I believe. REX | ||
| Gowindward |
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| F_skinner |
Thanks for posting that Loren.... I am at work so no access to a camera. I looked, briefly, at the S2 photos page and nothing that detailed showed up..... Is it May yet? | ||
| Gowindward |
No kidding! It's been a terrible winter here. I keep thinking March is only two weeks away....the weather has to break by then. | ||
| Bluzm2 |
Ya guys beat me to the punch! I didn't even know you could mount it backwards like that! That hose must be tight as hell. | ||
| Bernard |
Thanks, Guys! How stupid and how simple at the same time! Yep, the pressure hose is twisted and tight. Not sure on how to fix that now. I know I have to support the frame and remove the front shock mounting bolt and twist the front part of the shock 180 degrees. That's easy. What I'm not sure about is what happens if I have to slightly loosen the pressure fitting in order to twist it around. Will it lose pressure? How do I fill it up again? Is this like bleeding brakes? As you can tell, I'm not sure about that pressure hose, it intimidates the hell out of me. | ||
| Gowindward |
Looks to me like all you need to do is roll the shock over and left the reservoir find it's happy place with the hose and put it back on. Look at your photo and my photo. My shock fitting is pointing down, yours points up. Easy fix. | ||
| Bernard |
Thanks for the info. I will try to do this tomorrow. Something else . . . looking at your photo, I noticed you have the 1999 SHOWA shock that is known for its catastrophic failures. Did you know? http://www.doncasto.net/DonCastosS2ConventionalWis dom.html | ||
| Gowindward |
The bike does not have any outstanding recall on it. I think there was a different version of this shock that received the SRP fix but do not know for sure. I do have a couple of the later model shocks on the shelf as spares and the newer front shock mount. So many projects and so little time. | ||
| F_skinner |
Bernard, just support your bike from the rear with a ladder and some straps...  You will not need to support the front like in the picture. Just take the rear fairing off and get some straps and a ladder and you should be ok... You can adjust it in height if you need to. If you get stuck or need help just ask. BTW: On those shocks. You really need to define catastrophic failure.... They are fine until they start to pogo. I believe there is no documented cases of them falling apart while riding. Frank | ||
| F_skinner |
Loren, there is one more recall after the one you have. However.... Do not worry about it. The worse that will happen is a little pogo action LOL.... | ||
| Bernard |
Ladder . . . hmmm . . . good idea!  | ||
| Bluzm2 |
Bernard, You shouldn't have to move the fittings. Yes, if you loosen one of the hose fittings, you will get oil spraying out and loose nitrogen pressure. Brad | ||
| F_skinner |
Bernard, plus 1 on what Brad said. Also, you may find it easier if you remove the rear wheel or have the ability to prop it and be able to adjust the height. If you do what you have in your picture you will have a little surprise as soon as you remove the last bolt for the shock. Gravity can be a biatch sometimes. |
