| Author | Message | ||
     Tigermann |
If you recall my S2T Rescue story from last November, I purchased a pretty original 8000 mile bike although the last two owners really had no clue what they had or how to take care of it. So after going through everything, fixing all the little problems, new tires and other rubber, changing all fluids, and adjusting and torquing everything properly, the only remaining issue was the rear isolators, of which at least one looked wrong. So finally, with my son’s engine hoist and two new isolators in hand, we gave it a shot. Here’s how it looked before:   After all the horror stories I have read about side plate removals, mine came off easy – I’m guessing because the S2T plates are powder coated instead of the bare aluminum S2 ones, the bolts don’t freeze up so much?   After removing both side plates, we discovered the right side (frame) was about ½ inch lower than the left, and the right isolator, although not ripped, had come out of the side plate recess and had actually worn to the point of being metal to metal against the plate.    I've seen isolators rip, but I've never read about one just coming out of the sideplate recess and getting mashed up. Anyway, after the new isolator install and aligning everything and bolting it up, you can actually feel the difference, not just in less vibrations, but the feel of the bike as the frame is finally in line with the swingarm/engine assembly. This completes my S2T rescue - she's finally as perfect and original as I can make her and she really does feel like a near-new bike | ||
| Dave |
Nice success story - love these S2s DAve (Message edited by DAve on June 23, 2017) | ||
| Upthemaiden |
I'd assume the isolator didn't just come out of the side plate recess, as much as a previous owner probably pulled the side plate off for something, and bolted it back on without lining up the isolator, and just mashed it in there. I have a new set of front and rears for my bike, and while I don't think mine are in as bad of shape as yours, so I don't expect as drastic of results, I'm definitely hoping for a notable difference with vibrations. We'll see when I get there. | ||
| Jerm2121 |
As an S2 newbie who is planning on tackling this same project, where did you purchase/find the isolatos? | ||
| Williamscottrobertson |
I have one of the new style (left side) with the ears. I'll sell for $30/shipped. The right side is pricey ~$75 plus shipping from new castle hd. Lance at sphdonline.com has both for like $110 plus shipping. The ears have to be trimmed to fit an S2 I'm told. Haven't tackled this yet. Drag specialties # 0933-0053 fit too I think, but will eventually rip again as they don't have the ears. No reports of anyone ripping the new style. | ||
| Jerm2121 |
Sorry to hijack this thread, but I appreciate all of the helpfull info. So, does anyone stock the S2 isolators or will I be buying the S3 style and tweaking the ears? Williamscottrobertson - I wasn't clear if the new style left side that you mention will fit as is or will need to be tweaked. Thanks and apologies in advance for the slew of questions I'll be asking. | ||
| Williamscottrobertson |
The one I have has the ears that need to be ground down a bit for the side plate to fit back on. No one stocks the old style "buell" ones without the ears. However, harley stocks them for the FLT but the drag specialties part number I listed above will be much cheaper and same quality. | ||
| Jerm2121 |
Thanks again! So, "with ears" is the better design, but they will need to be modified to work on the S2 -- and without ears (such as Drag Specialties) will work as is, but will not last as long. Right? | ||
| 651lance |
I wouldn't sell the aftermarket mount to our customers anymore. We have found that the aftermarket mounts are stiff and transmit more harmonics to the rider, not just on Buell but the touring bikes also. That's my two cents into the thread. | ||
| Tripper |
So I'm replacing a drive belt, and my bike has constant vibes. Avfter reading above I'm confused. Where or what isolators do I buy? | ||
| Hootowl |
If I were you, I'd buy the eared isolators and grind enough of the ear off to make them fit. The isolators that fit out-of-the-box will fail on you. | ||
| Hootowl |
If your bike is vibrating badly, be sure to check your front isolator too. | ||
| Williamscottrobertson |
I have a set of new in box late style Buell rear isolators I'll sell for $100 plus shipping. |
