| Author | Message | ||
     Steve_mackay |
I know this is a long shot, but I figgered' I'd try before spending $ on reverse engineering parts... (expensive 3D point cloud scanning is not something I'm really looking forward to) I'm looking for any cad files, part prints, and such for tube frame buells. Especially S3 fairings, bags, etc... Anyone have any "ins" to the factory that can get me this stuff? My plan is to make some replacement carbon fiber parts for tube frame buells. Such as fenders, fairings, S3 bags. Since the factory has pretty much discontinued parts for tubers, I'd think it wouldn't be a BIG problem... | ||
| Court |
>>>Since the factory has pretty much discontinued parts for tubers That is patently inaccurate information. In fact, tube frame parts are readily available, most parts (with the exception of S2 bodywork which may take a couple days) are easily available in 2 hours. You may recall that recently someone lamented that Buell had "abandoned the tube frame owners" by "obsoleting" the tank decals. The next day I posted the existing factory inventory which was over 1,000 such decals. The following week I listened to the crying about the owners manuals having to be bought on e-Bay. I ordered a 1995 and a 1996 from Dave and had them in something like 3 days. Tell me what parts you think are "pretty much discontinued"? Court P.S. - you are aware, assuming you could get them, of the legal implications of what you are asking I assume? | ||
| Spiderman |
Any one have any Blueprints for the subframe, tail section of a S1?????? | ||
| Steve_mackay |
Court, Didn't mean to pee in your wheeties... I was just hearing from others that parts are being discontinued and obsoleted at a rapid rate. I completely understand the legal implications of what I am asking. I'm a tool/die/mold designer. In fact I've DONE Buell molds in the past. Specifically the air boxes for the M2s, and IIRC S3. One of the reasons for the files, is to "re-engineer" the S3 bags. Making a heftier latching system, and making them a bit more watertight, while also making them a bit taller(I also go to school, and the bags a JUST a bit short for a 3 ring binder standing straight up.). Another reason, is to add some modern/better lighting solutions, and making the S3's fairing a tad taller for better wind protection for us taller folk. It is *not* my intention to make a direct copy. More for getting mounting points and such dimensionally correct, and keeping with the flowing lines of the original parts. | ||
| Mikej |
Steve, Since you've done work for them in the past then approach them again as a vendor looking to mock up a prototype update for possible production needs and as a second source vendor item. This assumes you're looking to go into production with the items. Just a thought. Count to 80 to give me time to get out of range. | ||
| Lake_bueller |
Court....while I believe most of what you say, there are SOME parts that are no longer available from Buell. An couple of examples: 1) 3-D tank decals in Blue for the S1W. There are plenty of the ORIGINAL decals (you know, the ones that bubbled  ). I can't reveal my sources (outside of BMC and HD) for getting mine. 2) Race ECM for FI Buells I don't want to get into a pissing match about Buell replacement parts. There come a time when we are forced into finding other means of getting parts. For now, I hold my breath (and call Dave) whenever I need to order a part. | ||
| Court |
>>>Didn't mean to pee in your wheeties... I was just hearing from others that parts are being discontinued and obsoleted at a rapid rate. My apologies if I seemed adamant, I am. I've been weary lately with folks thinking Buell has abandoned them when in fact Buell has gone to great strides to improve parts availability. I keep in close touch with the Buell parts staff and am very proud of the job they are doing. In fact, you can expect to see MORE tube frame parts I think. Now....back on topic, I think your "Hefty Bag" project has merit. I was involved in the last bag effort which, as may have been obvious, was done on a very limited budget. Drop me a note, let me know how to contact you. If I can help make THIS "better Buell bags" idea work, I will. Court | ||
| Court |
Hey...and by the way...they were not my Wheaties? Excuse me....any one leave this bowl here?  | ||
| Josh_ |
Court can I point out Buell hasn't updated the database to reflect the fact that 00 Blasts require a 01 belt (since the 00 were all recalled and got the 01 rear pulley and belt). I've got a useless '00 belt sitting here and Rocky Mtn HD isn't responding to emails. Guess I'll try to sell it on eBay but it would be nice if Buell updated the inventory list. | ||
| Court |
Dave is taking order for tube frame race ECM's...don't miss out. http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/47623/83702.html?1100198968 They either ARE available or if not, I'll bet we can get them available. Give me a list of parts that are, or you think are, obsoleted and we'll see what can be done. Court | ||
| Steve_mackay |
Mike, No HUGE production is intended. We weren't ever directly involved with Buell themselves. Just the custom molder that Buell used. This is *usually* how it works, if the company in question has no molding facilities in house. Which HD & Buell don't have. I've done stuff for HD, Buell, Victory, etc... And have never been in direct contact with any of them. When we did the Buell M2 airbox molds, it was the week before HD's 95th anniversary party. I remember working 28 hours straight so I could have the rest of the week off to work on my '79 Sportster, so I could ride it in the parade. can anyone guess what this is?   boy, I had to search my archives for these OLD models | ||
| Steve_mackay |
Court, I sincerely appologize if I came off dissin' Buell. That is *NOT* the case whatsoever. In fact I REALLY enjoy being able to drive down to Hals(a 15 minute ride from my house)and being able to pick up $4.50 turn signals after dropping my S3 in the wet grass last week  PS. You've got mail | ||
| Mikej |
Surfacing gives me headaches, as does harnessing, neither of which should be expected to be done occasionally and intermittantly as a background task being interrupted constantly and being expected to achieve a competent result. That's not a primary cover is it? I haven't seen my original airbox cover or backing for years. | ||
| Spiderman |
That's the back of the Heimholtz air box for a X1 | ||
| Steve_mackay |
MikeJ, Yup, surfacing is not for the faint of heart IMHO. It takes someone who REALLY likes to do it, to be proficient at it. I just happen to REALLY enjoy it. And do it all day long, at least 5 days a week. Yup, I get interrupted A LOT during the day. From customers, the owners, the toolmakers on the floor, posting to badweb, etc... Spidey, I thought it was for an M2. But it makes more sense that it's from an X1, since the mold was produced in the summer of '98. | ||
| Mikej |
I've found surfacing to be more conceptual than mechanical. Never had the time to dedicate to it due to the limited needs where I've been. | ||
| Henrik |
The "Hefty Bag" project would be awesome. I'm in a long term project of (trying to) make my S2 as reliable a sport tourer as, say, a VFR ... and stop chuckling you in the back row  Sturdier and more water proof bags - with a built in handle would be great. Add lashing points for a tail bag on top of the bags (on the inner half) as well. Of course, if you can incorporate a quick-detach feature like the Givi bags, that would just be gravy. Oh, and set it up, so I can get a lock smith to install a barrel lock that matches the others on the bike. Henrik | ||
| Spiderman |
Steve, The reason I know it is for a X1 is, the angle grove is how the X1 bread box mounts to the frame rather than a arm off of the motor mount. | ||
| Josh_ |
Henrik - have you seen the FJR setup up close? | ||
| Steve_mackay |
Henrik, if I can get some of the stuff I need, from the powers that be at BMC, and you can retrofit S3 bags to your S2, then I'll keep in touch. Givis are nice, but I don't like the looks of 'em. Too roundy, and don't match the Buell lines really well IMHO. I'd like to engineer them for a double seal. The latches, may need to be custom machined. Which isn't a big deal(I've got 8 machining centers, and know how to use 'em ), but will add to the cost a tad. Unless I can find something retail. The lashing points are a GOOD idea. But I was more inclined to make an attchment for a larger hard bag. Like a sporty looking "tour pack". Doesn't mean I can't make a bolt on lashing point in place of a quick disconnect for a "tour pack" I've got a lot of ideas on what *I* want, but you've given me some extras there Henrik. Thanks. I've also asked Court for any ideas also, since he seems to have been 'round the Buell block a couple of times | ||
| Spiderman |
Steve, Sounds like you got the kinda shop I could have fun with for days on end!! | ||
| Steve_mackay |
Spidey, Yup. Which is why I *LOVE* my job. I sit here and draw pretty 3D pictures all day. Cut some carbon, cut some steel, help assemble some molds, etc.. All that, and not having to punch a clock. Come and go as I please. And best of all. I've got the keys to the shop, just in case I need to do a "government" job | ||
| Spiderman |
Buddy, pal, o friend of mine LMAO | ||
| Steve_mackay |
I've found surfacing to be more conceptual than mechanical. Well, these days, it's both. With the advent of midrange MCAD apps such as Solidwork, Inventor, etc.. It's both mechanical and conceptual. Building Molds from "parts" is a little bit of artwork, conception, and mechanical combined. I use an application called VX. It combines the mechanical, conceptual, and art all in one. It has some AMAZING "morphing" abilities that can reach across literally thousands of surfaces very easily. For instance, I could take the S3's Fairing, define some attachment points, and then stretch the middle section upwards, making the whole thing taller. Without having to re-invent the wheel by editing individual surfaces. This kinda defines the "art" part of it. It has some awesome assembly options and drafting abilities from modeled parts, which covers the "mechanical" part of it. It has some GREAT surfacing abilities, along with some really nice rendering capability(never use that part yet). Which covers the "conceptual" part of the picture | ||
| Steve_mackay |
Buddy, pal, o friend of mine LOL! I hear that A LOT when people hear what I can do } | ||
| Spiderman |
I don't want you to make me parts, I wanna play in your shop  | ||
| Steve_mackay |
Sorry Spidey, but I don't usually let normal folk play with $100K-$500K machine tools | ||
| Mikej |
I've got a resume, I'm willing to learn, I can be trained, I can be trusted with a $500k machine.  | ||
| Henrik |
Steve; I agree with you, the Give bags are unattractive at best As you, I would prefer the lines of the bags to match the bike. What I was referring to was the very nice combined carry handle and quick release latch system they use. You lift one handle to release the bag from the brackets - without having to open the bag. Then you lift the carry handle to lift the bag off the bike and carry away. Or at least something to that effect. I have the S2/S3 bracket kit on the S2, so I can fit S3 bags onto my S2. Klunky kit, but it (mostly) works. Josh; haven't seen the FJR bags. Pictures?? Henrik |
