| Author | Message | ||
     Rek |
I use my trusty ol' S3 as a work steed and travel all over the upper midwest on 'er. We're creeping up on 15K miles for the season as I write this. I'm afraid the wear and tear of daily use is starting to take its toll and I'm worried that I might not get much more service out of my bike w/out extensive modification. First of all let me point out: I NEED AN ULY! however, w/ my daughter starting school at the U of U I absolutely cannot afford a new vehicle. And before anyone mentions the great financing packages available I should point out that my wife and I agreed many moons ago to never borrow money for anything other than real estate. A policy that has served us very well over the years...if you can't afford to pay cash you probably don't need it. Anyway I'll start w/ the upgrades I've made thus far.  A Corbin Gunslinger and Lady seat.  The Uly tire  The Uly-style belt. There are a few areas that need further improvement though, like:  The oil cooler gets packed w/ mud, sand, gravel every time I venture off the pavement. C:\Documents and Settings\omnivalueduser\My Documents\My Pictures\S3T\broken fender.JPG The front fender has twice become so compacted w/ mud that it's now broken off the tabs on both sides and is currently fastened w/ zipties.  The rear body-work has several fractured rock-impact spots, one that took a corner out of the taillight.  The fork seals are starting to leak. The question would be are there any suggestions where to start? The front fender seems a good place to begin. I'm working now to get the belt gaurds and hopefully mitigate the gravel-mud beneath my seat and all over the rear of the motor. Thanks, Rob (Message edited by rek on August 29, 2005) (Message edited by rek on August 29, 2005) | ||
| Rek |
 The front fender pic that I can't sem to figure out how to edit in. Rob | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
I hate to the guy that says it but it really looks like you would do well to get a used KLR650. Of course those break too but you don't cry when they do  | ||
| Henrik |
Might it be possible to mount the Uly front fender/fork protector to the S3? May also want to look into some more coverage for the rear tire. As for the voltage regulator; would a tuber style chin fairing be a help or a hindrance? Just something to think about. Henrik | ||
| Rek |
I beleive the re-installation of the belt gaurds is gong to help a lot, since it has the rear tire hugger apparatus. The chin fairing is something I hadn't considered. I'll have to look into that. I really like the Uly fender idea. That warrants serious investigation. A friend is trying to convince me to build all the bodywork and fenders from 18 ga aluminum. That would be durable, and might even look kind'a cool. We'll see what this winter's projects bring. The KLR is the first bike I considered, but only about 25% of my riding is gravel and sometimes I travel 4-500 miles one way on the pavement to reach the gravel. I don't think a traditional dual-sport would be appropriate. Besides, I love my Buell. Rob | ||
| Tramp |
i ride my S2 offroad. often. removing the bodywork helped me worry lesss about scratching from branches and gravel, and i use a high-mounted front fender. | ||
| Jackbequick |
"The oil cooler gets packed w/ mud..." Uh, that is a voltage regulator in that photo. Jack | ||
| Rek |
}"The oil cooler gets packed w/ mud..." LOL, whatever it is it gets packed w/ all kinds of crap. Rob | ||
| Denfromphilly |
Mine's an oil cooler for the first few weeks after every oil change.... | ||
| Djkaplan |
You can move the voltage regulator to a different area on the bike. I've seen them relocated under the seat. | ||
| Jackbequick |
Den - I took a 1/2 gallon plastic milk jug and cut the bottom off, then tailored the cut edge with a scissors to fit fairly closely up around the oil pressure sender and castings there. I loosen the filter 1/2 turn or so, lay a rag on the regulator, jam that jug up under and around the filter, and rotate the filter until it falls off into the milk carton. Cut the top of the carton back at an angle so you can get your fingers in there. Saves a real mess. I made a similar "oil catcher" that I use for draining the primary without removing the muffler. Jack | ||
| Djkaplan |
If you use the long HD filter, you can poke a hole in the end and let all the oil drain out of it. If the bike is on the kickstand, the angle will be just right for the oil to miss the cases. | ||
| Denfromphilly |
Thanks for the ideas, I look forward to a lot less messy oil change next time! I used old towels, aluminum foil and still end up with oil everywhere. I like the long filter and the milk carton idea. Thanks, Den |
