| Author | Message | ||
     Tm74 |
I'm not sure if this is the right place for this thread so if it's not, feel free to move it. There's also some possible controversial content, especially if Buell ever reads the boards. I'm somewhat miffed at the fact that the muffler straps cost so much. The mufflers tend to rust so repainting is required from time to time. It's also known that they should be replaced every time the muffler is removed. So, the safety concern is there as well. I've searched and found others state the t-bolt straps from deepblueyachtsupply.com are an alternative for the rear and that they do work. I've never seen mention of front strap alternatives that actually work. If I missed a thread from my search, please point me in the right direction. What I really want to do is find the manufacturer of the straps and buy direct instead of buying from Buell. I know they can be had cheaper(keep reading). The straps I currently have are, I believe, the first design. They are made by Five Star MFG. Can someone tell me if there was an updated design and who made them and the part numbers(not the Buell part numbers)? I was able to purchase rear muffler straps for $5 each(see why I'm miffed) from a distributor that once sold to Buell. They are the actual straps, exactly like the ones I have(but as I mentioned, I think they are the old style). They didn't have the front straps in stock. I also know Five Star will not sell to anyone unless it's in bulk(IIRC something like 25 pieces). You have to purchase via one of their distributors for individual pieces. That being said, do you think they just sold to me because they no longer deal with Buell? I asked the person on the phone and he didn't know. If I can get the newer strap manufacturer and part numbers I can make a few more calls. Also, if enough people are interested, there could be a group buy. I wouldn't see why they would be more than $5. That seems to be the going rate for straps not purchased from Buell. Thoughts anyone? Am I just cheap? Does this make me less of a man? | ||
| Froggy |
How much is a strap from a dealer? | ||
| Tm74 |
I'm not sure of the exact amount with Andy's discount but I believe around $20 each for the rear and $25 for the front. | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
Just a few thoughts, if I may.............. 1. You are indeed a genuine, and from all appearances, an incurable cheapskate. 2. Not one damn thing the matter with that!  3. Personally, I do not feel someone might be more of a manly man because they throw their money around. Quite the contrary. By the way, Five Bucks for muffler straps is totally outrageous. I got perfectly good stainless ones from Deep Blue Yacht supply in Florida for $3.86. They have sizes to suit the front and rear. Sorry, I don't recall what they are just this minute. 4. Don't worry in the slightest about offending anyone at the Motor Company. Screwing the customers on parts and service is a glorious part of their corporate culture in their view, and they are proud of it, and their record of being the most consistently profitable American Corporation. Just my .02ยข | ||
| Court |
>>>>Screwing the customers on parts and service is a glorious part of their corporate culture in their view, and they are proud of it, and their record of being the most consistently profitable American Corporation. Ahhhh. . . spoken like a true pruchaser of Hamptons real estate.  I'm not sure HD has ever forced anyone to buy anything. I'm not following this exactly but you are saying that the strap is $5 from the mfg and $25 from Buell? If so, let me know. There have been cases where pricing simply got screwed up. The good news is that several years ago when someone applied "accross the board" pricing model markups that something like wheels accidently got priced at absurdly low (like $27 each) prices. . . I guess the trick is to know WHAT to buy. Drop me a note and let me know what the deal is. | ||
| Tm74 |
Gentleman_jon: I don't think I'm actually cheap. Well, OK, I might be a little cheap My problem with it is it's a possible safety concern. With their current pricing it might lead some to not replace them. If you find out what the front is let me know. I know the rear 7.5" strap will work. The only thing I worry about though is it appears the front band is more heavy duty(thicker) than the rear. Court: I did a quick search for muffler straps on the sponsors board(andy) and they are indeed right around $20 each for the rear. I believe the front is a little more. Guessing b/c it's a little more heavy duty(thicker). I am shooting you an e-mail. | ||
| Disturbed |
If it has tyts or tyres...... ^_^ | ||
| Ridrx |
Disturbed, +1 | ||
| Teeps |
Tm74, I posted the link and size for the rear clamps somewhere on this board. Sorry but I over looked the front strap, stupidly assuming it was the same length as the rear, so I don't know its length. But I'm sure deepblue has straps in the correct length, for the front strap fitment. I'm not sure why Buell recommends replacement after one use. Maybe Mr. Court can ask his sources for the engineering reason, of this (seemingly) absurd recommendation... | ||
| Tm74 |
Teeps Yeah, I saw your post. They are 7.5" for the rear. My front is out of round but appears a 6" or maybe 6.25" would work. | ||
| Altima02 |
I would really like to re-paint my muffler, but the stock straps have already been re-used once and I don't want to shell out that much money for some stupid straps, and I'm afraid to take them off and re-use the same ones again. Look into this Court. | ||
| Jasont |
I thought the price was outrageous as well. My front one broke after putting on my new Drummer(which I love). Went to the dealer to get a new one, where I was charged $25. Did a search on the BADWEB for the straps before I went to the dealer and didn't come up with anything. Thankful for the info now. Jason | ||
| Teeps |
OBSERVE THE FACTORY TORQUE VALUES; DO NOT OVER TORQUE THE STRAP NUTS! | ||
| Ds_tiger |
Teeps is right- you can crush the muffler housing with those things! | ||
| Maxo |
I tightened my rear ones too tight and broke the straps at where they hinge. It was funny how easily it happened, not so much when I found out how much the replacements were... muffler ended up being fine. | ||
| Tm74 |
I received my new front strap from the dealer. Some were wanting to know what size it is. The new one isn't perfectly round either but close. With the strap closed all the way, it measures(as best as I can tell) 5 3/4". With she strap open(nut at the very end flush with bolt so it doesn't stick out) it's right around 6 1/8" or 6 3/16". Hard to tell, it's really close. For comparison, the rear measures 7.5" open and measures 7 3/16" or 7 1/8" closed. Again, hard to tell, it's really close. |
