My Custom Engine Sliders

[greasyxb9s]

OK so while I was sitting in the shop admiring my buell it hit me... I can make engine sliders too...... so I looked on eBay and grabbed some universal delrin frame sliders for $20 (will take a few weeks to get here cause they are coming on the "boat" lol)

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y534/greasyxb9/KGrHqNrcFCi3d3m0BQpKjfNebQ60_1_zps928180e0.jpg

Next I went to my scrap bin and grabbed a piece of aluminum plate.... its 3/16" thick so hopefully its strong enough..... I might have to use steel. First I made up a template using the measurements off the left hand side cover..... then the right side cover and made a template out of paper. Marked the holes and then measured 3/8" out from each center punch to create a outline. Then I cut it out with my grinder and a cutoff wheel. Rounded the edges and then drilled the holes.

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y534/greasyxb9/20130329_231326_zps74259b8a.jpg

Now I need some kind of spacer to get it out away from the side covers. I'll have to stop at Lowes tomorrow and see if they have tubing or some kind of 1/4" spacer and I'll have to pull the three bolts to get the measurements for longer ones.

I know I copied 5-0dro a bit on the left side.... but I didn't want to lose the round emblem on the right. So I just moved it back a bit and went off the cam cover. Now both sides are pretty much the same and I get to keep my emblem plate.

[stellio78]

Nice, can't wait to see the finished product.

[thrstrmech]

[up] good basic design, if it does the job, then it's worth it's weight in gold...are you going to recess the base of the sliders into the plate? (the washer/spacer above the threaded portion) ...pics when you get 'em mounted

[greasyxb9s]

Nah I don't think so it will sit flat on the plate ..... and since they are universal I can cut the sliders down too..... it should turn out good.

[50dro]

Well done! Good luck finishing up the job™ [up]

[greasyxb9s]

OK so I got the spacers..... 3/4" on the right side and 2- 3/4" and 1- 1" on the right.... it was damn close but I think the left side could come out another 1/4" and the right could go in another 1/4" so I'm back out to get longer bolts and different spacers...... but first I'm headed to the flyers game today.... being the boss has its perks.... my welding supplier gave me luxury box seats cause he knows I'm a huge flyers fan...... a tattoo is pretty hard core I guess lol..... more pictures tonight when I get back from the game......

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y534/greasyxb9/20130330_094847_zpsc6a50087.jpg

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y534/greasyxb9/20130330_095242_zps7a5bf2cf.jpg

[greasyxb9s]

OK so they are done minus the black powder coat. These things turned out great!!!! Cost me a total of $35 with new stainless hardware. I had to get 3" long bolts for all holes the only one that worries me is the left front should be a 3.5" I'm gonna have to go on a bolt hunt.

You can kinda see in the pictures they line up almost perfect with the outside of the frame pucks..... hopefully I never have to use them but I hope they are strong enough to take it.... let me know what you guys think!!!!

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y534/greasyxb9/20130415_165756_zps17cba9af.jpg

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y534/greasyxb9/20130415_165805_zpsc13dccf3.jpg

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y534/greasyxb9/20130415_165814_zps0e0b4686.jpg

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y534/greasyxb9/20130415_165820_zps44a21f36.jpg

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y534/greasyxb9/20130415_165914_zps9941dd2d.jpg

[rchuff]

Nicely done greasy [up] Let me know if you make more I would buy some.

[anrkizm95]

[up]

[greasyxb9s]

Hmmmm I could make these pretty easily..... the only problem is waiting on the parts from china.... took all but 3 weeks to get them.

[oh9bolt]

[up] Nice!

[snrusnak]

I'm actually pretty impressed. They look good.

My only fear is that china steel is not strong...

[greasyxb9s]

The only thing from china is the poly sliders the backing plates are aluminum to see if it would work. Idk if I will leave it aluminum. I have a piece of 3/16" a36 steel at work I'm going to use. I still think the weak part will be the bolts holding it. Probably just rip them out of the block if i lay it down.

[snrusnak]

Did you use cheap bolts or grade 8 or similar? They shouldn't break if they are the right grade. But I bet that threaded rod on the slider will shear, knowing that it's china steel. Maybe it'd just bend though, which would be fine. Certainly better than nothing.

[greasyxb9s]

Bolts in case are American stainless steel and the bolt inside is 10mmx50mm grade 8 American.....

Like I said the only thing from china is the poly slider and all it is is a piece of machines poly that a bolt slides through. I bought all the hardware at the local ace hardware.

[snrusnak]

oh so the threaded rod in the picture is not part of the slider? or you replaced it with new hardware? gotcha.

Could consider not using SS as it's weaker. I almost like the slider on the exhaust side better than the 50dro slider(as far as aesthetics from a symmetrical view).

[greasyxb9s]

That's why I did this. I wanted to keep my #1 timer cover..... its not symmetrical if you look down from the top. The left side is farther forward then the right.... you can kinda see it here the two little nubs sticking out....

http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y534/greasyxb9/20130415_165832_zps86816a98.jpg

[greasyxb9s]

Also the left side sits about a inch inside the frame puck and the left side is almost even with it. So Idk if I want to cut the right side down a little or just leave it go.

[Lesley]

I think you may be onto something. The ones that 50-Dro makes will not work on the older XB motor cases. I think his fit the 2006 models and newer.
I've often wondered how they(engine sliders) would perform under stress being that they bolt to the engine cases. BTW instead of the nylon rollers you could use skateboard wheels. After all, in a crash who knows what would be saved anyway, but in a tip over or slow speed crash I bet they'd hold up quite nicely. You should start making a few sets of your design and see if they sell.
good luck

[50dro]

The ones that 50-Dro makes will not work on the older XB motor cases.

Not true. We have variations for 03-07 & 08+ but our 03-07 are just different than greasy's

http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/3525_20120517135405_L.jpg

We've had a few folks go down with our case sliders mounted and they've worked very well...

PS - Not trying to make this a his vs. mine thread just setting the story straight on what we offer. Job well done greasy! [up]

[nemoxb]

The timer cover slider is what keeps me from buying a set. I just don't like how it looks. If it looked like greasys I would have got a set by now.

[greasyxb9s]

Thanks 5dro..... and yes he is right guys.... his just mount differently.

Idk if I want to start making them or not just as I did kind of copy your left side. In order for me to make these I'd have to get permission from 5dro. Since we are both in the same state and we love the same bikes I dont want to step on anyone's toes or livelihood. I just build these in my little shop.

[greasyxb9s]

Like I said if 5dro says OK I'll make some. If not then that will be that.

I'll only make them for forum members not looking to start a business

[Lesley]

Not true. We have variations for 03-07 & 08+ but our 03-07 are just different than greasy's
I stand corrected. My bad. Sorry about that Dro.

I'd like a custom set with gold skate wheels for my Buellah. LOL
Maybe you guys should knock heads and come up with a "bracket only" design that would allow
the bike owner to decide on roller, wheels or skid pad.
Good luck to you both

[50dro]

The timer cover slider is what keeps me from buying a set. I just don't like how it looks. If it looked like greasys I would have got a set by now.
You definitely have a right to your opinion, but the "looks" of ours was secondary to the function when we designed ours. Without getting into the nitty gritty details of the engineering behind it, we felt that the timing cover location was the best place for the slider and we stand behind that.


Thanks 5dro..... and yes he is right guys.... his just mount differently.

Idk if I want to start making them or not just as I did kind of copy your left side. In order for me to make these I'd have to get permission from 5dro. Since we are both in the same state and we love the same bikes I dont want to step on anyone's toes or livelihood. I just build these in my little shop.

Like I said if 5dro says OK I'll make some. If not then that will be that.

I'll only make them for forum members not looking to start a business
I appreciate that very much! Do I want you to make these? Of course not! ;) Every one you sell is potentially one less that we can sell. That being said, I have no legal right to tell you that you can or can't. As a matter of fact, this is the way that I started things...No intent on selling anything. It feels good to know that other people like you and I want to pay money for something you have made. I'll leave it up to you...

[snrusnak]

A bunch of stand up guys [up]

[greasyxb9s]

Like I said if I would it wouldn't be for a living and they would probably be hand made. That's a endeavor Idk if I want to takeon. I'm going to make a set for rchuff cause I owe him something for trade other then that cause of parts and lead time I would have to be paid up front for sliders and in all reality you guys can make these they are easy!!!!!

[greasyxb9s]

What do you guys think about using skate board wheels instead of the actual sliders?

I can get then locally but Idk about a price yet.

[Zeroflat24]

This is a really stupid question but i really wanna know. Have you tried using these as highway pegs yet when you dont need to be shifting?

[greasyxb9s]

Lol you know I was thinking that haha my bike is apart right now getting the seat rails and tail light house powder coated gloss black in preparation for my new midnight black body. I'll have it back together his weekend and I'll let you know

[oh9bolt]

I have used my 5-0dro case sliders that way zero flat. They work good.

[DrogeN Omen]

i'm keen to make a set of sliders now. :)

[greasyxb9s]

As highway pegs?

[rchuff]

I don't think that's a stupid question think about it, I am. Smart question zeroflat24.

[greasyxb9s]

I can get 4 skateboard wheels for $25 on amazon with a 99 duro. My kart tires used to duro 30's so I know 99 is freaking hard

What is the interest in these if I made them out of skateboard wheels and sold then for $80 a set shipped?

[Zeroflat24]

I have used my 5-0dro case sliders that way zero flat. They work good. I feel obligated to buy 5-0dros parts since he lives in my neighborhood. I just need the $$$. Now that i know they work as foot rests i am even more interested :D

[50dro]

I feel obligated to buy 5-0dros parts since he lives in my neighborhood. I just need the $$$. Now that i know they work as foot rests i am even more interested

Thanks man! [up] You can come check them out any time (other than this weekend as we'll be setting up shop at Dragon VI ;) ). You won't be disappointed. Who knows...you might even get the "neighborhood discount!" Hit me up!

With regards to "foot rests," I suppose you can get your feet on them but they're not highway pegs by any stretch of the imagination (unless you enjoy relaxing in the fetal position! LOL). I'll let you be the judge though. ;)

[Zeroflat24]

Haha yeah ill probably get ahold of you sometime this spring after i get the new CT2s put on :) I am in desperate need of some protection for the Buell because riding around cranberry is like playing Russian roulette anymore.