Front engine isolators

[Rhino1XL]

So, where are we getting new front engine isolators? Harley made a batch in 2017, but has anything 3rd party been manufactured?

I’ve looked through the threads and can’t really find anything. Buying used on EBay is sketchy at best!

Thanks! (First post, please be kind)

 

[kz6fittycent]

So, where are we getting new front engine isolators? Harley made a batch in 2017, but has anything 3rd party been manufactured?

I’ve looked through the threads and can’t really find anything. Buying used on EBay is sketchy at best!

Thanks! (First post, please be kind)

You likely already found this, but I've been buying parts for my XB from these guys: https://st-paul-harley-davidson-buell.myshopify.com/search?q=isolator

I don't know about aftermarket. I'll look around and see what I find - I'm totally fine with aftermarket stuff.

 

[casual_observer]

Unless you are going to step up to the plate and take over manufacturing, they are done. They are now listed at VPI, so Harley is done with them.

Perhaps a forward thinking, kind gentleman such as that John Barrett guy may have bought some from them to have available for others to purchase.

 

[Rhino1XL]

I have a new one, but an aftermarket supplier would be great. I know the guys in the Netherlands made a nice CNC Aluminum prototype, but I don’t think it got past that stage. There HAS to be a way of making the rubber insert replaceable. Hmmmm.

 

[Rhino1XL]

I e been involved in vintage VW’s for year’s and there are many aftermarket manufacturers making anything and everything for them. Can’t be much of a stretch to make some Buell parts...

 

[casual_observer]

there are many aftermarket manufacturers making anything and everything for them.

Yeah, let me know when they start repopping Notchback rear fenders.

 

[njloco]

If someone wants to offer up an old front isolator housing, I have an idea that should work and everyone can do it themselves.

 

[casual_observer]

If someone wants to offer up an old front isolator housing, I have an idea that should work and everyone can do it themselves.

I like this guy. ^^^^ He takes charge of situation and works to a solution, rather than waiting for someone to hand something out. A rare and unique quality these days.

 

[Rhino1XL]

Glass-Action.com. Your welcome!

 

[njloco]

That should have said if it works, everyone will be able to do it themselves.

 

[Rhino1XL]

Yeah, let me know when they start repopping Notchback rear fenders.

Glass-Action.com.

Your welcome!

 

[Rhino1XL]

If someone wants to offer up an old front isolator housing, I have an idea that should work and everyone can do it themselves.

I do not, but SOMEONE HAS to have a roached out one here!

 

[casual_observer]

Glass-Action.com.

Your welcome!

You got me on that one. I asked for unobtanium and you brought **** lasagne. Thats my fault, I should know better of what to expect from people.

You almost seem like your proud of this disgrace, and I'm horrified that such a thing exists.

 

[kz6fittycent]

You got me on that one. I asked for unobtanium and you brought **** lasagne. Thats my fault, I should know better of what to expect from people.

You almost seem like your proud of this disgrace, and I'm horrified that such a thing exists.

ISP West has them (Notchback rear fenders 61-69) - exactly 1 (one) left. If you needed it, better hurry. It's $450.

That said, I think you're point is made, not everything is available - but there are enough of us to engender a small market. Even if it's just us doing it ourselves.

I'm wanting to buy a 3d printer so I can start prototyping parts for my XB. Once I have a working model, I can send it off for CNC. Sure, that's not cheap, but if I can't find it in the first place...you see where I'm going.

 

[casual_observer]

ISP West has them (Notchback rear fenders 61-69) - exactly 1 (one) left. If you needed it, better hurry. It's $450.

That said, I think you're point is made, not everything is available - but there are enough of us to engender a small market. Even if it's just us doing it ourselves.

I'm wanting to buy a 3d printer so I can start prototyping parts for my XB. Once I have a working model, I can send it off for CNC. Sure, that's not cheap, but if I can't find it in the first place...you see where I'm going.

You are right, point made.

Do some research on here and you will find the prelimary designs of a front isolator redesign, after they went disco the first time. It wound up not working out, but with some more time and refinement, you may be able to engineer something. I think the project was abandoned once the isolator came "back from the dead".

 

[Rhino1XL]

No worries Casual Observer! My heart belongs to VW’s and motorcycles. (In that order)

 

[casual_observer]

I used to be a VW fan myself and have owned many over the years. I've only owned 2 or 3 water cooled ones, but a LOT of air cooled. I especially enjoyed the Type 3's but never had a Ghia. The last time I owned an aircooled VW was back when Johnny's Speed and Chrome was still around.

 

[Cooter]

A friend has an decent and mostly original Ghia in that weird Butternut color he'd love to let go of on So. Cal. His heart is in a different spot now.

 

[cvc]

I have a backup isolator in good shape and will take a look at a replaceable insert like automotive control arm bushings. Either a complete replacement or a polyurethane insert using the original shell like Energy Suspension does. How many are needed I’ll need a significant number to make a batch affordable. If I can keep the cost under $75 each who wants one or two ?

 

[Cooter]

I have a backup isolator in good shape and will take a look at a replaceable insert like automotive control arm bushings. Either a complete replacement or a polyurethane insert using the original shell like Energy Suspension does. How many are needed I’ll need a significant number to make a batch affordable. If I can keep the cost under $75 each who wants one or two ?

Thats exactly my thought as well. Probably need to stick with rubber though. I don't think you could get Polyurethane in a soft enough durometer that would last.