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Anything to do with motorcycles, scooter, etc...

Chako · 1194 · 43278

us Offline Aloha

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Re: Anything to do with motorcycles, scooter, etc...
Reply #720 on: August 30, 2019, 03:17:14 PM
Nice bike spuds.  I too have heard about the unreliability of Harleys  :dunno:.  I have no experience with other than sport bikes from back when.  I sure do love the Harley rumble regardless.  I've seen a lot of bobbers lately.  Theres a young looking guy I see a lot riding a sweet bike a lot around my area.  He's got to be in his 20s.  Saw him at the gas station with his bike totally stripped clean of darn near everything.  Neat bike for sure, I really dig the look. 
Esse Quam Videri


us Offline spudley112

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Re: Anything to do with motorcycles, scooter, etc...
Reply #721 on: August 31, 2019, 02:57:39 AM
On the subject of Harley reliability, I have a few observations that I have made from years of riding them:

1. Older Harley's (ok, let's just say it - AMF) - Due to more focus on cost cutting and speedy manufacturing, this era was a disaster. I won't go into detail, but look up the history sometime.

2. Shade tree customizing - I had a friend that fancied himself quite the motorcycle wrench turner....he....wasn't. Harley's have a LOT of custom parts available out there. They are probably the most customized bike around. But I see a lot of people taking parts off, throwing parts on, making it sound meaner, making it look "badder." However, I see a lot of these people not having a clue what they are really doing. Customizing without knowledge leads to a lot of breakdowns. Personally, my Ultra Limited is about as perfet a bike as I have ever ridden. I leave it as stock as possible (which will actually help it keep its value longer btw).

3. Torque wrench - One of the best, most valuable tools for a Harley....and one I rarely see home mechanics use. The old "turn it all you can, then another 1/4 turn" thing is not good for a Harley. What little I have ever done on my own, was always torqued to spec. The biggest over tightening culprits are the drain plug, oil filter (don't get me started on this) and if it has a fairing, the windshield screws.

4. Repair manual - If you just have to work on it yourself, PLEASE spend the money on the repair manual.

5. Electronics - I have another friend that LOVES putting effect lights, additional speakers and any other loud or flashing thing he can on any Harley he owns. Here is a secret - the electrical system is designed to handle the standard set up of the bike. Additional electronics add load to the system. That friend with all the extra lights and gadgets - he has to keep a bag full of fuses with him at all times. Many a ride has hit an unexpected pause while he replaced popped fuses. Not many of us ask him along on rides anymore.

6. Fluids - We all know how important it is to change oil. On a Harley, it can be unexpectedly easy to overfill the transmission when conducting the "3 hole" (no jokes please) oil change. I can hear it a lot when around others with Harleys. The sound I listen for? A heavy "clunk" when they shift into first gear. The extra pressure makes for heavy shifts.

Due to my warranty, I spend the extra money and get my oil changed by the Harley shop. A lot of my riding buddies give me crap for it. "You afraid to change your own oil?" "You got a lot of money to burn?" "Sweet on the repair guy?" Nope, I just like the fact that every other oil change, they do a complete check of the bike front to back. All fluids, air pressure, cables etc etc etc. If you go to a Harley shop, they can give you a comprehensive list of all the points they check.

I ride with a guy that has an F6B Goldwing and he is one of those who is always carrying on about Harley problems. He brags about riding a "reliable" Honda. The truth is, I have sat on the side of the road with him 4 times when his bike had problems. The friends that give me crap have to admit, I have never delayed a ride because my Harley was broke down.
Rather mundane quote entered here to approximate humor.


us Offline MadPlumbarian

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Re: Anything to do with motorcycles, scooter, etc...
Reply #722 on: August 31, 2019, 06:09:45 AM
Very nice bike spudley,
I’ve never been on a motorcycle, when I was very young my father owned a Vespa and I would stand on the deck and look over the handlebars, that’s the closest I’ve ever gotten, it’s in my bucket list, just to hop on and have someone take me around the block or something, I’ll never do it myself because of my medical,
JR
"The-Mad-Plumbarian" The Punisher Of Pipes!!! JR
As I sit on my Crapper Throne in the Reading Room and explode on the Commode, thinking, how my flush beat John’s and Jerry’s pair? Jack’s had to run for the Water Closet yet ended up tripping on a Can bowing and hitting his Head on the Porcelain God! 🚽


au Offline pietervn

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Re: Anything to do with motorcycles, scooter, etc...
Reply #723 on: August 31, 2019, 10:39:41 AM
Well said Spudley.

Most bikes have a few "special" models and with that a few "special" owners. I have sat next to the road with mates on jap bikes,euro bikes and american ones. And the ones that are most problematic were either customised beyond their capabilities or not looked after at all. They are mechanical and can break. That is the reason I carry a well thought out toolkit. I have had to use it, and others have used it. Every time I stop to help, I make a note of what the problem was. That may end up in adding tools or equipment (within reason off coarse). Now days with smart phones I carry every manual for my bike on it. Often we are in areas without phone reception. If you just wait next to the road for help, that may be a looooong time here in Oz, especially in the Outback.

We do a fair bit of riding here in Oz where you are lucky to see another bike / car for the day. If you don't look after the bike it may be a very long wait.

Cheers, Pete


au Offline pietervn

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Re: Anything to do with motorcycles, scooter, etc...
Reply #724 on: August 31, 2019, 10:40:20 AM
Very nice bike spudley,
I’ve never been on a motorcycle, when I was very young my father owned a Vespa and I would stand on the deck and look over the handlebars, that’s the closest I’ve ever gotten, it’s in my bucket list, just to hop on and have someone take me around the block or something, I’ll never do it myself because of my medical,
JR

One of the USA Mates, Please take this man for a ride!!!  :D


us Offline MadPlumbarian

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Re: Anything to do with motorcycles, scooter, etc...
Reply #725 on: August 31, 2019, 04:59:34 PM
One of the USA Mates, Please take this man for a ride!!!  :D
Lol cute, thanks!
A little off subject our town had a little fair and they even had kayaks, (another bucket list item) it was a very small pond but me and the kids got to go for a ride? I’m sure the boss will remember, again nothing big, just a few min maybe 10 around in a small pond but it was a check off the list! So maybe someday I’ll check it off the list,
JR
Me and the little guy, the older one had his own,
"The-Mad-Plumbarian" The Punisher Of Pipes!!! JR
As I sit on my Crapper Throne in the Reading Room and explode on the Commode, thinking, how my flush beat John’s and Jerry’s pair? Jack’s had to run for the Water Closet yet ended up tripping on a Can bowing and hitting his Head on the Porcelain God! 🚽


ca Offline Greg Jones

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Re: Anything to do with motorcycles, scooter, etc...
Reply #726 on: August 31, 2019, 09:01:50 PM
Spudley I couldn't agree more with all your points  :tu:


ca Offline Greg Jones

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Re: Anything to do with motorcycles, scooter, etc...
Reply #727 on: August 31, 2019, 09:02:58 PM
Lol cute, thanks!
A little off subject our town had a little fair and they even had kayaks, (another bucket list item) it was a very small pond but me and the kids got to go for a ride? I’m sure the boss will remember, again nothing big, just a few min maybe 10 around in a small pond but it was a check off the list! So maybe someday I’ll check it off the list,
JR
Me and the little guy, the older one had his own,

One thing at a time JR  :cheers:


us Offline Nix

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Re: Anything to do with motorcycles, scooter, etc...
Reply #728 on: August 31, 2019, 09:08:05 PM
On the subject of Harley reliability, I have a few observations that I have made from years of riding them:

1. Older Harley's (ok, let's just say it - AMF) - Due to more focus on cost cutting and speedy manufacturing, this era was a disaster. I won't go into detail, but look up the history sometime.



'Nough said. Today's HDs are rock solid.

I've personally been sat on the side of the road with a Beemer (#1 battery and near-impossible to jump start, #2 starter) and a Katoom (overheating, water pump).

I still ride that BMW, but my mechanic, who got the starter issue resolved, warned me that it might happen again..... Makes riding a bit more of an adventure. I try not to stop anywhere I'm not prepared to spend the night.  :D


ca Offline Greg Jones

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Re: Anything to do with motorcycles, scooter, etc...
Reply #729 on: August 31, 2019, 09:13:48 PM
Not the greatest ride report I know
I just got in from riding 300 kms of Nova Scotia coastline, where I took the offer to put a few on a Trike, it was incredibly stable in corners although strange to steer in the direction of the turn
Here's the only pic's I took  :cheers:



gb Offline Wspeed

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Re: Anything to do with motorcycles, scooter, etc...
Reply #730 on: August 31, 2019, 09:35:41 PM
Nice one GJ :like: :tu:
fail to prepare prepare to fail


ca Offline Greg Jones

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us Offline MadPlumbarian

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Re: Anything to do with motorcycles, scooter, etc...
Reply #732 on: August 31, 2019, 11:03:34 PM
One thing at a time JR  :cheers:
TOTALLY! :tu:
JR
"The-Mad-Plumbarian" The Punisher Of Pipes!!! JR
As I sit on my Crapper Throne in the Reading Room and explode on the Commode, thinking, how my flush beat John’s and Jerry’s pair? Jack’s had to run for the Water Closet yet ended up tripping on a Can bowing and hitting his Head on the Porcelain God! 🚽


gb Offline Wspeed

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Re: Anything to do with motorcycles, scooter, etc...
Reply #733 on: September 01, 2019, 05:59:24 PM
Just finished the aluminium angle on the edges
of the platform  for the hydraulic motorbike lift :woohoo:

But it looks like I will have to put some screws
on the top of the aluminium angle for extra strength
I was hoping not having to put screws on the top of the
aluminium angle but at least that way it will be nice and strong :tu:
fail to prepare prepare to fail


00 Offline Dutch_Tooler

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Re: Anything to do with motorcycles, scooter, etc...
Reply #734 on: September 01, 2019, 09:37:52 PM
 :like: :tu:
Cheers!
Dutch_Tooler

Location: Southern Germany, most of the time


gb Offline Wspeed

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Re: Anything to do with motorcycles, scooter, etc...
Reply #735 on: September 01, 2019, 10:18:57 PM
Thanks D_T :cheers:

Here is another pic of the lift when it’s on the floor
fail to prepare prepare to fail


ca Offline Chako

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Re: Anything to do with motorcycles, scooter, etc...
Reply #736 on: September 01, 2019, 11:45:34 PM
That looks rather smart and professional Wspeed.

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A little Leatherman information.

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ca Offline Greg Jones

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Re: Anything to do with motorcycles, scooter, etc...
Reply #737 on: September 02, 2019, 12:18:11 AM
 :iagree:
Looking forward to seeing the Bike on it   :tu:


us Offline Nix

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Re: Anything to do with motorcycles, scooter, etc...
Reply #738 on: September 02, 2019, 05:07:34 AM
I never saw the appeal in a trike, but they have their fans.


Nice work, Speedy. That looks excellent!  :tu:


us Offline spudley112

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Re: Anything to do with motorcycles, scooter, etc...
Reply #739 on: September 02, 2019, 06:36:58 AM
I never saw the appeal in a trike, but they have their fans.


Nice work, Speedy. That looks excellent!  :tu:

A couple of older vet friends of mine have trikes...mainly because they have bad knees or bum legs. Riding with someone on a trike can really slow things down in the twisties.
Rather mundane quote entered here to approximate humor.


gb Offline Wspeed

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Re: Anything to do with motorcycles, scooter, etc...
Reply #740 on: September 02, 2019, 01:37:50 PM
Thanks everyone  :cheers:
I have a couple of little things still to do on the platform
and then I will get some pics with the bike on it :tu:
fail to prepare prepare to fail


ca Offline Greg Jones

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Re: Anything to do with motorcycles, scooter, etc...
Reply #741 on: September 02, 2019, 01:50:49 PM
Thanks everyone  :cheers:
I have a couple of little things still to do on the platform
and then I will get some pics with the bike on it :tu:

 :tu:


ca Offline Greg Jones

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Re: Anything to do with motorcycles, scooter, etc...
Reply #742 on: September 02, 2019, 01:57:52 PM
Nix, I agree with the appeal of a Trike, and riding it didn't change my view, but like spudley said it keeps you riding, my friend meets that criteria, his hips are on the way out and he uses a walker now, so a Trike it is


ca Offline Chako

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Re: Anything to do with motorcycles, scooter, etc...
Reply #743 on: September 02, 2019, 05:42:55 PM
A lot of folks drive trikes in my area. I even saw a conversion on a small motorcycle that hooked up to the rear wheel...which I thought was rather cool.

I finally got the time to re-install the battery into the motorcycle today. I messed up one of my left thigh muscles after tripping over my cat in a dark kitchen a week ago...which grounded me for a time. I had to take it out for a short test run now that I am mostly healed. Started like a champ. So, the issue was definitely a dead battery. While driving it down the road, I got a real hard look at just how dirty the bike was...and had to give it a wash when I got home. Just finished and it is now air drying outside after drying what I could beforehand. Will take another short ride once its all dry and ready to go.

Some wet photos first..whooohoo!  :rofl:

I tend to just use automotive soap these days. Got one of those expandable hoses with a water gun that has a soap dispenser. I find it a whole lot quicker. Soap up the motorbike, run a bug sponge all over it, and rise and dry off.











I have found this product to be absolutely stellar. I have been using this for around 10 years now, and it is just as awesome as the day I bought it. Got a spare as well...but no need to use it until this one is done. The Absorber does a great job of drying the motorbike after a wash. I store it somewhat wet afterwards in my unheated garage all winter, and nary an issue in the spring when I need to use it again. Just a quick rinse off and wringing and its ready for duty.



Now some dry photos...not as wild as the wet photos...I know.









A little Leatherman information.

Leatherman series articles


gb Offline Wspeed

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Re: Anything to do with motorcycles, scooter, etc...
Reply #744 on: September 02, 2019, 05:48:27 PM
Looks like new Chako nice job on cleaning your bike  :like: :tu:
fail to prepare prepare to fail


us Offline MadPlumbarian

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Re: Anything to do with motorcycles, scooter, etc...
Reply #745 on: September 02, 2019, 05:51:02 PM
Nice Chako!
JR
"The-Mad-Plumbarian" The Punisher Of Pipes!!! JR
As I sit on my Crapper Throne in the Reading Room and explode on the Commode, thinking, how my flush beat John’s and Jerry’s pair? Jack’s had to run for the Water Closet yet ended up tripping on a Can bowing and hitting his Head on the Porcelain God! 🚽


ca Offline Greg Jones

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Re: Anything to do with motorcycles, scooter, etc...
Reply #746 on: September 02, 2019, 09:52:09 PM
Looks great Chako, I'm glad the battery came back  :tu:


ca Offline Chako

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Re: Anything to do with motorcycles, scooter, etc...
Reply #747 on: September 02, 2019, 10:52:33 PM
I can't say enough good things about these smart battery chargers. Well worth the price compared to a dumb battery charger.

Thanks guys...you should have seen the dead bug filth on it from July riding on the Highways.
A little Leatherman information.

Leatherman series articles


us Offline spudley112

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Re: Anything to do with motorcycles, scooter, etc...
Reply #748 on: September 02, 2019, 11:28:32 PM
I can't say enough good things about these smart battery chargers. Well worth the price compared to a dumb battery charger.

Thanks guys...you should have seen the dead bug filth on it from July riding on the Highways.

My local Harley shop always puts a Battery Tender pigtail on every bike they sell. It is nice to just plug in the bike during the heavy winter months to keep the battery in top condition. There are a lot of people out there having to buy new batteries every Spring.

Chako - She is a beauty! VERY classic look.
Rather mundane quote entered here to approximate humor.


ca Offline Greg Jones

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Re: Anything to do with motorcycles, scooter, etc...
Reply #749 on: September 02, 2019, 11:44:42 PM
I was also impressed when I picked up my Yamaha that they had fitted the Battery Tender pigtail  :tu:


 

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