Motorcycle Thoughts

Went to Medina today visited Century Harley-Davidson, can’t wait to get the saddlebags so I can take the Harley when I want to go places like Medina. I love the Goldwing but I want to ride the Softail.

Found a nice route up to Medina. Take SR57 through Orrville, through Wadsworth (North of 585), past I-76 to a road called River Styx which runs into SR18. Screwed up today and wound up in Medina proper. On the way back took River Styx to SR57 to see where I messed up, got it now.

Trying to make it easier to wash the Motorcycle(s), one of the worst parts of cleaning the motorcycles is drying them. First problem is keeping the towels soft and in nice shape, for 8 years we have had a strict towel washing and handling procedure that minimized the chances of scratching the bikes. Washing the towels involved, the towels and sponges for washing being the only thing in the load. The wash cycle had to include fabric softener. The dryer similarly required that the towels/sponges be the only items in the load and include a fabric softening dryer sheet. This caused the towels water absorption to be compromised. Upon completion of drying the towels they needed to be folded and double bagged (sealed) in plastic grocery bags. In addition to eliminating the towel procedure, I am also trying to reduce my dependence on help from others.

So I purchased an Air Dryer-Sidekick. This is a high powered hair dryer, it really pushes out the air. It filters and heats the air, comes with a neoprene hose, and a fan attachment. Relatively expensive at $89.00 from Century Harley-Davidson, heavy duty construction, seems to be a metal motor container, and soft plastic top housing. Operation is simple, plug it in, add a nozzle (with or without the fan attachment), throw the switch and go to town. The unit only has a 12” cord so a heavy extension cord is a must.

It seems to work fairly well. I will need to develop a procedure for using it. Obviously, drying from top to bottom is a must but there will need to be a method to the madness to minimize the work and time. I will probably write a blog post to outline what I have developed. I like that it eliminates towels touching the bike, just another chance for a scratch. Todays washing was pretty quick, I obviously missed some bugs and other spots. Noticed some spots on the exhaust that will need to be addressed. I will need to figure out some way to filter the water to remove impurities so dried air does not leave spots. Going to look into some car wash solutions.

I also purchased the Auxiliary Running Light/Brake Light/Turn Signal Conversion Kit. This turn the rear turn signals into running/brake/turn signal lights. The kit is super simple, includes new red lenses to replace the amber units, and a wiring box. On my FLSTN (2007) had to remove the passenger seat, then the riders seat to get at the wiring near the battery. The harness on the right hand side of the bike goes to the rear fender simply unplug the harness and plug the wiring box into the harness. I stuffed the box between the rear fender and the battery, I did not need to zip tie it. I replaced the rider/passenger seat and went to the lenses on the bullet turn signals. There is a slot in the amber lens, I used a fairly large flat tip screw driver in the slot, a careful twist of the screwdriver, and off pops the lens. Replaced the amber lens with the red lens. Turned on the ignition, and tested with signals only, and brake/signal combination. Works like a champ, now I have three lights in the back illuminating for running lamps (dimmer) and turn/brake (brighter). Hopefully, this will help get the attention of some cager behind me. Very cool.

Took the bike out today to look at cars, and get a bite to eat at Jakes. Hamburgers are half off on Tuesday. Good dinner. So went to Pallotta Ford on Cleveland Road. Then to Jakes for the burgers, then to the Car dealers on the south side of town and home. Bike now has 523 miles. Can’t wait for the bags.

Took a very short ride up SR83 then realized it was getting ready to flip 500 miles, turned down Dover Rd. and down Oil City Rd went out Tolbert then back down SR83 short bit south of Messner then back home where it rolled over 500 miles. Took some nice shots in the back yard.

What a vacation, threatening to rain every day this week so far.

Went to the coffee shop today, then out to Cleveland Road Cycles. I think the fellow that runs it was bummed that I did not come talk to him before purchasing the bike. He feels I should have bought a Road King from him. I disagree, I do not like the Road King as well as I like the Softail. The Road King is a fine Motorcycle, I just do not like the style, I do not like the exhaust on both sides, I do not like the handlebars, headlight, or saddlebags. I think he just wanted to sell me something. He offered to do the 1000 mile on my SofTail, I will consider letting him do it, but more likely I will do it myself.

Found some bags on Ebay, cannot buy them thanks to financial reasons. Perhaps some light is on the horizon by selling the truck. Rode around town for a while and went back home.

Took the scoot over to Bike Night at the Olde Jaol in Wooster, this is a great event that happens three times a summer. Met some great people at the event. Their were lots of bikes at the event, most of the brands were represented. Seemed that (as always) there is an overwhelming presents of Harley-Davidson. I have always been a nut for older iron, as a result I could not help notice some of the Panheads and Shovelheads at the event.

Left a bit late in the evening, seem to do that a lot. One of the problems that I am experiencing with this bike is the lack of storage. I cannot carry another pair of glasses, so I go to the event with the dark shades, I need to get out of there before it becomes too dark. I would really like to get the Saddle bags and/or the windshield bag for the bike. Hopefully the truck will sell.

Raining today, this sucks, I am on my vacation you know.

Did get out for a bit, I went to meet a friend for Lunch at El Campesino on the North end of Wooster. Nice Ride. Got Several questions that I have been considering asking the fellow at Cleveland Road Cycles. Not sure what to make of all the different noises that the motorcycle makes. It is not quiet and refined like the Goldwing. The noises I think I am hearing are most likely the chain from the primary, because it is constant. I also wonder just how loose the clutch and throttle should be. The Shadow has a cable clutch and the free play isn’t that much, did find a video on the web about maintaining the Harley-Davidson. Need to post it. Did take my friend for a ride, I believe that she really enjoyed the ride. it was nice to take her, she is a lot different in her attitude toward the bike. I could feel the apprehension, then, she really seemed to be enjoying the ride. It is difficult to accept how exposed and vulnerable you are on a motorcycle like the Softail when you are used to an SUV.

Rode into Wooster to take care of some business. Rode to Seattles for a coffee. Then off to Mansfield to visit the Harley-Davidson Dealer (Hales). Nice place, bought a great hat. Filled up at the BP in Mansfield on 13 (what a dump), put 3.383 Gallons in at 125.5 miles for a calculated gas mileage of 37.1 MPG. Rode into Wooster again to screw around, ran into an old aquaintance, then off to car dealer to look at a car for wife. Rode to see a friend and chat for a bit, then back to car dealer to meet wife. Finally rode home, Bike turned 400 Miles just north of Messner on 83. Got some shots.

Rode the Goldwing today, the Goldwing is a fantastic bike but nothing like the Harley-Davidson, starting to get the picture. I agree with the assesment that they have about the Goldwing being a 2-wheeled convertible. I like to motorcycle, which is why I have always liked the Aero.

Took the scoot out for another ride later in the day and filled it up, 73.5 miles with 1.8 gallons and it got 40 MPG. I am surprised at how well the bike is doing with fuel mileage. I did not expect it to get that good of gas mileage with as big of a bike as it is, and how tight the engine is.

First Bath today, not as much of a pain in the butt as the Aero, but a pain none the less. Seems that I will not want to remove the windshield any more than necessary. Getting to like the bike more and more, seems that it fits my style nicely, it is a bigger bike, it is a bad boy bike, it is beautiful. Looking the bike over after leafing through the catalog I am finding that the bike is a blank canvass, do not believe that I will have any problem giving it some bling. Perhaps I will go through the catalog and list some of the goodies that I would like. Currently watching an item on Ebay, a sissy bar. Wouldn’t mind getting a detachable unit that would give Kim some comfort. Any way, put some more miles on the bike today. Went to the coffee shop for a while and wandered around Wooster, took the wife to look at a car, drove around Wayne county for a bit and went home. Later we went to Holmesville to check out a car show. On the way back from the car show the bike turned 300 miles old, just as we were turning on to Messner. Came home and got some pictures of the scoot. see photos

Went to the New Owners Breakfast at Century in Medina. Purchased a windshield for it, installed it in the parking lot with Ron (salesmans) help. Then rode to Akron for Lunch at Panera’s in FairLawn. From there, rode to Freedom Harley Davidson in Canton, where I purchased a Hat for wife. Then on to Canal Fulton for a rest. I think the Motorcycle turned 200 miles on the way back from Dalton. Arrived back in Wooster for a coffee at Seattles, stuck around Wooster for a while then went home. Took the motorcycle to Jakes for Dinner then back home. Filled the scoot up in Dalton, got about 39.5 MPG

Got it with 50 miles went to Buffalo wild wings in Medina, took SR18 to SR94 to SR585 through Wooster onto Beall and down Madison Ave, up Madison Hill to SR83 and home now has 89 Miles on it.

Went to Wooster to attend the car show. I believe it turned 100 miles old on the way back from the Car show.

A tough pill to swallow.

That is the best way that I can describe it. The bike is expensive, is it worth it? So many questions…

I was glancing through an old issue of Robb Report MotorCycling magazine the other day, I came across the following in an article written by Robert Ross:

There comes a time in the life of every motorcyclist when a big Harley-Davidson seems like a good idea. It is a primal urge, one that drives more rational motorcycle purchases onto the sidelines. The big Hogs exude an allure unmatched by any other machine, and despite the high prices and unrefined nature of the beasts-or precisely because of these attributes-Harley-Davidson sells almost a quarter-million new machines a year to seasoned bikers, neophytes, and every kind of rider in between.
-One in a Million Spring 2004

I found that paragraph after I bought the bike, so I do not see it as an excuse but as an explanation. I was initially (especially the first night) regretting the purchase of the bike. As time wore on, and I got to know the bike better, I am finding an attachment to it.

The bike is beautiful

I would like to go through the bike and write my thoughts on each part of the bike. I will break it up into three parts, with part 1 being the front of the bike including the front wheel/fender, the forks, lighting, and handlebars/controls. Part 2 will be the tank, instruments, and engine. Part 3 will cover the back end of the scoot.

First, the color

Black was not my first choice, I thought for sure that I wanted a white and black bike (first choice), or a white and blue bike (second choice), so the black bike is my third choice. After all was said and done, I took a look at a white and black bike compared to the all black bike, and wondered why I wanted a white and black bike as a first choice. Perhaps I was concerned about the fact that I have a black Aero. Either way I love the way the black sets off the chrome and other features of the bike, besides, call it what you will “boring black”, “basic black”, I see it as beautiful classic black.

Now, the front of the bike

I have always been a nut for Laced wheels, they are a pain to clean, but the beauty and classic styling more than offsets the cleaning hassles. A chrome valve cap will be required. Century H-D installed front axle caps, I like them but would like to stick with a theme for the bike and am considering a different style, I noticed in the catalog that there are some old-style H-D Motor co. script front axle/swingarm bolt/rear axle set, this may change though. I have to admit to loving the Hub on the front. Fender is classic Harley-Davidson styling, I am a real nut for the retro or old styles. The bike came with the chrome forks installed by the dealer, a super nice touch that really compliments the style of the bike. The dealer also installed the Chrome controls and old-style handgrips, along with some caps on the triple-tree. Chrome fender tips on the front and rear of the front fender accent the black along with the Deluxe script adorning the fender above the wheel. I would like to see some accent pieces similar to the styling on the front fender of the Aero to hide the fasteners, not sure how that would look with the fenders shape. It works well on the Aero because of the fender shape, but the Softail-Deluxe fender is very different. I noticed thumbing through the enormous catalog of Harley-Davidson goodies that a front fender ornament is available, and may be considered for the bike.

I will take a conservative approach to the level of chrome that this bad boy gets, I feel that chrome is over applied in many applications. For example the brake calipers and rotors of this scoot will not be chromed nor will the brake hardware with the possible exception of the caliper mounting bolts, because they go through the fork. The fork mounting hardware will be chrome (where the fender is attached to the fork), the zinc really looks cheap, seems to me that the chrome mounting hardware would have been included with the chrome fork legs.

I really like the bullet turn signal lamps better than Harley-Davidsons older style flat turn signals. The spotlights are a nice addition both stylistically speaking and from a safety standpoint. I would like to consider the eyebrows for the Headlight and the passing lights, to help compliment the retro look. Behind the headlight the forks are covered in traditional Harley-Davidson fashion with an enormous chunk of chrome accented on the left and right by the mounting hardware for the passing lights/turn signal assembly. The forks are topped off with those nice caps with a bar & shield logo.

During the first ride to Century Harley-Davidson in Medina, the wife complained about the amount of wind that she was experiencing. I have lived with the wind for seven years on the Aero, because a windshield that looks good on that bike does not exist. When I brought up the idea of a windshield for the bike, she was skeptical especially given the small size of the ones available for the bike. The only real experience that she has with windshields is the Goldwing which does a masterful job of blocking the wind (too good IMHO). I left it up to her. In the end the bike got a windshield, the nostalgic windshield available from Harley-Davidson. Obviously we could not take the windshield home on the motorcycle without installing it. Thanks to the Ron (the fellow who sold us the motorcycle) we were able to install the windshield with little trouble. In all fairness the windshield was quite easy to install. The first ride on the motorcycle with the windshield installed was down SR 18 toward Akron. Much to both of our suprise the windshield was more effective than either of us expected. I feel that she enjoys the motorcycle a lot more, I admit (grudgingly) that I do too. A big thanks to Ron who has done a masterful job before, during, and after the sale.

The handlebars are of a considerably different bend than either of the other bikes that I have, more like one of my four wheelers but a lot higher. Not sure what to make of the Goldwing bend, it is quite comfortable, the Aero is a beach bend that is comfortable but exposes the rider to the wind-big time. The Softail-deluxe bend is higher, and slightly narrower than the Aero, with the wrists not as bent. After riding the motorcycle over 400 miles I am really getting to appreciate the bend.

Harley-Davidson control layout is a bit different than the other makes. The right controls cluster contains the engine kill switch, starter button, and turn signal (right). The left control cluster contains the Horn, High beams, and turn signal (left). In contrast the Honda’s left cluster contains the turn signals (both left and right), high beam, and Horn. The right contains the engine kill and engine start. At this point I will maintain that the Honda layout makes more sense because the left hand is better suited (IMO) to turn signal duty, if you are on the throttle and reach for the right turn signal, you could bump or shut the throttle unexpectedly. Meanwhile the left hand has nothing to do. I am used to the layout by now, and am not really having any problem with it.

The view over the handlebars includes the chrome headlight housing which reflects the rider, as well as a nice dog bone for the handlebar clamp with the “Harley-Davidson” bar & shield logo. I am planning on adding chrome buttons on the handlebar clamp to cover the zinc hardware. I feel this will finish this off better than the chrome hardware.

The mirrors are nicely styled in a fuel tank shape (with a square off small end) and do not vibrate at all, the view is clear and clean. The lack of vibrations in the bike are an enormous suprise to me, I figured this bike would be as shaky as the Aero, more on that later.

Part 2 will be the middle of the Bike