I'm going to be out all day on the bike. First I'll be going to Lakewood to Ocean County Harley-Davidson for their Tent Event...free lunch. From there I'll be taking the parkway to Newark to visit with Heather. Next I'll be going to Hightstown to meet Paul then I'll return home to re-group before going to Burlington for Bike Night.
I went to the Harley dealer for their Tent Event. There wasn't much 'under the tent'; just a bunch of old shirts, gloves and helmets at 50% off. There was music, a one man band, that was pretty good and free hot dogs. I went inside to look at a few items that I was thinking of buying but none of them were on display. When I went back to my bike another rider pointed out that there was something leaking under the bike. I checked it out and apparently is was gasoline from the overflow. I had just filled the tank and really topped it off. When I parked the bike it leaned way over on the stand, causing some gas to spill into the overflow and onto the ground. No big deal...just have to remember that for the next time.
I took off for Newark, heading up the Parkway. The traffic wasn't bad going North but it looked bad going South so for the way home I would be using the Turnpike. I stopped at the last rest stop before my exit, had a drink, took a break from the heat and took my meds. For some reason I was really tired on the bike. I continued on without incident and arrived at the Renaissance House about 15 minutes early. Heather was sitting outside but I couldn't start my visit until it was time so I fussed about with the bike. She said she knew it was me coming as soon as she heard the bike come around the corner.
The visit was nice and when it was time to leave I headed for the Turnpike. There was little traffic on the turnpike compared with the parkway.
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Friday, May 31, 2013
Pic By The Bog - May 29th, 2013
I stopped along Rt. 70 to take a quick pic of the bike in a nice spot.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
A ride around Maine - May 23rd, 2013
We trailered the bike up to Maine on Wednesday night in the new trailer. Note to self: check things better before leaving the dealer. The new trailer has one marker light out and a faulty brake light. Off we went anyway. The ride wasn't too bad...a few back-ups due mostly to construction. We arrived about 23:00, checked-in and went right to bed.
We had been watching the weather and things did not look promising for the weekend. Thursday was looking to be the only possible ride day so we got up and ready to go about 09:30. It was pretty overcast but not raining so off we went, with David and Annette leading the way.
Our first stop was Freeport...L.L. Bean. Pretty amazing place. It just keeps getting bigger and bigger. We walked around Freeport for a bit then decided to get going.
We headed up the coast to Wiscasset, ME for lunch at 'Red's Eats'. What a place...very earthy but soooo delicious. All the hype is true.
We had been watching the weather and things did not look promising for the weekend. Thursday was looking to be the only possible ride day so we got up and ready to go about 09:30. It was pretty overcast but not raining so off we went, with David and Annette leading the way.
Our first stop was Freeport...L.L. Bean. Pretty amazing place. It just keeps getting bigger and bigger. We walked around Freeport for a bit then decided to get going.
We headed up the coast to Wiscasset, ME for lunch at 'Red's Eats'. What a place...very earthy but soooo delicious. All the hype is true.
After stuffing ourselves on lobster and what were probably the best onion rings ever we headed out to Rockland. The scenery was nice, coastal. When we reached Rockland we headed inland to Augusta, the state capital.
In Augusta we stopped at the Harley dealer, North Country Harley-Davidson. We bought the normal stuff...shirt, pin...then headed back to the hotel. First we had to go back through Augusta.
In NJ we have traffic circles (rotarys or roundabouts in Maine). We think our circles are stupid and dangerous, especially the way people drive in NJ; badly and with attitude. The circles in Augusta were wicked crazy! They are several lanes, including the incoming and departing lanes and people just shoot out and across, at high speed. Somehow they work because they plan on adding more.
It was a nice long road along winding, hilly roads. We managed to dodge the rain except for a few drops; nothing heavy. When we arrived back at the hotel we put the bikes back in the trailers. It was just in time because it started to rain.
We went out to dinner at the Great Lost Bear. It is a nice bar / restaurant with a great atmosphere. It also has something like 70 beers on tap. After a great burger we headed back to the hotel, in the rain, and went to bed.
The add-ons begin - May 19th, 2013
Today I added two things to the bike. First was a set of windshield pockets that go across the inside of the windshield. It's three pockets that won't hold much, but will hold a few small things, like glasses, in a convenient place. The other thing I added was a set of passenger hand grips. It's a surprise for Barbara. She is a little unsettled sitting on the back with nothing to hold on to so this should make things a little more comfortable for her.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
OOPS
They say there are two types of Harley riders, those that have dropped their bikes and those that will...I dropped the bike. I was just about standing still, making a right turn and it just went down; nice and slow.
I had watched many videos on how to pick up a downed bike so I thought I could do it. I got into position and pushed with my legs...no good. I repositioned myself and tried again...the bike started coming up but again no good. I gave it another try this time pulling too much with my arms and back...pop! Something bad happened in my lower back.
I knew trying again now would not be smart so I went into the lock shop and asked for assistance. The owner came out, very understanding, and pushed the bike up. He used a method that was not covered in any of the videos. We talked for awhile and he went back inside. I looked the bike over and couldn't find a scratch. Wow, thank goodness for crash bars.
Now I have a hurt back and I'm a little spooked about stops and slow turns. All I can do is practice, practice, practice.
I had watched many videos on how to pick up a downed bike so I thought I could do it. I got into position and pushed with my legs...no good. I repositioned myself and tried again...the bike started coming up but again no good. I gave it another try this time pulling too much with my arms and back...pop! Something bad happened in my lower back.
I knew trying again now would not be smart so I went into the lock shop and asked for assistance. The owner came out, very understanding, and pushed the bike up. He used a method that was not covered in any of the videos. We talked for awhile and he went back inside. I looked the bike over and couldn't find a scratch. Wow, thank goodness for crash bars.
Now I have a hurt back and I'm a little spooked about stops and slow turns. All I can do is practice, practice, practice.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
There's Fixin' To Do...upgrades and add ons too.
Now that we've had the bike for awhile and done some riding we have discovered a 'few' things that need attention and a few things we need to add or upgrade.
Fuel Gauge - the gauge just isn't accurate. It stays on full until there is about half a tank left so the scale on the gauge is for the last half of the tank. Not too important as we watch the miles and the low fuel light seems to work properly. We seem to be getting 40 mpg which isn't too bad for a big bike. That gives us about 200 miles per tank.
Check Engine Light - Code P1358 keeps popping up. According to all the information I can find the bike can throw this code for a lot of reasons, almost all being bogus. I'll keep an eye on this and try some of the tips I've been reading about...mainly cleaning electrical connectors.
Ambient Temperature Gauge - this is all over the place. It seems to peg most of the time, like there is a loose connection. This will be looked at if I ever remove the front cowel.
Oil Gauge - I thought this was a problem but apparently it's not. When the engine is cold the oil gauge reads above 30, even at idle. Once everything is nice and hot the gauge reads normally; 5-10 at idle, 35 at speed.
Antennas - the long whip needs to be replaced. It's annoying, especially when entering and leaving the trailer plus matching 'stubbys' look good.
Tires - no argument here...they need to be replaced. The tread is still 'just' ok but the sidewalls are showing signs of weathering and cracking. I don't think it will get done before our trip...we'll see.
Headsets - the ones that came with the bike need to be mounted to a helmet and are cumbersome. If we want to use our 3/4 helmets we have to use the 'flaps' so...I ordered lightweight headsets that you wear instead of mount in the helmet. This way it doesn't matter which helmets we want to use. I'll be trying them out today.
Windshield - the 'windshield' on the bike is more of a small wind deflector. It looks great but the wind comes over it and just clips the top of my helmet causing a weird vibration. I want to install a 'spoiler' windshield that should get the wind up and over my head, and maybe deflect a few more bugs up and over.
Windshield Bag - I need someplace to stash my EZ-Pass (I don't like the holder on the handlebars), glasses, ipod, keys, phone...and this should do it; all within easy reach. I saw a suggestion to sew a patch over the logo...nice idea.
Passenger Hand Grips - there's nothing for the passenger to grab onto for security. I ordered handgrips that mount under the seat and come out over the saddlebags, giving the passenger a secure handhold. I hope they don't interfere with the opening and closing of the saddlebags.
Tour-Pak Luggage Rack - although the bike has plenty of storage space this would give us someplace to carry larger items. I plan on carrying a duffel and bungees to make the rack useable.
Rider Back Rest - a little back support would go a long way. It would also give Barb something to stop her from sliding forward on hard stops.
Flashing License Plate Frame - The more light you display, the better you'll be seen. I already installed the frame but need to wire it into the brake light wiring. I hope to do it when I remove the seat to install the passenger hand grips.
Accessory Power Outlet - I could use a power outlet in the tour-pak. This way I could re-charge the phone, etc. There is a power outlet in the front but it's impractical to use while driving.
Appearance - I need to find something that will polish the aluminum wheels. The have been neglected and need a lot of work. I've tried some metal polish but I think I'm going to try Simichrome Polish. I also have to find a way to get into all the little tight spots to clean and polish. I figure if I get a good coat of polish on the bike I can clean it easier.
That's it...that's the list. Some of the things have been addressed, some are on order and some will be installed before anyone reads this.
Fuel Gauge - the gauge just isn't accurate. It stays on full until there is about half a tank left so the scale on the gauge is for the last half of the tank. Not too important as we watch the miles and the low fuel light seems to work properly. We seem to be getting 40 mpg which isn't too bad for a big bike. That gives us about 200 miles per tank.
Check Engine Light - Code P1358 keeps popping up. According to all the information I can find the bike can throw this code for a lot of reasons, almost all being bogus. I'll keep an eye on this and try some of the tips I've been reading about...mainly cleaning electrical connectors.
Ambient Temperature Gauge - this is all over the place. It seems to peg most of the time, like there is a loose connection. This will be looked at if I ever remove the front cowel.
Oil Gauge - I thought this was a problem but apparently it's not. When the engine is cold the oil gauge reads above 30, even at idle. Once everything is nice and hot the gauge reads normally; 5-10 at idle, 35 at speed.
Antennas - the long whip needs to be replaced. It's annoying, especially when entering and leaving the trailer plus matching 'stubbys' look good.
Tires - no argument here...they need to be replaced. The tread is still 'just' ok but the sidewalls are showing signs of weathering and cracking. I don't think it will get done before our trip...we'll see.
Headsets - the ones that came with the bike need to be mounted to a helmet and are cumbersome. If we want to use our 3/4 helmets we have to use the 'flaps' so...I ordered lightweight headsets that you wear instead of mount in the helmet. This way it doesn't matter which helmets we want to use. I'll be trying them out today.
Windshield - the 'windshield' on the bike is more of a small wind deflector. It looks great but the wind comes over it and just clips the top of my helmet causing a weird vibration. I want to install a 'spoiler' windshield that should get the wind up and over my head, and maybe deflect a few more bugs up and over.
Windshield Bag - I need someplace to stash my EZ-Pass (I don't like the holder on the handlebars), glasses, ipod, keys, phone...and this should do it; all within easy reach. I saw a suggestion to sew a patch over the logo...nice idea.
Passenger Hand Grips - there's nothing for the passenger to grab onto for security. I ordered handgrips that mount under the seat and come out over the saddlebags, giving the passenger a secure handhold. I hope they don't interfere with the opening and closing of the saddlebags.
Tour-Pak Luggage Rack - although the bike has plenty of storage space this would give us someplace to carry larger items. I plan on carrying a duffel and bungees to make the rack useable.
Rider Back Rest - a little back support would go a long way. It would also give Barb something to stop her from sliding forward on hard stops.
Flashing License Plate Frame - The more light you display, the better you'll be seen. I already installed the frame but need to wire it into the brake light wiring. I hope to do it when I remove the seat to install the passenger hand grips.
Accessory Power Outlet - I could use a power outlet in the tour-pak. This way I could re-charge the phone, etc. There is a power outlet in the front but it's impractical to use while driving.
Appearance - I need to find something that will polish the aluminum wheels. The have been neglected and need a lot of work. I've tried some metal polish but I think I'm going to try Simichrome Polish. I also have to find a way to get into all the little tight spots to clean and polish. I figure if I get a good coat of polish on the bike I can clean it easier.
That's it...that's the list. Some of the things have been addressed, some are on order and some will be installed before anyone reads this.
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Told you it was gonna get expensive...
Today we dropped over $3000 on a new trailer for the bike. There was a lot of going back and forth...new vs used...5', 6', 7' wide...10', 12'.
We opted for new. Used are hard to come by, they get top dollar and you never know how it was maintained.
We purchased a 5' wide with a wedge nose instead of a 6' wide with a square nose. It's more of a 'bike' trailer with a bike securing package already installed; wheel chock, tie down rings, rear trailer kickstands and an extended ramp. We would have liked to go for a full 12' X 7' so that we could carry two bikes but we would have had to put a new hitch on the jeep and add an electric brake package ($$$).
We plan on using the trailer as a storage shed/garage for the bike as well as transport...protecting the investment.
The trailer we bought is also a little better grade than the less expensive ones we had looked at...but it wasn't that much more.
So there we have it, another big expense associated with the bike. All we have to do now is sell the Honda to pay for it.
We opted for new. Used are hard to come by, they get top dollar and you never know how it was maintained.
We purchased a 5' wide with a wedge nose instead of a 6' wide with a square nose. It's more of a 'bike' trailer with a bike securing package already installed; wheel chock, tie down rings, rear trailer kickstands and an extended ramp. We would have liked to go for a full 12' X 7' so that we could carry two bikes but we would have had to put a new hitch on the jeep and add an electric brake package ($$$).
We plan on using the trailer as a storage shed/garage for the bike as well as transport...protecting the investment.
The trailer we bought is also a little better grade than the less expensive ones we had looked at...but it wasn't that much more.
So there we have it, another big expense associated with the bike. All we have to do now is sell the Honda to pay for it.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Thinking Machine
My Harley is a thinking machine. No, I don't mean it can think...I mean I use it to think...or not to.
I can get on the bike and ride when I have things on my mind. While I'm riding along I can work things out, roll them around in my head. When my mind is going like this my senses are sharpened, the mind is on.
It's also a great way not to think about things. Feeling the wind, the roar of the motor and the road rushing by allows me to clear my head.
It's not necessarily when I am alone either. When Barb is on the back I still do my thinking...even bouncing ideas off of her through the intercom.
Either way, the number one thought is to keep my head in the game...look long range, look short range, know what's going on behind you and always ride like every car is going to hit you.
I can get on the bike and ride when I have things on my mind. While I'm riding along I can work things out, roll them around in my head. When my mind is going like this my senses are sharpened, the mind is on.
It's also a great way not to think about things. Feeling the wind, the roar of the motor and the road rushing by allows me to clear my head.
It's not necessarily when I am alone either. When Barb is on the back I still do my thinking...even bouncing ideas off of her through the intercom.
Either way, the number one thought is to keep my head in the game...look long range, look short range, know what's going on behind you and always ride like every car is going to hit you.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Rita's Bike Night
We went to Rita's for bike night last night. It's a loose gathering of bikers every other week. It was my first time there with the new bike. Met up with a few guys that knew about the bike deal.
Ever have one of those days where things don't seem right...clothes don't fit, food doesn't taste right, bike skills are off? I had one of those nights last night. The ride there went alright but parking was awkward; parked a little far from the bike next to me (amateur). When it was time to leave my departure was wobbly and I had my kickstand down. Duh! I felt like such a dumb ass.
Hopefully the other bikers won't judge me too harshly.
Ever have one of those days where things don't seem right...clothes don't fit, food doesn't taste right, bike skills are off? I had one of those nights last night. The ride there went alright but parking was awkward; parked a little far from the bike next to me (amateur). When it was time to leave my departure was wobbly and I had my kickstand down. Duh! I felt like such a dumb ass.
Hopefully the other bikers won't judge me too harshly.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
It's gonna get expensive
Owning a Harley is a big commitment; money, time, care. Owning an older Harley is a bigger commitment. We got it for a super price...I mean a great deal, even with all things considered.
We need to spend a little money soon:
1. We have to replace the tires. I don't see any reason why they won't last through our upcoming trip but soon after that it's time for new shoes. Tires alone, without mounting will be about $225.
2. I have to replace the windshield. Right now it has a very short, blacked out 'windshield'. I could get used to it but I like a little more windshield in front of me, especially with the NJ bug population. That's another $95.
3. I want to add a luggage rack to the top of the Tour Pak (trunk). It will give me a place to strap stuff without sctraching the trunk top...another $135.
4. I need to replace or upgrade the hand grips. The ones on the Harley are smooth and slippery and already give me cramps holding on. Something cushy and 'grippy' would be nice. $70 - $$$.
5. We want to get an enclosed trailer for transportation and storage...$3000-$4000. Ouch!
6. Rider's Backrest...something for me to lean against and to keep Barb from sliding into me. $?
There's also the work involved in switching bikes and making the new one 'our own'. I need to remove items from the Honda and install them on the Harley. Most importantly is my USMC Guardian Bell. Have to keep the road gremlins away! I need to remove the E-Z Pass holder and find a new home for it somewhere on the busy dashboard of the Harley. I emptied the saddlebags and 'trunk' on the Honda. Finding places for the stuff on the Harley isn't a problem, considering the hugh amount of storage on-board. The Hi-Way pegs are a problem. The Harley has HD pegs that I don't really like so I may remove the ones from the Honda and put them on the Harley, then sell the HD pegs.
Let's not forget what is probably going to be the biggest long term expense...HD clothing, patches and pins.
1. We have to replace the tires. I don't see any reason why they won't last through our upcoming trip but soon after that it's time for new shoes. Tires alone, without mounting will be about $225.
2. I have to replace the windshield. Right now it has a very short, blacked out 'windshield'. I could get used to it but I like a little more windshield in front of me, especially with the NJ bug population. That's another $95.
3. I want to add a luggage rack to the top of the Tour Pak (trunk). It will give me a place to strap stuff without sctraching the trunk top...another $135.
4. I need to replace or upgrade the hand grips. The ones on the Harley are smooth and slippery and already give me cramps holding on. Something cushy and 'grippy' would be nice. $70 - $$$.
5. We want to get an enclosed trailer for transportation and storage...$3000-$4000. Ouch!
6. Rider's Backrest...something for me to lean against and to keep Barb from sliding into me. $?
There's also the work involved in switching bikes and making the new one 'our own'. I need to remove items from the Honda and install them on the Harley. Most importantly is my USMC Guardian Bell. Have to keep the road gremlins away! I need to remove the E-Z Pass holder and find a new home for it somewhere on the busy dashboard of the Harley. I emptied the saddlebags and 'trunk' on the Honda. Finding places for the stuff on the Harley isn't a problem, considering the hugh amount of storage on-board. The Hi-Way pegs are a problem. The Harley has HD pegs that I don't really like so I may remove the ones from the Honda and put them on the Harley, then sell the HD pegs.
Let's not forget what is probably going to be the biggest long term expense...HD clothing, patches and pins.
First Ride on Heavy Metal
Last night I / we took our first ride on the 'new' bike. I can't help but call it new even though it's a 2004...but it's new to us. I took it for a quick spin around the block earlier in the day but that didn't count...just jumped on wand went.
I had been working on the bike off and on all day. It needs a real good deep cleaning and waxing. When you consider the price we paid, and the age of the bike, we couldn't expect it to be showroom clean. I need to get a set of cleaning brushes to get into some of the tight spots. Once it's had it's deep cleaning it will be easy to keep clean. Just whip out the power washer, spray it off then take it for a fast ride to dry it.
Anyway, after dinner I had Barb meet me out in the street with her helmet, we jumped on and off we went for a ride in the forest. Considering the fact that I had never been on a bike this big before we did pretty good. We sped down Forest Road, making a few practice stops. When I got to the turning intersection we decided to continue on to Rt. 70...I couldn't make the tight u-turn needed to return home. I had on smooth bottom boots on a gravel / sand covered road.
A few observations...
...it ain't no Honda! The Honda is quiet and super smooth. There's no mistaking that there's twice as much bike under you when you hop on a Harley; you feel it and you hear it.
...it's heavy but well balanced. Point it and it goes.
I had been working on the bike off and on all day. It needs a real good deep cleaning and waxing. When you consider the price we paid, and the age of the bike, we couldn't expect it to be showroom clean. I need to get a set of cleaning brushes to get into some of the tight spots. Once it's had it's deep cleaning it will be easy to keep clean. Just whip out the power washer, spray it off then take it for a fast ride to dry it.
Anyway, after dinner I had Barb meet me out in the street with her helmet, we jumped on and off we went for a ride in the forest. Considering the fact that I had never been on a bike this big before we did pretty good. We sped down Forest Road, making a few practice stops. When I got to the turning intersection we decided to continue on to Rt. 70...I couldn't make the tight u-turn needed to return home. I had on smooth bottom boots on a gravel / sand covered road.
A few observations...
...it ain't no Honda! The Honda is quiet and super smooth. There's no mistaking that there's twice as much bike under you when you hop on a Harley; you feel it and you hear it.
...it's heavy but well balanced. Point it and it goes.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
We're taking the plunge - Harley-Davidson
We always knew we would end up on a Harley-Davidson. Barbara's cousins, David and Annette, the one's we went on the motorcycle cruise with and ride with have one. The Honda has served us well. I really like it but the rear seat has something to be desired for long rides...and we like long rides. We're in the process of finalizing the purchase of a 2004 Electra Glide Ultra Classic. I haven't seen it in person but it was a deal we couldn't refuse. It's the bike we wanted, in a color we liked. The motor and transmission had complete rebuilds with 7000 miles on them and the price was more than right. Buying it without seeing it or riding it may seem strange but the bike deal came to us, and was checked out, by a trusted chain of acquaintances.
I really can't wait to get home and ride it. I know it will take a little getting used to as it's twice as much bike as the Honda.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
PMS (Parked Motorcycle Syndrom)
I just installed a set of highway pegs that Chris gave me for Christmas. They have to be adjusted....a good reason to ride. They give me an alternate place to put my feet and legs to give them a change on longer rides. Too bad they don't make them for the rear rider.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
January Ride - Jan 12th, 2013
Barbara and I got the bike out today and went for a ride. The weather gurus predicted a sunny afternoon with temps in the upper 50's so we thought it would be nice. They were wrong. It was actually cloudy, damp and 48 degrees.
We went to the Doyle Cemetary to visit Barbara's father's grave. There weren't many people there, mainly because of the weather. On the way home we stopped at the Plumstead Grill. It's a little restaurant we pass when we're in the area near the cemetary. Big burgers...I'm stuffed. There's usually alot of bikes there but not today.
Tomorrow I think I'll do a little cleaning. When we got the bike out we were suprised at how filthy it was. I also have to install my new highway pegs.
We went to the Doyle Cemetary to visit Barbara's father's grave. There weren't many people there, mainly because of the weather. On the way home we stopped at the Plumstead Grill. It's a little restaurant we pass when we're in the area near the cemetary. Big burgers...I'm stuffed. There's usually alot of bikes there but not today.
Tomorrow I think I'll do a little cleaning. When we got the bike out we were suprised at how filthy it was. I also have to install my new highway pegs.
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