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.
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