The Aptera Concept Vehicle

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1351302783/bctid1351300070

Very cool.

Windshield Height and Fitment

Taking the advice of the collective, I have put the quest for a windshield at the top of my list, ahead of heated gear.

What's the word on windshield height? I know the Wing's was too high; no matter what I did I couldn't see above it, and it was a real hazard in the rain. I know the sport shield that was on Jezebel when I bought it was totally worthless. I had to lay on the tank to get out of the breeze at all -- which might be okay on a sport bike but is pretty uncomfortable on a cruzer. Feet and hands out in front, ass hanging off the back, it was a backache.

What windshield height gauge have you used?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Memphis Shades

Mounting Hardware

http://www.bikerperformance.com/memphis-shades-fats-slim-mounting-hardware-honda-vf750c-p1957.html

Mounting Hardware

http://store02.prostores.com/servlet/bikerhaven/Detail?no=2000

Best Source Of Warmth

As I mentioned before, I'm searching for heated gear.

But I wonder if a windshield ought to be my first "warmth" investment instead?

Riding a VF750C sitting upright, wind blast full in the chest.

I remember riding the Wing was tolerable at least 10 degrees cooler than the Magna. I attribute this to the fairing.

(It was intolerable for other reasons...)

Heated Gear Comparisons

Gerbing Jacket Liner - 199. -- 77 watts 6.4 amps

Gerbing Pants Liner - 199.

Gerbing Controller, Single - 69

Gerbing Controller, Dual - 119



Widder - vest $115.00 - 35 watts

Widder - arm chaps - 81.00 - 20 watts

Heated Gear Selection

Santa Claus brought me some Christmas moneywill be enough to spring for a heated vest of some sort. I'm looking to extend my riding season maybe a week or two on either end. Plus, it'll make that last 15 degrees that I do ride more comfortable.

Currently I cut off at 37 degrees. I tried once this year at 33 and my fingers were definitely compromised, even with my TourMaster Gel gloves. I reset and maintained my 37 degree rule; I was amazed how much difference 4 little degrees made.

With heated gear, I may be able to extend that riding range down to 25. Regardless of temperature, I never ride with ice on the road.

I'm doing my own research, and rereading recent threads on the subject. But also I would welcome any first-hand testimonials of what folks have tried and works well.

Considerations:

1. Money. I'm not made of it. But I do have some to spend.
2. Convenience. I don't have time to sew my own super suit. I doubt that I have the skill to solder my own temptroller either.
3. Modularity/Expandability. Once my trunk is kept warm, I don't know how necessary gloves and pants might be. But, a system that supported add-ons would be good in case the need arises in the future.

The primary use of this gear would be for extending the season for using my bike in its commuter-vehicle role - 45 minutes each way.

As I learned from my November adventures "Brown County Trip Report", 8 hours at 47 degrees is colder than 30 minutes at 37 degrees. Sounds like a duh, but I never thought about it until I experienced it.

I'll share my findings with the group.

Thanks in advance.

Can You Spot A Fake

Take a look at the referenced photo below.

Do you see that it is a fake?

Origins Of The Victory Vision Revealed


Searching the globe, Dennis has found the origins of the Victory Vision, a.k.a "History's Ugliest Motorcycle".

http://www.schouwer-online.de/technik/killinger_e.htm