The V30's leaking valve cover problem (that I described a few weeks ago) has been solved. My theory is that the valve cover gaskets had shrunk a tad in their 25 years. I augmented the valve cover bolts with supplemental rubber washers, and carefully tightened.
I know better than to over-tightening my valve cover bolts. I broke one off on a different bike; I won't make that mistake again.
I started her up and she smoked long enough to burn the spilt oil off the rear exhaust manifold, then she cleared right up. I took her for a spin. No more smoke.
Motorcyclist Killed by Lightning While Riding Back From Charity Event
Sunday, April 26, 2009
LAWRENCE, Kan. — A 45-year-old Lawrence man was killed when he was hit by lightning as he was riding his motorcycle as storms swept through northeast Kansas.
Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Herrig says the man was with six other motorcyclists who are members of the Bikers Against Child Abuse group. He was hit by lightning about 5 p.m. Saturday on U.S. 24 between Perry and Granville.
A man riding next to the victim was treated and released at a Topeka hospital. The other five members of the group were not injured.
Herrig says the motorcyclists were returning home after visiting some children they had helped in the past in their work against child abuse. He calls the man's death a "tragic, sad thing."
LAWRENCE, Kan. — A 45-year-old Lawrence man was killed when he was hit by lightning as he was riding his motorcycle as storms swept through northeast Kansas.
Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Herrig says the man was with six other motorcyclists who are members of the Bikers Against Child Abuse group. He was hit by lightning about 5 p.m. Saturday on U.S. 24 between Perry and Granville.
A man riding next to the victim was treated and released at a Topeka hospital. The other five members of the group were not injured.
Herrig says the motorcyclists were returning home after visiting some children they had helped in the past in their work against child abuse. He calls the man's death a "tragic, sad thing."
Funniest eBay Listing Of All Time
I'm shopping for passenger floorboards for my wife's Dyna, and I happened upon the following listing on eBay.
"I am selling these passenger floorboard covers. They are in useable condition, no major damage. Chrome appears to have been cleaned to death."
I believe it. It is the stereotypical Harley rider, polishing his chrome until there is nothing left. Chromed to death. HA!
"I am selling these passenger floorboard covers. They are in useable condition, no major damage. Chrome appears to have been cleaned to death."
I believe it. It is the stereotypical Harley rider, polishing his chrome until there is nothing left. Chromed to death. HA!
What's Up
ago apr atgatt aug bike biker blog cc city comments comparison davidson dec displacement dyna ft garage gas glide harley helmet highway honda horsepower hp jan jul key labels lbs links magna motorcycle mpg nov oct pm posted rat restore ride sep shopping super switching torque v30 vf500c weight wet
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Why do I ride?
Why do I ride?
Because I can. Because I absolutely love it.
If I have to explain it you wouldn't understand.
Basic transportation.
I love the feel of my knees in the breeze.
It's the closest thing to flying while you're still on the ground.
It makes me feel alive.
It's dangerous. It's fun.
It saves me money on gas. It's cool.
Because motorcycles saved my life.
Why do YOU ride?
Because I can. Because I absolutely love it.
If I have to explain it you wouldn't understand.
Basic transportation.
I love the feel of my knees in the breeze.
It's the closest thing to flying while you're still on the ground.
It makes me feel alive.
It's dangerous. It's fun.
It saves me money on gas. It's cool.
Because motorcycles saved my life.
Why do YOU ride?
New Helmet Acquired
I needed a helmet, and went to Cycle Outfitters to pick up an HJC AC12. Or so I thought.
With a professional there helping me, we decided that HJC CL-SP's didn't really fit me that well. The medium was too tight, my chin rubbed up against the chin bar. The large was too large, it swam all around even when tightly strapped.
So, I noticed the "40% off" markings on the KBC rack, and thought I'd try a different manufacturer to see if I could find a better fit.
They didn't have white, which is my preference as I believe it is very visible, most visible besides day-glo yellow. I could do yellow maybe if I had a yellow bike, but with a red one, I couldn't bring myself to do yellow.
I looked long and hard at all the gaudy graphics. Most of them were hideous.
There were one or two that I didn't hate. I must've tried on every model KBC in the store.
Finally I decided that gaudy graphics are not for me. Absent the choice of white, and left with solid colors of silver, matte black or matte silver, I chose matte silver. Yeah, I know, a shiny silver might've been more visible, but the matte silver was very pretty. I may add some reflective pin striping or piping or something. Guess I'm getting soft in my old age, putting beauty above safety.
I walked out with a KBC VR-2R for 40% off MSRP.
I look forward to trying it out.
With a professional there helping me, we decided that HJC CL-SP's didn't really fit me that well. The medium was too tight, my chin rubbed up against the chin bar. The large was too large, it swam all around even when tightly strapped.
So, I noticed the "40% off" markings on the KBC rack, and thought I'd try a different manufacturer to see if I could find a better fit.
They didn't have white, which is my preference as I believe it is very visible, most visible besides day-glo yellow. I could do yellow maybe if I had a yellow bike, but with a red one, I couldn't bring myself to do yellow.
I looked long and hard at all the gaudy graphics. Most of them were hideous.
There were one or two that I didn't hate. I must've tried on every model KBC in the store.
Finally I decided that gaudy graphics are not for me. Absent the choice of white, and left with solid colors of silver, matte black or matte silver, I chose matte silver. Yeah, I know, a shiny silver might've been more visible, but the matte silver was very pretty. I may add some reflective pin striping or piping or something. Guess I'm getting soft in my old age, putting beauty above safety.
I walked out with a KBC VR-2R for 40% off MSRP.
I look forward to trying it out.
Need a Helmet?
Ironically, in the middle of my helmet search, I saw this comic from "Cyanide and Happiness."
New Helmet Needed
I need a new helmet and having spent all my dosh on chrome and 1930's technology, I have just about an HJC budget left.
I've been happy with HJC. I've bought three CL14's, and more recently an FS-10 for my wife, and a CS-R1 for my 10-year-old son.
I've heard the "upgrade-level" AC12 is better ventilated and quieter than the "entry-level" CL shells. Can anyone corroborate this claim, or recommend a competitor's helmet that fits in the $200 range.
New Seat Installed
I wanted to upgrade the solo seat on my wife's new 2009 Harley Davidson Dyna Super Glide. We selected a mustang two-up touring seat. I've used a Mustang seat on my own bike and have like it, so I was comfortable with the brand.
We received the new Mustang seat from Dennis Kirk in just 3 days. I put it on. It looks nice, though it hasn't been tested out yet.
Surprisingly there was no information that I could find online on how to install it. Even the mustang website was behind in their online instructions -- they haven't updated their instructions since 2006.
It's very simple:
1. Remove the phillips head bolt which holds the stock seat.
2. Carefully left the rear of the seat up, then slide the seat toward the rear of the bike. The front has a tab which tucks into a metal slot up front by the gas tank.
3. Remove the black plastic snap ring from grommet where the bolt came out. Just slip it off by pushing it back away from the grommet. Don't try to pry it off or you'll mess up the paint and/or crack the ring.
4. Once you remove the ring, the grommet may fall out under the fender. If not, reach up carefully underneath the fender, from the back, and pull it out with your fingers. It should fall freely into your hand with little pressure.
5. Find the black plastic "Harley Davidson Logo Embossed" plug which blocks the predrilled hole for the two-up seat. Reach up underneath the fender with your fingers, and press on the underside of the plug. It should pop out. You might want to put another hand over the top of it. I didn't, and it literally went flying. Fortunately for me, I found the flying plug without trouble.
6. Place the black plastic plug in the original hole, which had held the grommet for the stock seat bolt. It should just snap into place with minimal pressure. While this will be hidden under the new seat, it's as good a place as any to store the plug. If you ever revert to a stock seat again, you'll wish you had it.
7. Put the grommet through the second hole, the one toward the rear of the fender, which orinally had had the black plug.
8. While holding the grommet in place from underneath the fender, slip the black plastic snap ring around the top of the grommet to hold it in place.
9. Gently set the new two-up seat back on the bike. Tuck the tab at the front of the seat into the slot. Gently lower the rear of the seat. The bracket on the rear of the two-up seat should fit nicely over the grommet.
10. Replace the phillips-head bolt.
You're ready to ride!
First Impressions: 2009 Harley Davidson Dyna Super Glide
My new Super Glide handles much more easily than I thought. While riding and taking corners, I don't notice the extra 200 pounds of weight. In fact, I haven't even given cornering a second thought (though I've been taking it very easy while getting to know the bike.) It just feels very well balanced and natural to ride. Moreso, I think, than my V30 - which feels a little taller and less solid in the corners. Could be the difference in the tires too.
The things I'm having to think about as I get used to it are the differences in the controls - specifically, the rear brake and the right turn signal. Both issues are probably just a matter of getting used to the new positions. I'm used to both signals being on the left side. On the Harley, the signals are on their respective handlebars. The right turn signal being on the right and with the throttle hand have caused me some anxious moments when I accidentally twisted the throttle when going for the signal. I'm having to practice quite a bit on that one, but I'm sure it won't be long before those throttle blips are a memory.
The torque is phenomenal. Even though I'm usually a gentle rider, I can see how it could be easy to really crank that throttle and take the rpm up higher than I'm supposed to during the break-in period. I hadn't thought it would be an issue with my riding style but it's very easy to do.
I haven't ridden it very far yet. It's been cold and rainy and there's NO WAY I'm going to experiment with it on wet pavement this early on. But with my paltry little 21 miles I've put on it on nearby streets, I can see I'm going to love the handling. This bike and I are going to be one very soon.
Magna Wishlist
Passenger Floorboards
To keep the passenger's feet off the exhaust.
Luggage Rack
It's handy to be able to strap a suitcase behind the passenger.
Forward Controls
For a more comfortable riding position. Feet forward 10".
Pullback handlebar risers
Looking for a perfectly upright seating position; I'm just an inch or two shy of it with my current risers. These would probably put me in the right spot.
Aftermarket Exhaust
The stock exhaust is a little discolored; aftermarket seems readily available as a solution. Plus, supposedly more power can be had, and a reduction in weight would be nice.
I've heard that the Cobra fit and finish are okay, but not great. I've heard that Vance&Hines exhaust supposedly has a superior finish. I've heard that the Jardines are "too damned loud". All such assessments are subjective, but I think I'll look at Cobras unless I can find V&H for a steal.
Sigh. I need to do some more research.
Dyna Wish List
Wish List For Getting the New Dyna Super Glide road-ready:
1. Mustang Two-Up Seat.
Stock seat is a solo seat, aftermarket seat from Mustang seems to be the way to go. Ironically, the one we're looking at is identical or equivalent to the one I bought for my Magna.
2. Backrest
Can't have kids on the back without a backrest.
3. Passenger Floorboards.
The stock bike has no passenger pegs. The dyna pegs are *so* close to the exhaust that a passenger floorboard is a much better proposition. Keep the passenger's boots off the exhaust.
Green Helmet Disposal?
I've got two old helmets that have fulfilled their purpose. They've struck the ground, protecting their contents, and need to be disposed of . (This is old news that I've already reported here, not some new event.)
Do I just chuck 'em in the trash, or is there some recycling place/process for old helmets? Or, remove the liners/pads/components in case someone else needs a replacement part?
Do I just chuck 'em in the trash, or is there some recycling place/process for old helmets? Or, remove the liners/pads/components in case someone else needs a replacement part?
V30 Resurrection
Katie (the V30) is back up and running.
The oil pressure switch magically works now after I disconnected and reconnected the wire.
Replaced one blown fuse and two blown bulbs, to fix the rear lighting situation.
New turn signals all around, so they all match even though on the right side signals were unscathed. (Cosmetics are important even on 25-year-old Magnas.)
So I got off super easy.
She's dripping oil from the rear valve cover onto the exhaust, causing her to smoke after she warms up. I'll take off the rear valve cover and see if I find the missing quart of oil. After the wreck, she was a quart low.
It's definitely coming from the valve cover gasket, not lower.
The oil pressure switch magically works now after I disconnected and reconnected the wire.
Replaced one blown fuse and two blown bulbs, to fix the rear lighting situation.
New turn signals all around, so they all match even though on the right side signals were unscathed. (Cosmetics are important even on 25-year-old Magnas.)
So I got off super easy.
She's dripping oil from the rear valve cover onto the exhaust, causing her to smoke after she warms up. I'll take off the rear valve cover and see if I find the missing quart of oil. After the wreck, she was a quart low.
It's definitely coming from the valve cover gasket, not lower.
More Comparisons
1994 Honda VF750C Magna
Torque: 50 ft/lbs
Horsepower: 84 hp
Wet Weight: 539 lbs
Mpg: 44/34 highway/city
Displacement: 750 cc
2009 Harley Davidson FXD Dyna Super Glide
Torque: 92 ft/lbs
Horsepower: 68 hp
Wet Weight: 663 lbs
Mpg: 54/35 highway/city
Displacement: 1584 cc
So, my bike weighs 100 lbs less than hers, displaced half of what hers does, produces 1/3 more horsepower and a little over half the torque.
1984 Honda VF500C Magna V30
Torque: 32 ft/lbs
Horsepower: 62 hp
Wet Weight: 434
Mpg: 55/49 highway/city
Displacement: 498 cc
So, her new bike has three times the displacement, three times the torque, roughly the same horsepower and gas mileage as her old bike.
Torque: 50 ft/lbs
Horsepower: 84 hp
Wet Weight: 539 lbs
Mpg: 44/34 highway/city
Displacement: 750 cc
2009 Harley Davidson FXD Dyna Super Glide
Torque: 92 ft/lbs
Horsepower: 68 hp
Wet Weight: 663 lbs
Mpg: 54/35 highway/city
Displacement: 1584 cc
So, my bike weighs 100 lbs less than hers, displaced half of what hers does, produces 1/3 more horsepower and a little over half the torque.
1984 Honda VF500C Magna V30
Torque: 32 ft/lbs
Horsepower: 62 hp
Wet Weight: 434
Mpg: 55/49 highway/city
Displacement: 498 cc
So, her new bike has three times the displacement, three times the torque, roughly the same horsepower and gas mileage as her old bike.
Aftermath
Little things like grease spots in the road during a gentle rain serve to remind me to always "be present" when riding, never daydream, never forget that a split second can make the difference between a safe ride and ... not making it home. 
The complete story was posted a couple weeks ago.
The complete story was posted a couple weeks ago.
Comparison -- Old and New
2009 Harley Davidson FXD Dyna Super Glide
Torque: 92 ft/lbs
Horsepower: 68 hp
Wet Weight: 663 lbs
Mpg: 54/35 highway/city
Displacement: 1584 cc
1984 Honda VF500C Magna V30
Torque: 32 ft/lbs
Horsepower: 62 hp
Wet Weight: 434
Mpg: 55/49 highway/city
Displacement: 498 cc
So,her new bike has three times the displacement, three times the torque, roughly the same horsepower and gas mileage as her old bike.
Torque: 92 ft/lbs
Horsepower: 68 hp
Wet Weight: 663 lbs
Mpg: 54/35 highway/city
Displacement: 1584 cc
1984 Honda VF500C Magna V30
Torque: 32 ft/lbs
Horsepower: 62 hp
Wet Weight: 434
Mpg: 55/49 highway/city
Displacement: 498 cc
So,her new bike has three times the displacement, three times the torque, roughly the same horsepower and gas mileage as her old bike.
New Bike
Call me crazy, call me a fool who's parted ways with his money. I don't care, I knew what my wife wanted and I bought it for her. I'll ride my own ride, she can ride her own ride. Honda's and Harley's can live together peacefully under the same roof.
I bought her a new Harley this week.
Tuesday night I told her I had to work late. Instead, I stopped by the Harley Dealer on 96th street after work, and browsed bikes. I'd seen a used Dyna Low Rider on their website that drew me in. As it turns out, I got a better deal on the new than I could have gotten on the used bike.
I signed all the paperwork on Tuesday night, and came back to pick the bike up after work on Wednesday.
Last night, while she and the kids were at a church meeting, I rode the bike home and parked it in the garage. I unplugged the garage door opener (like I do in the winter so nobody accidentally lets the heat out of the garage) -- so she'd have to walk in through the front door.
When she got home, I handed her a card and gift. The gift was about the size of a ring box. The card was an anniversary card -- it's our 20th anniversary this year.
She opened the box, expecting a ring. Instead, it was a key to the bike.
She looked at it with a puzzled expression, not recognizing it. The new Harley keys look like the key to a vending machine.
I said, "Read the words on the key."
Inscribed on the key were the words, "Harley Davidson".
She ran to the garage and screamed. I thought she might faint. Her knees buckled. She couldn't believe what she was seeing.
I had completely surprised her. This is something she's wanted since she was a little girl riding behind her dad on his 1978 Harley FLH Electra Glide.
I bought her a 2009 Dyna Super Glide.
She's still in shock. She hasn't ridden it yet. I'll have to peel her off the ceiling to get her to ride it.
She ain't yer typical Harley Rider. Stock pipes. ATGATT. She rides her own ride.
I bought her a new Harley this week.
Tuesday night I told her I had to work late. Instead, I stopped by the Harley Dealer on 96th street after work, and browsed bikes. I'd seen a used Dyna Low Rider on their website that drew me in. As it turns out, I got a better deal on the new than I could have gotten on the used bike.
I signed all the paperwork on Tuesday night, and came back to pick the bike up after work on Wednesday.
Last night, while she and the kids were at a church meeting, I rode the bike home and parked it in the garage. I unplugged the garage door opener (like I do in the winter so nobody accidentally lets the heat out of the garage) -- so she'd have to walk in through the front door.
When she got home, I handed her a card and gift. The gift was about the size of a ring box. The card was an anniversary card -- it's our 20th anniversary this year.
She opened the box, expecting a ring. Instead, it was a key to the bike.
She looked at it with a puzzled expression, not recognizing it. The new Harley keys look like the key to a vending machine.
I said, "Read the words on the key."
Inscribed on the key were the words, "Harley Davidson".
She ran to the garage and screamed. I thought she might faint. Her knees buckled. She couldn't believe what she was seeing.
I had completely surprised her. This is something she's wanted since she was a little girl riding behind her dad on his 1978 Harley FLH Electra Glide.
I bought her a 2009 Dyna Super Glide.
She's still in shock. She hasn't ridden it yet. I'll have to peel her off the ceiling to get her to ride it.
She ain't yer typical Harley Rider. Stock pipes. ATGATT. She rides her own ride.
Redleg's Rides: Switching to Harley Davidson
Redleg's Rides: Switching to Harley Davidson
Sad day ... trading BMW's for a Harley.
Sad day ... trading BMW's for a Harley.
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