A new take on the XR1200, from Harley. See MCN for full report.
Sneak Peek: 2010 Buell Blast
Buell introduced their 2010 models just like the Motor Company, but they're showing the Blast after having been through the crusher.
They issued a press release: "We’ve turned a limited number of Blasts into colorful metal cubes, each numbered and signed by Erik Buell himself"
Full article at kneeslider.com
Revisiting the V-Rod Muscle
| About The Author | |
|---|---|
| Bob contributed a report after his brief, 5-mile test drive of the 2009 Harley Davidson V-Rod Muscle. The bottom line was ... not worth the hefty price tag. But while on vacation in Vermont, he had a chance to put the bike through its paces on some fantastic roads. You'll see by the following trip report -- he changed his tune.... |  |
Yesterday I took one hell of a Harley test drive. I called the Harley shop over in Barre, VT to inquire about renting a VRod muscle for a few days. They didn't have any on the rental program, but would be glad to let me take one out for a few hours for free.
Beauty. So I drove 44 miles down to the shop and picked up a brand new, shiny V-Rod Muscle. I rode it up I-89 to the Stowe exit - highway 100. I took highway 100 up past the Ben & Jerry's factory and some other landmarks to Stowe, VT. From Stowe I rode up 108 through "Smuggler's Notch", stopping along the way to take some pictures. 108 is a curvy, hilly piece of road; a royal pain in the ass in a minivan, but amazing on the V-Rod.
Over the notch and around 50 miles later, I showed the bike to my wife and her parents. Initially the plan was for me to take her for a quick, scenic spin through the notch, drop her off, and head back to the dealership. Well, my wife loved the bike and ended up riding all the way back to Barre with me. This is the longest trip we've ever taken together and it was a blast!
All in all I rode the bike around 100 miles on some of the most scenic roads you can imagine.
I am a certified V-Rod Muscle fan and a Harley convert. I plan to buy one within the next 5 years. I may even sell the Magnaceptor.
Stunters Wreck A New XR1200
This youtube video shows stunters attempting to ride a wheelie on a new Harley-Davidson XR1200 -- with disastrous results.
The San Diego Harley Davidson dealer sponsored a stunt session. Note that these guys concept of "stunt gear" is a beany helmet.
I'm not big into stunting or stunt bikes, but I do have respect for Jason Britton -- my favorite stunter and host of "Super Bikes" on the speed channel.
Jason has real stunting skill, and has enough intelligence to wear real gear. He preaches the "Wear Your Gear" gospel as he tours the country, performing his stunts.
These guys, on the other hand, are winners of the Darwin Awards.
The San Diego Harley Davidson dealer sponsored a stunt session. Note that these guys concept of "stunt gear" is a beany helmet.
I'm not big into stunting or stunt bikes, but I do have respect for Jason Britton -- my favorite stunter and host of "Super Bikes" on the speed channel.
Jason has real stunting skill, and has enough intelligence to wear real gear. He preaches the "Wear Your Gear" gospel as he tours the country, performing his stunts.
These guys, on the other hand, are winners of the Darwin Awards.
New Honda V4
Honda Europe has posted this video on youtube, touting their new V4 bike. I wish I could see the whole bike, not just closeup shots of it.
There's cool music and cool graphics, but not much substance yet.
I am hopeful.
Check out the Honda V4 site
Or the new Feel V4 site
There's cool music and cool graphics, but not much substance yet.
I am hopeful.
Check out the Honda V4 site
Or the new Feel V4 site
Holy Smokes
What a difference those 105 jets and needle shims make. I rode TRHB (tm) to work today and .... holy wow.
I didn't notice the flat spot at 4000 rpm ... until it was gone. Smooth power delivery all the way up to the top of the tach. I could swear I have more low end torque too ... more grunt at 2000.
I'm definitely running rich. I can smell it.
Bob has an exhaust analyzer that he offered to let me use. It will let me fine tune the mixture screws. Thankfully this can be done without taking the carbs off the bike and apart for each adjustment.
I backed mine out to 2 3/4 turns per the jet kit instructions.
It's great to be back ... and running better than ever.
I backed mine out to 2 3/4 turns per the jet kit instructions.
Dave Dodge - Dodge Racing Products
I found this "catalog" and price-list from Dodge Racing Products. I just installed the "Carb Shim and Jet Kit" on my bike and WOW what a difference. I typically don't post commercial items here, but in the interest of support for these wonderful Honda V4 bikes ... I'm making an exception ...
--Rat
BOLT-ON PERFORMANCE
Carb Needle Shim Kit $ 7.95
- for stock bikes with midrange flat-spot, corrects the fuel mixture.
Carb Shim/Jet Kit $ 39.00
- for bikes with aftermarket mufflers, boosts power from 74 horsepower stock to near 82 at the rear wheel with Cobra, Jardine or Vance and Hines mufflers.
K&N Performance Air Filter $ 55.00
- Finally, it is available and in stock.
Dyna 3000 Adjustable Ignition $295.00
- Allows tuning for all motor combinations.
Braided S.S. Front Brake Hose $ 59.00 (clear-coated hose)
- custom lengths and colors available by special order for $65.00.
Braided S.S. Clutch Cable $ 59.00
- clear-coated in standard length, custom lengths available for $69.00
Braided S.S. Throttle Cable A $ 49.00
Braided S.S. Throttle Cable B ; $ 49.00
- clear-coated in standard length, custom lengths available for $59.00 each.
15T Countershaft Sprocket $ 35.00
- lowers gear ratio for better acceleration, and around town riding
OR
17T Countershaft Sprocket $ 35.00
- raises gear ratio suited for open highway and touring, plus better MPG
DRP Kevlar Performance Clutch Kit $169.00
- complete plate and spring kit for performance street riding and/or drag racing.
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
DRP Stage 1 Camshaft Set $595.00 exchange
- Drop-in cam for use with stock pistons.
- Adds 8 horsepower
DRP 770cc Forged 12:1 C.R. Piston Kit $650.00
- 71mm Bore (stock is 70mm), requires top case bore and hone.
- Includes pistons, rings, pins, clips
- Uses stock head gaskets
DRP Racing Valve Spring Set $199.00
- Required for Stage 2 and higher lift cams
- Includes 16 dual (inner/outer) springs, bottom spring seats
- Uses stock retainers
DRP Titanium Valve Spring Retainer Set $219.00
- For racing use with big cams
- Fits our racing valve springs
DRP Bronze Valve Guide Set & nbsp; $148.00
- Required for Stage 2 and higher lift cams
- Made of nickle bronze
- Shorter than stock to install shorter on the spring side.
Internal engine components have been developed including bigger cams, pistons, port work, etc. The specs for a Stage 2 engine require a more comprehensive rebuild, and are priced as a package. We also offer complete machine shop services including bore and honing, head porting, transmission undercutting, and complete engine building.
Company info:
Dodge Racing Products
attn: Dave Dodge
16503 Glenfurness Drive
Huntersville, NC 28078
Tel: (704) 892-7961
Fax: (704) 655-8819
We accept credit card orders by phone, or you can send a money order by mail.
Dave Dodge - DRP
www.drp123.com
--Rat
BOLT-ON PERFORMANCE
Carb Needle Shim Kit $ 7.95
- for stock bikes with midrange flat-spot, corrects the fuel mixture.
Carb Shim/Jet Kit $ 39.00
- for bikes with aftermarket mufflers, boosts power from 74 horsepower stock to near 82 at the rear wheel with Cobra, Jardine or Vance and Hines mufflers.
K&N Performance Air Filter $ 55.00
- Finally, it is available and in stock.
Dyna 3000 Adjustable Ignition $295.00
- Allows tuning for all motor combinations.
Braided S.S. Front Brake Hose $ 59.00 (clear-coated hose)
- custom lengths and colors available by special order for $65.00.
Braided S.S. Clutch Cable $ 59.00
- clear-coated in standard length, custom lengths available for $69.00
Braided S.S. Throttle Cable A $ 49.00
Braided S.S. Throttle Cable B ; $ 49.00
- clear-coated in standard length, custom lengths available for $59.00 each.
15T Countershaft Sprocket $ 35.00
- lowers gear ratio for better acceleration, and around town riding
OR
17T Countershaft Sprocket $ 35.00
- raises gear ratio suited for open highway and touring, plus better MPG
DRP Kevlar Performance Clutch Kit $169.00
- complete plate and spring kit for performance street riding and/or drag racing.
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
DRP Stage 1 Camshaft Set $595.00 exchange
- Drop-in cam for use with stock pistons.
- Adds 8 horsepower
DRP 770cc Forged 12:1 C.R. Piston Kit $650.00
- 71mm Bore (stock is 70mm), requires top case bore and hone.
- Includes pistons, rings, pins, clips
- Uses stock head gaskets
DRP Racing Valve Spring Set $199.00
- Required for Stage 2 and higher lift cams
- Includes 16 dual (inner/outer) springs, bottom spring seats
- Uses stock retainers
DRP Titanium Valve Spring Retainer Set $219.00
- For racing use with big cams
- Fits our racing valve springs
DRP Bronze Valve Guide Set & nbsp; $148.00
- Required for Stage 2 and higher lift cams
- Made of nickle bronze
- Shorter than stock to install shorter on the spring side.
Internal engine components have been developed including bigger cams, pistons, port work, etc. The specs for a Stage 2 engine require a more comprehensive rebuild, and are priced as a package. We also offer complete machine shop services including bore and honing, head porting, transmission undercutting, and complete engine building.
Company info:
Dodge Racing Products
attn: Dave Dodge
16503 Glenfurness Drive
Huntersville, NC 28078
Tel: (704) 892-7961
Fax: (704) 655-8819
We accept credit card orders by phone, or you can send a money order by mail.
Dave Dodge - DRP
www.drp123.com
K&N Filter?
Okay, so I admit -- should have thought of this before I rejetted the carbs, but should I install the high-flow K&N air filter to go with my Dave Dodge shims and jets? Jets are up to 105 from stock 100. Exhaust is still stock and I plan to keep it that way, unless free Vance & Hines pipes are parachuted into my back yard.
It's running rich now.
And, holy cow, the K&N Filter costs more than the Jet kit.
denniskirk $60.13
motorcycle-superstore $53.99
Anyone have experience with the K&N filters and can you recommend for/against them.
It's running rich now.
And, holy cow, the K&N Filter costs more than the Jet kit.
denniskirk $60.13
motorcycle-superstore $53.99
Anyone have experience with the K&N filters and can you recommend for/against them.
Jezebel is back!
After yesterday's strange behavior (tach suddenly would not drop below 8k) I tore into the bike looking for clues this morning. When I took the carb rack off, and turned it over, I noticed that the throttle plates were indeed being held open.
Then I heard something fall out of the carb rack and onto the garage floor. It was a metal "nut" mounted to a rectangular piece of sheet metal. I recognized it as one of the mounts that hold the airbox to the frame. I examined the throttle plates again, and they were fully closed.
This little nut had lodged externally in the levers and runners that connect all four throttle mechanisms together. It had held the throttle plates open.
My theory is that this bracket was dislodged when I had the little wipeout in March (slipping in an oil slick at a stop light). It must've rattled around in the "V", under my carbs for a few months, and jiggled its way into place wheere it interfered with my throttle.
That was easy!
Well, while I had the carbs off, I installed that Dave Dodge needles shim and jets that I bought off Charley Sutton at SME '07. I've been waiting, figured I'd install them next time I tore into my carbs, or next time I got bored and wasn't able to ride. Well, today was the day ... I was holding the carb rack in my hands, I may as well go for it.
The 105 jets and shims installed easy as pie. The only troubles were self inflicted, alzheimer-type troubles like taking apart the float bowls I'd already worked on. I can't remember what I just did, especially when both halves of the carb rack look so similar. I had to mark the ones I'd worked on with a sharpie!
I found a half-inch diameter blob of goo under one of the diaphrams. At first it looked like some ingested air cleaner foam. But I've got a stock cloth air cleaner, totally intact. The blob smeared easily and uniformly ... no indication of foam bits. Not sure what it was, perhaps a bit of goo that was missed from when I cleaned the carbs in '07. I didn't see anything else like it anywhere else in the carbs.
Everything back together, and it took a little cranking to get it to start. But it roared to life. I swear the sound is different, just from the jetting, but I could be nuts. It could be just that sweet V4 sound rushing back into my ears.
I know the real proof is in the driving, but I haven't had the chance yet. Maybe after the kids are in bed.
Stranded Roadside
On my way home from work today bike started accelerating spontaneously. First time it happened I thought I had imagined it. I shifted gears and braked and it snapped back into line. It happened again. And then it happened over and over with increasing frequency and ferocity. Finally, it reached 8k on the tachometer, even with no hand on the throttle. The tach would not drop below 8k even with no throttle applied at all.
Idle adjustment is not the issue ... The idle stop is well out of the way. I pulled over to inspect. Throttle action (push and pull cables) is fine. Nothing obviously broken or out of place on throttle/carb mechanisms. I'm sitting by the side of the road waiting for My Harley Babe (tm) to come pick me up with the rescue trailer.
Humiliating!!! But not worth damage to bike or self to ride the remaining three miles home. All it needs to do is add another 2k to its idle speed and I'll be hitting the rev limiter. I don't feel like burning up the clutch today with 8k startups.
Any thoughts on WTF?
Any ideas on roadside adjustments that might allow That Redhaired Bitch (tm) a.k.a. Jezebel to return home on her own power.
Thanks in advance.
Idle adjustment is not the issue ... The idle stop is well out of the way. I pulled over to inspect. Throttle action (push and pull cables) is fine. Nothing obviously broken or out of place on throttle/carb mechanisms. I'm sitting by the side of the road waiting for My Harley Babe (tm) to come pick me up with the rescue trailer.
Humiliating!!! But not worth damage to bike or self to ride the remaining three miles home. All it needs to do is add another 2k to its idle speed and I'll be hitting the rev limiter. I don't feel like burning up the clutch today with 8k startups.
Any thoughts on WTF?
Any ideas on roadside adjustments that might allow That Redhaired Bitch (tm) a.k.a. Jezebel to return home on her own power.
Thanks in advance.
"Jesus" wrecks his Harley
The actor who portrayed Jesus in Mel Gibson's film "The Passion of the Christ" was injured in a motorcycle accident.
Someone pushed a bicycle into the path of his motorcycle, resulting in something resembling a bizarre sculpture ... bike meets bike ....
Witnesses say they saw Bernard "Lucifer" Johnson fleeing the scene on foot.
The full story is here
Someone pushed a bicycle into the path of his motorcycle, resulting in something resembling a bizarre sculpture ... bike meets bike ....
Witnesses say they saw Bernard "Lucifer" Johnson fleeing the scene on foot.
The full story is here
Attractive women cast lingering glances my way
I'm back on two wheels after an extended period "out of the saddle".
I had forgotten that when I'm riding a motorcycle, things happen that don't otherwise happen to me.
Attractive women cast lingering glances my way.
Of course, they look away -- and never give me another look -- once I take off my helmet.
I had forgotten that when I'm riding a motorcycle, things happen that don't otherwise happen to me.
Attractive women cast lingering glances my way.
Of course, they look away -- and never give me another look -- once I take off my helmet.
Lego Triumph Daytona
This model of a Triumph Daytona 1200 Motorcycle is built out of legos. The motorcycle is on display at Legoland in England. Autoblog.com has the full story.
Portable Avatar
I've been seeking integrity - a single, indivisible image which does not change with the environment. Why would I not be the same person at home as at work?
I've found a mantra which seems to resonate within each sphere that I travel. To the extent that I can bring the same persona to each part of my life -- to that extent I am a whole person. To the extent I conceal one part of myself from the other -- to that extent I am fragmented.
I might change my mind. A year from now the image may change, as the oak tree grows or the seasons change. But here I am today.
Would you pass this guy on your motorcycle?
Would you pass this guy? Would you pass him on the right?!?!
Moto Lust: Honda CB919
The Honda CB919 also known as the "Hornet" also known as the CB900F, remains the object of my moto lust.
Perhaps the cure for this moto lust is a test drive.
Perhaps the cure for this moto lust is a test drive.
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