new boots

I've bought myself a new pair of boots for wearing on the bike.

The Redwing engineer boots I had were great on the bike but were just not comfortable for walking in. Probably it was the size, as they were a bit on the large side even with thick socks on. That was despite being the size I normally would wear and would fit. So, after reading a couple of recommendations on HDRC-GB, I ordered a pair of Magnum Elite ll. I got the ones with the composite toe cap so they did take a bit longer to get here. Looking at the Magnum web-site they don't have that model on it now so maybe it's been discontinued which would be another reason for the delay. Millets who I got them from still show them but at an increased price. Luckily I ordered them through Amazon so the company had to supply them at the lower price which was on the Amazon site.
First impressions are favourable and they feel comfortable. Only time and a couple of wet rides will see if they are actually as waterproof as the manufacturers claim. I'll get back to you on that one.

My bike got collected this morning so I'm just waiting to hear from West Coast as to what's wrong with it. Then I'll see if my guess at a relay was correct.

When I go to collect it I'm going to order a HD Brawler pillion pad. I reckon it should fit with my LePera seat as the fasteners are almost the same as on the Harley solo seat. Then, I'll have a solo seat and rack (I've ordered a Motherwell Products, Crossbones one which I'm hoping will fit, as the Crossbones has the same fender as my night train!) for when I'm on my own and it should be easy to swap that for  the pillion pad and back rest when I carry a pillion.

Full review and pics soon. (I hope!)

still waiting

For West Coast Harley Davidson to uplift my bike.

To be fair on them, I was quite fussy over the days I could take off work to be in for them to pick it up. A couple of the days they offered were just not suitable so by the time they take it away on Friday morning, it will have been just short of two weeks that it's been sitting in my garage not going anywhere.

In that time I think I may have worked out what is wrong. Trawling the 'net has led me to consider that it may be the one or other of the relays which has gone. If it wasn't for the warranty I'd have bought new ones to see if it had cured the problem. I'll see if I'm right when WCHD have had a look.

One thing though, I am even more determined to change the EFI for a carb as soon as the warranty is up. I've even got my eye on one on e-bay which, if I think I can afford to buy it now, I will get and keep it on the shelf for the next year.

snap

I wonder if every Harley owner just gives up with the cable retainers that HD use.

When I was replacing the battery yesterday I had to move the fuse block slightly to the side to get the battery in. That was when I heard a, by now familiar, snap. It was the plastic bracket which is designed to hold the fuse box in place against the frame rail.

Just like the ones under the tank it is made from an extremely brittle plastic which broke at the first bit of lateral pressure. Not that I'd have been able to put it together once it had been taken apart anyway.

They seem to have been designed to go together during the initial build but can never again fit if any other components are in place.

Just as well they are not particularly necessary!

busted flat

... not in Baton Rouge but in my garage!

Went to get the bike out yesterday evening for a short ride, before taking my other half for her first pillion run this morning.

Engine turned over but just wouldn't fire. There is petrol in the tank, the fuel pump is whirring and I've now charged the battery over night.

So, called WCHD and they can't collect my bike today. I'm at work during the week, so the first time their van is available and I'm at home will be next Saturday.

 Should I call out the AA? That was an after-thought. I hadn't even considered them for bike recovery as for the last year I've had Hog Assist but that ran out at the end of last month!

What to do?

back in the swing

I took a ride down to the CVH meeting. The first time I've been there this year.

There were only half a dozen bikes tonight. Either, it's too soon in the season for some "hardened"  Harley riders or maybe the football kept folk away.
But anyway, it was good to spend the evening talking bikes once more. Good to meet some newbies, who are in the position I was in just twelve months ago. Starting out with a new Harley and about to learn just what the real cost is, of owning a Harley Davidson!