my harley and me

more technical difficulties

2012-01-28T10:35:00.001Z

Keeping this blog going is a bit like working on my bike!

Every time I get something new done, something else goes wrong. I haven't a clue why the previous posts are not on the front page. And then there's the layout of the pics on the second page. I just can't seem to be able to position them without deleting them all and reposting every time I want to put another one up. Frustrating to say the least.

At least with my bike I'm the one in control!

Having just spent an hour tinkering, I am now leaning towards saving up for the DNA wheels I mentioned in my previous post.

Despite what I had read, or maybe just convinced myself that it would work, the wheel hub will not take the bearings I've been wanting to fit. I am almost positive that I read somewhere that the outer diameter of all the bearings was the same. Well, that just isn't the case. There is no way that the 25mm bearings will fit into the hub.

So, unless I want to go down the route of changing the axle which may involve getting sleeves for the fork leg made. Then there's the disc and axle spacers which I'd need to get manufactured or at least get the spacers I've got turned down to fit. Add to that the cost of powder coating the hub, rim and spacers and it may well be not a lot more expensive forking out for a new wheel.

Looks like I'll be concentrating on the carb conversion!

on the move again

2012-01-27T17:57:00.002Z

I picked up my hub on the way home from work.

Tomorrow, I'll try out the hub in the forks and see how much work will still need to be done to make them fit together. I've been given the phone number of someone in Scotland, who does wheel building. That would save me posting them down south.
But, on the other hand I've seen a wheel which I really would like on my bike. It's a mammoth-spoked DNA wheel which will cost me a fair bit but will look the proverbial dog's danglies. I know someone who has just fitted them to his road king. Maybe, once I've had a look at his and worked out if I can fit them in the forks I've got, my plans will change once more!
Choices! choices! choices!

So, if I can get my finances sorted in the next few days, I should have a clearer idea of where I'm going next.
It's all costing money but once it starts to come together I'm sure it's going to be worth it.

standstill

2012-01-26T19:09:00.001Z

That's just what I feel I've come to!

Last weekend, when the weather was half decent (dry and bright) I couldn't get any work done in the garage as I had a plumbing emergency in the house which just couldn't wait. Damn these things which come between me and my bike!

So now I've had a phone message to say that my wheel hub is back at House of Custom. I'll go in at the weekend and pick it up. I may be able to order the speedo when I'm in, although as funds are running a bit low at the moment, I will need to consider carefully and maybe put it off 'till next month.

Though, I did see a posting on facebook which made me realise that my bike is worth more to me than money.

A hundred years from now

my great grand kids

will not recall my bank balance

the sort of house I lived in

or the kind of car I drove

but they will remember ... I rode a

Motorcycle

So maybe I should just go and bust the bank!!

wiring

2012-01-14T17:04:00.001Z

I'm still trying to work out what I need to do to wire up the bike when I get rid of all the surplus electronic gubbins. So far I've managed to remove the oxygen sensors, the engine and air intake temperature sensors, the fuel injection unit, which came away with the manifolds. The active exhaust sensors and motor went when I switched to the shortshock exhausts. All this, in itself, is fine but the wiring from these components to the ECU (which I've also removed) is still there. If I can help it, I don't want to leave any of the loom which is not needed as that will only confuse things for any future work.

I've printed off the wiring diagram from the Harley manual. There's twelve bloody pages of it! Well actually it's only six pages but they all spread over two sheets. And a lot of the important stuff is on the join!

So, what I'm going to do is try to sit down and draw out a simplified schematic. Then I'll replace any wiring that I need, rather than cutting and soldering the stuff that's already there.

As I'm going to be re-wiring almost half the loom, this may take me some time!

doing what I can

2012-01-08T15:43:00.003Z

The light was really poor today.

So, although I spent a bit of time in the garage, I just couldn't see enough to make any progress on the wiring.

What I did get done, was fit extra baffles to my exhausts.

There have been one or two comments on how loud they are. Hopefully these baffles will quieten them a bit without taking away from that rumble that Harleys are famous for. Should also help get through the MOT!

starting off on the right foot?

2012-01-02T15:05:00.002Z

Hopefully for both the New Year and work on my bike.

I spent a couple of hours in the garage this afternoon. I would have been out there longer, but the light was starting to go and there's only so much you can do holding a torch in one hand and a wrench in the other.

I did get the blanking plugs screwed into the exhaust pipes. I had fitted one the other day but the one in the shorter (rear) pipe had cross threaded and stripped. I had a good look at it and decided that, as the plug was a much softer metal than the chrome pipe, a bit of brute force would probably do. Fingers crossed and I was right. (for once!)

I also managed to remove the fuel injection module without too much bother. Now I'll spend a bit of time pouring over the wiring diagram to see what components and more importantly, their associated wiring, can be removed. the instructions I found on-line suggested pushing the wiring out of the way under the tank but, as I'm replacing the tank altogether, I'd rather keep everything as clean as possible and remove the wiring from the loom. I'm hoping that the complete Engine Management Unit can go but I'm just not too sure if it does anything else apart from the fuel injection and speedo which are both going.

I'll get out again at the weekend and maybe by that time I'll have it clear in my head. I don't want to think about fitting the carb or wiring in the new electronic ignition unit before I get all the old stuff well out the way.

looking back

2011-12-31T10:27:00.001Z

Thought I'd spend just a little time to look back over my biking 2011.

I met up with the guys in the Rider's Club for the first time and started going to rallies. This increased my mileage this year as well as introducing me to some of the best company and funniest Harley riders I could ever hope to meet.

I spent a fair bit of money on my bike but didn't do much work to it. So, I'll be starting the New Year with a garage full of bits and pieces and a load of tinkering to do. At least I have waited 'till I'm sure just what I do want for my bike.

The changes I did make made a bit of difference in the way the night train looks. I moved the coils and horn, swapping their positions. I replaced the stock exhausts with black short shocks. (Makes the bike sound better too.) I fitted a small fairing with front bullet indicators to match the rear ones I already had fitted. As this was the "sons of anarchy" look, I expected it to be quite a common customisation but I have yet to come across another bike with the same look. Along with the fairing, I fitted higher black t-bars which not only look good, give me a more comfortable ride.

Well, tomorrow another year is starting and I've got a busy time getting the changes made to the bike. The front wheel needs sorting and then I can fit the wider forks. At the same time I'm going to be doing the switch from EFI to carb.

Once those are done I've got a first MOT due in March then a good season's riding and rallying to look forward to. Hopefully that will include a trip top Sweden in the summer.

So, here's to the New Year.

nervous times

2011-12-28T16:29:00.002Z

I've started stripping down the bike to get started on changing the EFI to carb.

So now it's time to get nervous and start doubting myself. Have I taken on too much? Are my skills with spanners and screwdrivers really up to the job in front of me? Am I going to be able to do it all and get the bike back on the road and running again?
Well there's only one way to find out!

surprise

2011-12-23T15:23:00.001Z

I got home from work this evening and my workbench had been delivered.

So tomorrow, as it's christmas eve, I'll go out to the garage and put it together. Then, when I start the work, I'm definitely going to do, (though maybe not on christmas day) I'll have something to rest it on.

Wouldn't it be great if everything happened so quickly?
Like the wheel hub I've been waiting nearly two months for!

Christmas Break

2011-12-21T19:47:00.001Z

And I'm planning to some work on my bike.

I'm off work for about ten days so I should (need) to get a fair bit done during that time. I picked up the tank but the wheel hub STILL isn't back from the shop. So, I will start to work on removing the EFI and fitting the carb. Then when I get the hub back I can think about the front end.

I've just bought a wooden work bench on e-bay. I'll buy a vice and then at least I'll have some where to work that's steady and secure. Up 'till now I've been working on the top of my tool chest which is far from ideal.

Spending wise, I'm almost there. Just the front brake lines and the speedometer (which will be my last BIG purchase for a while) left to buy. Then, with just a few smaller items and some of those desirable but non necessary bits and pieces I will have everything I need to get back on the road with the bike just as I want it.

For 2012 at least!

take your time, man

2011-12-05T18:40:00.002Z

I started taking things apart yesterday.
Didn't get as far as removing the tank but what I did do was unplug all the connections. I stopped when I tried to disconnect the cross-over pipe at the front of the tank. I've got a quick release connector fitted so it should have been an easy job.
It started leaking fuel, so I quickly re-connected it and decided to try again the next time I'm out. Hopefully it will work and the valves will stop any more petrol escaping when I've got room to pull it apart completely. This time the two halves were still connected so I'm hoping that's the problem.
So, now I've disconnected all the wiring and guess what? I should have taken a picture (or even remembered what the reading was) of the odometer. When I fit a new speedo the mileage will be set at "0". So I should have some proof of what the bike has actually done.
Especially if I want a dealers stamp at the 5K service.

Oh, what to do?

2011-12-01T17:27:00.004Z

Still no wheel hub.
But I've got the rim back at least so I guess I could take that and get it powder-coated along with the mud-guard brackets and the other small bits and bobs I want black. Then again, I really need to see how the hub will work out and if the spacers for the discs will fit as I'll want them coated too.
I'd rather get it all done at the same time. There will be another delay as I'll have to send the rim and hub away to get it relaced. Hopefully I'll be able to work out a timescale so I can get some bits done while others are getting prepared. Probably never work out like that though!

One thing has moved on at least. When I was in House of Custom, I ordered a tank and priced the Dakota speedo I'm going to fit.
The tank was as expensive as I thought it would be but I was pleasantly surprised as the speedo unit was a couple of hundred pounds less that I thought it would be. That's all I need to buy now to be able to complete the carb conversion as I want it. So, there's no reason I can't start to get the prep done.
That's the next half decent weekend booked up. I'm going to remove the tank and begin picking out the wiring loom so I can see what's needed.

why is winter-time so slow?

2011-11-13T10:23:00.003Z

I called in to House of Custom yesterday to see if they'd got my wheel back.
The boss was out and no-one knew the story, so I came away with no wheel and still not knowing how to proceed with it.
I had been thinking about ordering a tank from Zodiac, through them. So that didn't come about. Which I'm not sure was a good thing or not as I will have to buy the tank eventually.
I would like to get some progress made on the front end. The cost of the carb conversion (or at least buying the tank and speedo to do it properly) is the major delay with that.
I need to get the wheel back in order to work out what I need in the way of spacers, both for the axle and discs.
No doubt things will move soon.
Just not soon enough to allay my impatience!

wheel hold-up

2011-10-28T14:16:00.007+01:00

I went for a short run on the bike this morning.
Those 50 miles may well be the last of this year as the weather forecasters are beginning to warn of the approaching winter.
It was a good ride, down through Clydebank, then back up to Anniesland where I decided to carry on out the Stockiemuir Road to Drymen then back in the Blane Valley. I stopped at some temporary traffic lights to let a Fire Engine, with his sirens and blues flashing, through. Some daft car driver behind me saw the perfect chance to get in front and overtook me. Cue some desperate reversing and manoeuvring by the Fire Engine. By the time they got sorted and the road clear the lights had turned red. That was when another tosser in a land-rover decided he'd waited enough and went through on red. More reversing followed, this time at the other end. Things would have gone so much quicker with a bit of patience.
While I was out, I called in to House of Custom to ask about my wheel.
They had a bit of a problem when taking out the old bearings and cracked the rim. He's going to put it right but will have to cut the spokes off to do it. Suits me really as it will save me doing it myself.
I also asked about getting some gel fitted inside my seat as the pad I was using over the summer is beginning to pull apart. After some humming and hawing, where a price of around a hundred pounds was mentioned, Stuart said he could do a custom-made seat, with gel, for about £240 - £250. As I could probably get around a hundred for my LePera on E-bay, that may well be the way to go. Removing and re-fitting the existing cover could be a big job. Especially if the leather is bonded onto the foam, it could entail re-covering and stuffing the whole seat.
I'll think about it and speak to him when I go to collect the wheel.

plans

2011-10-26T17:32:00.005+01:00

I've decided that as soon as I get the cash together I'm going to buy a new tank. That way, the resale value of the fuel injected one will be higher if the fuel pump is intact and working. I'll brush paint it with matte black paint and then maybe next winter I can save up for a full professional paint job.
Then, I'll look at buying a Dakota Instruments speedo from the States. I could get one, which would fit, from the zodiac catalogue through Hog Parts. I've ordered most of my bits and pieces from Zodiac through them but even the latest catalogue doesn't stock the black one I want. I'll be liable for import duty but it should be worth it. If I fit a chrome one, I'll only end up wishing it was matching the blacked-out look of the rest of the bike.
Something else I've just thought of. If I get rid of the dash I'll need to fit a different ignition. I've got a black three pole switch in the garage so that would do the business if I get a bracket made up to fit it beneath the tank and just behind the headstock.
One idea just leads on to more work. Looks like the re-wiring is going to be job and a half!

funny

2011-10-26T12:15:00.003+01:00

This was pinched from the H-DRCGB forum.

Race with a Harley

I raced a Harley today and after some really hard riding I managed to PASS the guy. I was riding on one of those really, really twisting sections of mountain road with no straight sections to speak of and where most of the bends have warning signs that say "MAX SPEED 50 KPH".
I knew if I was going to pass one of those monsters with those big-cubic-inch motors, it would have to be a place like this where handling and rider skill are more important than horsepower alone.
I saw the guy up ahead as I exited one of the turns and knew I could catch him, but it wouldn't be easy. I concentrated on my braking and cornering. Three corners later, I was on his mudguard. Catching him was one thing; passing him would prove to be another.
Two corners later, I pulled up next to him as we sailed down the mountain. I think he was shocked to see me next to him, as I nearly got by him before he could recover. Next corner, same thing. I'd
manage to pull up next to him as we started to enter the corners but when we came out he'd get on the throttle and out-power me. His horsepower was almost too much to overcome, but this only made me more determined than ever.
My only hope was to out-brake him. I held off squeezing the lever until the last instant. I kept my nerve while he lost his. In an instant I was by him. Corner after corner, I could hear the roar of his engine as he struggled to keep up. Three more miles to go before the road straightens out and he would pass me for good.
But now I was in the lead and he would no longer hold me back. I stretched out my lead and by the time we reached the bottom of the canyon, he was more than a full corner behind. I could no longer see him in my rear-view mirror.
Once the road did straighten out, it seemed like it took miles before he passed me, but it was probably just a few hundred yards. I was no match for that kind of horsepower, but it was done. In the tightest section of road, where bravery and skill count for more than horsepower and deep pockets, I had passed him. Though it was not easy, I had won the race to the bottom of the mountain and I had preserved the proud tradition of one of the best bits of Brit iron.

I will always remember that moment. I don't think I've ever pedalled so hard in my life. And, some of the credit must go to Raleigh cycles, as well. They really make a great bicycle...

trial and getting it right

2011-10-23T16:52:00.006+01:00

I spent a bit of time in the garage this morning, just putting bits and pieces together to see how they'd fit.
The yokes and the wheel spindle went on no bother. Once I'd worked out how to remove the cover for the stem nut, that is! I also tried out the spacers for the mudguard and they fit too.
So, it looks as though, as long as I can get the wheel to fit, everything will go together just right. Well everything so far that is.
I've still to try out the spacers for the discs but can't do that until I get the wheel back. Also I won't be able to try the yokes on the bike until I remove the front forks and once I start that, the bike is definitely off the road for the winter!
But, unless I get started on the serious spanner work, I'll be sitting here in the spring wanting the bike back on the road and nothing done.
It really will be a case of taking a deep breath and just jumping in with both feet.

extra bits

2011-10-22T12:28:00.004+01:00

I hate it when that happens!
I got my new petrol tap through the post yesterday and when I opened the packet there was a small plastic sleeve in the package. It looks as though it should fit on the lever assembly but the chromed lever is much thicker than the diameter of the sleeve. Could be that it's supposed to replace the chrome handle on the lever but there is no obvious way of changing them over.
The tap has quite comprehensive instructions on how to fit it (and that's the important bit) but there's nothing on this piece of black plastic.

So I could now go ahead and make the conversion to carburettor but as that would involve cutting off the plastic fuel pipes to the pump. I'm not clear if that would mean that the pump could not be re-used so I'm going to put it off for a while to research how it will affect the re-sale value of the bits I won't be using. I could do with some return to help pay for the parts I've bought already.

I'm off work this week so I'll head over to House of Custom and see if my wheel bearings have been pulled out yet.

hibernation

2011-10-18T19:59:00.002+01:00

As the weather has now taken a turn for the (much) worse, I fear the trip down to Bute at the weekend was most likely the last of this "summer".
Although we are planning another recce trip perhaps in January, that will be made by car so there's not any pressing reason not to start the work on my bike next week when I'm off work.
Will post as progress is made (or not as the case may be).

wheel

2011-10-13T19:14:00.002+01:00

I dropped the front wheel off at House of Custom (formerly Area 51) this afternoon. Colin, the boss is on holiday this week so it may not get done right away.
At least it's going to get done sometime and I'll be able to decide what to do next when I get it back. I had a brief chat with Jimmy, who's minding the shop, about getting it powder-coated black. The chrome on the rim is in really good condition so it may well be just as cheap buying a new rim and getting that coated rather than paying the money to remove the chrome. As I found out with the bars I had done previously, it's a big job.

Saturday morning and I'm heading down to Bute. This is ostensibly a recce for our rally there next year but will more likely just be an excuse for a bit of a piss up.
It is likely to be the last run the bike has before the winter. I've got the ACF-50 ready to keep the rust away and, as soon as the petrol tap I've ordered arrives, I've got everything I need to do the carb conversion.
So, lots to keep me busy.

pain stops play

2011-10-07T11:12:00.004+01:00

I went to bed last night feeling really optimistic that heat on my back was going to help enough for me to go up to Killin.
But, when I woke up I was so stiff I could hardly get out of bed. I re-filled my hot water bottle, lay for a while with that pressed against the small of my back, got up and lay in a hot bath then gave up. I could tell by the difficulty I had getting out of the bath that I wasn't going anywhere on the bike today.
The sun was shining which only compounded my disappointment as I texted some of the guys and contacted the B&B to cancel my booking.
Oh well there's always Bute, next week-end!

On the bike front, I had ordered a petrol tap from HogParts the other day and was checking the order on-line when I noticed I had ordered the wrong one. I had decided to go with a Pingel tap. They are a good bit more expensive than some other makes but from what I've heard the quality is well worth the price.
What I had done was fill in the order form and transposed two digits in the part reference number. That meant I had ordered the tap I wanted but with a rear outlet instead of a side-facing one. A quick e-mail to HogParts and they sorted the order out for me. It's worth getting it right (I hope).
I've already bought the pingel adaptor but am still planning on replacing the tank and speedo eventually. I'll do the carb conversion with my existing tank for now though, as I can't really afford to buy the parts this side of next year's riding season.

end of summer

2011-10-06T22:53:00.003+01:00

I'm off, tomorrow, on what is very likely to be the last weekend away on the bike before winter and taking the bike apart comes around.
I've been bothered the last few days with some back pain but hopefully some heat applied through a hot water bottle will ease it so I can ride in not too much discomfort.
Though, the weather forecast being what it is, enjoyable may NOT be an apt description of the forthcoming weekend.
It will be good to meet up with the guys though.

typical

2011-10-02T09:20:00.005+01:00

The good weather lasted right up until the weekend.
I had planned to go fill up the tank, ready for my trip away to Killin on Friday but the rain just didn't stop. So I'm going to spend the day today fitting my tax disc, getting luggage ready and just tinkering.
I'll need to double check the horn. It was fixing that which made me miss the MAG demo last weekend, so I really should take some time to ensure that it's working correctly.
The place I've fitted it is out of the way and tidy but it means if there is any adjustment needed I've got to remove the seat to reach the horn. Maybe over the winter I'll try to devise some method of fixing it so I can have easier access. I doubt if I'll get a small horn which is any more reliable than the one I've fitted so I'll just have to put up with the fact that it needs adjusted every so often.

I'm also going to put the 19" front wheel in the boot of the car. That way if I pass a bike shop I can just leave it with them, to get the bearings pulled.
I have considered buying a tool to do this. There are two different types available on e-bay. One's basically a slide hammer which knocks the bearings out and in using brute force. The other, which is preferable because it draws the bearings out using a screw mechanism, is much more expensive. It would need to be bought from the States and could end up costing more than £200. As I can borrow this from the riders club, I feel it would be better getting the bearings removed in a shop and then when I come to rebuild the wheel, then I can borrow the tool.
I really want to do as much of this job as I can myself!

indian summer

2011-09-30T15:57:00.004+01:00

It's come at last.
The weather these past few days has been as good as it was all summer. No doubt it will go back to being cold and wet now that the weekend has arrived. I'm going off for the weekend to Killin, next Friday, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will at least be dry. No-one else seemed interested in camping (not that there is really anywhere suitable near the village) so I'm bed and breakfasting it with the others.
So, this should be a rather more refined weekend than the usual riders club get-togethers. We'll see!
I went through the box with my yokes and stuff and found a set of riser mounting spacers which I hadn't paid for. As they cost about £30 this was a real bonus.
Well it would be if I could be so dishonest and to be truthful, had they come from a HD stealership I may have succumbed to temptation. As the supplier is a small independent there was really no alternative so i contacted him and paid up. The warm glow I felt when he thanked me for my honesty was worth it.
Now I need to get moving on pulling the wheels apart. I'd like to get my hands on the correct tool to do it myself but they can only be bought from the States and are expensive. I can borrow one from the rider's club tool store but as will need it twice with a good stretch between that will be a nuisance.
Probably take the wheel into a bike shop to get the bearings and the tyre removed and then look at buying or borrowing the tool when I come to rebuild the hub after powder-coating.

delaying tactics

2011-09-11T08:53:00.005+01:00

I haven't been able to get out on the bike since I came back from Walesby.
Various things and events have got in the way. I was training last weekend, ill this weekend and the weather in the evenings this past two weeks has stopped me going out after work.

This state of affairs will probably have a big influence on whether I re-new the bike's tax at the end of this month. I just hate missing out on being able to ride.
There's a couple of things I want to attend. One's a final camping weekend for region two in Killin in October and the other is a national MAG EU hands off biking demo on the 25th September.
This is in protest against the European Union's plans to regulate biking out of existence for anyone who doesn't want to ride a brand new, completely stock, restricted motorcycle. It's an action that ALL bikers should take part in.

So, I'll put my bits on the shelf in the garage and wait just that bit longer to start the work. Though I could start stripping down the front wheel. As soon as I get a set of levers to get the tyre off that is!

what next?

2011-09-06T18:40:00.004+01:00

My yokes and all the bits to go with them arrived the other day.

So, the box is sitting in my bedroom and, every so often, I've been pulling things out of it. Just to have a look.
The black yokes look really substantial. I'm glad I decided to go down the way of a bigger front end. All I have to do now is get the front wheel sorted. I'm thinking of changing the spokes to stainless and getting the rim powder-coated at the same time as changing the bearings over to 22mm ones. That way I will have the look I want, instead of part doing the job then finishing it sometime in the future.
I could send off the hub and rim to a wheel builder in England and get them to do it but this is another one of those things I'd like to try for myself. Well, what I actually mean is I'd like to find out if I'm capable of doing it myself! Maybe I'll get the tyre off first and then see how I feel as I do each of the stages.

Wanting to work on my bike has also opened up a further dilemma for me. Should I renew the tax (the reminder came through the post today)? Or, should I take the bike off the road early, for the winter, and so get started on the work?
If I do that the weather will most likely get better again and I'll regret it.
On the other hand having all these parts lying in boxes in the garage is giving me twitchy fingers.

lucky breaks

2011-08-30T18:20:00.004+01:00

Well, it turned out that I was fortunate not riding down to Walesby on the Friday after all.

The guys who rode down then had a horrendous journey by all accounts. The weather was wet. really wet, south of the border. Most of them were still drying clothes and sleeping bags when I arrived at four on the Saturday afternoon.
Things got better from then on and the sun shone most of the weekend after that. Just being there was fun. Great company and loads of good bikes to look at. Just what a rally should be. The camp site was in Walesby forest and because of that there shouldn't have been any fires on site. Not that it stopped us, the Scottish contingent that is. All the others were quite happy for us to take the blame and joined in the party.
The ride down on the motorway wasn't even that bad. Or maybe I'm just getting used to motorways. It was around trip of 550 miles. That's the longest I've ridden over a weekend. Was still sore by the end of the return leg but seem to be getting more used to it.
I was tired on the way back up but that was purely through not being used to drinking alcohol in the quantities I used to and mis-judging the effect on the morning after.
One down side. I lost my disc lock. The bag it was in was gone completely. The velcro faster was still there. Looks like the stitching had given up somewhere down the road.

international rally

2011-08-25T22:11:00.002+01:00

The HDRCGB international rally is taking place in Walesby this weekend.
I was all ready to set off tomorrow morning when my mother being hospitalised threw a spanner in the works. When duty calls all else goes out the window.
Not to worry though, her condition isn't that serious and I can still get away on Saturday as long as I can persuade my kid brother to step in to visit!
Will report from the rally when I get back.

gone and done it

2011-08-18T19:10:00.003+01:00

Haven't been riding much lately. Well not during the week at least.
I had a wee trip down to the Biggar rally (custom cars, bikes and trucks) last Sunday. It was a great day out and good meeting up with some of the guys from the riders club.

I got talking about the mods I'm planning to the front end and got so stirred up about it as soon as I got back, I ordered the bits I need.
At least, I ordered the yokes. I had to work out which year to go for and in the end decided that the ones with the 25mm spindle were probably the best bet. That's the latest change HD have made to the 49mm forks.
As the wheel I've got is a 3/4" and would need modification no matter which spindle came with the yokes, I thought it would be better getting the most modern.
So next I ordered a pair of 25mm bearings and axle spacer. I'm going to try to fit the bearings myself. I have done it before on a Jap bike so hopefully I'll manage without spending an absolute fortune on the HD tool.
Once everything is here it will be a matter of trying it all out then seeing if I need to get anything fabricated.
Will probably be too much to asked that it all goes together out of the box, but we'll see.

missed chances and more purchases

2011-08-07T11:00:00.003+01:00

It's been a wild weekend, weather-wise.
I was planning to go down to the North East region's rally at Middleton-in-Teesdale, County Durham. I couldn't get the Friday off work so had thought about riding down on Saturday morning, leaving at 5.30.
In the end I haven't been feeling too great with an infected gum, so I changed my mind at the last minute.
Just as well, maybe, considering the rain that's been falling on the north of England since Friday.
There's been no reports from the rally yet. But, no doubt they'll all have had a great time.
I've still got the one at the end of the month to look forward to.
Sitting at home all weekend has given me the chance to browse some catalogues. So, now I'm thinking about ordering some more bits for my winter projects.
The front end looks like the favourite to buy first as I've more or less decided which yokes to buy.

rally fever

2011-07-14T16:53:00.004+01:00

Well that's me got my first, or to be more precise first Harley Davidson riders club, rally under my belt.

It was a great weekend. Just like the camping weekend to Gairloch except with lots more bikes and live bands.
The HDRCGB are a great bunch and certainly know how to party.
I even enjoyed the ride down and back in a group on the motorway. Though, if I am really honest I would have enjoyed it more had we not been on motorways. I enjoy the scenery that you get and can appreciate much more when riding on A or B-roads. I also much prefer taking my time. Bimbling along at around 50-60 suits me much more than haring down the road at 80-90.

Anyway, I can't wait for the next one. That will be the North East at the beginning of August.

excitement

2011-07-08T09:19:00.002+01:00

I woke up really early this morning.
So, now I've got a couple of hours to kill before setting off to meet the rest of the guys to make our way to Kirkby Lonsdale.
Just like it was when I was a wee kid!
Will post report with pics when I get back.

packing

2011-07-07T09:11:00.005+01:00

I'm off to the Lakes tomorrow morning. So, last night I started looking out everything I need to take with me.
It looks like rain over the weekend so I've decided to take the roomier of my two tents again. The smaller one would have fitted in the side pannier but the larger will need to fasten on outside.
I was considering not putting on the sissy bar and rack. Everything will fit on to the mudguard rack if I put the tent and my seat into the roll-top bag I've got. Then my bag with waterproofs can bungee on to the top of that. The only concern I have with this is that the whole weight of the tent and seat are fixed to the rack. It's only fastened to the mud-guard with two fasteners which sit in-line. There is a little side to side play in the rack. This is not an issue for fastening fairly light items to the rack but I'm not 100% convinced that it's strong enough.
I'll have another look today to see if I can work out some other fastening points. If I can't, I'll think about fitting the sissy bar as I did last time out. Everything will still load up as it is just now it will just be bungeed on to stronger points.
Safety should come before appearances.

refuelling

2011-07-04T16:51:00.004+01:00

I was in the garage getting the bike ready for the weekend.
I fixed the cross strap for the panniers, fitted the gel pad (after a bit of a repair as it's beginning to unravel) and looked out the sissy bar. I'm not too sure yet, how much cooking gear I'm going to take so I don't know if Ill need the sissy bar and rack. If I can get everything into the panniers and roll bag I'll just do with that.
Anyway, I decided to go and fill up the tank with fuel, ready for the journey down the M74 on Friday.
Went to the petrol station, filled the tank then decided to go for a short ride to make the most of the weather.
Well, a hundred and so many odd miles later and I'm back to a half tank.
That's me going to have to start off by refuelling on Friday morning!

Another P.S.
The axle covers are billet aluminium so the magnets won't stick to them. I considered glueing one inside but there isn't enough room for the magnet to allow the cover to seat properly. Will buy a new pair but as it's costly I'll wait 'till after the Lakes weekend.

bits ....

2011-07-03T19:26:00.006+01:00

..... falling off.
I was out for a ride this afternoon. Just making the most of the summer, now that it has arrived. I was sure that I heard something metallic hitting the road, not long after I had set off. I didn't pay much attention as I didn't think there was anything that could fall off like that.
When I got home I was checking my tyre pressures when I noticed that one of the rear axle covers had gone. it's purely cosmetic but as it looks good, it's going to cost me about £30 to replace.
I've got to buy the pair.

P.S.
I've just had an idea. I've got a few of the magnets I bought to fix to the oil filter. I'm wondering if one of them would fit inside the axle cover. That would give an extra bit of security, if used in conjunction with the grub screw which they are supplied with.
I'll try it in the morning.

just riding

2011-07-01T14:00:00.005+01:00

Have been out for a couple of twenty mile runs in the couple of hour breaks between rainy spells. Nowhere in particular. Just getting out and riding is fun enough. I don't really need a destination.

It's a week today before I head off down to Kirkby Lonsdale for the Lakes rally.
Can't wait. There's a few going down from HDRCGB Region 2.
Same crowd as Gairloch, so it should be some thing to really look forward to.

summer showers

2011-06-25T16:28:00.002+01:00

I went down to WCHD for a burger. (Yet another charity BBQ!)
Did my usual two miles there and thirty-two back. Only, this time the rain came on after the first five.
It was warm rain, so I kept on going.
And got soaked.
But, as they say, "a motorbike is for riding, not just for sunny days!"

relay

2011-06-11T13:53:00.003+01:00

Yes relay!
I took a run down to West Coast to have a look at the tattooist working there today. The shop was so busy I didn't feel like hanging around. So, I had a coffee while waiting for the rain to ease off a bit, then came back up the road.
While I was in I priced a starter relay. I had been planning to try to source one from a Saab garage. But I then found out that the Harley one is just under £6 so I bought it there. I didn't want to not have a spare in case it goes again.
The WCHD website had them priced at £23. That was a big difference. I checked another on-line supplier and the price I paid today is about right. I should maybe buy a spare system relay too. Though that one will be redundant when I convert to carb.

what a weekend

2011-06-06T14:17:00.015+01:00

I set off in brilliant sunshine at 8 in the morning, having decided that I was going to ride up with the group.

I met Ranger at the Balloch roundabout, after spending a bit of time bodging a repair to my panniers. The clips were turning themselves round and threatening to drop off. The last thing I needed was to have my luggage bouncing along the road behind me. I used a length of windscreen wiper blade I had found lying by the side of the road. It lasted the whole weekend and will probably do for the next time if I can't find something more permanent.
The rest of the group arrived about 30 minutes later and we joined in behind. At that point there were around fifteen bikes. More joined later in the weekend.
We all stuck more or less together until we reached Tyndrum. After that things became a bit strung out along the way.
You've either got go off at your own speed, or everyone has to stick together and all ride at the pace of the slowest. That means overtaking when everyone can or not at all. As someone pointed out later, if the front rider is doing a steady sixty then the ones towards the rear will need to be doing eighty to keep up. Having started off at the end, I concur with this. You're always trying to catch up and this can mean overtaking when really you shouldn't.
Anyway, we all made it to Gairloch with a few incidents but no accidents.
Once there it was time to get tents pitched and then I started to get to know all the guys, their wives and families. Real good bunch they are too.

Gairloch and the campsite were a fantastic place to have a get-together. The sun shone all weekend and the wind kept the midgies away.

It all went by far too quickly. Plenty of beer, food and craic. Then, all too soon, it was Sunday and time to set off for home.
I had decided not to go back down the A9 with the rest and went to Kyle to look up a friend I haven't seen for a while.
That meant a ride back down the A82 on my own. To be honest I much preferred riding at my own pace and being able to take in the scenery. When it was safe.
By the time I reached Glencoe the weather was beginning to look a bit cloudy, though I didn't hit the rain until Loch Lomond side.
I stopped to put on my waterproofs and the bike wouldn't start again. The lights and all other electrics were working but when I hit the starter button there was nothing.
A guy and his daughter/girlfriend on a Fatbob and a Honda tried to give be a push start but there just wasn't enough room in the car park to get it started.
I had almost resigned myself to calling the AA when I decided to try the starter relay. It fired up but as I had refitted the old one by mistake, I wasn't sure if that actually was the problem.
Whatever, I was on my way and didn't want to switch off again, just in case it wouldn't start. I kept a watchful eye on the "miles remaining" readout as I had intended refuelling at Balloch.
I did make it. Just! 390 miles round trip, every mile a good one.
I hope the young guy, who had come off his bike and was being helped by a motorist, meant his thumbs-up to say that he was OK as I just didn't want to stop.
By the time I got home and switched off again at the garage the bike wouldn't restart so it looks as though it is the starter relay that's gone again.
Have put in the new one but will need to remember I've got no spare now.

Just a slight down-turn to what was a great weekend. Not enough to spoil any of it though!

here's some of my photos

my bags are packed

2011-06-02T14:10:00.004+01:00

Got everything packed for the weekend.

Didn't need as much space as I thought I would and I've got room for the larger tent. So, as it doesn't look as though the weather forecast is guaranteeing dry weather, I'm going to take that just to give me space to move around a bit.
As is my norm I'm not packing a lot of food. I believe in supporting local shops so will buy food when I'm there. There would be room in the panniers for me to carry food even if I bought it on the way.
I haven't used the Bose bag that I got from e-bay. As I'm only away for three nights my small rucksack will suffice. At least I know that I would be able to carry enough gear for a week or more.

erskine

2011-05-29T19:09:00.013+01:00

I headed off this morning, in the rain, to meet up with, what I was hoping would be, loads of other Harleys.

We should have been leaving the Burger King at Hillington to ride out to Erskine Hospital. This was a charity run to raise funds for the hospital and was organised by the Royal British Legion Scotland Riders Branch. There were about twenty odd bikes at Burger King, most of them from RBLSR. There were one or two Harleys from Dunedin HOG but no-one from Clyde Valley. The rest of the bikes were a mixture of Japanese, British and European marques.
We headed off down the M8 to Erskine in the next shower. This one made me wish I had put on my face mask before I set off. It was that sort of stinging rain and the mask didn't do much good in my pocket.
there were a lot of bikes already there and a constant stream coming in all afternoon. Hopefully they will have raised a load of money for the charity. I hung around long enough to eat a couple of burgers, took time to listen to a couple of bands, had a good look round at the bikes and then got persuaded to join the RBLSR. As I served with the chair it seemed like the right thing to do.
Here's some photos:-

luggage

2011-05-27T16:32:00.004+01:00

As it's pouring again today, I decided to start fitting my bags on to the bike.
It's been a while since I've used the panniers and they've got a couple of holes in the cross piece that the bags clip onto. As I couldn't remember which one to use, I thought it better to try them out while I've got time to experiment.
Just as well I did!
I fitted them every way I could think of but they still didn't seem right. Eventually got there. I had been trying to fit them without the sissy bar and side plates fitted. having them on means the cross piece has to fit over the top of the side plates so without it they were hanging loose.
As I'm using the bike to go to the Erskine Hospital charity ride on Sunday, I had planned on removing them for that but I may just keep them on to save the hassle.
Then I can get packed up through the week as I'll be leaving at sparrow fart on Friday.

"attractive" modification

2011-05-24T14:16:00.008+01:00

Picked up a tip on a discussion forum this morning which I'm going to try out.

It's to fit some neodymium magnets to the oil filter. Apparently, these are the most powerful magnets commercially available. They cause any metal fragments, circulating in the oil, to stick to the inside of the filter housing. This can't be a bad thing. Rather that the magnets caught them than they go round and round the engine causing, who knows what sort of damage in there!
The magnets are available in all sizes but I bought disc shaped ones which are 12mm x 4mm. They were just under £7 for 20. If I stick a couple on at a time, the pack I've bought should last me for some time.
You can buy specially made magnets which are shaped and sized for individual filters but they are much more expensive, coming in at nearly £20 each.

I haven't been able to get out on the bike much, despite being off work. The wind and rain are still battering us here in Scotland. It's got to ease off sometime soon. Hopefully I'll get out at least one day this week. If the weather does get better, it will be a toss up as to getting out on the bike or going away camping.
I've bought a new sleeping bag as, no matter how much I try to convince myself, the old on is just not warm enough. I recall that the last time I used it in less than warm weather (up in Durness when I got rained off the camp-site!) it was cold!

wet weekend

2011-05-23T10:44:00.005+01:00

It's been an absolutely terrible weekend weather-wise!
It's been windy and wet. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that nature will get it's bad mood out of the way over the next few days and then get into summer mode before we head off at the beginning of June.
Not that it will stop me going camping. All I'll do is take the bigger tent. Then, if it is wet, I'll at least have a bit more room to move around and also to store wet stuff in slightly more comfort.
I didn't go out much on the bike at the weekend. Apart from riding around the streets for a bit, I spent the time getting the bike prepared for the run up to Gairloch. I spent an hour proofing the seat with wax leather treatment. So, if I am spending a prolonged time in the rain, the seams should keep most of the water out of the foam. I did the same to the panniers a while back so they should be somewhat waterproof. The roll top liners I've got will help keep the contents dry too.
This week I will spend some time getting my packing and loading right.
As there's a hotel nearby, which is offering food (including breakfast!) I wont need to pack too much in the way of cooking gear but may take the stove anyway. I was hoping to get away for an overnight to see how my sleeping bag is holding up. I think that the loft in the smaller one I've got may have given up and I'm not sure if it will still be as warm as it used to be. It's just getting old. If necessary, I will buy a new one but I'd like a chance to try it out first.

preparation

2011-05-18T15:56:00.005+01:00

I've just bought myself a top cover for the bike.
It will just cover the top half. Maybe the name gave that away! But as it's only for occasional use when I'm out and about, that should be enough.
It will be handy for when I go away camping. It's very unlikely that the rain will stay off while we're up in Gairloch.
Although there's not much can be done about the bike getting wet while I'm riding, at least if it rains overnight the bike will stay relatively dry. It also means that I can leave stuff on the bike, in panniers, and they'll be covered.
All I need to buy now is a waterproof over-jacket. Then I should be just about weatherproof. I'm watching one on e-bay so will keep my fingers crossed I get it cheapish.
Someone posted the timings for everyone to meet up to ride up to Gairloch. I'm still pondering over whether to ride in the group or make my own way. I really should bit the bullet and try going with the rest of them. I can always separate if necessary, though I'm sure it will be OK.
I just can't wait to get away.

at risk of repeating myself

2011-05-13T18:27:00.007+01:00

I posted yesterday about a new leather jacket that I had bought on e-bay.
But then blogger lost the post, so I'll briefly recap.
I ordered a GTH roadster jacket which, when it arrived, (really quickly), was a big disappointment.
The chest and shoulders fitted snugly but the waist was huge. Apart from that, the armour in it was extremely uncomfortable. The collar adjustment was of no use at all. All in all it was a disaster of a purchase, which was all the more disappointing as I really liked the retro style.
I was surprised at Silvermans, selling something so bad, as anything I've bought from them before was good quality. Maybe it's just me that couldn't get on with this particular jacket.
So anyway, I've packed it up, returned it and asked for a refund. I'll stick with the leather I've got for now.

jumped in

2011-05-12T20:00:00.000+01:00

... with both feet, yet again.
I decided to buy a new GTH jacket from e-bay. I had been trawling to try to find some reviews of this particular jacket but couldn't find one. But, as it was from a company I have used before and have a good web presence outside e-bay, I thought I'd take a chance on their roadster jacket as I really liked the style.
How disappointed was I when it arrived? Even though it arrived in super fast time.
The fit is really weird. The chest and shoulders are snug, especially with the armour in. But the waist is huge. If I were to wear it on the bike the wind is bound to blow it up like a balloon. The collar is a buckled strap and it fits on the first hole, so there is absolutely no adjustment there either. I believe the jacket is made in Italy. Maybe Italian bikers are some weird shape.
The jacket just does not feel comfortable and I'm not sure that it ever will.
I don't want to take the chance so, I've contacted the seller and will return it ASAP.
Live and learn!

comfy

2011-05-08T16:56:00.005+01:00

Well, the jacket I was thinking about bidding on finally went for nearly a hundred and seventy pounds. That was far more than I had planned on spending, especially on a second hand jacket. More than I can afford at this time too. So, I let it go and will look at another jacket soon.
I did buy the waterproofs and the roll bag.
I also went out for a run of about twenty miles this afternoon. It was mainly to try out the gel cushion. It works a treat and should make riding distance somewhat more comfortable.

I'm toying with the idea of getting the seat reworked and fitting the gel under the cover. I could narrow the front of the seat. Then, if I get a stretched tank in the future, it will fit better. I am considering doing the work myself. It will entail removing the leather cover and fitting the pad under it. I'm sure I could do it as putting it back together will involve rivets and not stitching. Though, on the other hand, maybe I should get it done properly!
I could take it to House of Custom as leather-work seems to be their one remaining speciality and then I could get a tooled insert put in at the same time. I would have the comfort of knowing that it would be done right. But then again doing things yourself can be fulfilling.

getting ready

2011-05-06T21:33:00.011+01:00

I'm keeping an eye on a couple of auctions on e-bay.
These are for some things I intend to buy before I head off on my camping trip. I want to get a pair of waterproof trousers as the ones I've got now are just a little tight. Although they are good quality ones, they don't really offer much more protection from the rain than a cheaper pair would. Breathability is OK if you're walking but I don't think it's that necessary for sitting on a bike.
I'm also keeping an eye on a Belstaff jacket. It's one of the touring style leathers but, as the price has already gone over the ton, I'm just not too sure about paying that much for a jacket (no matter how good it is) when I've already got a perfectly serviceable one as it is! Over the last two years I've bought and re-sold three leather jackets. Each one has been better than the last and yet none of them cost me more than £40.
What I am going to buy though is a roll top bag. I found one which is a lot cheaper than the Nelson Rigg roll bag which I couldn't get because it's been discontinued. How lucky was that?
Will post pics when it comes.

I've got a week off later this month so will head off camping to try out the loading of the bike and get my back used to sleeping in a tent again before I set of for Gairloch at the beginning of June. I'm going to try out both tents on different trips. The smaller one may be easier to pack but I'd rather use the bigger as there's more space to move around and store gear in it. Going for a longer run will also give me the opportunity to road test the gel pad.

sore bum

2011-05-02T18:38:00.004+01:00

I went for another couple of runs over the weekend. Had to make the most of the good weather before it goes.
On Sunday I rode for about fifty miles without a break. Although I managed it OK, by the time I got home my rear end was beginning to feel just a little numb.
As I'm going to be riding a good bit further, when I go away for the camping weekend at the beginning of June, I thought about getting some sort of removable cushion. That way I can still keep the look of the thin LePera seat but not have the discomfort after a long ride. (I am getting older even though I don't like to admit so much!)
I was thinking about a sheepskin as I have read that this is comfortable. The only problem is that I would have to cut and sew it myself to fit the seat. Also, it would probably smell a bit when it got wet.
I then came across a site on e-bay which sells gel pads in a neoprene cover. They are probably as expensive as sheepskin but have the advantage of coming in three sizes and are not affected by water.
I've ordered one and will report once I've used it.

more miles

2011-04-26T18:47:00.005+01:00

I went out for another run yesterday as the weather had taken a turn for the better. A holiday Monday as it should be.
Did about forty miles and enjoyed almost every one!
The road back was marred a little by an accident involving a biker and a car. Was only a mile or two from the Carbeth Inn. Looked like another biker racing but you never know, he could have been behaving and it was the driver at fault.
Haven't heard anything today about it so hopefully it was minor.

typical holiday weekend

2011-04-24T15:19:00.006+01:00

The weather is rotten and the traffic is worse!

Well actually the weather wasn't that bad. It was just not as warm and sunny as it has been this past week. (when I was at work!!) The Easter traffic, on the other hand, is just as you would expect for the first long weekend of the year. Lots of Sunday drivers out for a dawdle.
I headed off up Loch Lomond side to Crianlarich then turned right and came back via Callander. It was a good 120 mile round trip which I did without stopping. A good few bikes on the road including some Harleys. They all seem to ride in groups. Especially the ones with the HOG patches on their backs. Though, to be fair, the ones I saw round Balloch would have been at the Easter Egg Run to the Children's Hospice. Got overtaken by the usual rice burners round Loch Venacher in the Trossachs. I can't be bothered going to the trouble of passing cars on a windy road only to get held up by the ubiquitous caravan or tour bus a mile or two further on.
I was beginning to feel just a little stiff at the end but nothing too bad so I should be able to manage a trip up to Gairloch in June. That would be about 235 miles. So about double the distance and do-able in a day.

I was writing about buying luggage the other day.
I'm definitely not going to buy the tour bag I was looking at. What I will get though, is a luggage roll. That will bungee on to my rack. It will be useful for day trips like today, to carry waterproofs and camera but will also give me an alternative when doing overnight camping trips.
Something I am going to buy is a face mask. I was using my buff neck scarf today but if just wouldn't stay in place. There are a few different types on the market both leather and neoprene. The ones with the skull or horror face look "interesting" but no doubt I'll go for a plain black one.

problems solved

2011-04-22T18:13:00.011+01:00

The weather was a bit overcast and not too warm this morning when I went out to the garage to make a start on the rear indicators.
That made me feel a bit better about not getting out and riding.
I started by removing the screen from the front fairing and sprayed the inside with a satin black paint. I wanted to get away from the opaque look that it had and try for a solid colour. My thinking was that if I sprayed the inside it would be protected from scratches and leave the finish matching the rest of the fairing.
Hopefully it will work but I won't really know until tomorrow when the paint is dry and I can refit it.
In between coats I made a start on relocating the indicators.
All went well - at first.
I removed the indicators then realised that it wasn't going to be quite as straightforward as I had hoped. The hollow mounting bolt wasn't threaded all the way to the head. That meant I would have to cut a new thread on the portion that went through the mudguard. So, I cut the heads off the bolts, got out my tap and die set then ran into the next problem. I haven't got a work bench in my garage therefore don't have a vice to hold the bolt steady while I made the thread.
This gave me a worrying time as I got on with deciding what die to use for the nuts I've got available. The front mounting bolts are 8mm but with two different pitched threads on the ends that go to the indicator body and into the fork bracket. As I've only got an imperial die set, I couldn't do them to match the front or even have both threads metric. (not that it matters as they can't be seen).
With the problem of holding the bolt while I made the thread still going through my mind I carried on and drilled holes in the mudguard. I was committed to finishing the job because cutting the bolt heads off at the start meant I couldn't put things back the way they were. So, a solution had to be found.
Eventually I had a light bulb moment! I held the bolt in the chuck of my power drill. Holding that between my knees gave me the purchase to start off the die.
The rest went fairly smoothly.
Tomorrow is for eating burgers at WCHD and riding!

As an aside, I had been thinking about buying a Nelson Rigg luggage pack for when I go camping this summer (I WILL get to at least one rally this summer) but have decided that it's an extravagance. Any bag will bungee on and I've ordered some more waterproof bag liners, so it wont even matter if it's a weatherproof one. I may put the money I would have spent on that towards a new leather jacket. The one I bought from e-bay last year is great quality but is not getting any more comfortable as I wear it. Maybe it has done its fitting to the previous owner!

needs must

2011-04-19T20:46:00.003+01:00

I was out at my bike and noticed that the rear indicator that I had tightened at the weekend has worked loose again.
If it's going to work loose after a short run of less than a couple of miles then I had better do it properly before I attempt to ride any distance.
So, as it's a holiday weekend coming up, I'll get it done on Friday. That will still give me three days to get out and run up the miles as well as nipping down to West Coast HD for their Easter Barbecue.

the pain

2011-04-16T12:59:00.003+01:00

I put my back out at work the other day.
The physical pain is one thing. I can just take a couple of pain-killers and grit my teeth against that, but not being able to ride my bike is the real downer. I'll keep my fingers crossed that a day of rest today will mean that it will be better enough to let me get out tomorrow.
Not that I haven't been out on the bike today! I did ride round the block (for a mile) before sitting on my stool in the garage and tinkering a while.
I swapped over the bracket for the clutch cable to the left down tube and moved the tax disc holder to it's previous position on the cross member. It's just less obvious there.
I've also been considering what to do about my rear indicators. One of them has loosened off a bit so when I was tightening it up I had a look to see if there could be a better solution.
I may mount them directly on to the fender. That way I will be able to shorten the brackets and set them closer in to the mudguard. Should be a neater look.
As that entails removing the fender and supports as well as re-wiring the indicators I will probably put it off for the winter list.

sweet

2011-04-09T17:22:00.003+01:00

The sun shone today and spring is definitely in the air.

I headed off first thing this morning. I only rode a mile, filled up with petrol and then returned to my garage to adjust a couple of things.
The play in the clutch was just too much, a mirror was loose and one of the retaining bolts on the rack was rattling a bit. So, a couple of turns with spanners and I was off again.
Rode up to Aberfoyle and did about sixty miles round trip. I didn't want to push my luck too far on the first ride, since getting the bike back together.
At first, the response from the throttle was a bit sluggish but by the time I got home it had settled down. Perhaps the ECM had worked out that there were different pipes on. Whatever, it was running ever so sweetly when I got back.
I was pleasantly surprised at how much more comfortable the riding position is with the higher bars. They bring my hands a couple of inches closer to my body so there's no stretching which removes the strain I felt previously. I also get better use of the mirrors as they are not filled with reflections of my arms.
The screen also makes a bit of difference. There's still wind in my face but the pressure on my chest is definitely less. Should be more comfortable on longer runs.
Fingers crossed that the weather holds up for another day and I can get some more miles in tomorrow.

tomorrow will be here soon

2011-04-08T17:57:00.006+01:00

But for now, I'm just heading out to the garage. The luggage rack I ordered a couple of weeks ago arrived today. As soon as I opened the box, it was so obvious that it's the right one. Amazing how your eyes can play tricks as I was also sure that the one I bought in West coast was right at the time. I've also got the road tax and will decide on where to mount it. The way I've set up the clutch cable means I can't put it on the frame cross-piece as I had it before. At the moment I've got it bolted on to the final drive belt guard. The down side of having it there is that all the crud off the road is going to score a direct hit! It will also be hidden by my saddle bags when I mount them and don't really want to attract any hassle. There is an alternative of drilling out a hole in the cross-piece I used previously and then mounting the disc holder vertically. That is parallel to the down tube. I'll try it out to see. Then I'll be ready to go riding tomorrow!

ready ...

2011-04-03T16:04:00.005+01:00

.... but not steady or go yet.

I did everything needed to get running but as I've no road tax my first ride will need to wait until next weekend. Or maybe one evening this week.
'Till then here's the photos I promised. I've repositioned the mirrors so that they are under-slung on the bars but until I get out on the road I wont know if they are usable like that. So, they may be back to the way they are in the pics before long.

sorted (nearly)

2011-04-02T12:40:00.004+01:00

I spent an hour or so this morning finishing wiring the front indicators. The Badlands unit was so easy to fit. It has two plugs on it which go between the male and female plugs already in the loom. Then it was just a case of using a cable tie to hold the unit in place behind the fuse box and it was all ready to go.
The bike started up and it's probably just as well that the front brake is still to be connected or I may have been tempted to go for a ride.
As I've no road tax yet, that probably wouldn't be a good idea!
I'm off to the football this afternoon so tomorrow Ill get the brakes bled. I'll also need to have a look at the horn as it's only working intermittently. Then all there is to do is check fasteners, headlamp alignment and a few other pre riding checks and I'm ready for the off.
Will also get some pics up too.

couldn't wait

2011-04-01T17:28:00.003+01:00

I was filling up the car on my way home and as I had a petrol can in the boot I filled it up for the bike.
As soon as I got in, I headed round to the garage and filled the tank. Although the indicators are not yet properly wired in, I just couldn't resist firing her up. Started first time and although I didn't open it up I think I may get away with the pipes as they are.
They are loud but are they too loud?
We'll see once I start riding.

impulse buying

2011-03-29T22:09:00.009+01:00

I did it again.
Went onto e-bay and had a look for resistors. I was fully intending to buy another two. (received the first two in the post today) I wasn't just sure enough to know which ones to get and so had bought two at first. The ones I got are fairly large and are enclosed in a plastic cover. I hadn't worked out just where I would mount them, so was going to buy a pair of the metal ones which I was hoping would be smaller. No matter which ones I had settled on, I would need to mount them to something on the bike which would act as some sort of heat-sink. Apparently they produce a fair bit of heat and are recommended not to be mounted onto plastic. Well, the most obvious (and easiest) place to mount them on my bike would have been on the inside of the fairing which is made of ...yes plastic!
I spent some time browsing e-bay and various motorcycle forums trying to find the definitive answer to what I needed. I had just about decided on the size of resistors I needed and was intending to experiment with fitting a pair on the just the front indicators to see if that would work. Having the two different types would have given me some leeway to try to get it right.
I then happened to come across Badlander's load equaliser. It's much more expensive than four resistors (well about three times the price) but it plugs directly into the existing loom, does not create excessive heat and works with the turn signal module and, more importantly, the stock alarm system.
Money I hadn't intended spending but if it makes my indicators work properly, worth it.

The lesson has been learned at least. I bought RBS LED turn signals without really reading too far down the page in the catalogue. Re-reading it again, I eventually noticed the bit about maybe needing a load equaliser. It really wasn't too clear, but there you go. Plenty of these things, both expensive and cheap, are sold with-out mentioning that they may not work properly.
I've got there in the end and now understand a bit about resistance and LED lights.

started

2011-03-27T15:42:00.011+01:00

I spent an hour tightening up fasteners, wiring up the indicators and fitting the battery. Then with most of the lights coming on I turned the engine over. It fired up first time. Though, as there is no petrol in the tank apart from a little at the bottom and in the fuel pipe, it didn't run for long.

I will need to spend a bit of time later working out the wiring on the indicators as the front left doesn't come on and the right ones are flashing too quickly.

After I had spent a little time getting the wires right, I got them all working but they were still flashing too quickly.
I've done a bit of research and now know that it's caused by the resistance of LED lights being less than that of filament bulbs. The mechanism which speeds up the flash rate as an indication of a blown bulb, thinks that a bulb is out and reacts as such. Something needs to be done to fool the system into seeing the resistance of the stock bulbs. I will need either a plug-in load equaliser, (which is the expensive route), or to fit some resistors, which is the more technical way to do it. I'll have a think for a couple of days and then decide.

But, at least the engine started and the new exhaust pipes sound good and loud. Soon be back on the road.

rallies

2011-03-27T10:20:00.006+01:00

I have promised myself that I will go to at least one rally this summer.
I've arranged time off to coincide with Clyde Valley's Gathering which is at the beginning of June. I haven't bought a ticket for it yet as I haven't really made up my mind whether to go to it or not. Previous Gatherings have been held in Ayr. This year it has moved to Argyll. This is more out in the countryside but it still seems to have met the "corporate" identity that HOG chapters have. Advertising around the rally is more about the luxury accommodation and classy restaurants available on site. HOG really is about keeping members on message with the Harley brand.
I'd much rather go to HDRCGB rallies which seem to be more about the riding than the look.
I did see a poster yesterday about the Alba West Custom Show which is being held in Drymen again. That's on a weekend nearer the end of June.
As I missed last years I will make an effort to go this year.

nearly

2011-03-26T17:41:00.003Z

Scored one of the items off my wish list.
I went down to West Coast HD to buy some brake fluid and while I was there asked about the part number for the wrinkle black luggage rack I want. They looked it up and there was one in stock so I bit the bullet and bought it. When it came from the store room there was no label on it and it just didn't look wide enough. But, I was assured that it was the correct part number and was the one Harley supplied for my bike. So, I paid for it and headed off home. As soon as I opened the garage door and looked at the back rest I knew it was the wrong one. That's twice now I've bought the wrong one! At least this time it wasn't my fault.
When I took the rack back the attitude of the staff in there was almost unbelievable. I asked them to order me the correct one but was told that the one they had in stock was the right one for my bike so they couldn't order another. Co-incidentally, there was a guy looking for one for a 04 dyna. Precisely the one that was lying on the counter in front of him. For them to sell him that one would have meant they'd have had to admit their mistake so they put one on order for him.
I wonder how many times that one will be sold and returned before they realise that they HAVE got it wrong!

Earlier in the day I re-fitted the tank and I've almost finished wiring the front indicators. I don't want to crimp the connectors on until I've tried them out. Then I can be sure that the wiring goes to the correct side.
So, tomorrow, I'll bleed the brakes, tighten all the fasteners down and refit the battery which I'll put on trickle charge tonight.
Then, fingers crossed ...

adding up?

2011-03-25T19:20:00.006Z

My Rebufinni air cleaner arrived today.
It looks good. So good it's going to be a difficult to resist temptation to fit it straight away. But, to do that I would need to do the conversion to carb and I don't really want to do that before getting a tank.
I've made a list of the things I still want to buy for the bike. It's getting shorter but is still an expensive list.
On it are:-

tank with fuel tap
speedometer

Those are really the only things I need. That's to do the EFI conversion. Some others need to wait until I can really afford to do the front end conversion:-

yokes
front and rear brake lines

Then there's the bits and pieces which are either purely cosmetic or I can get by with what I've already got:-

luggage rack
front and rear billet master cylinder covers

There's probably at least £1500 to be spent on that lot, so most will have to wait.

lights on

2011-03-20T15:55:00.007Z

I finally took the plunge and drilled the holes in the fairing to mount it. Got it almost right. All it needed was to loosen everything up and jiggle it around a bit then re-tighten. The headlamp fits in, using a spacer to raise the height but I still may have to get another bracket fabricated as there is no room for adjustment. It's doubtful that it will be aligned correctly the way it is. The headlight really needs to come forward half an inch.
As soon as I get the bullet connectors I've ordered, I'll wire the indicators up.
Then I can put the tank back on, re-fit the battery and see if I've got it right and if the bike will start.

tax

2011-03-19T11:05:00.011Z

Like death it's inevitable, is it?
This is about road tax. The money the government take off you for using the roads and then, seemingly throw it into the potholes. Well they don't repair them any other way. Do they? What do they do with my money? I have to pay to use the roads and they're not fit for using! The government are ripping us motorists off. And as for the safety aspect! Are they trying to wipe bikers off the face of the earth? Hoping that we'll either give up riding or maybe have an accident which will mean we can no longer exist as bikers. Some of the potholes around here are so deep you could fall into them and never reappear. Blah, blah, blah ....

Rant over. What I am actually concerned about is when to re-tax my bike. I SORNed it and now want to renew the road tax in order to get back on the road in April. As the first weekend in April is the 2nd/3rd I'm wondering how to get my disc for then but not have to pay for March.
I will look into it and get back when I find a way.

The answer is simple. Renew at a post office.

From the DVLA web-site

When to apply
If your tax is due to run out at the end of the month, you can renew it from the fifth day of the month.
If your vehicle has been untaxed, because you’ve just bought it, the tax disc has run out or a SORN is in force, you can tax from the first day of the month in which you apply.
If you want the tax disc to start on the first day of the next calendar month, you cannot tax your vehicle more than two days in advance.

progress

2011-03-18T18:09:00.004Z

I got more done today than I had expected.

I went out to the garage thinking that I'd get the coils finished. Well I got them connected up, cut the bracket off the seat post and mounted the cover on the coils. I've decided that it looks better with the wrinkle black cover on. The coils are not very pretty after all.

I then went on to have a look at the instructions for the V&H exhausts. Looked easy enough so I got started. All went smoothly apart from getting it all done and noticing I had two bolts left over. I almost ignored it as there was other stuff which wasn't being used. Must be for other models.
After another look through the instructions I realised that I hadn't removed the two mounting studs which held on the stock exhaust. They are replaced by the two bolts which I had in my hand. For a short while, I considered leaving it as it was but changed my mind and loosened everything off once more in order to do the job right. I'm glad I did as the exhaust now sits straighter.
The hardest and most annoying part of the fitting was getting the clamps to catch to tighten them up. V&H suggest that you mark the outside of the heat shield with pencil in order to locate them. That's a great tip but the places they're located don't make it easy to hold in order to get them started.

Tomorrow I'm going to refit the petrol tank.
I've had to order bullet connectors to wire up my RBS indicators (then the front ones will finally match the rear ones) so I can't get on with that until they come. As the wires to the indicators are the same to each side I will need some way of quickly swapping them over should I fit them up on the wrong sides.
I'll take my time over the fairing as the indicators, headlamp and fairing are all needing to go together at the same time.

a good day

2011-03-17T17:01:00.010Z

The sun shone, though I wont go so far as to say it was warm!

I got a few things done. I re-fitted the engine mounting bracket, finished off the wiring to the coils, made a start on cutting the HT leads and started fitting the handlebar fairing.
I've also worked out a way to fit the coil cover by hacksawing the bracket part off the seat-post and using that to mount the cover behind the bracket the coils are bolted on to. The bare coil is not the prettiest of things so it will look better with the wrinkle black cover fitted.
I will not go so far as to say that all went well or even smoothly. As none of the things I'm fitting are stock Harley Davidson or even recommended for my bike that there would be difficulties was a given even before I started.
At the moment the most awkward thing is trying to fit the rubber boots on the coil end of the HT leads. The ones that came with the RevTech leads are too wide but the ones fitted to the coil are too narrow to take the 8mm leads. So I'm trying to cobble something together but am thinking that the easy way out will be to buy the Accel coils I spoke about in a previous post. It's another kick in the pants of my budget so we will see.

(A quick post script to this:- I have just worked out that getting the cables through the rubber boot was possible. It just took a little washing up liquid!)

I will need to get a taller bracket made up to line up the headlight in the fairing. I may get away with spacing it out with a couple of nuts for now but will need to head back to House of Custom some time soon. Hopefully they wont mind sourcing an engineering shop to fabricate something. I've only lined the fairing up and sat it in place. Drilling holes will take some courage, so I've put that off until tomorrow. I read an account by someone who has already fitted one. Line it up he said, mark where you want to drill the holes then line it up again! As you can't un-drill holes it is worthwhile doing over and over until I'm certain it's in the position I want it to stay.

Here's some pics of today's progress.

continuing

2011-03-16T09:28:00.004Z

Both the bad weather and the work I'm doing on the bike.

I got the gas soldering iron and wire through the post yesterday so that gave me the chance to move forward with the coil relocation. To be honest I'm not really sure how effective the butane iron is going to be. I used the mains one to do the first lot of joins. At least that gave me the chance to get my hand in again so that when I come to do the other four joins in the garage I will be practised.
I've painted the engine mounting brackets rather that paying to get them powder-coated. I used up the paint I bought for the brake callipers. It's heat resistant so hopefully the finish will last. There is every likelihood that I'll need to get them coated at some time in the future but for now the paint job will suffice.
Replacing the coil leads is another job which is turning out to be a little more (or less) than simple. As I said previously I bought RevTech leads. None of the coil end connector covers fit the delphi coils so I will need to use the stock ones. I will also need to adapt the brass terminals as the diameter of the stubs on the coils is less than the holes on the terminals. I'm considering buying an Accel Super Coil kit and replacing the whole thing with that but at the moment that is in the queue with the other things on my shopping list.

As soon as I get the coils wired up I'm going to move on to fitting the exhausts as the bike is still looking far from ready. The pipes will at least help me believe that I'm getting somewhere.

delays

2011-03-13T10:27:00.009Z

I'm loaded with the cold and the weather has turned extremely wintry once more.
A mixture of both, but more the illness than the weather, has put paid to my idea, (which was put in my head by Colin at House of Custom, when I was there collecting my bracket last week-end), of going through to the Bike Show in Edinburgh.
House of Custom? you ask.
I'm not too sure what has happened there. Area 51 have changed their name to House of Custom. Richard is no longer with them. Which is probably why they are no longer doing any fabrication. They are still doing custom work and as I may need someone to do some of the EFI - carb conversion as well as the front end conversion, it's good to know that they've not gone all-together.

The return to cold weather has meant that I didn't get out to do anything on the bike yesterday. As I'm still suffering this morning I doubt if I'll do much today either. What I will do is to cut the cables to the coil and bring the plug end in to the house. I'm going to try to dismantle the connector rather than extend the wire. If that works I'll only need one set of soldered joints rather than two, which if fact means eight. I have tried to source a supplier for the delphi connectors that HD use but can't find on in this country. Some of the other connectors are better or at least, just as good. But, as this one goes into the coil body I need the exact one.

(Update on this. I got the connector apart but there was no way I could dismantle the terminal. So, as I haven't found a supplier for these plugs, I will be extending the cables by soldering in a length of wire. That means eight solders but that's the way it goes!)

I had ordered cable from Auto Electric Supplies but bought the wrong gauge so I've re-ordered, along with a butane soldering iron. AES were incredibly quick with their turnaround and I would recommend them. They are experts in vintage and classic wiring and although they don't have as wide a range as Vehicle Wiring Products, they seem to know what they are doing. Also, I'm having problems ordering on-line from VWP. So when needs must!
I will actually need the soldering iron and haven't just bought it because I like buying tools (although I do!). The joins I need to make, this time, are ones which must be done on the bike and can't be done in the house where I can use the mains iron. I actually enjoy doing the wiring on the bike. When I had my suzuki low-rider years ago, I did a lot of the re-wiring on that. With just a bit more practice to increase my confidence, I may even consider doing a complete re-wire on the softail. That could simplify things greatly. It would be good to remove most of the extra wiring rather than just tuck it out of the way.

We'll see at the end of this summer.

the postman keeps on coming ...

2011-03-10T19:31:00.003Z

... and bringing me more work to do.
So, as soon as the weekend comes, I'm off work for a week and then I should get a fair bit done.
I've got some RevTech spark plug leads, so I will fit them first and then get the engine bracket off to the powder coaters and rewire the coils. Next, I'm going to fit the headlight fairing and bleed the front brake (as soon as I get some new fluid). After that it will be the exhausts to get fitted.

I've bought a rebuffini air filter cover but won't be fitting that until I do the carb conversion. I'm just getting the spending out of the way! The rest of the conversion will need to wait until I can afford a tank and speedo as I've decided to go the whole hog (excuse the pun!) and get rid of all extraneous electronic geegaws.
I am tempted to do that sooner rather than later as I'm putting off the work on the front end until next winter. it's just a matter of how much I can fit in without losing too much riding time.

pressing on

2011-03-05T13:32:00.002Z

I was in the garage, fitting the horn, when I got a call from Area 51 to say that my bracket was ready.
So, I jumped in the car and headed to Clydebank to pick it up. It's looking good. I'm off work in a week or two so I'll re-wire the leads and get it in for powder coating when I'm off.
I'm off to the football this afternoon so first thing tomorrow I'll get stuck in and take a few more steps to getting back on the road.
I want to delay getting road-tax until April. That way the summer months are covered and next winter I should be able to SORN to gain maximum advantage.

Photos tomorrow too.

what's a mind for but changeing?

2011-02-27T17:46:00.006Z

I went out to the garage today fully prepared to extend the wiring on the horn and relocate it to the position I had decided on yesterday.

Before I did that, I removed the seat post which is only there to hold the coils and will now be redundant when I move the coils. That left a space between the rear cylinder and the oil tank. So, then I got to thinking that the horn may fit in that space.
The HD horn wont fit as it is too wide, it being a trumpet shape. I went on-line and found a suitable, narrow horn for less than £12, so I ordered one and will fit it to the top mounting bolt from the seat post.
Here's some pics of the bike as it is now, showing the space behind the rear cylinder.

As it looks as though I'll be running with the stock front end for the summer, (I am still trying to make my mind up how to proceed with the forks) I will spend the next couple of weekends doing some of the little things the bike needs. Then I will put it all back together again.
Should be ready for the road soon.

tinkerer or rider?

2011-02-26T10:00:00.012Z

I'm beginning to wonder which I'm destined to be.
The weather outside is mild and sunny and I don't have a bike on the road! Even if I were to get my head down and put everything back together, my coils are away with the bracket so the bike wouldn't run anyway.

I've just renewed my insurance (need it for "insurance" in case of theft, even if the bike is off the road) so all I would have to do is get the bike taxed and I'd be ready to go. (I SORNed the bike for a month or two, to bring the tax cycle more into the times it's off the road.)

I'm coming round to the idea of keeping the bike as stock as it is at the moment and postponing any more customisation until next winter. That way I can continue to buy the parts I need but still get the full riding season. Then when I take the bike off the road next winter I will be able to get right down to the work needed.
Ideally I would like to have a bike which is ready to start and go any-time I feel like riding but the desire to make changes and individualise my ride is just too overpowering, so I somehow doubt if I'll ever get to that stage.

Just back in from some more "tinkering". Was going to move the horn to somewhere in front of the splash plate in front of the rear wheel. I had found out that it would fit in there, from some reports on-line, by guys who had done just that.
I then noticed that there was room on the strap that runs between the frame down-tubes. I have my tubular tax disc holder on there but was sure that the cow-bell horn cover would fit too. And it does. I didn't have time in the failing light to extend the wires but will do that tomorrow.
Will take pics then too.

deflated

2011-02-24T19:11:00.003Z

That is indeed how I feel right now.
I went along to Area 51 this afternoon only to find out that they have stopped doing any fabrication. They've got rid of the CNC machine and lathe and are now contracting out any manufacturing work.
I'm getting the coil bracket done but the yokes are are different matter. As Area 51 can't do them and don't know anyone making billet yokes in Scotland, the only suggestion they offered was a set of off the shelf yokes or a set of upside down forks.
The only yokes that are made for 49mm fork tubes are designed for a Dyna so I don't know if they can be customised to fit the softail headstock. They almost certainly wont bolt on without some adjustment.
The other route, buying a complete front end with upside down forks will give me the beefy front end that I'm wanting but it is certainly a much more expensive route.
I will take a few days to mull over my choices before making a decision. Meanwhile I'm going to get on with relocating the coils and horn and fitting my V&H exhausts.

where is this going?

2011-02-24T10:13:00.006Z

I've just re-read my previous post and realised how it could be taken as being, shall we say, a bit of an innuendo. But, if I change it now this post wont make any sense so I'll leave it and move on.

I'm off to Area 51 later this morning to see what they can do for me, about my front end. I'm also going to take the engine mounting bracket I just bought and ask them to adapt it to take the coils. The new bracket is from a softail but is plain metal and does not have the horn mount attached. Hopefully it will fit OK and prove to be a cheaper solution to cutting up the one that's already fitted.

Will post how I get on, later.

front end blues

2011-02-21T18:55:00.001Z

My fairing arrived today.
The width of the fairing may determine how wide my yokes will be. I was thinking of getting really extra wide ones made but I think that twelve inches will be as wide as I can go and still be able to fit the Ness fairing.
Maybe just as well.

Je ne regrette rien

2011-02-20T16:18:00.007Z

Well actually there is one thing.
I'm beginning to regret buying my night train new.
It's not the fact that it was new when I bought it, more that I wish I had bought an older model.
An older model wouldn't have had the EFI and all the electronic gizmos that come along with it. Most of which it seems can be done without. Things like oxygen sensors, throttle position sensors and active exhaust bl**dy valves!
So, had I bought an old bike in the first place, I wouldn't have to consider going retro with it. That way I wouldn't be facing the difficulties I keep coming across every time I start to do any work on the damn thing!

Today I decided to remove the stock exhaust pipes. I figured I could do that today and then I'd be able to get in to drain the transmission and replace the clutch cable with the longer one needed for the higher bars. I got the old mufflers removed and then went on to remove the pipes. The O2 sensors can remain and be fitted into the V&H pipes as they are made with ports. The bit I didn't take into account was the active exhaust system. This is a servo motor which opens and shuts a valve on the exhaust. Something to do with noise emissions, I believe. Well as it doesn't work with the V&H then I need a blanking adapter to fool the EFI into thinking it is still there to stop the computer throwing up an error message.
That's another twenty-five quid spent!

S.O.A. - ish

2011-01-29T13:00:00.004Z

Putting aside the possibility that I will be considered a wannabe, I've just ordered a handlebar fairing to complete the stuff I need for my front end.
The look I'm going to end up with will be along the lines of some of the dynas on the TV "biker soap" Sons of Anarchy which, if you have watched any of it, you will realise has little to do with motorcycles. Yes, the series are about the exploits of a California-based MC but apart from using their bikes to go from one murder to another and the odd glimpse of an old Harley in the club-house it may just as well be about a bunch of mafiosa or any other rebel gang.

Anyway, nonsense apart, the look of the bikes with the high t-bars is just what I've been heading for. The fairing is just another step on that route. I've ordered the fairing now as I will need to get custom brackets made up to fit it and I may as well get that done when the yokes are being fabricated.

That just means that I'll need to delay the carb conversion until I have a bit more spare cash. Though I may be able to afford it sooner as all I need is an air cleaner and a suitable manifold. If I keep the EFI going for this summer I may look at fitting the V&H pipes anyway. I'm not too sure if I'll be able to run them with the stock air cleaner or if I will have to look out for a cleaner which will switch between the EFI unit and the carb with the use of an adapter.

extra spending

2011-01-22T16:16:00.002Z

I need to take some time to sit down and work out what I need to put on my shopping list.
Things keep coming into my head and then slipping out again, only to suddenly pop back to mind again. Usually sometime in the middle of the night when something has woken me up and I'm lying trying to get back to sleep. So often, I think of things in the wee small hours that soon get forgotten again, so I'm sure there must be quite a lot that I should be putting on this list.
Among those are a manifold for the carburettor. I knew when I bought the carb that I'd need to buy a manifold but somehow that got forgotten. I've done a bit of research and it seems that the EVO one will fit the twin cam so I'll order one of those as soon as I can afford the £70 or so.
I've got a feeling that I will put off the EFI conversion until the end of this year's riding season and concentrate on doing the front end. It's probably still worth buying stuff just now if I can get them pre VAT increase prices and leave them on the shelf until needed.
Most of the bits I need for that I've already bought. All I really need is to get the bits down to Area 51 as I'm sure they'll be able to supply any other small bits and pieces when they're manufacturing the yokes. The biggest expense (apart from the yokes) will be stainless brake lines and I can't order them until I know the measurements.

more steps

2011-01-17T12:21:00.007Z

The paint for the calipers came on Saturday so Sunday was spent painting them.

That went quite well. The gloss went on easily and two coats have covered it. They're not smooth as I was painting over the matte finish which was rough to start with but to be honest I doubt if even rubbing them down to the bare metal would have resulted in a completely flat finish as the castings on brakes aren't usually a highly polished finish anyway.
They are glossy enough to contrast with the satin finish on the fork lowers.

I also received my V&H exhausts this morning. As soon as I opened them I realised I've still to buy blanking plugs for the oxygen sensors. Not a big deal or delay as they are now going to sit on the shelf in the garage. I've decided not to start any more changes until I've got all the bits I need. Rather than fit the shortshots to the fuel injected engine then have to remove them again to get rid of the EFI, I'll wait until I'm ready to fit the carb. That entails buying a tank for a carb model as I really don't want to convert my stock tank and then run it with the fuel pump still fitted. It will be more straightforward fitting a tank with a fuel tap, a length of fuel pipe and that's it. No having to fit adapters for the tap, blanking plugs or removing the internal piping. My mind has shifted once more on the instruments. I was going to buy a tank with a dash mounting and use the stock speedo in the standard position. Now I'm swinging to the position that it will look better with a smooth tank top and a handlebar mounted speedo. Bit more complicated when it comes to wiring but I feel it will be worth the extra effort.

There's also another reason I'm delaying the carb work. I may have to deliver the bike to the shop when I go ahead with the new front end. If I have to ride it there at least putting back together what I've got now will be just an hour or two's work. If I start pulling the fuel injection off them I'm committed to doing it all before I ride again.

To be honest, if I can't afford all the bits I'll ride the bike with the engine in its stock set-up rather than lose riding months this summer.

finished forks

2011-01-09T16:08:00.004Z

I got out to the garage this afternoon and did the finishing touches on the fork re-build. I managed to work out the order and orientation of the seals, spring clips and dust seals by googling and then finding pictures. The bit I wasn't sure about was the dust seal as I wasn't sure if the spring washer on that should be visible or beneath the seal. Once I had tapped the seals right down inside the lower leg it all became a bit more obvious. At first the seals were sitting level with the top of the fork lower but a bit of "hard" tapping got them seated correctly.
Once they were filled to the correct level (got a litre left as I had to guess how much to buy. It's difficult finding anywhere which gives a quantity for the fork oil on Harleys!) and the top nut screwed and torqued I fitted them into the yokes (more to keep them secure than anything else), I tried fitting the brake calipers and I'm sure that they are going to work together.

HD dealerships and parts catalogues all say that you have to use the correct parts for the year and model when fitting spares but as many of the parts are the same size they seem to be more interchangeable than the MoCo admits. This front end is from 4 different models and everything should go together with very little engineering needed. All I reckon will be needed to be made are spacers for the brake rotors and a wheel spindle. That's because I'm looking to do an extra wide set of yokes and the spacers are to accommodate that.

As soon as I get the caliper paint through I can get them painted. Then all I need to do is take the lot along to Area 51 to see what they can do. In the meantime I can start to measure up and order the front stainless brake lines.

another step

2011-01-04T15:09:00.003Z

Got the forks almost back together.
It was so dark outside today that I couldn't see a thing in the garage, so I had to bring all the bits into the house. I got most of it back together but left off filling them with oil. Knowing my track record with things like that I really didn't want my carpets soaked in fork oil so I'll leave the filling until I get a day with better visibility. All that's needing done is the oil and then get it all torqued up.
As I can't really finish them off before the caliper paint arrives and I get them painted to fit then a further delay wont be too drastic.
Then I will need to make time to get the lot along to Area 51 to get their advice on yokes.
I e-mailed about the V&H exhausts I ordered and got a reply back that they hadn't them in stock and had meant to get in touch to tell me that and that they could order them now. So much for trying to beat the VAT increase. I just sent the order off to another supplier.
It's all about customer care!

new year

2011-01-01T11:19:00.008Z

It's the 1st January and a Happy New Year to all.
I spent some dead time yesterday cleaning the calipers and decided to paint them so to do that I ordered some gloss black engine/caliper paint. I've decided to do them gloss as a contrast to the satin of the fork lowers. Hopefully, the paint wont take too long to come as I can't do much else to the brakes before I paint them. I am getting impatient as I want to see how they go back together with the new seals and pistons in.
I'm pretty sure that I can use the DOT 4 fluid (which is what is in the rear brake), although the master cylinder says DOT 5 on the top. It's brand new so there will be no problem with mixing two grades of fluid. Things will be a lot more straightforward if I'm using the same fluid all round.
I quite fancy getting an engraved billet cover anyway. Arlen Ness do a cool one.

Being a non-drinker, Hogmanay here in Scotland isn't quite the same as it used to be. I no longer spend the 1st of January in bed nursing a hangover, so I am going to be at a loose end most of the day.
Maybe I'll get out to the garage and start the re-build on the forks.

brakes

2010-12-27T12:41:00.004Z

The weather has got a bit milder, so I headed out to my garage to try to get the brake calipers finally stripped down.
Getting the pistons out from the calipers has been a bit of a saga! I went on-line and asked for tips about removing them without rebuilding the calipers and re-rigging them in order to pump the pistons out enough to get a grip on them to pull them out of the body. The general concensus was that using air would be the best bet, preferably from an air-line.
As I don't have access to a high pressure line and I didn't fancy taking the calipers along to use a filling station air hose, I tried it with a foot pump. It actually worked and moved the pistons out enough for me to fit a pair of vice grips and then wiggle them clear.
Now I can get the calipers cleaned and then will decide if I'm going to get them powder-coated or just use paint.

weather or not

2010-12-17T13:25:00.004Z

I've got a back-log of things needing done and it's piling up day on day.

It's been so cold I've not been out to the garage and even the delays in the postal/courier services hasn't helped much. Spare parts have been arriving and with them, things needing done.

I've got the wiring to the bars to finish. I have to fit the bars in order to get a correct measure of the length of cables I need. I have the horn to re-locate. I've got the pistons to remove from the calipers in order to get on with that re-build. Then there's the front forks which need to be re-built.

I've also ordered V&H black shortshots so I could be getting the stock exhausts off. That would make it easier to remove the back wheel which I need to do to re-locate the horn.

So much waiting on the weather turning milder.

xmas time's a coming ...

2010-12-11T10:26:00.002Z

... and with it the usual round of xmassy things.
The cheesy and persistent TV adverts. Spend, spend, spend! The shops full of tinsel since November. The one that gets me most though, is the corporate christmas cards. You know the ones. From your electricity company or from some finance or insurance company that has you on a data base because you once sent in an enquiry about some offer which turned out too good to be true.
So I was surprised when I opened an envelope and the card was a Harley Davidson one. I was about to bin it with the rest of the junk mail when I opened it up. I actually got a pleasant surprise. The card was from my local HD dealership and yes, it is a corporate HD advert but the fact that all the staff had written in it made a big difference.
The owner could quite easily have got address labels printed off, stuffed the cards from HD back into their envelopes and shipped them all to the post office without a second thought.
I've not even been that big a spender this past year and it's two years since I bought my bike from them.
The personal touch does work!

forks and brakes

2010-12-03T11:25:00.003Z

I got the fork oil I ordered this morning.
I can now think about re-building the forks as I've now got everything I need. I bought the seal set, the stainless bolts for the clamp and the damper screws a few weeks back so I'm all ready to go.

The brake calipers may take a bit longer. I've bought a tool for pulling the pistons from the caliper body but haven't worked out how to use it properly yet. Maybe there's a knack to it but I just can't get the pistons to budge. This is another instance where hind-sight has twenty-twenty vision! Had I thought about replacing the cylinders before beginning to dismantle them I'd have connected them up to the brake lever and pumped the pistons out of the body a bit first.
I may have to resort to that but will try using air from a foot-pump first.

Just hoping for some warmer weather to get all this done!

hidden wiring

2010-12-02T20:24:00.014Z

I made a start on re-wiring my bars last night. Like many things you try for the first time, it was just not going to go easy.

everything ready to get started

I stripped the insulation and cut the connector off the wires, staggering the cuts so I wouldn't end up with a clump of joins. I was sure that I would have enough length to make the join away from the bars. Ideally it would sit where the loom runs alongside the frame.

connectors cut from the loom

I then taped the wires onto a length of cord which I had previously threaded through the bars, hooking it out with a straightened coat-hanger. I used this to pull and push the wiring through the bars. Care has to be taken in order not to strip any of the wires on the sharp edges of the holes in the bars. When I got the wire through I realised that the bends in the handle-bars make the length of wires needed to go through longer than I had allowed for.
Luckily I had a wiring extension kit so I could use that to get me out of a hole. I had bought this when I first considered putting on the higher bars but decided against using it when I did some research and discovered that most folk who have extended their wiring recommend that you cut and solder the wires rather than to dismantle the connector. Having tried to do that, unsuccessfully, with the rear indicators I fully concur with them.

extension wires soldered on and fed through the bars

Using the same technique of staggering where I cut the wires, I snipped them closer to the switchgear. I then soldered on the new wires, covered the soldered joints with heat-shrink tubing, partly covered them in cable wrap and fed them through the bars again. As the extension wires don't exactly match the colours of the original loom I had to mark which was which to ensure I connect them correctly at the other end.
This time it worked. The joins are safely tucked inside the bars between the top hole and the first bend and the wires inside the bars are covered in cable wrap. All I have to do now is measure how long I need the cable to be cut it and re-solder the wires with the connector back on.

one half fed through

Then do the other side of course!

looking good

2010-11-29T14:13:00.007Z

I took a run up to EPS powder coaters this morning.

Only got stuck in the snow once! It was worth it just to get my bits back.
The bars and fork sliders look good. I also received the new bolts for the damper assembly through the post but have to order stainless ones for the clamp.
Then, when I get the oil through in the next day or two, I'll be able to put them back together. I've had to order 20W fork oil from Opie Oils, an on-line supplier which gives a discount to HDRCGB members (I'm certainly getting my annual membership fee back), as I couldn't find anywhere else to buy heavy-weight fork oil. It seems that a lot of manufacturers are using lighter and lighter weight oils in their forks. As H-D, and their Japanese suppliers of forks, are still agricultural in their builds I needed heavier stuff.
I can also get the wiring off the bike and route it through the bars. I'll be able to bring them into the house and do that in the warmth and with enough light to see!

all black and ready to begin re-wiring

front brakes

2010-11-27T16:54:00.008Z

I decided to strip down the front brake calipers to see how much it would take to refurbish them back to an"almost new" state. One of the calipers has a bit of damage. Looks like the bike it was on has been in a spill. One of the bridge bolts which holds the caliper together has been scraped and there's a mark on the body of the caliper its-self. It's not so bad that the caliper wouldn't fit or work but cosmetically it looks not too good. the other side is better. No doubt I could fit them and they'd work fine but I thought I'd see if I could make them look better anyway.

I got them stripped down easily and now I've got the two halves of the calipers apart I think I'm going to rebuild them completely. The pistons look a bit corroded though I won't know what the inside will be like until I get them out.
To do that I decided to buy a set of brake piston pliers. They weren't that expensive, so, although I probably wont use them very often, they will be handy this time and therefore worth it. I will need to get on-line to buy a rebuild kit. Custom Chrome do one which is about £40 per caliper. As this is about half of the price of a Harley kit it will be well worth sourcing a couple on the web.

I may even get them powder-coated a shiny black.
Will put up pics of the job as I go along.

stupid mistakes

2010-11-23T11:51:00.002Z

I've just spent the morning sweeping out my garage.
This was after spilling a couple of pints of petrol on the floor yesterday. One of these days I'll learn and get things right when I'm removing the tank. This time I was sure I was all ready to get the pipes disconnected. I had a petrol can with a length of pipe handy and I had a screw to fit into the end of the crossover pipe. Problem was the pipe was a tight fit. I had loosened off both sides and when pulling it, pulled it off the side away from me as well as the side I was working at and had a screw ready to plug.
As soon as I realised that there was petrol pouring out of the far side I rushed round the bike to get the pipe fitted back on. That was when the tube going into the petrol can popped off. Now I had gas spilling out from both sides of the tank.
By the time I had got a funnel to catch the leaking fluid there was a spreading puddle all over the garage floor and I was soaked from the rags I was kneeling on soaking up petrol into my jeans.
I got the tank off, laid aside and spread cat-litter all over the floor.
Sweeping that up was what took up most of my morning. Wonder if I'll ever learn?

typical ..

2010-11-21T14:44:00.002Z

.... I've just taken the bike off the road and the weather is ideal for riding!

At least the garage is not too cold and I can get a load of stuff removed from the bike while the light still allows. Sometimes when the weather is lousy the light is so bad I can hardly work even during the day.

I took the battery out a couple of days ago and now have realised that I jumped the gun a bit. I should run the engine with the fuel pump disconnected to relieve the pressure of the fuel in the system. Not that there's much gas in the tank. I syphoned that off earlier (and gave myself a mouth-full at the same time!)
So I'll have to see if I can find a long lead to connect the battery without fitting it back in the bike as the fit is so tight it's a pain getting it out. Maybe the ones on the Optimate will do the job.
I was looking at the gas tank and feel that the dash gives the bike a better look than it would with a big gap which the higher bars will leave. Also, the gauges being on the tank will give a slicker look to the top yoke, not having a speedo on there. I'll buy a stretched tank for a carb model which has two gas caps. The fuel gauge is an extra I can live without as it never works accurately anyway.

moving on at last!

2010-11-19T17:15:00.007Z

I bought a long allen bit and at last got the left hand fork dismantled.
That meant I could get back to the powder-coaters with them. I'm picking the fork legs and the handle bars up next week.

As I've got a week off work I should be able to make a go at getting the bars re-wired and rebuilding the forks. Then, as soon as I've got the money together in the New Year, I can get along to Area 51 and work out how I want the front end to look like. I'm considering sixteen inch wide yokes. That's just a couple of inches wider than the stock night train front end but with the larger diameter tubes, the wider wheel and twin disc set-up the effect should be much beefier.

I'm still toying with the idea of buying some of the more expensive stuff "pre VAT increase". Then they'll be paid for and, although I wont be ready to fit them they will be there when needed. I'm thinking about the exhausts, the tank and the speedo though each of them have alternatives and I'm still swithering over which to get.
Once bought I'll be committed to that look or set up so will need to be sure before spending.

When it comes to the tank and speedo It'd probably be better to do as much I can at once. That way I'll be able to get rid of both the EFI and maybe even the ECM units as their functions will be taken over by non electronic bits.

fork leg

2010-11-13T13:23:00.002Z

I'm not going to let this beat me!
I managed to get one leg stripped down, no bother at all. The left one is a different matter all together. That's the one without the removable clamp so it needs a long allen key to reach.
Firstly, I didn't have any metric allen keys! Then when I bought some, I found that I couldn't get any purchase on the bolt. What I need is a long bit, so I can use a ratchet on it. More stuff I need to buy!
I have ordered one from e-bay so will need to wait and be patient. I was hoping to drop the lowers off at the powder coaters before my bars are ready.
Never mind I've got all winter!

good news....and bad!

2010-11-06T18:00:00.003Z

The front mudguard I bought from e-bay arrived this morning. It's as narrow as the one on my night train which has a twenty-one inch skinny tyre. It does cover the wider, nineteen inch dyna wheel which I hope to fit but I'm sure that the wider fat bob would have looked just that bit chunkier. Fat bob guards don't come up that often on e-bay but I'll keep my eyes open. ' Doubt I'll get as good a bargain as I did on this one though. (And it's even the right colour.)
Well, that's the good news. The bad is, I think I'm going to have to fit the fork legs back together again in order to unscrew the seat pipe screws from the bottom of the fork legs. They are able to rotate in the leg so there has to be some pressure from the assembly to allow them to be loosened. The manual (which I downloaded an electronic version of for a couple of quid) says to loosen the screws without unfastening them before relieving the tension by removing the fork leg caps.
Oh well, you live and learn!

moving on ....slowly

2010-11-02T15:42:00.007Z

I dropped my bars off at EPS powder coaters this afternoon. As I'm getting them to strip the chrome before coating them satin black, they have no idea how long they'll be or just how much they will cost.
Oh well, that's the cost of getting it right!

I used up the money in my pay-pal account buying some more bits and pieces that I will need. As well as tools, like the Optimate 4, a fork seal tool and metric sockets, I bought a brake light switch and a black ignition switch (which was the last one in the auction). Some of these things will just go on the shelf as they won't be used until I have bought and fitted some of the more expensive items.
Things like the tank, exhaust, speedometer and air filter I'll get round to buying when I can afford them. It would be good if I could buy some of these more expensive items before VAT goes up in January. But, as it will come to over a grand, I doubt if I can afford them all.
Smaller items, like front and rear stainless brake-lines, front bullet indicators and the tank fittings (petcock), I'll pick up as I go along. At least that way I'll have them to hand once the work begins.
I am tempted to ride the bike to Area 51, drop off the bits and leave the rest to them. Apart from being much more expensive I just wouldn't get the satisfaction that I will doing as much as I can myself.

Though I could do sooo much more if I had power in my garage!

fork 'n metrics

2010-11-01T10:49:00.003Z

I've got a couple of days off work this week, so I started to strip down the forks to get them to the powder coaters along with my bars. I thought that I'd strip the callipers too and get them ready to do a mock up to see if everything would fit together.

That's when I found out that not all Harley fasteners are good ol' imperial sizes. My allen keys wouldn't fit, nor would any of my sockets when I tried to replace the brake pads.
A bit of research on the net and I discovered that the forks are made by Showa in Japan and therefore have metric fasteners. I'm not sure if the threads on the brake mounting bolts are metric or imperial or if its just the heads. There are some metric threads on the spindle retaining clamp so I'll order some stainless ones for that. Then there are the mud-guard bolts! Are they metric or imperial? I've bought a bob front guard on e-bay so no doubt will have to order new fasteners for that too.

Off to the tool shop soon to buy some metric sockets.

bottomless pockets

2010-10-24T21:14:00.004+01:00

I'm beginning to think that I will need some soon.

I've just sold some bits and pieces like the stock seat and pegs from my bike on e-bay and almost immediately spent it all again! As I'm going to strip the forks and powder-coat them, I thought I may as well buy seals and a tool to fit them. Then there was the brake pads which I may as well replace and that's not even considering the front mudguard I'm hoping to win next week.
Add to that a Optimate battery charger, just to keep the battery in condition over the winter rebuild and another couple of hundred quid's gone yet again. This is not even taking into consideration the "wish list" I started in my last post.

The one positive thing will be that I'll have bought most of the parts I need before I start to strip the bike down. Then I know I can get on with the work without having to order and wait for parts.