A Day in the Life...

[desertclassic]

We are planning a 3 day trip later in sept. Riding the Enchanted Circle out of Taos, NM. Jim

 

[DK Custom Products]

Finally finished the ramp yesterday...it was back warm...85*.

Started working on some mods on the Sporty and Softail. Hopefully will finish up today and get some pics.

Last night some friends, Zammy & Jo Ann came over for a visit. They are staying in Memphis, waiting out the hurricane, before heading back home to Florida.

Busy day!

Kevin

 

[Jack Klarich]

Finally finished the ramp yesterday...it was back warm...85*.

Started working on some mods on the Sporty and Softail. Hopefully will finish up today and get some pics.

Last night some friends, Zammy & Jo Ann came over for a visit. They are staying in Memphis, waiting out the hurricane, before heading back home to Florida.

Busy day!

Kevin

Awesome job Give them the grand tour

 

[DK Custom Products]

Awesome job Give them the grand tour

Thanks Jack. Yes, tomorrow will be showing them around.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Got a few more things done today that had been piling up.

When I got my Sporty back from having the rear tire replaced (yes, I was lazy and had them do it from a-z), they had reinstalled the turn signals upside down.

In this pic you can see the wire above the signal...

I turned them back over, so the wires are hidden...looks better this way...plus it works how designed, the the drain on the bottom.

Got a bunch more to post on what I got done today, but need to leave for an appointment. Gotta run. Will post the rest later.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

I've been riding with LED headlights for a few years now. Will NEVER go back to the old style lights and not being able to see the road well at night.

Last week Mary and I were riding home, well after dark, and I was seriously over driving my headlight...could not figure out what was going on.

I tried flipping my passing lights on and off multiple times...seeing if that would help me see better with them on or off.

I even started wondering if my eyes were starting to go...or if the new night glasses I just got a few weeks ago (yellow lens) were somehow defective.

Well....it was none of the above.

About two months ago I had installed a new LED bulb that I was testing out. It turned out to be no good (unfocused light going everywhere).

So I put my trusty LED bulb back in a couple of weeks ago. I thought I installed it correctly, and I have ridden at night since then...but no interstate riding at 70-80 mph. Everything seemed fine...until the other night when we were on the interstate.

Got home ok...then the next day I was looking at my headlight....

Turns out my eyes are not going bad, my glasses are fine, I had not installed the light properly and it was pointed up and to the left instead of straight ahead.

Got it fixed.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Last night Mary and I had the pleasure of spending some more time with Zammy and Jo Ann.

We went to downtown Memphis and ate at SOB (South of Beale). Great food and even better conversation!

We then went over to Beale St. and looked around some.

Before we knew it, 4.5 hours had flown by. We dropped them back at their hotel.

This morning they headed east, and hopefully tomorrow, or the day after, they will be able to get back home, now that Irma has passed over their house.

Kevin

 

[Fearless]

Last night Mary and I had the pleasure of spending some more time with Zammy and Jo Ann.

We went to downtown Memphis and ate at SOB (South of Beale). Great food and even better conversation!

We then went over to Beale St. and looked around some.

Before we knew it, 4.5 hours had flown by. We dropped them back at their hotel.

This morning they headed east, and hopefully tomorrow, or the day after, they will be able to get back home, now that Irma has passed over their house.

Kevin

Nice now I can put a face to the name nice to see you. Travel safely Home and don't hurry I hear things are a mess. Fred

 

[DK Custom Products]

Got new timing covers put on the Softail...

...and the Sportster.

I'm liking them!

Also, traded out the filter with my Stealth EBS for a catch-can. I think it looks better, even though it is mostly hidden.

Kevin

 

[Zammy]

And this is the burger Kevin and I had, natural beef, house made pickles and ketchup, hand cut fries, it was awesome.

 

[DK Custom Products]

And this is the burger Kevin and I had, natural beef, house made pickles and ketchup, hand cut fries, it was awesome.

That was good!!!

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

So, Irma has dumped some rain on us...not damaging, but enough that we're not planning on going to Beale Street tonight.

But here are some pics from last week-

Got there early.

Sunset-

The weather was very cool for this time of year. 70* when we got there, and by the time we got home it was in the low 60's. We thought it would be really crowded, but we concluded that just like when it is hot, when it is too cool, a lot of folks stay home too.

We still saw well over a thousand bikes, including this Custom...

...this three bike crew that was riding together...

...and this Big Wheel Tri-Glide.

With the cool weather, it was nice to be wearing the leather jackets instead of the mesh. We had a great ride up, good food, sights & conversation, and a fun ride home!

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

It's back in the 80's and I'm back to wearing my mesh jacket.

Yesterday I had a couple of appointments up in Memphis, then one down south of us in Mississippi, so I was in the shop very little yesterday, and got to ride over 200 miles!

It was a great day!

Oh! I just remembered, while posting this, on the way south in MS a semi tried changing lanes right into me.

I was in the process of passing him, and could see his face in his rear view mirror. He just did not look (nor use his turn signal).

I was far enough back that I slowed down instead of speeding up. When he was about halfway into my lane he saw me and moved back into his lane, at which time I gassed it and proceeded to get past him.

Wasn't really close, I think it scared him more than me.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Rode for a few hours yesterday...was a nice warm day...90*. Went thru almost 5 gallons of go-juice.

Today I finally installed some Stealth LED Driving Lights on the Softail. Been meaning to do this for almost 2 years...just kept doing other stuff instead.

I went with low and tucked in...

...a few steps back.

I think I have them pretty well adjusted...

...one evening this next week I will check where they're pointed, and make any needed adjustments.

Want them to reach out and light up the road and the sides of the road, at ground level...will help on the interstate to not overdrive my headlights for any debris in the road, and will help on the back roads to see any critters that might be fixing to venture out into the roadway.

Kevin

 

[geezerglide11441]

Wow! Not sure what's up with the weather...but it has been a very mild summer for us...and last night was in the low 50's!

This morning was the first time I've worn my leather jacket in many months.

Looks like it will be in the 50's each morning on the ride in for a while. Crazy for us at this time of year.

Kevin

Boy Kevin, them temps look awesome!! We live in Florence, AZ and I would die for those temps!! However, winter is on the way and those temps are what I will see from October to April or May!!

Keep the jacket handy, you can always take it off!!

Roger

 

[desertclassic]

Kevin, I like the location of the lights. I have been super happy with the stealth lights, sure makes a great pattern in the day time. Jim

 

[DK Custom Products]

A fantasy of mine. :laugh:

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Boy Kevin, them temps look awesome!! We live in Florence, AZ and I would die for those temps!! However, winter is on the way and those temps are what I will see from October to April or May!!

Keep the jacket handy, you can always take it off!!

Roger

Yep, back in the high 80's now...but it won't be long before it turns cold, and stays that way for a few months.

During your crazy hot months....how long of a ride is it for you to get up into some elevation where it is cooler?

Kevin, I like the location of the lights. I have been super happy with the stealth lights, sure makes a great pattern in the day time. Jim

Good to hear you're enjoying them!

I rode home late last night and got full use of them. Did not take any pics looking down the road (will do that later this week) but I got one in the parking lot before heading home.

They definitely help me SEE and BE SEEN!

Kevin

 

[geezerglide11441]

Yep, back in the high 80's now...but it won't be long before it turns cold, and stays that way for a few months.

During your crazy hot months....how long of a ride is it for you to get up into some elevation where it is cooler?

Good to hear you're enjoying them!

I rode home late last night and got full use of them. Did not take any pics looking down the road (will do that later this week) but I got one in the parking lot before heading home.

They definitely help me SEE and BE SEEN!

Kevin

Kevin, it is I!! Geezer (Roger) and it is about 150 - 200 miles and I can get out of the 100 + temps during the summer months. There are a lot of good scenery and places to go and explore in NW and NE of AZ. I have rides currently scheduled for South Rim of the Grand Canyon (was at North Rim last year), Prescott, Jerome, Petrified Forest all which are North of us. Also going to do Tombstone and Bisbee in the SE of the state.

Take care, ride safe!!

Roger

 

[DK Custom Products]

Kevin, it is I!! Geezer (Roger) and it is about 150 - 200 miles and I can get out of the 100 + temps during the summer months. There are a lot of good scenery and places to go and explore in NW and NE of AZ. I have rides currently scheduled for South Rim of the Grand Canyon (was at North Rim last year), Prescott, Jerome, Petrified Forest all which are North of us. Also going to do Tombstone and Bisbee in the SE of the state.

Take care, ride safe!!

Roger

So that's a bit of a jaunt to get to cooler weather.

When did you move? Weren't you in Oregon or Washington?

Sounds like some good fun rides you have planned!

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Nothing's Changed...still feel the same, pretty much every-time I ride!​

Kevin

 

[Jack Klarich]

Kevin, I just talked with Fuel Motto

They said not to worry about 300 degrees on theM8 engine

Guess this engine IS tougher than the Twin Cam

Thanks 4 checking on us last week, We lost power 4 7 days coulda been worse

 

[geezerglide11441]

So that's a bit of a jaunt to get to cooler weather.

When did you move? Weren't you in Oregon or Washington?

Sounds like some good fun rides you have planned!

Kevin

Yea, we moved to Florence, AZ from Redmond, OR a couple of months ago - spent about 57 years in Oregon and it was time for a change. Glad to be in a "RED STATE" instead living in the political environment that is present in Oregon!! Actually that is not the only reason we relocated, it is just a bonus. We are located about 50 miles South East of Phoenix which has temps around 100+ degrees for about 3 - 4 months of the year, with Monsoon Rains periodically, but the remainder of the year is awesome riding weather. In Central Oregon where I was located we had about the reverse - i.e. about 3 - 4 months of decent riding weather and the rest of the year we sat around and bitched about the weather!!!

I am really looking forward to exploring/touring around this State of Arizona, and I you ever find yourself this far West and anywhere near I would appreciate meeting you and Mary "face to face"!!

Take care and ride safe!!

Roger

 

[DK Custom Products]

Kevin, I just talked with Fuel Motto

They said not to worry about 300 degrees on theM8 engine

Guess this engine IS tougher than the Twin Cam

Thanks 4 checking on us last week, We lost power 4 7 days coulda been worse

Jack, glad you came thru it ok!

Yeah, we work with Fuel Moto, and they are great folks with some great products and service....but there are a few things that we disagree with them about...300* being ok is one of them.

It has been a bit over a year now, and it is looking like the M8 is a more stout engine than the Twin-Cam. But as you saw on the dyno with your own bike, when the ET crossed 250* the torque and HP took a big drop.

Yea, we moved to Florence, AZ from Redmond, OR a couple of months ago - spent about 57 years in Oregon and it was time for a change. Glad to be in a "RED STATE" instead living in the political environment that is present in Oregon!! Actually that is not the only reason we relocated, it is just a bonus. We are located about 50 miles South East of Phoenix which has temps around 100+ degrees for about 3 - 4 months of the year, with Monsoon Rains periodically, but the remainder of the year is awesome riding weather. In Central Oregon where I was located we had about the reverse - i.e. about 3 - 4 months of decent riding weather and the rest of the year we sat around and bitched about the weather!!!

I am really looking forward to exploring/touring around this State of Arizona, and I you ever find yourself this far West and anywhere near I would appreciate meeting you and Mary "face to face"!!

Take care and ride safe!!

Roger

Hey Roger,

Good to hear you're happy with your move! We'll definitely let you know the next time we're out that way, would be great to meet up.

Oh! Have you ridden thru a sandstorm yet?

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Went to Beale Street last night...was 90+ degrees.

Sunset photo-

Homemade Trike that parked in front of us-

It was not a real busy night, but still well over 1000 bikes.

For some reason I like to play in the different photo challenge games. The challenge yesterday, for one of them, was your bike in front of a movie theater.

This theater is at the far end of Beale St. When we left we stopped for this pic. Usually this area is filled with bikes, but with the heat, a bunch of folks must have just stayed home in their A/C.

Stopped at another theater on the way home.

Had a nice evening with Mary, riding, eating, conversation, people and bike watching.

Kevin

 

[geezerglide11441]

Jack, glad you came thru it ok!

Yeah, we work with Fuel Moto, and they are great folks with some great products and service....but there are a few things that we disagree with them about...300* being ok is one of them.

It has been a bit over a year now, and it is looking like the M8 is a more stout engine than the Twin-Cam. But as you saw on the dyno with your own bike, when the ET crossed 250* the torque and HP took a big drop.

Hey Roger,

Good to hear you're happy with your move! We'll definitely let you know the next time we're out that way, would be great to meet up.

Oh! Have you ridden thru a sandstorm yet?

Kevin

Sand storm, whats that?? :clapping: No, not as yet, and ain't looking to do it on purpose any time soon!! I haven't even been in one in the cage yet. I know they have extreme wind now and then (we have experienced wind storms, usually just prior to monsoon rain), and since the rain follows the wind storm (rain only last about 30 - 45 minutes and then completely dry in about an hour) it usually settles the sand.

Just give me a heads up if you head this way.

Take care,

Roger

 

[Jack Klarich]

Jack, glad you came thru it ok!

Yeah, we work with Fuel Moto, and they are great folks with some great products and service....but there are a few things that we disagree with them about...300* being ok is one of them.

It has been a bit over a year now, and it is looking like the M8 is a more stout engine than the Twin-Cam. But as you saw on the dyno with your own bike, when the ET crossed 250* the torque and HP took a big drop.

Hey Roger,

Good to hear you're happy with your move! We'll definitely let you know the next time we're out that way, would be great to meet up.

Oh! Have you ridden thru a sandstorm yet?

Kevin

I hear you, still don't like the 300 plus degrees but it seems to like it plus it NEVER went into parade mode yet

If it burns up I have a 7 year warranty LOL

As far as the dip in the torque, I can live with it

I understand heat and friction is going to take its toll

Good thing I aint doing wheelies like you

Thanks Kevin, I hope to make it back out to see y'all soon

 

[DK Custom Products]

Sand storm, whats that?? :clapping: No, not as yet, and ain't looking to do it on purpose any time soon!! I haven't even been in one in the cage yet. I know they have extreme wind now and then (we have experienced wind storms, usually just prior to monsoon rain), and since the rain follows the wind storm (rain only last about 30 - 45 minutes and then completely dry in about an hour) it usually settles the sand.

Just give me a heads up if you head this way.

Take care,

Roger

It's been a few years...maybe 5...Mary and I rode a couple of hours thru a crazy sandstorm in AZ. Cars were pulling over to the side of the road. That would have done us no good...there were no buildings or trees to hide behind, so we just kept going. I thought for sure it was ruining the clear and the paint, but it did not.

We'll definitely give you a heads up next time we're out that way.

I hear you, still don't like the 300 plus degrees but it seems to like it plus it NEVER went into parade mode yet

If it burns up I have a 7 year warranty LOL

As far as the dip in the torque, I can live with it

I understand heat and friction is going to take its toll

Good thing I aint doing wheelies like you

Thanks Kevin, I hope to make it back out to see y'all soon

Yep, warranties are good things!

It probably will NOT grenade. HD has done a fantastic job at engineering these engines to keep running, almost no matter what. It'll just lose a little bit of power each year...since it is over time, you'll probably not notice it.

Besides the increased low end torque on the M8's & the better MPG, it is looking like the cranks are holding up better than they did on the Twin Cams. If that holds true, that alone makes it an improved platform.

Kevin

 

[Rollin Thunder]

Sand storm, whats that?? :clapping: No, not as yet, and ain't looking to do it on purpose any time soon!! I haven't even been in one in the cage yet. I know they have extreme wind now and then (we have experienced wind storms, usually just prior to monsoon rain), and since the rain follows the wind storm (rain only last about 30 - 45 minutes and then completely dry in about an hour) it usually settles the sand.

P.S. We live in Sun City West, Arizona. Next to Surprise, Az

Just give me a heads up if you head this way.

Take care,

Roger

ROGER ... Welcome to SUNNY ARIZONA .

If your living in Florence they hold a HUGE run there every year.



This is becoming our FAVORITE season for riding. Sept starts our riding season out here till around the end of June.

Of course you see some guys riding in July & Aug when 110. :xzqxz:. But NOT us .

Plenty of good riding place here to enjoy.

Hope 1 day we can meet up and say Hello. ThumbUp........................................Rick

 

[Rollin Thunder]

P.S. Roger we live in Sun City West. Az.

Just NW of phoenix off of us 60.

Rick