A Day in the Life...

[DK Custom Products]

Must be a full moon.. of course, around my part of the world its a full moon everyday...the twits are always behind the wheel terrorizing the rest of us. Plus the wind spirits mess with the static electricity and screw up everything.

Yeah, I have it pretty nice with relatively little traffic for my daily commute.

It has been windy...real windy, but no significant static electricity... very weird all 3 fob batteries going bad at the same time.

Be careful out there and thank you for the reminder I asked my Bride to pick up a couple new 2032's to be installed when winter cover comes off. And I pray that is soon I am so much missing that ride, and she misses using her new Challenger R/TView attachment 54115View attachment 54116

Hope you get to ride soon!!!!

When the serious wind is blowing all the crazies are out. Tumbleweeds crossing the road causes the locals just hit them and keep on going. Now the transplants, when the wind blows tumbleweeds, they stop in the middle of the road or try to dodge the moving tumbleweeds and will run over you. Jim

I can imagine...some of those suckers are big too. We have a few blow across the road in front of us when running thru NM and AZ.

Hadn't thought about cagers swerving to miss them and running into other cages or bikes/trikes. But I try and stay away from them (cagers that is), no matter what!

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Been meaning to do this for over a year...finally got around to it yesterday. (it was raining, so it made it an easy choice to not ride, but get some work done)

Between the loose factory tolerances, and the quality metal, I had a pretty good rattle going between the shifter shaft and the case bore.

Remove linkage, remove shift arm, remove shifter pegs and shaft. Drill hole, thread hole, install Zerk fitting. Clean all metal out. Put back together. Grease gun to Zerk.

Not anymore! All quiet now.

Kevin

 

[Fearless]

Been meaning to do this for over a year...finally got around to it yesterday. (it was raining, so it made it an easy choice to not ride, but get some work done)

Between the loose factory tolerances, and the quality metal, I had a pretty good rattle going between the shifter shaft and the case bore.

Remove linkage, remove shift arm, remove shifter pegs and shaft. Drill hole, thread hole, install Zerk fitting. Clean all metal out. Put back together. Grease gun to Zerk.

Not anymore! All quiet now.

Kevin

Kevin I need to replace my shifter shaft the front shift lever is loose and cannot be tighten up anymore. I believe I will drill and tape mine also simple to do and make things much better. Thank you for the post. Ride safe Fred

 

[DK Custom Products]

Kevin I need to replace my shifter shaft the front shift lever is loose and cannot be tighten up anymore. I believe I will drill and tape mine also simple to do and make things much better. Thank you for the post. Ride safe Fred

I hear ya...I have had trouble with mine in the past also. Finally have a good combo of arm and shaft that has stayed tight for the last 25K+ miles.

Kevin

 

[Jack Klarich]

I wonder how much the MOCO saved not drilling the shifter shaft and the rear brake pedal

1 of the first things I did to both of my Freewheelers

 

[DK Custom Products]

I wonder how much the MOCO saved not drilling the shifter shaft and the rear brake pedal

1 of the first things I did to both of my Freewheelers

Yeah, I should have too. But I have not had any issues out of my last few FLH's....this was the first one.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

I was at Bumpus HD a few days ago and saw this-

Been seeing videos and photos of the Tilting Motor Works conversion for years.

This is the first time I've seen one in person.

It is quite a bit narrower than the Tri-Glide and Freewheeler.

While I did not do a test ride (no time when I was there), I do plan on doing one soon. It seems like an alternative for those that need/want 3 wheels, but still want to be able to lean over in the curves.

There is a switch on the handlebars-

When it is turned on, the hydraulic system goes on, and anytime the bike is under 7 mph the hydraulics bring the bike straight up.

You can mount the bike when it is on the jiffy, push the button, and it will bring it up off the jiffy, and hold it up until your speed exceeds 7 mph.

It appear to be of solid construction, & has independent suspension...

...if the bike has ABS, the front brakes tie into it, so all three wheels are ABS.

I remember first looking at these 7-8 years ago. Good to see they finally got it to market.

Looking forward to a test ride.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

It was 27* on the ride in this morning. :icon_brr:

Here's a photo of leaving work, just a few nights ago, when the temp was 57*.

Kevin

 

[55il]

Yesterday was so busy it was a blur. Rode in at 7am, and rode home after the sun was set at 8pm.

Today dawned warm. Switched from leather over to my mesh jacket.

Sometimes it is temping to not wear a jacket, but 6-7 years ago, in August, I hit the asphalt at 60 mph and my mesh jacket saved my skin, literally.

Later in the year, when it gets into the 90's and 100's, I'll get the mesh jacket wet before riding, and it does a really good job of keeping me cool.

When it's hot, what do you wear, and why?

Kevin

I never wore a jacket during the summer mounts but since I'm senior now my thoughts are changing. With all your riding experience would you recommend a particular manufacture or brand which would not only keep you cool but also quality and easy to cleaning. Thanks DJ

 

[DK Custom Products]

Yesterday was so busy it was a blur. Rode in at 7am, and rode home after the sun was set at 8pm.

Today dawned warm. Switched from leather over to my mesh jacket.

Sometimes it is temping to not wear a jacket, but 6-7 years ago, in August, I hit the asphalt at 60 mph and my mesh jacket saved my skin, literally.

Later in the year, when it gets into the 90's and 100's, I'll get the mesh jacket wet before riding, and it does a really good job of keeping me cool.

When it's hot, what do you wear, and why?

Kevin

I never wore a jacket during the summer mounts but since I'm senior now my thoughts are changing. With all your riding experience would you recommend a particular manufacture or brand which would not only keep you cool but also quality and easy to cleaning. Thanks DJ

I've only had two mesh jackets over the last 13 years. The one that I slid along the asphalt with for 150 ft. and the one I have now.

Got them both at leatherup.com for well under $100 each. They have body armor, they wash easily, and they work.

The one I have now is a Vega...and I've had it since 2010 or 2011.

There are so many to choose from...can't say which is best...I know that I've been happy with both of mine.

Mary wore her first one out, after 10 years or so, she now has an Xelement that is super lightweight (but still has body armor.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

I have a little fender repair I need to do on the TG.

So last night when I got home I removed the front fender to bring it into the shop.

I could not get to the fendertip light connection without removing the outer fairing. So off it came! Wow! I've killed a LOT of bugs since the last time I cleaned it!!!!

What it looks like inside.

Got the connector disconnected and removed the fender...

...then put it back together so I can ride it until the fender is repaired.

Fender should be ready to go early next week sometime. I'll post some pics of the work we do on it soon.

Rode it in this morning, and going up this afternoon to Memphis. As long as I don't ride in any rain or over any gravel or debris, I should be fine with no fender.

Kevin

 

[55il]

I've only had two mesh jackets over the last 13 years. The one that I slid along the asphalt with for 150 ft. and the one I have now.

Got them both at leatherup.com for well under $100 each. They have body armor, they wash easily, and they work.

The one I have now is a Vega...and I've had it since 2010 or 2011.

There are so many to choose from...can't say which is best...I know that I've been happy with both of mine.

Mary wore her first one out, after 10 years or so, she now has an Xelement that is super lightweight (but still has body armor.

Kevin

Thanks for the info. I'm looking each of your recommendations. DJ

 

[ultrafxr]

I hope you don't mind my interjecting here but I have a couple jackets I'd like to mention. A I get older and wiser I've become an avid AGATT proponent. In hot weather I used to ride in a short sleeve t-shirt then I switched to a long sleeve t-shirt and ultimately to a mesh jacket. What I've learned is that hot air over bare skin will dehydrate you very quickly and of course there is no protection in case of a crash. Wearing a proper jacket offers crash protection and I find it actually more comfortable. I simply do no ride without all my protective gear.

I have two H-D mesh jackets - one over ten years old with no armor and the one I currently wear which is maybe five years old and does have armor. But I found a three season jacket a couple years ago I like even better - the Olympia Alpha Mesh Tech Jacket. I read a review by Clem Salvadori in Rider Magazine and immediately bought one from Revzilla:

https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle...MIjsTtkOOD2QIVkbbACh2KnQZREAAYASAAEgKzovD_BwE

I absolutely love this jacket and it does well in the rain and moderately cool temps as well as warm weather. Here is Clem's review.

Olympia Mesh Tech Jacket by GERALD L RICE, on Flickr

 

[1dn5up]

After admitting my heavy Walter Dyer was shrinking, and the next jacket was proably going to be my last, I’d get Somthing that might make some sence. Hence the Tour Master Transition 4 became of choice. It’s weather resistant, liner removable, has armor, tons of summer venting, and comfortable, which is a plus. There sizing chart is pretty good, but if you measure up to the limit go one size larger, As sweat shirts are bulky.

JMO

 

[DK Custom Products]

Great info on the jackets! Both, probably far superior to the one I have.

I still like switching to my leather when it's colder...not because it's better...I just like it.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Headed home from Memphis last night there was a huge orange/red moon.

Stopped and took a few pics...

It was far more impressive in person than these photos. lol

Tried zooming...worse-

The sky around the moon was pretty lit up too. These pics were taken with me looking thru a break in the trees at the moon.

Fast forward to this morning.

After riding near 150 miles with no fender yesterday, I rode in this morning to the shop...

...it started raining a bit ago. Even if it stops before I leave, it is not warm enough for the roads to dry out. Should be interesting to see what happens with no front fender on the wet roads!

Kevin

 

[55il]

DK Custom Products;549843]Great info on the jackets!

ultrafxr, 1dn5up, and Kevin,

First I want to thank the three of you for all the information on the different types of jackets and experience using them. I have found it unbelievable the number of different jacket manufactures and the price differences. From $100 to $1400 is quite a spread from mesh to 4 season jackets. We have a lot of winter left so I'm taking my time asking and looking. Again thanks for all your help. DJ

 

[DK Custom Products]

DK Custom Products;549843]Great info on the jackets!

ultrafxr, 1dn5up, and Kevin,

First I want to thank the three of you for all the information on the different types of jackets and experience using them. I have found it unbelievable the number of different jacket manufactures and the price differences. From $100 to $1400 is quite a spread from mesh to 4 season jackets. We have a lot of winter left so I'm taking my time asking and looking. Again thanks for all your help. DJ

Yep, tons of choices. One of the reasons I like leatherup.com for jackets....no cost exchange if you don't like, or if does not fit.

I think that's where Mary gets my kevlar lined jeans at too.

btw, I have ridden in the snow, temps down in the 20's with my mesh jacket. I put my electric jacket liner on over a long sleeve tee, then the mesh jacket, then rain suit top to block the wind. It's not pretty, but it works. :laugh:

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Mary and I have been talking about our Big Trip this year. We don't have a firm plan yet, be we have some rough ideas of time-frame and places we want to ride.

This is a mental pic I have when thinking of a road trip....

The reality is, it will look more like this! :laugh:

What we "know" so far-

We want to start out the trip in Eureka Springs.

Want to ride the northern Cali coast again.

Going to visit family in Nevada, California, Idaho and Montana.

Yellowstone, Beartooth and some more riding in Colorado.

Still waiting on family plans to solidify before planning a route.

Gonna be a good ride!

Kevin

 

[55il]

Mary and I have been talking about our Big Trip this year. We don't have a firm plan yet, be we have some rough ideas of time-frame and places we want to ride.

Going to visit family in Nevada, California, Idaho and Montana.

Yellowstone, Beartooth and some more riding in Colorado.

Still waiting on family plans to solidify before planning a route.

Gonna be a good ride!

Kevin



Kevin, it sounds like your gearing up for a nice trip this year.

I’m also trying to set plans for a cross country trip andthis is one of the reasons for asking about a mesh safety jacket for summer. I too like wearing my leather jacket and when in the mountains I don my heated jacket when it’s cold.

Two years ago, a friend and I took about the same trip your lining up and we ate up a little over 7,200 miles. It was the most fun I have ever had on a motorcycle and especially riding my tri-glide. The worst part of the trip was traveling through the Mojave Desert during daylight hours wearing a t-shirt. Fortunately, my friend had a bagger and carried ice water. But a mesh jacket will keep from losing skin in case of an accident and be better hydrated.

Again, everyone thanks for all the jacket info. DJ

 

[DK Custom Products]

Kevin, it sounds like your gearing up for a nice trip this year.

I’m also trying to set plans for a cross country trip andthis is one of the reasons for asking about a mesh safety jacket for summer. I too like wearing my leather jacket and when in the mountains I don my heated jacket when it’s cold.

Two years ago, a friend and I took about the same trip your lining up and we ate up a little over 7,200 miles. It was the most fun I have ever had on a motorcycle and especially riding my tri-glide. The worst part of the trip was traveling through the Mojave Desert during daylight hours wearing a t-shirt. Fortunately, my friend had a bagger and carried ice water. But a mesh jacket will keep from losing skin in case of an accident and be better hydrated.

Again, everyone thanks for all the jacket info. DJ



Sounds like you had a fun trip!!! Yeah, a mesh jacket, when it is hot, is actually cooler than just a tee. Especially if you keep it a bit wet.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

A while back one of the four fender tabs on my TG front fender broke.

Yesterday we went about fixing it.

Relatively clean break-

We've done repairs on painted items a few times over the years, we'll be welding that tab back on while the majority of the fender is submerged in water, and wrapped with wet towels.

First we need to prep the areas that will be welded-

Next up is positioning it in a tub of water so that the water level comes up to right below the point where the welding will take place-

Getting wet towels wrapped around all parts of the fender that are not submerged-

We do not want any slag or HEAT hitting any area that is not the tab....it will damage/cause the paint to bubble.

The tab is mostly hidden, and painted black from the factory, so that will be easy enough to put back to looking stock. But if any part of the paint on the actual fender is damage...well, that would not be good.

The threads on the nut on the tab need to retain their integrity, so we use some anti-seize on a threaded "handle" that goes into the tab threads. Not only to keep the threads intact, but to give a way to hold the tab while welding it into place.

Tacking it in place...

...making sure it is straight before proceeding.

It was slow going, so as not to build up any heat transfer to the painted fender.

Yes, that is steam coming from the water, right below where it is being welded.

WhooHoo! No paint bubbled anywhere...even on the tab closest to the fender.

We cleaned it up, primer, and then some gloss black.

Letting it cure over the weekend. Will put some clear on it next week...then it goes back on the forks!

Kevin

 

[Jack Klarich]

Nice job and good pictures

I have that same angle die grinder

I bet it has a million revolutions on it

 

[DK Custom Products]

Nice job and good pictures

I have that same angle die grinder

I bet it has a million revolutions on it

Thanks!

I bet it has a lot more than a million revolutions on it! Those things spin at 20,000 rpm, so it only takes 50 minutes to go 1 million revo's.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

It was 22* this morning!

Kevin

 

[frostbite51]

2 below here this morning, which is better than the 17 below yesterday. Cleaning day today, got an inch or so of snow over the weekend. So when it hit 5 above I got after it.



First up is the front - use the leafblower on the steps and sidewalk down to the street. There's 3 small steps for the back, I just sweep them. Then it's time for the big broom.



150 feet on the west side...



100 feet on the north...



and then back to the shed to keep the dyna and freewheeler company.

It takes about 45-50 minutes and is a heck of a lot easier than shoveling. The broom is good up to 3 inches or so, then we get the bobcat out...

 

[DK Custom Products]

2 below here this morning, which is better than the 17 below yesterday. Cleaning day today, got an inch or so of snow over the weekend. So when it hit 5 above I got after it.

View attachment 54451

First up is the front - use the leafblower on the steps and sidewalk down to the street. There's 3 small steps for the back, I just sweep them. Then it's time for the big broom.

View attachment 54452

150 feet on the west side...

View attachment 54453

100 feet on the north...

View attachment 54454

and then back to the shed to keep the dyna and freewheeler company.

It takes about 45-50 minutes and is a heck of a lot easier than shoveling. The broom is good up to 3 inches or so, then we get the bobcat out...

Man...that's just a whole different life!

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Some days are just like this.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

:laugh::laugh::laugh:

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Sometimes a road calls to be ridden, other times it screams "Come Ride Me".

Kevin