Getting the job almost done...

[ShapeShifter]

I like the seat cover. Where did you get it?

Thanks!....at Sickafus Sheepskins

 

[ShapeShifter]

Wes,

Do you mind if we put the above photo on our website?

Kevin

Kevin, Feel free to do so!......Sorry I missed this post earlier:blush:.......Wes

p.s, wish I had cleaned all that pollen off the rubber inserts now.lol

 

[Mrfun]

Hey Wes

Is that a custom fit? Did you have to send your seat out? How does it attach?

Sorry for all the questions. I tried to message you but it won't let me. I can't even edit my profile.

Thanks Kevin

 

[ShapeShifter]

Hey Wes

Is that a custom fit? Did you have to send your seat out? How does it attach?

Sorry for all the questions. I tried to message you but it won't let me. I can't even edit my profile.

Thanks Kevin

Hey Kevin, Don't mind the questions, that's why we're here to share information and help however we can. Only Gold Members get use of the personal message function.

No I didn't send my seat out, because that was a bit more than I wanted to spend. So, I did my own fitting and used a marker pen to make my own seat outline on the back of the hide as to where to cut. I then cut from back side following my outline using a snap-blade retractable utility knife. Anyone that's a bit unsure, can cut slightly outward past their markings, then test fit and trim more off as desired. I don't recommend anyone use scissors to cut their sheepskin!!

As of now I dont have any attachments on it. Just have draped over the seat with slot cut for the back rest and wedged between the grabhandles and tucked/stuffed into the cavity under the passengers backrest flap. I know it stays tucked on rural rides up to 60 mph, but at interstate speeds it comes out and constantly taps me on the back.:laugh: So, I bought a set of Coleman Sleeping Bag Straps, they have a non-slip buckle, so one could easily fit around the sheepskin and seat in the rear, and hold it in place to stop the flapping as higher speeds. Know this will work because on my solo trip to Michigan last year, that tapping got so annoying, I had to pull over and improvise a similar method using an extra belt from my luggage. So a belt or one the new Coleman Straps will work, they're just visible when you're up close.

The idea I'm toying with is, hand sewing or tacking one of the straps underneath to the backside of the hide in four locations, two relating to top of seat and lower on each side close to the bottom. This will hold the rear part of the sheepskin in place on solo rides at speed. However, it will require unbolting and lifting the rear of the seat each time to install and remove the cover. I suppose it also provides a bit of security for the curiously honest among us.

Sorry for the long reply, but it also helps me to think out loud as to how I want to resolve the solo flapping, but also keep the covers seemless look.

 

[Mrfun]

Hey Kevin, Don't mind the questions, that's why we're here to share information and help however we can. Only Gold Members get use of the personal message function.

No I didn't send my seat out, because that was a bit more than I wanted to spend. So, I did my own fitting and used a marker pen to make my own seat outline on the back of the hide as to where to cut. I then cut from back side following my outline using a snap-blade retractable utility knife. Anyone that's a bit unsure, can cut slightly outward past their markings, then test fit and trim more off as desired. I don't recommend anyone use scissors to cut their sheepskin!!

As of now I dont have any attachments on it. Just have draped over the seat with slot cut for the back rest and wedged between the grabhandles and tucked/stuffed into the cavity under the passengers backrest flap. I know it stays tucked on rural rides up to 60 mph, but at interstate speeds it comes out and constantly taps me on the back.:laugh: So, I bought a set of Coleman Sleeping Bag Straps, they have a non-slip buckle, so one could easily fit around the sheepskin and seat in the rear, and hold it in place to stop the flapping as higher speeds. Know this will work because on my solo trip to Michigan last year, that tapping got so annoying, I had to pull over and improvise a similar method using an extra belt from my luggage. So a belt or one the new Coleman Straps will work, they're just visible when you're up close.

The idea I'm toying with is, hand sewing or tacking one of the straps underneath to the backside of the hide in four locations, two relating to top of seat and lower on each side close to the bottom. This will hold the rear part of the sheepskin in place on solo rides at speed. However, it will require unbolting and lifting the rear of the seat each time to install and remove the cover. I suppose it also provides a bit of security for the curiously honest among us.

Sorry for the long reply, but it also helps me to think out loud as to how I want to resolve the solo flapping, but also keep the covers seemless look.

That is awesome information. Exactly what I was wanting to know.

Thank you very much!!

 

[DK Custom Products]

Kevin, Feel free to do so!......Sorry I missed this post earlier:blush:.......Wes

p.s, wish I had cleaned all that pollen off the rubber inserts now.lol

Thank you, appreciate it. We're getting hammered by pollen right now too. It's everywhere!

Kevin

 

[ShapeShifter]

Goodbye Old Soldier & Hello Rookie!

My modular helmet, a Nolan100E, was my go helmet for Michigan cold weather riding when I lived there and I've used it for riding in other other adverse conditions after relocating......it's about 14-15 years old now. Nolan like others manufacturers only recommend a 4-5 year useful life for a helmet. But my trusty 100E was hard to give up, it just seem to fit me like a great pair of Ostrich Boots. The thought of replacing it with another comparable Nolan was at a price point that's simply not in my budget. Current climate calls for a bit more frugal spending for a helmet.

I went in search of another modular helmet with an affordable price, but one that also had; convenience features, was well constructed and DOT Approved, and it had to be light weight. Checked out several, but already having bought an HJC Helmet in Dec 2018, and being pleased with the HJC LS2, 3/4 Open Face w/Shield. I thought why not give their moderately priced Modular Helmets a good look.

Bottom line: I just received an HJC IS-MAX II Modular.....it met all the criteria I mentioned earlier. Only slight Con is, it has a bit larger profile than the Nolan!. So, probably going to have a more pronounced Bobblehead Look!! Have washed the headliner, cheek pads, chin curtain and sanitized insides and outside. Last night, reinstalled everything back and added a new wired head set. Looking forward to a test ride whenever the strong thunderstorms and torrential rains leave the area.......around here we're wondering, how long before we see a full week of dry weather and sunshine!!:Shrug:

Oh!...Happy Easter....and Gods Blessings to All.....Wes

 

[ultrafxr]

You're going to like the HJC IS Max. My wife and I have been riding year round with the HJC IS Max helmet for many years. In fact we're on our second one know and think they are fantastic. Now I've not tried Nolan or any of the other 'premium' priced modular helmets but this one sure fits the bill for us. Very comfortable and does not restrict peripheral vision at all and that's very important. Even on the hottest summer days we don't find wearing this modular helmet to be a problem. In fact I like it rather than having a blast of superheated air in my face.

 

[FuzzyWuzHe]

Wes,

Just noticed you have the HD "Saddle Bags". I have always wanted them, but, I have heard so serious horror stories about installing them, including a master tech at HD that got one crooked and HD had to replace the body to correct it.

So my question, did you install them? If so, any tricks to keeping them straight? I'm guessing, measure 30 times, drill once ... LOL.

There's no way I trust my local dealer to do it, maybe before, but now all the good techs have left. This is the service department that did not know YOU CAN upgrade the GPS maps :Shrug:.

About the new lid ... I had an HJC Modular and liked it. Well until I saw the Shark. It's an all in one.







It goes from full face to 3/4 with a one hand flip. No head buffeting in 3/4 mode or full face. Has clear face shield and a drop down sun visor.

 

[ShapeShifter]

You're going to like the HJC IS Max. My wife and I have been riding year round with the HJC IS Max helmet for many years. In fact we're on our second one know and think they are fantastic. Now I've not tried Nolan or any of the other 'premium' priced modular helmets but this one sure fits the bill for us. Very comfortable and does not restrict peripheral vision at all and that's very important. Even on the hottest summer days we don't find wearing this modular helmet to be a problem. In fact I like it rather than having a blast of superheated air in my face.

That's really great feedback coming on the heels of my new, but yet to be used IS-MAX II.ThumbUp The Nolan I bought during my working days in Michigan, at a time when cost was a lesser concern.

Now if this monsoon like weather let's up, I can give it some nice trial runs!

Wes, Just noticed you have the HD "Saddle Bags". I have always wanted them, but, I have heard so serious horror stories about installing them, including a master tech at HD that got one crooked and HD had to replace the body to correct it.

So my question, did you install them? If so, any tricks to keeping them straight? I'm guessing, measure 30 times, drill once ... LOL.

There's no way I trust my local dealer to do it, maybe before, but now all the good techs have left. This is the service department that did not know YOU CAN upgrade the GPS maps .

About the new lid ... I had an HJC Modular and liked it. Well until I saw the Shark.

It's an all in one.It goes from full face to 3/4 with a one hand flip. No head buffeting in 3/4 mode or full face. Has clear face shield and a drop down sun visor.

Alan, the bags were already on the trike when I bought it. Never thought to ask them who did the install, but I noticed straightaway that this trike had a lot of nice extras installed. That's why I knew the dealer pricing was well below where it should have been, so getting at my price was a win-win deal. Now who ever did those installs took extra care and was spot on!

Shark Modular Helmets are another VERY nice helmet, but like the Nolan, outside my present helmet budget.:blush:

 

[FuzzyWuzHe]

And the search continues ... LOL.

I did order a new helmet today. The Shark Evoline SST3, they came out right after I got the SST2 ... go figure.

They were marked down to $199, probably means the 4 is coming out





Basically the same helmet, but all white (cooler), improved hinge that allows it to go from full to 3/4 without opening the shield. better liner, and most importantly t s an intermediate oval, not as round.

 

[ShapeShifter]

As for the Trike Saddle Bags, I definitely like the convenience they add, especially when traveling, and would hate to be without them. But I do share your concern with dealer installation...if I were to get another trike that didn't have bags, I would certainly buy new ones. However, I would most likely opt to do my own installation using the same 3M Dual Lock Product I used to do the no drill install of my Front and Rear Mud Guards.

Your helmet choice no doubt offers the type of features that suit your riding preferences. I primarily used my modular for cold weather riding or in severe outside conditions like now, where pollen is so bad, that I need to get my entire noggin under cover.

I hope your shipment arrives without delay!

 

[DK Custom Products]

My modular helmet, a Nolan100E, was my go helmet for Michigan cold weather riding when I lived there and I've used it for riding in other other adverse conditions after relocating......it's about 14-15 years old now. Nolan like others manufacturers only recommend a 4-5 year useful life for a helmet. But my trusty 100E was hard to give up, it just seem to fit me like a great pair of Ostrich Boots. The thought of replacing it with another comparable Nolan was at a price point that's simply not in my budget. Current climate calls for a bit more frugal spending for a helmet.

I went in search of another modular helmet with an affordable price, but one that also had; convenience features, was well constructed and DOT Approved, and it had to be light weight. Checked out several, but already having bought an HJC Helmet in Dec 2018, and being pleased with the HJC LS2, 3/4 Open Face w/Shield. I thought why not give their moderately priced Modular Helmets a good look.

Bottom line: I just received an HJC IS-MAX II Modular.....it met all the criteria I mentioned earlier. Only slight Con is, it has a bit larger profile than the Nolan!. So, probably going to have a more pronounced Bobblehead Look!! Have washed the headliner, cheek pads, chin curtain and sanitized insides and outside. Last night, reinstalled everything back and added a new wired head set. Looking forward to a test ride whenever the strong thunderstorms and torrential rains leave the area.......around here we're wondering, how long before we see a full week of dry weather and sunshine!!:Shrug:

Oh!...Happy Easter....and Gods Blessings to All.....Wes

View attachment 86054

View attachment 86055

Congrats on the new helmet. Mary has a 1.5 year old Nolan Modular (her 3rd Nolan), I have a 8 year old Nolan. I tried to get a newer one...but back a few years ago they changed the safety specs on them, and they are all bigger now, and I did not like it at all.

Let us know how you like the HJC.

I'm going look at the HJC's again. I did look at the Shark that Fuzzy mentioned. But it is 4.3 lbs.

Kevin

 

[paws]

I have the HJC Sy-Max II Modular and later purchased the HJC Sy-Max III Modular. Like them both. The Sy-Max III fit smaller than the II. I wear a Medium helmet which is what the II is but the III made me take an XL !!!! It was the cheek pads mostly... I even swapped them out for the smaller pads and they were still VERY tight on the medium III. They both are pretty light weight.

I saw the helmet reviews on webbikeworld.com They seem to do a very thorough review of motorcycle gear.

Even though these helmets are fairly (2008 and 2012) old I do not intend to replace them. They are in excellent shape, fit my crazy head now, and I really do not feel the structure disintegrates as quickly as is claimed....I think that is a sales pitch.

The only way I would buy another helmet at this point in life would be if they came out with a helmet that had all the features of these HJC Sy-Max helmets but only weighed a couple of pounds or less or if something critical failed on one of my 2 helmets.

 

[ShapeShifter]

Congrats on the new helmet. Mary has a 1.5 year old Nolan Modular (her 3rd Nolan), I have a 8 year old Nolan. I tried to get a newer one...but back a few years ago they changed the safety specs on them, and they are all bigger now, and I did not like it at all.Let us know how you like the HJC.

I'm going look at the HJC's again. I did look at the Shark that Fuzzy mentioned. But it is 4.3 lbs.

Kevin

I suppose with the newer specs resulting in bigger sizes, I wouldn't have been able to find a current Nolan comparable to my old one, had I wanted to stay with that brand.

Due to constant stormy weather here, there was no opportunity to ride over the weekend. Temps really dropped overnight, but hopefully I can get some riding time on Wednesday or Thursday this week. If so, I'll post up how it's working out up to that point.

I have the HJC Sy-Max II Modular and later purchased the HJC Sy-Max III Modular. Like them both. The Sy-Max III fit smaller than the II. I wear a Medium helmet which is what the II is but the III made me take an XL !!!! It was the cheek pads mostly... I even swapped them out for the smaller pads and they were still VERY tight on the medium III. They both are pretty light weight.

I saw the helmet reviews on webbikeworld.com They seem to do a very thorough review of motorcycle gear.

Even though these helmets are fairly (2008 and 2012) old I do not intend to replace them. They are in excellent shape, fit my crazy head now, and I really do not feel the structure disintegrates as quickly as is claimed....I think that is a sales pitch.

The only way I would buy another helmet at this point in life would be if they came out with a helmet that had all the features of these HJC Sy-Max helmets but only weighed a couple of pounds or less or if something critical failed on one of my 2 helmets.

Carla, Good to hear your positive comments and long term satisfaction with your HJC helmets. I read the reviews on webbikeworld.com for IS-MAX II, their one comment that pretty much sold me was; "If you’ve only got a couple of hundred bucks, you need a good sport touring helmet, and you have an intermediate head shape, this is a smart choice.". It's also light weight @ 3lb 14oz. Would have been nice if the Chin Curtin and Pinlock were included as they were on the Nolan. I wanted them for the HJC Modular, so bought them as extras.

My Nolan has been well cared for over the years and is still looks to be in excellent condition structurally. I may still use it on some cold short local rides. One downside against the Nolan is, I'm becoming increasingly spoiled by having the convenience of a Helmetless Headset and a Wired Headset in my other HJC for music and telcom, and GPS use when riding/touring .

 

[ShapeShifter]

.......

Let us know how you like the HJC.

I'm going look at the HJC's again. I did look at the Shark that Fuzzy mentioned. But it is 4.3 lbs.

Kevin

Over the past two days I rode approximately 217 miles with the HJC IS-MAX II Modular Helmet. It's unfortunate that I haven't had any ride time with another late model modular helmet that has specifications and features newer than my old Nolan100E. So any comparisons I might make to my previous helmet are definitely more like Apples to Grapefruit.

After putting the helmet on, I immediately noticed the difference in weight. My 14-15 year old helmet was just under 5lbs and the IS-MAX II was very light at 3.14lbs. My size large was a very comfortable fit to my head and the Cheek Pads also gave it a snug fit to the face. But surprisingly, this snug fit did not make the helmet uncomfortable at all over the entire 3.5 hour riding time. The Best description I can make regarding fit and wearing over time is, "it's comfortable and just seemed be @ one with my head".

The one thing that was immediately noticeable to me after I began my first ride was exactly what Jerry said earlier about his IS-MAX, "does not restrict peripheral vision". My side to side vision seemed huge and it also seemed brighter inside the helmet. I suppose the Nolan's narrower field of view in comparison, had created more of a tunnel vision effect and it allowed less light inside. The IS-MAX also has a better venting system than my old modular, so I was better able to regulate the temperature inside the helmet. Since this helmet will be used primarily for cold weather use, I ordered the optional Chin Curtin and Pinlock. Which I'm sure contributed to less wind intrusion from beneath and there was no fogging inside the visor.

In my eagerness to get the new headset installed, I missed an opportunity to test ride to see how quiet the helmet was, at least up to my local speeds of 55-60 mph. So, I really can't make any comments on how it performed on quietness at certain speeds. Can say I installed the same IMC Motorcom Harley Compatible 7 Pin Headset with Boom Microphone as in my 3/4 helmet, and the fit and sound works for me.

Bottom Line: The IS-MAX II meets all those little decision points I had for a new cold weather modular; Comfort, well Constructed, Light Weight, easy one handed use for vents/visor, DOT rated and finding at a <$170.00 price point. As mentioned earlier, one downside for the helmet is, HJC does not include the Chin Curtin and Pinlock, which are desirable items for cold weather use.

 

[paws]

Agree with the excellent peripheral vision these HJC helmets provide as well as the venting.

I too purchased the chin curtain for cold weather but have left it on the helmet year round.

 

[ShapeShifter]

Yesterday was a georgeous day with cool morning temps in low 50's and reaching low 70's by afternoon. So it was another opportunity to put on the IS-MAX II Helmet, along with the Harley Windale Riding Jacket bought over the winter, and get some extended ride time. Was able to get in a total 213 miles on US Hwys through lots of rural towns and farmland. Speeds didn't exceed 60 mph, so a very relaxing ride with lots opportunity to actually see the peaceful and scenic country side.

Glad I took advantage yesterday, because today has been plagued with constant thunderstorms.

 

[ShapeShifter]

Several months back I ordered a new Brake Pedal Return Spring. Finally decided it was time to get it off the kitchen counter and onto the trike. You can see a bit of difference in the new vs. old length.

Also, performed my Quarterly Rear Wheel Lug Nut Torque Check.

Did Manage to get a 63 mile early ride in this morning, with the last twenty of it in spotted showers. Skies changed to dark clouds and heavy thunder storms have arrived again. Only managed to get 224 miles for the entire week due to severe storms moving through SW Arkansas, NE Texas, NW Louisiana and SE Oklahoma.

The early morning local news featured a story about a NW Louisiana man that drowned in a neighborhood drainage ditch. Just an indication of the severity of local storms and the huge amounts of rainfall throughout the ARK-LA-TX Region.

 

[ShapeShifter]

Was an ugly win, but a win nonetheless....

I've heard that expression used to describe a football team that played badly, but still won the game.

Well it definitely applies to my sewing skills used to add a retention strap to the rear underside of my sheepskin cover. Not neat and tidy sewing, but the strap definitely holds the cover very securely to the seat. Best of all, the rear no longer flaps violently or constantly taps me in the back as speed! Another job checked off the to-do list.