Ziggy

Spent some time opening up my wire harnesses, opened and inspected all of the wires from the right side hand control, down to the headlamp bucket, and all the way through the main harness back to the rear wheel. I found a tiny little nick in one of the starter relay wires. I wrapped it up, put everything back together, and took it for a ride last night. So far, so good... If this crap weather will ever go away, I'll take it out a little longer and farther than I did last night, and see what happens.

D'oh! You're right, my mistake. My SV had a +1 front sprocket, but it's been so long since I sold it, I had it backward in my head. That's what I get for typing before thinking...

Definitely loving the SV! As for cruising RPM, dropping down a tooth on the front sprocket will lower the cruising RPM and better MPG without a huge impact on performance. Especially if he's used to riding and older, smaller bike.

That little HD stamp is what does it... HD = Hundred Dollars

Used it to get my bike home a couple weeks ago. Absolutely paid for itself.

I've got a 2002 HD Sportster 883 Hugger with a 1200 conversion, Buell thunderstorm heads, S&S adjustable pushrods, Crane Hi4 ignition, Mikuni 48mm carb, and a few other mods. The issue I'm having is that I keep blowing my ignition fuse. According to the service manual, all 4 fuses in the fuse block should be 15 amp fuses. At some point, the previous owner replaced the ignition fuse with a 30 amp fuse. It is the 30 amp fuse that keeps blowing. Now, what I don't know is whether the addition of the Crane Hi4 module would require a higher amperage fuse, or did the PO pop a larger fuse in there to mask another problem? This bike runs great when it runs, but the last two times I've taken it out, it's come home on a truck. The PO was working on making a bobber out of it, removing a bunch of stuff and cutting harnesses in the process. I have no speedometer, tach, idiot lights, or turn signals. The handle bars have been swapped for drag bars with internal wiring. I've checked the right side hand controls, all the wires look good from the switches down to the headlight bucket. I don't want to take it to the dealership, but I'm running out of ideas. I have a local indy dealer up the road that I'll probably talk to first. Any one know anything about B.A.R. Customs?

Prices on motorcycles are up right now because its spring. The fact that gas is pushing $4/gallon isn't helping either. Prices should start coming back down around august/september, but the best time to buy is over the winter.

James - When we rode the other night, I thought you looked just fine. As you and others have said already, probably over thinking a little, but that is natural when you're learning. Remember, this is FUN! Just relax a little bit and you'll see why so many of us are totally hooked!

Advance and Auto Zone both sell Mobil 1 Motorcycle oil. I usually buy mine at Advance because they're closest to my house. They sell popular filters there as well.

I was going to mention this when we were out riding the other day, but with my mechanical difficulties, I was distracted... Try doing most (if not all) of your braking before you reach the turn. That way you can use both of your brakes to their fullest while going straight with the bike vertical, and use the throttle through the turns. Keep working on the basics, speed will come with time and practice.

I think I'm going to do this.

So, now that it's done and you've had it out, how does it ride? Looks great BTW!

Looks awesome! Very nice work, sir!

PM sent.

I think I'll have a buyer lined up for you. I'm forwarding your pics as soon as I get an email address from them.

I know someone recently in the market, I'll pass it along.

no. Who the hell wakes up in the morning and says "I think I'll go jump into a pit full of one of the world's most dangerous breeds of snakes today!" I guess if they're kept in captivity, someone has to clean up after them, but good grief, put some freakin' protective clothing on!

Funny you should mention that... I was on my way to Springfield on Sunday with the kids in the cage, and saw a guy on the side of 48, smoking and kinda poking around at his bike. I turned around in some dude's driveway and went back to check on him. Turned out he was an older guy rocking an 883 Sportster, and just pulled over to take a break and enjoy the day. Told him I'd rather stop and make sure everything was okay than keep on cruising past and wonder if he needed help. This board always impresses me with the way the people are willing (and often eager) to help out a fellow rider. I've read several threads in which someone has gone out of their way to go get a truck or trailer to assist with a breakdown, or otherwise downed bike and rider. Truly one of the greatest places on the 'net!

Let me know if you need someone to ride with. Now that spring is here, I'll be out on my bike a lot more.

It's sad, one of the first responders said as he and his wife ran to the scene, he thought someone had thrown a bag of laundry in the road. It wasn't until they were right on top of him that he realized that bag of laundry was the rider. He said his wife was pulling the kids from the truck one after another. Apparently that turn has caused issues before, residents suspect there will be more issues yet to come as well.

welcome back?

Welcome to OR! This is a great place to explore and learn about all things motorcycle. Where in South Lebanon are you? I live in the Wedgwood subdivision about a mile and a half from that UDF at 22/3. I'll keep an eye out for a blue Trumpet, if you see an ugly, loud, Sportster with a rider in full gear, be sure to wave, it'll be me.

The rider didn't make it, but the kids in the truck are okay. http://www.wlwt.com/video/27498595/detail.html

Can't wait!