A Day in the Life...

[DK Custom Products]

Rode the Sporty in to work this morning. 42 degrees.



Glad I had my Gerbing jacket liner.

Dwayne pulled in on his Deluxe right about the same time...he was all bundled up.*



We're doing some tests on both bikes later this afternoon.



​​​​​​​

Kevin

[DK Custom Products]

I love to ride.* I ride most everyday, and it is always a joy...some days more than others.*

Today was almost an overwhelming joy and freedom while riding.**

It was sunny, brisk, the trees are turning colors, the bike is running sweet...just one of those days when it felt like effortless flying!

I left work a bit early, followed the front wheel, and only turned the bike toward home as the sun was beginning to set.



Kevin

[FuzzyWuzHe]

Currently on a meandering ride ... three days so far ... might do like three or four more.

Chilly mountain riding when I started, electrics helped ... but ... I'm a little south of home now ... at least that was the direction I started in.

[DK Custom Products]

Currently on a meandering ride ... three days so far ... might do like three or four more.

Chilly mountain riding when I started, electrics helped ... but ... I'm a little south of home now ... at least that was the direction I started in.

Nice to hear you're out meandering around....good for the soul!

Kevin

[DK Custom Products]

This is the time of year when the weather can change several times a day!

Here's what it looked like yesterday afternoon-



This morning was dark, raining and cold! (40's) Put the Softy away and rode the TG to keep most of the rain off me. Still got a bit wet on the ride in.



Kevin

[DK Custom Products]

Both 2 wheelers are tucked in the heated bike room. Next 10+ days are in the 20's-40's with a chance of ice/snow.

I was talking to a friend a week or so ago...he rides his two-wheelers in the ice and snow....puts zip ties around the tires for traction.

Not for me...no two wheeling in ice or snow for me.



This is Tri-Glide weather!



Kevin

[FuzzyWuzHe]

Well ... weather is getting iffy and I'm heading home this morning. Looking like a full electrics kind of day.

Gloves, jacket liner, pants, and socks all might be set on high today .... 31* right now in Page, Az. Supposed to be 36* by 8am so that's my planned launch time. It's about 6-6.5 hours to home, so I might wait a tad longer. Depending on how long the frost lingers. I have my head back straight after 5 days of riding and being in the word and having Helga melt away my cares. (Hate it when I let the "issues" of the world get in my head ... especially when they are not really issues ... ) I let the PA (snotty little girl ... with no experience) at the VA get me all fired up about my knee replacement. My surgeon had no issues doing the surgery at the same weight I was last year ... imagine that. She won't be involved with my treatment anymore. Let her practice her godlike ravings on someone else. Enough of that. Good news ... I've lost about 25# and kind of am getting used to not binging. Planning on keeping the lower caloric intake going awhile and see where it leads.

After the major service I did on Helga ... she has just purred along. One new issue, well, not really new, been this way on every 1800 Gold Wing I've owned. I ran an extension to the trunk from the left pocket aux input so I could listen to SiriusXM from a vehicle kit and Audio Bible/Books from my phone. The issue, known, is the aux input cable picks up engine ignition and alternator noise. With my hearing, I really didn't notice it too much with the SiriusXM, because it was music. With the audio Bible and Audio books, because it's spoken words, it was really noticeable. I've ordered a close loop isolator from Wing Stuff made by J&M. This gizmo has worked (not sure what it does, just works) on other Gold Wings for me so I'm hopeful it will work on Helga.

Monday I hit a bird, or rather the bird swooped in and hit me ... LOL. It hit between the fog light on the left side and the timing cover. Apparently, the bird just glanced off, because when I stopped to check the bike and the bird, it was walking along the side of the road, then flew off. My lower cowling (Breast plate) is plastic chrome from Show Chrome , came with the bike. The cowling cracked in several places. I've tried to repair these in the past without much luck, so, I used the eBay app on my phone Monday night and found an OEM Lower Cowling from an 03 that appears to be in great shape. It's in Canada, but, I went ahead and ordered it. Not sure when it will clear customs, but, guessing it should get to my house Saturday or Monday. I only paid like $27 and change plus $70 in shipping (this is a guess based on conversion rates). Less than a hundred for a Honda cowling ain't bad.

Another issue that reared its ugly head again, is the front brake master cylinder. It was kind of "Sticky" during operation when I bought Helga, which is a big reason why a did the brake fluid flush and replace. It was okay for a few days, but, during the trip it's started the sticking thing again. During my lunch stop Tuesday, I called my local Honda dealer and ordered a rebuild kit for it. Not sure when it will be in, but, it's on the repair list.

I'm loving the new handlebar position after adding the risers and the air hawk is way kewl (thanks again Carla). I brought two helmets, a half and my 3/4 to full conversion. Mostly been wearing the full setup due to cooler temps. Only used the half on Monday in the desert.

Other than those couple of reality checks, I've just been riding aimlessly to nowhere. I had a general direction in mind, mostly south to get a little warmer weather. General points of interest were St. George, Ut, for an in-n-out burger. Then spent the night in Mesquite, Nv. Sunday and Monday. Did a day ride Monday through the Extra Terrestrial Highway and Rachel, Nv. (closest thing to Area 51).

Tuesday I did the "Valley of Fire" ride and through the National park paralleling Lake Mead down to Henderson, Nv. and then down into Laughlin, Nv. (gotta love the senior lifetime pass).

Wednesday, I got a little lost. Was generally heading into Arizona and making my way to Page. Somehow I ended up in Phoenix (well really close, I avoid cities), since it was like 6pm, I just found a room and decided to make my way to Page Thursday.

Did that and took several side trips. In Page, I had BBQ, wasn't as good as the Texas BBQ, but, wasn't bad. Met a German couple touring the US. Still can't get over the Euro women not shaving their legs and pits ... not a bad thing ... just not used to it. They were very nice and we ended up sharing a table, laughing and talking. He was into off road touring (BMW GS1200 rider) so we had a little common ground. He was really jonesing to get to tour our western deserts, but, his wife doesn't ride, so he was settling for their rented jeep.

Today I'll let the GPS take me home via the shortest route. Be a lot of 65-70 mph until I hit I70, then it's up to 75-80 mph.

It will be interesting to see how Helga does in the mpg area. It's looking like low to mid 40's while at highway speeds and mid to high 40's in the 60-65 mph area. Overall, I'm guessing 42-43 mpg for the trip. 2000 miles divided by 42.5 mpg times $3.10 a gallon (average) and fuel costs should be around $145, not bad. Average of $60 a night for a room (I got two nights in Mesquite for $54 total, $27 a night) times 5 nights, another $300. $200 for food and miscellaneous stuff and the whole trip is less than $650. I did pay a couple hundred for a denim jacket, including shipping, for my Mom's birthday, but that doesn't count ... LOL

All told, this trip will be about 2,000 miles over 6 days. Not iron b$tt noteworthy, but, a really good get acquainted ride with Helga. I think we understand each other now. She knows she will be ridden, not polished, well maybe a little polished ... LOL. At this rate, I'll being doing another oil change soon and new tires will be in my future. With winter bearing it's teeth, and the impending knee replacement, I'm guessing my "wings" will be trimmed to local rides for awhile. Although, there's the toy run in December and if we get some "nice" days, I'll be ready. I define nice as over freezing for the low so the threat of icy is smaller.

I am getting older .. I forgot to tell Randy and the other moderators I was gonna be AWOL ... hopefully I won't loose my recent promotion ... LOL.

Decide to wait until 9am and let the weather warm a bit ... so ... as Willy would say, "On the road Again".

[1dn5up]

Seems like your trip was good , Fuzzy Safe ride home

[Fearless]

Well ... weather is getting iffy and I'm heading home this morning. Looking like a full electrics kind of day.

Gloves, jacket liner, pants, and socks all might be set on high today .... 31* right now in Page, Az. Supposed to be 36* by 8am so that's my planned launch time. It's about 6-6.5 hours to home, so I might wait a tad longer. Depending on how long the frost lingers. I have my head back straight after 5 days of riding and being in the word and having Helga melt away my cares. (Hate it when I let the "issues" of the world get in my head ... especially when they are not really issues ... ) I let the PA (snotty little girl ... with no experience) at the VA get me all fired up about my knee replacement. My surgeon had no issues doing the surgery at the same weight I was last year ... imagine that. She won't be involved with my treatment anymore. Let her practice her godlike ravings on someone else. Enough of that. Good news ... I've lost about 25# and kind of am getting used to not binging. Planning on keeping the lower caloric intake going awhile and see where it leads.

After the major service I did on Helga ... she has just purred along. One new issue, well, not really new, been this way on every 1800 Gold Wing I've owned. I ran an extension to the trunk from the left pocket aux input so I could listen to SiriusXM from a vehicle kit and Audio Bible/Books from my phone. The issue, known, is the aux input cable picks up engine ignition and alternator noise. With my hearing, I really didn't notice it too much with the SiriusXM, because it was music. With the audio Bible and Audio books, because it's spoken words, it was really noticeable. I've ordered a close loop isolator from Wing Stuff made by J&M. This gizmo has worked (not sure what it does, just works) on other Gold Wings for me so I'm hopeful it will work on Helga.

Monday I hit a bird, or rather the bird swooped in and hit me ... LOL. It hit between the fog light on the left side and the timing cover. Apparently, the bird just glanced off, because when I stopped to check the bike and the bird, it was walking along the side of the road, then flew off. My lower cowling (Breast plate) is plastic chrome from Show Chrome , came with the bike. The cowling cracked in several places. I've tried to repair these in the past without much luck, so, I used the eBay app on my phone Monday night and found an OEM Lower Cowling from an 03 that appears to be in great shape. It's in Canada, but, I went ahead and ordered it. Not sure when it will clear customs, but, guessing it should get to my house Saturday or Monday. I only paid like $27 and change plus $70 in shipping (this is a guess based on conversion rates). Less than a hundred for a Honda cowling ain't bad.

Another issue that reared its ugly head again, is the front brake master cylinder. It was kind of "Sticky" during operation when I bought Helga, which is a big reason why a did the brake fluid flush and replace. It was okay for a few days, but, during the trip it's started the sticking thing again. During my lunch stop Tuesday, I called my local Honda dealer and ordered a rebuild kit for it. Not sure when it will be in, but, it's on the repair list.

I'm loving the new handlebar position after adding the risers and the air hawk is way kewl (thanks again Carla). I brought two helmets, a half and my 3/4 to full conversion. Mostly been wearing the full setup due to cooler temps. Only used the half on Monday in the desert.

Other than those couple of reality checks, I've just been riding aimlessly to nowhere. I had a general direction in mind, mostly south to get a little warmer weather. General points of interest were St. George, Ut, for an in-n-out burger. Then spent the night in Mesquite, Nv. Sunday and Monday. Did a day ride Monday through the Extra Terrestrial Highway and Rachel, Nv. (closest thing to Area 51).

Tuesday I did the "Valley of Fire" ride and through the National park paralleling Lake Mead down to Henderson, Nv. and then down into Laughlin, Nv. (gotta love the senior lifetime pass).

Wednesday, I got a little lost. Was generally heading into Arizona and making my way to Page. Somehow I ended up in Phoenix (well really close, I avoid cities), since it was like 6pm, I just found a room and decided to make my way to Page Thursday.

Did that and took several side trips. In Page, I had BBQ, wasn't as good as the Texas BBQ, but, wasn't bad. Met a German couple touring the US. Still can't get over the Euro women not shaving their legs and pits ... not a bad thing ... just not used to it. They were very nice and we ended up sharing a table, laughing and talking. He was into off road touring (BMW GS1200 rider) so we had a little common ground. He was really jonesing to get to tour our western deserts, but, his wife doesn't ride, so he was settling for their rented jeep.

Today I'll let the GPS take me home via the shortest route. Be a lot of 65-70 mph until I hit I70, then it's up to 75-80 mph.

It will be interesting to see how Helga does in the mpg area. It's looking like low to mid 40's while at highway speeds and mid to high 40's in the 60-65 mph area. Overall, I'm guessing 42-43 mpg for the trip. 2000 miles divided by 42.5 mpg times $3.10 a gallon (average) and fuel costs should be around $145, not bad. Average of $60 a night for a room (I got two nights in Mesquite for $54 total, $27 a night) times 5 nights, another $300. $200 for food and miscellaneous stuff and the whole trip is less than $650. I did pay a couple hundred for a denim jacket, including shipping, for my Mom's birthday, but that doesn't count ... LOL

All told, this trip will be about 2,000 miles over 6 days. Not iron b$tt noteworthy, but, a really good get acquainted ride with Helga. I think we understand each other now. She knows she will be ridden, not polished, well maybe a little polished ... LOL. At this rate, I'll being doing another oil change soon and new tires will be in my future. With winter bearing it's teeth, and the impending knee replacement, I'm guessing my "wings" will be trimmed to local rides for awhile. Although, there's the toy run in December and if we get some "nice" days, I'll be ready. I define nice as over freezing for the low so the threat of icy is smaller.

I am getting older .. I forgot to tell Randy and the other moderators I was gonna be AWOL ... hopefully I won't loose my recent promotion ... LOL.

Decide to wait until 9am and let the weather warm a bit ... so ... as Willy would say, "On the road Again".

Great read! travel safe Fred

[DK Custom Products]

Well ... weather is getting iffy and I'm heading home this morning. Looking like a full electrics kind of day.

Gloves, jacket liner, pants, and socks all might be set on high today .... 31* right now in Page, Az. Supposed to be 36* by 8am so that's my planned launch time. It's about 6-6.5 hours to home, so I might wait a tad longer. Depending on how long the frost lingers. I have my head back straight after 5 days of riding and being in the word and having Helga melt away my cares. (Hate it when I let the "issues" of the world get in my head ... especially when they are not really issues ... ) I let the PA (snotty little girl ... with no experience) at the VA get me all fired up about my knee replacement. My surgeon had no issues doing the surgery at the same weight I was last year ... imagine that. She won't be involved with my treatment anymore. Let her practice her godlike ravings on someone else. Enough of that. Good news ... I've lost about 25# and kind of am getting used to not binging. Planning on keeping the lower caloric intake going awhile and see where it leads.

After the major service I did on Helga ... she has just purred along. One new issue, well, not really new, been this way on every 1800 Gold Wing I've owned. I ran an extension to the trunk from the left pocket aux input so I could listen to SiriusXM from a vehicle kit and Audio Bible/Books from my phone. The issue, known, is the aux input cable picks up engine ignition and alternator noise. With my hearing, I really didn't notice it too much with the SiriusXM, because it was music. With the audio Bible and Audio books, because it's spoken words, it was really noticeable. I've ordered a close loop isolator from Wing Stuff made by J&M. This gizmo has worked (not sure what it does, just works) on other Gold Wings for me so I'm hopeful it will work on Helga.

Monday I hit a bird, or rather the bird swooped in and hit me ... LOL. It hit between the fog light on the left side and the timing cover. Apparently, the bird just glanced off, because when I stopped to check the bike and the bird, it was walking along the side of the road, then flew off. My lower cowling (Breast plate) is plastic chrome from Show Chrome , came with the bike. The cowling cracked in several places. I've tried to repair these in the past without much luck, so, I used the eBay app on my phone Monday night and found an OEM Lower Cowling from an 03 that appears to be in great shape. It's in Canada, but, I went ahead and ordered it. Not sure when it will clear customs, but, guessing it should get to my house Saturday or Monday. I only paid like $27 and change plus $70 in shipping (this is a guess based on conversion rates). Less than a hundred for a Honda cowling ain't bad.

Another issue that reared its ugly head again, is the front brake master cylinder. It was kind of "Sticky" during operation when I bought Helga, which is a big reason why a did the brake fluid flush and replace. It was okay for a few days, but, during the trip it's started the sticking thing again. During my lunch stop Tuesday, I called my local Honda dealer and ordered a rebuild kit for it. Not sure when it will be in, but, it's on the repair list.

I'm loving the new handlebar position after adding the risers and the air hawk is way kewl (thanks again Carla). I brought two helmets, a half and my 3/4 to full conversion. Mostly been wearing the full setup due to cooler temps. Only used the half on Monday in the desert.

Other than those couple of reality checks, I've just been riding aimlessly to nowhere. I had a general direction in mind, mostly south to get a little warmer weather. General points of interest were St. George, Ut, for an in-n-out burger. Then spent the night in Mesquite, Nv. Sunday and Monday. Did a day ride Monday through the Extra Terrestrial Highway and Rachel, Nv. (closest thing to Area 51).

Tuesday I did the "Valley of Fire" ride and through the National park paralleling Lake Mead down to Henderson, Nv. and then down into Laughlin, Nv. (gotta love the senior lifetime pass).

Wednesday, I got a little lost. Was generally heading into Arizona and making my way to Page. Somehow I ended up in Phoenix (well really close, I avoid cities), since it was like 6pm, I just found a room and decided to make my way to Page Thursday.

Did that and took several side trips. In Page, I had BBQ, wasn't as good as the Texas BBQ, but, wasn't bad. Met a German couple touring the US. Still can't get over the Euro women not shaving their legs and pits ... not a bad thing ... just not used to it. They were very nice and we ended up sharing a table, laughing and talking. He was into off road touring (BMW GS1200 rider) so we had a little common ground. He was really jonesing to get to tour our western deserts, but, his wife doesn't ride, so he was settling for their rented jeep.

Today I'll let the GPS take me home via the shortest route. Be a lot of 65-70 mph until I hit I70, then it's up to 75-80 mph.

It will be interesting to see how Helga does in the mpg area. It's looking like low to mid 40's while at highway speeds and mid to high 40's in the 60-65 mph area. Overall, I'm guessing 42-43 mpg for the trip. 2000 miles divided by 42.5 mpg times $3.10 a gallon (average) and fuel costs should be around $145, not bad. Average of $60 a night for a room (I got two nights in Mesquite for $54 total, $27 a night) times 5 nights, another $300. $200 for food and miscellaneous stuff and the whole trip is less than $650. I did pay a couple hundred for a denim jacket, including shipping, for my Mom's birthday, but that doesn't count ... LOL

All told, this trip will be about 2,000 miles over 6 days. Not iron b$tt noteworthy, but, a really good get acquainted ride with Helga. I think we understand each other now. She knows she will be ridden, not polished, well maybe a little polished ... LOL. At this rate, I'll being doing another oil change soon and new tires will be in my future. With winter bearing it's teeth, and the impending knee replacement, I'm guessing my "wings" will be trimmed to local rides for awhile. Although, there's the toy run in December and if we get some "nice" days, I'll be ready. I define nice as over freezing for the low so the threat of icy is smaller.

I am getting older .. I forgot to tell Randy and the other moderators I was gonna be AWOL ... hopefully I won't loose my recent promotion ... LOL.

Decide to wait until 9am and let the weather warm a bit ... so ... as Willy would say, "On the road Again".

Fun read! Thanks!!!

Nothing like a meandering ride to get the head straight. Good to hear you're enjoying Helga.

Kevin

[FuzzyWuzHe]

Fun read! Thanks!!!

Nothing like a meandering ride to get the head straight. Good to hear you're enjoying Helga.

Kevin

She is so smooth and powerful ... I do miss the attention Harley Quinn got ... but ... I'm happy ...

[DK Custom Products]

Just looked at them today, then went and got in Mary's truck to drive in to work.* 27* this morning...just did not feel like riding in it.

Have a feeling tomorrow will be the same.* Low tonight is 21* here.* Ack!

Now, if I had one of these......

​​​​​​​

Kevin

[DK Custom Products]

Yep, it's cold today.

Remembering warmer days.*

​​​​​​​

They are a ways off yet, but we will get a few now and then before spring.

Kevin

[DK Custom Products]

It's not warm, but it's warm enough!* I'm going riding!

​​​​​​​

Kevin

[DK Custom Products]

Well that was fun!* Burned almost 6 gallons of old dinosaurs.**

No burn-outs, wheelies or power slides, I did wind her out a couple of times.* But mostly just a fun, relaxing, kicked back 145 mile putt.*

​​​​​​​

With the reported "shortage" of HD Trikes, I was a bit surprised at a local HD Dealership I stopped at.

They had 5 used ones out for sale-



3 new ones here-



2 more new ones here-



And 1 more new one-



11 of them out on the floor...who knows how many in back!

Kevin

[DK Custom Products]

It was foggy this morning, really foggy.* So I waited til 9am to ride into the shop.

This is what my driveway looked like a little after 9am, AFTER much of the fog had cleared.*



About half way to the shop I stopped and got this photo-



It was a brisk, and a little wet, 43 degrees.* Was a nice ride in!

Kevin

[DK Custom Products]

Yesterday morning was foggy coming into work.

Last night was cold & clear headed home...



...after dark. No deer spotted.



This morning was clear, sunny, and relatively warm at 50*. A perfect ride in...



...followed by a few hours working (in the warm shop) on installing some new parts on Dwayne's M8 Softail Deluxe.



Winter days like these are the best!

Kevin

[DK Custom Products]

Mid 50's and sunny this afternoon. Got out and ran about 120 miles of country lanes.

Last time I was thru this particular stretch there was hundreds of acres of old growth pine. Most of it got clear cut. Less than 20 acres left of it.



But it sure Felt good to get out on these roads and unwind!*

Kevin

[DK Custom Products]

Been a busy partial week!* Besides riding in unseasonably warm weather...today it was 55* and dry on the ride in!*

We built a material rack.* Here it is in the process of being welded up-



Each of the pins are removable, allowing for different size material.



Finished and loaded up with material...



Much easier to access now!



CNC making chips with a 32 place fixture!

​​​​​​​

*

Kevin

[FuzzyWuzHe]

Material Rack looks kewl ... just curious about one thing .... what do you do with the chips?????