Peeking under Helga's Skirt

FuzzyWuzHe

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Okay ... now the I got your attention.

My first impressions of my new to me Wing, after a week and 200 miles.

1) First and foremost this thing is a runner. I don't remember any of my other wings having this kind of pop. The exhaust is a little louder than I remember, so I'm guessing it's some kind of performance upgrade, although it looks stock. I took her out to the highway (I70) a couple days back. When I hit the on ramp, there was nothing coming and I was in second, so, I got on it (never got over 75 mph, but, I got there quick). I don't think it actually lifted the front end but, it did raise up on the suspension and I was at 75 like now. Seems peppier than my other 1800's, but, I might just be used to the Harley torque and not so much quickness.

2) When installing the seat back rest, I noticed a lot of "Non Stock" wires running around under there. I traced them all out (still need to take all the plastic off over the air cleaner and in the dash area to finish) and as far as I can tell, it looks like the prior owner put an amplifier in the trunk. This entailed running wires from the speaker inputs, back to the amp in the trunk and then all the way back to the speakers. In the trunk was a capped off wire that turned out to be a switched hot lead. I did some cleanup, mostly soldering connections and shrink wrapping them. I made a decision to check the air cleaner this winter and while I have her naked, I'll verify what I think and put it back to stock.

3) While I was installing the Memphis Shades vented windshield, I found a few missing fasteners in the front faring area. and lots of the rubber covers were installed incorrectly. Fixed what I could get to. Reaffirmed that this winter or spring, I need to strip her down and check her out before I go out on a meandering trip.

4) I installed an auxiliary fuse box that gives me 6 switched circuits. I powered my GPS with one, my charging station in the trunk with one and have 4 for future use. This fuse box is directly powered from the battery via a relay. First time I actually wired a bike right ... LOL. Usually, I have 5 feeds coming off the battery and have to disconnect the GPS and whatever I'm charging when I switch the bike off. I hate wiring, but, after seeing the jury rig the prior owner did when he disconnected his amp, I decided to do it right this time. I still have my electric gear directly wired to the battery as recommended by Gerbing. Also, the battery tender lead is connected directly to the battery as well.

5) Gas mileage was only 30.3 the first tank. Part of that maybe that the dealer didn't fully fill it like I did. I think a bigger part maybe that I'm really enjoying the smooth power generation and doing more rapid starts and riding it a little harder than I'm used too.

6) There is a broken stud on the right side cover, very common. I've ordered a repair set of studs, thought I had some, but can't find them, so I will fix it when they get here. I was very surprised that all the grommets are in good shape on all the side covers.

All in all, she's a great bike. The things I've found to date are very minor and easily fixed. My heart really wants to ride her to Texas, but, I think my mind will prevail and I'll take the truck. Next year, after my knees are both good ... I'll be all over the place on her. Who knows if I survive Texas this trip, I might do it again.
 
It's good to go over "new" stuff to check it out. I'm doing the same with my "new" 2013 Tacoma. Needs plugs and filters.

Just checking, you do have in-line fuses on your tender and heated gear?

And when you say you're driving the truck, you will have Helga on the trailer behind you. :Shrug:
 
Just checking, you do have in-line fuses on your tender and heated gear?

Yep, inline fuses sized appropriately.

And when you say you're driving the truck, you will have Helga on the trailer behind you. :Shrug:

I am not sure yet ... maybe just the truck. fuel mileage takes a hit when towing, so I haven't made that call yet. I'd like to bring her, but, this trip is more about meeting people and putting faces to names than actually riding. I still have a little over two weeks to make that call. Time will tell.
 
I am not sure yet ... maybe just the truck. fuel mileage takes a hit when towing, so I haven't made that call yet. I'd like to bring her, but, this trip is more about meeting people and putting faces to names than actually riding. I still have a little over two weeks to make that call. Time will tell.

I just looked it up. That is quite a jaunt. Are you gonna split it into two days?
 
I just looked it up. That is quite a jaunt. Are you gonna split it into two days?

Might do three .. I figure with the truck I could do it in two .. but ... three would make it a pleasant trip where I could stop and smell the roses ... well ... maybe cactus ... most of the trip looks like desert. Besides ... I don't want to get to Texas and be all tired and vulnerable to the Texas "Nice" Twosome ... :D
 
Might do three .. I figure with the truck I could do it in two .. but ... three would make it a pleasant trip where I could stop and smell the roses ... well ... maybe cactus ... most of the trip looks like desert. Besides ... I don't want to get to Texas and be all tired and vulnerable to the Texas "Nice" Twosome ... :D

One Chief to another, I have your back. The ladies are just showing you some motherly love. But you need to bring your bike!
 
One Chief to another, I have your back. The ladies are just showing you some motherly love. But you need to bring your bike!

I need to do what is best for this old chief ... My heart says to ride the bike the whole way. My Head says to trailer the Bike ... My experience tells me to just bring the truck and maybe get lucky and hitch a ride in Kerrville.

I'm open to other suggestions ...

And it seems all I ever get is motherly Love ... LOL ... but, I'm pretty sure they are planning something ... I know I will survive ... I just hope they realize (and as a fellow chief, you know this to be true) that I'll probably like it!!!!
 
O-pen

to oth-er

sug-gestions....

hhmmm.... let’s see....

You could ride the old gray dog to Kerrville...that would save money and worry.

Just need to board a few days early and pack snacks, water, and a thick book to read. :buzz:
 
O-pen

to oth-er

sug-gestions....

hhmmm.... let’s see....

You could ride the old gray dog to Kerrville...that would save money and worry.

Just need to board a few days early and pack snacks, water, and a thick book to read. :buzz:

If you are the old gray dog ... you need to know .. I'm not that kind of boy. LOL. If you have a spare trike or bike named old gray dog .. I'm game ... LOL ... sorry ... couldn't resist.
 
Fuzzy

Another Chief says: Load the bike on the trailer. Hook the trailer to the truck. Gas up the truck and set sail. Google earth says just over 1K miles. Good two days driving. Enjoy meeting and making new friends.

MMCS/SS
 
Fuzzy

Another Chief says: Load the bike on the trailer. Hook the trailer to the truck. Gas up the truck and set sail. Google earth says just over 1K miles. Good two days driving. Enjoy meeting and making new friends.

MMCS/SS

Have to agree!!

HMCM
 
I have time ... my trailer is not the greatest ... it's old and the floor is kind of weak. Tires are good, bearings were just replaced so it should be fine. I'd have to drag it over the rockies ... makes for a tenser drive. I have time, what ever I decide, I will be there to meet y'all.

MMC/SW (Nuke)
 
More testing

Okay ... so my first two tanks I only average 30 MPG all around town. I was thinking maybe the air filter was filthy or maybe the rider was really riding her hard.

So, this morning I took a ride 130 miles in total all on 65 mph highway. Set the cruise and enjoyed the scenery.

Bike got 43 mpg, so maybe it was just the loose nut behind the wheel .. LOL.

I like the improvement in handling of the Kuryakyn Gen 2 fork brace.

The ergo II highway mounts with the switch blade pegs are okay, but, I need to play with the adjustment. I got them cheap on eBay, so, no instructions ... I'll get some from the Kuryakyn site and figure out how to tweak them.

The Add-on back rest is super nice. Got an idea tomato it removable, but, not sure why I'd want to remove it ... LOL

I pulled the front speaker covers and the speakers are Kenwood and shot ... ordered some upgraded ones .. we'll see. Tested my old Honda headset in my helmet, sounds good, so, I'm guessing the radio is fine. The previous owner put an amp in the truck I think. When the speakers get here, i'll pull the plastic and replace them and see if there's some more wiring to clean up.

All in all .. Helga is a fine ride. Happy with my purchase.
 

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