Getting the job almost done...

[FuzzyWuzHe]

Yea, to me it looks a bit huge compared to the Dunlop. Makes the wheel look so much smaller in comparison. Was able to put 103 miles on rural roads between breaks in the rain.

I can feel some vibration in the handlebars at 50 to about 60 mph, so I didn't push it much beyond that. Could be a balancing issue, but I did decrease tire pressure from what the installer had set before putting on the wheel. So will step up from my adjustment of 36 psi up to 38 psi and see if the vibrations remain at those same speeds. If need be will go to 40 psi and see if their are any changes. If neither change gives positive results will get with the installer to find a cure.

These are best shots I can get....still show it's indeed a beefy tire!

View attachment 72509

View attachment 72510

Yes Sir .. .there's the beef

 

[ShapeShifter]

Since the oil relocation had been completed and the oil filter's no longer hogging space up front, I rerouted new hose from EBS and repositioned the Catch Can in center underneath. This adds just a bit more ground clearance to bottom of can.

Rode a total of 143 miles yesterday to Shreveport, LA....since I was in that area, I also made a stop to check out Bossier City Harley-Davidson. They're the second closest dealership, being 62 miles from me.

 

[FuzzyWuzHe]

Since the oil relocation had been completed and the oil filter's no longer hogging space up front, I rerouted new hose from EBS and repositioned the Catch Can in center underneath. This adds just a bit more ground clearance to bottom of can.

Rode a total of 143 miles yesterday to Shreveport, LA....since I was in that area, I also made a stop to check out Bossier City Harley-Davidson. They're the second closest dealership, being 62 miles from me.

How was the new foot?

 

[ShapeShifter]

How was the new foot?

Not a lot of miles ridden on the new Avon yet, but so far I'm pleased with its overall handling. Definitely gives better grip for more confidence in speed through those sweeping curves, and that better grip should also allow for some agressive cornering (don't do this that much, but can be fun at low traffic times). I'll know much more about it's longer term handling and character after more miles ridden. However, given the way I generally ride, I won't be exploring its hi-speed performance capabilities.

 

[FuzzyWuzHe]

However, given the way I generally ride, I won't be exploring its hi-speed performance capabilities.

I'd be more interested in longevity and rain handling ... maybe ride comfort.

 

[ShapeShifter]

I'd be more interested in longevity and rain handling ... maybe ride comfort.

I should know more about long range ride comfort for me starting tomorrow.....I just loaded the trike up early evening and will be leaving for SE Michigan at 5am CST. It's lights now!...

 

[ShapeShifter]

Rode 592 miles today on the SE Michigan trip. Making Effingham, IL my overnight stop. Spent a llo ot of time in the saddle. A lot of road construction slowing the pace. Hopefully, the rest of the journey will be safe and trouble free.

Departure Miles



Boomland is always a must stop on this route.



Effingham, IL Arrival Miles

 

[FuzzyWuzHe]

Okay .... I'll show my ignorance ... LOL ... what's a Boomland??? :Shrug:

 

[ShapeShifter]

Okay .... I'll show my ignorance ... LOL ... what's a Boomland??? :Shrug:

It's a popular stop for travelers, because they have a warehouse size fireworks room, another warehouse room with a huge selection of gifts,collectibles and a restaurant. I believe they actually have four Boomland locatioins. The one I always stop at is on I57 in Charleston, MO. For me it's a nice place to fill up, then take a break from the road and then wonder about. https://boomland.com/charleston-mo/

After another 429 miles I arrived at my destination during rush hour, but fortunately before the evening showers. Looks like I'll find out how well the waterproofing works that I applied to the Harley Oasis Cover. Gonna be nice to just be a passenger tomorrow!

 

[ShapeShifter]

Good News Traveling Dealer Repair Story!!

On Tuesday's ride up to Michigan, I exited I57 in MT Vernon, IL for gas. When the light changes made a left turn and I shifted to second gear, however, the toe shift lever went to a near vertical position, and no second gear. I limped into a nearby parking lot to check things out. Found that I had a problem with the shifter shaft not engaging the transmission shift linkage. A quick check on Nav showed me Roadhouse Harley 1.9 miles away. Limped in at 4:40pm, Service Manager says not sure we have a Shifter Shaft and only have one Tech here, all others gone for the day. Minutes later that Tech walked up, fiddled with the shifter and linkage and said, "yep! Shifter Shaft bad, got one and will install it in a jiffy". About 40 minutes later I'm back on road again and the repair cost was more than reasonable.

Kudos to Roadhouse Harley in MT Vernon, IL:clapping:

 

[520fd]

Removed the Tour-Pak, then Installed and wired the DK Tour-Pak LED Light Mount Bracket.View attachment 72022

View attachment 72023

View attachment 72024

View attachment 72025

Put a Paracord Tether on as backup for the Tour-Pak Lid Tether.View attachment 72026

View attachment 72027

Got the Extended Shift Lever on as Heel Shifter.View attachment 72028

Replaced Freedom Shields 7" Wide Touring with new 8" Wide Touring Medium Tint Windshield.

What size of Paracord did you use? I went to the store and bought 1/8" and 1/4" just to make sure I had the right stuff. Thanks. Jerry

 

[ShapeShifter]

What size of Paracord did you use? I went to the store and bought 1/8" and 1/4" just to make sure I had the right stuff. Thanks. Jerry

Hey, Jerry....here's a bit more info than you asked.

Used Hyper Tough's 550 Paracord 5/32". Found a 50' roll in Black at Walmart.

To secure the cord I bought a 2 pk of Gardner Bender 4 AWG Copper Lugs w/ 3/8" Stud and drilled through them, then ran the cord through the holes, tied a knot and melted frayed ends together. Had no heat shrink the size of the cord, so I tightly wrapped electrical tape at the base of the knot to ensure there would be no direct rubbing or chafing of the cord against the metal lugs or at the holes I drilled.

 

[FuzzyWuzHe]

Hey, Jerry....here's a bit more info than you asked.

Used Hyper Tough's 550 Paracord 5/32". Found a 50' roll in Black at Walmart.

To secure the cord I bought a 2 pk of Gardner Bender 4 AWG Copper Lugs w/ 3/8" Stud and drilled through them, then ran the cord through the holes, tied a knot and melted frayed ends together. Had no heat shrink the size of the cord, so I tightly wrapped electrical tape at the base of the knot to ensure there would be no direct rubbing or chafing of the cord against the metal lugs or at the holes I drilled.

Having seen the routing of your's, I may re router mine. When I need to remove the tour pak liner, I have to undo my safety tether and hold the lid up until I get it moved. Pain ... so, I think I may route mine inside the liner so I eliminate that issue ...

 

[ShapeShifter]

Having seen the routing of your's, I may re router mine. When I need to remove the tour pak liner, I have to undo my safety tether and hold the lid up until I get it moved. Pain ... so, I think I may route mine inside the liner so I eliminate that issue ...

Yea, I first had it connected inside the liner and didn't like having to disconnect both tethers to remove the liner. So had more than enough left to reconnect it behind the liner.

 

[ShapeShifter]

Midwest Trip Completed

After spending 5 nights and 4 days (only one without rain), I started my return trip on 17 June. Due to the forecast for thunderstorms, I changes my route back to SW Arkansas. Left SE Michigan via I 94 West to Chicago, then I 57 South, plan was to take I 70W and overnight in Festus, MO. However, after over an hour of riding in the rain late that afternoon, I decided to over night in Mattoon, IL. Rode 413 miles for the day on Monday.

Yesterday's ride began at 5:45am by taking I 57 South to I 70 West to St Louis, MO, where I got gas and a quick nature bar and milk snack at Circle K, I 70W and Telegraph Road. Back in the saddle I exited to I 55 South and a couple of exits past Festus, MO, took US 67 South into Little Rock, AR, then West on I 30 to home. Total time in the saddle yesterday was 12 hours and 646 miles ridden. Total hi-way and in town miles for the entire trip was 2170, which isn't much at all, compared to what most accomplish here.

Only downside, just wish the Michigan stay hadn't been a cold rainout for riding all days but one.

Return Gas Receipts...or It didn't happen

 

[520fd]

Hey, Jerry....here's a bit more info than you asked.

Used Hyper Tough's 550 Paracord 5/32". Found a 50' roll in Black at Walmart.

To secure the cord I bought a 2 pk of Gardner Bender 4 AWG Copper Lugs w/ 3/8" Stud and drilled through them, then ran the cord through the holes, tied a knot and melted frayed ends together. Had no heat shrink the size of the cord, so I tightly wrapped electrical tape at the base of the knot to ensure there would be no direct rubbing or chafing of the cord against the metal lugs or at the holes I drilled.

Thanks Wes. The cord I bought had a breaking point of 50lbs. for the 1/8" and 100lbs. for the 1/4". I was at Farm&Fleet this morning. Found some Paracord with 550lbs. So that's what I'm going to use. Thanks. Jerry

 

[ShapeShifter]

Thanks Wes. The cord I bought had a breaking point of 50lbs. for the 1/8" and 100lbs. for the 1/4". I was at Farm&Fleet this morning. Found some Paracord with 550lbs. So that's what I'm going to use. Thanks. Jerry

Jerry...Good find! Because the 5/32" Paracord I used has a weight limit of 110 lbs. The only weight I secure to the luggage rack is my rolled and plastic bagged Sheepskin Seat Cover when it's raining. But, I'm primarily a solo traveler.

 

[ShapeShifter]

Oasis Day Cover

On my recent trip I took the Harley Oasis Day Cover. I did treat it with spray-on waterproofing because it's only rated as being made of water-resistant polyester. The little cover got plenty use as it rained every day or night but one. I did keep the ride-on rain cover on the seat, however, there was no accumulation of water on the seat cover, top of tank or on the gauges and infotainment area. It requires very little space, is extremely light weight and folds into its own internal storage pouch.

I'm certain it will also be useful in keeping the trike cooler and protecting it from the damaging hot summer sun on trips where parking outside is unavoidable.

 

[ShapeShifter]

Oil Cooler

Changed the Oil, installed the DK Custom Oil Cooler, rerouted the Braided Lines to the Relocated Oil Filter and cleaned the Catch Can.



All went smoothly, but those braided lines sure don't flex like rubber hose in tight spaces.:blush:



Thanks to Kevin, I'm more at ease now after getting those Braided Lines above the Frame Rails. The Catch Can was pretty gunky too, so will start cleaning at every oil change.

 

[ShapeShifter]

Warranty Return

Had the Avon Cobra Chrome Trike Tire removed and the OEM Dunlop reinstalled. Buzzing vibration @ 55-60 no longer felt in the handlebars. Dropped the Avon off at UPS and it's headed back to Revzilla for Warranty Processing.