| Author |
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Jim_witt
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 22, 2003 - 06:07 pm: | 
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Humm ...
What can I say!
Curmudgeonly yours,
-JW:> |
Ilikehotchicks
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 22, 2003 - 07:33 pm: |
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yeah i understand, Thanks for the help. I think ill just let the 180$ and the horible bussiness practice's behind. Key thing here is i have a xb9r, which is what i wanted and i am happy. Although i dont like the break in period too much.
Does Jim Witt Live in tucson?
Also Im going to set up my suspension today. Actually right when i get done typing this. Im going to follow the instructions in the book.
I have one other question though.
i have 300 miles on the bike now. But on the crank case. where the cover meets the engine there is a 1/2 inch wet/oil mark going all the way around the seal.
No Drops of oil just like a moist area. is this normal? for break in?
Thanks
reuben |
Dynarider
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 22, 2003 - 08:18 pm: |
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3.) Free helmets are generally worth about what you pay for them. Invest the saving, unexpected, on the Buell in something that has Shoei, AGV, Arai or something plastered on the outside. Study how to take care of your helmet, know not to drop it and not to check it in airline baggage.
Court, i agree with everything you told the kid except the helmet part. So long as its a full face helmet & either dot & or snell approved, they all offer the same level of protection. A $600 shoei doesnt protect you anymore than a $150 HJC. You pay more for the shoei because of the name, the graphics, a little extra chinbar padding & the more expensive helmets tend to be quieter. But you are just as safe wearing the cheaper one. |
Ilikehotchicks
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 22, 2003 - 08:37 pm: |
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I set the Suspension just now, I had to adjust rear by one notch. I think im good in that department.
Thing is while i was out there i was going over the engine looking for leaks. The leak on the crank case go's all the way around, Its not bad you can just tell that its moist. It is between the black part and the silver part on the left hand side of the engine.
Also The Braided Hose's that lead to the oil Fan cooler had oil residue on them. and the very end of the rear swing arm had one drop of oil on it.
what do you guys think?
the engine has 270 miles on it.
is this normal break in? or should i take it up to the dealer ASAP?
ben |
Chainsaw
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 22, 2003 - 09:06 pm: |
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MSF Class Reimbursement:
Ok boys and girls, be sure to read the fine print in your HOG and BRAG membership manuals. When you bought the bike, you became a BRAG member for 1 year.
from HOG's Members Only Website (couldn't find it on BRAG's site, but they are nearly identical in benefits)
"At the Harley Owners Group®, safe riding is a top priority. So, to encourage all our members to ride as skillfully and safely as possible, we offer tuition reimbursement up to US$ 50* (in the form of a coupon – see guidelines below) for the successful completion of an accredited Motorcycle Safety Foundation rider training course (Motorcycle & Moped Industry Council course in Canada), or Harley-Davidson Rider's Edge(SM) course. Successful students will also receive a pin and patch featuring the "Safe Rider Skills" logo.
As a further incentive, H.O.G. chapters with at least 12 members completing a course in a single calendar year will receive special recognition: a laser-engraved Safe Rider Skills plaque.
Official 2003 guidelines:
1.
You must be a current H.O.G. member on the date the course began, and you must send the proper documentation within three months of the course completion date.
2.
Reimbursement will be in the form of a H.O.G. coupon, which may be applied toward H.O.G. membership renewal, national or state H.O.G. rally registration, H.O.G. and Genuine Harley-Davidson® merchandise, or Fly & Ride™ motorcycle rental.
3.
Limited to reimbursement for one course annually.
4.
Maximum reimbursement is US$ 50.
5.
Tuition reimbursement coupon and/or pin and patch can be obtained by submitting a completed form with a copy of course receipt and MSF (MMIC) or Rider's Edge certificate indicating successful completion of the course. Forms are available online, at your local Harley-Davidson dealer, or by contacting the H.O.G. office. Send forms to: Safe Rider Skills, c/o H.O.G. office. "
If you took the course after you bought the bike, you can recoup $50 in a coupon good for shiny stuff at your local HD shop. You can put it towards a nice helmet, or some chrome heel guards!
Don't let The Man get you down. 
(little known rule changes: 2003 BRAG membership gets you 1 free tow a year, worth up to $100) |
Dynarider
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 22, 2003 - 09:09 pm: |
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(little known rule changes: 2003 BRAG membership gets you 1 free tow a year, worth up to $100)
I havent bothered looking up my HOG benefits in a while but does that apply to HOG as well? Be a nice little piece of mind to have. |
Fssnoc2501
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 22, 2003 - 09:10 pm: |
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Dyna,
Man I hate to disagree with you there is quite abit of difference between DOT and SNELL approval on helmets. As for me I will only wear a helmet that is Snell approved as I 1)value my cranium & 2)feel that it is fairly cheap insurance. As for Brand though there we agree and reasonably priced SNELL approved helmets are available. For example Fulmer currently makes a very nice one with a MSRP of around $140.
BTW if you check out my LSR bike your name migically appeared on my fairing. Figured I'd try to grant your wish and to have your name on a bike on the salt. I got two records so it didn't hurt and might have helped.
Ray |
Dynarider
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 22, 2003 - 09:16 pm: |
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NO NO, im not saying there isnt a difference between snell & dot..In fact read my post I said dot & or snell approved. I agree that snell has tougher requirements. But a $150 dot helmet is just as safe as a $600 dot helmet. The same goes for a $150 snell vs a $600 snell..although I dont even know if there is a snell $150 helmet. |
Dynarider
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 22, 2003 - 09:17 pm: |
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BTW..I feel honored to have my name on your bike. And 2 records..thats great. Hmmm Dynas magic touch |
Chainsaw
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 22, 2003 - 09:19 pm: |
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Dyna: Yep. HOG paid to get my Sporty towed in Tennessee 07/03. Membership paid for itself right then (I also have AAA, which covers my truck, Harley, and Buell)
Helmets: I don't know the specific DOT specs for helmets, but I think a bucket with a chin-strap would qualify, judging by the quality of some DOT stickered helmets I've seen. New Snell 2000 rated helmets can be had for right around $200 at your local HD dealer. If you're lucky, you may find a Buell Helmet on sale. I got the Snell 2000 rated Buell Pole Position Helmet for $110 new. |
Dynarider
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 22, 2003 - 09:28 pm: |
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Thanks thats good to know about the towing.
As far as Helmets go, I have 4 different Nolans..I like the way they fit & look. Have quick release shields & I never pay more than $140 for one. My newest one is about a year & a half old now & actually has some very cool graphics on it..black helmet with silver lightning bolts. I had Erik sign it last year during the Homecoming deal. |
Dynarider
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 22, 2003 - 09:30 pm: |
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ray, thats a pretty slick looking sidecar you rigged up. Nice job.
 |
Ilikehotchicks
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 22, 2003 - 09:42 pm: |
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yeah i know that dot and snell have differnt requirments. MSF class tought me this. As far as i remember dot can basicly be any helmet 1/2 helmet and 3/4 and full faced. On the other hand Snell Only aprove's full faced helmets. My friend gave me a Helmet which is actually pretty nice it a Dot aproved Full faced.
If he hadnt givin me the helmet i whouldnt be rideing the bike yet. I always Ride with a helmet.
Cant say the same for other gear, I have been useing pants and normal shirts, untill i get enough cash to get a Joe rocket ballistic vest.
That is the main thing i wanted the 180$ for was the ballistic vest.
I will just have to wait and save up for one.
I plan on getting a 2nd full time job and makeing 700-1500$ payments a month on the bike.
Goal is to pay it off in less then a year.
Reuben
pics of the helmet
I spiced it up with some reflective blue vinal
helmet1
helmet2
edited by ilikehotchicks on October 22, 2003 |
Fssnoc2501
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 22, 2003 - 09:57 pm: |
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Reuben,
Check out newenough.com they have some real appealing prices on riding gear. I got a set of two-piece leathers with body armor for $450 regular retail price was $970 sure would be worth checking out.
Ray |
Ilikehotchicks
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 22, 2003 - 10:03 pm: |
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nice thanks alot, those are good prices.
I think ill look into getting the "Tour Master Tech Jacket" for 79$ it has armor and looks light enough. I live in AZ so it doesnt get too cold out.
Thanks man
Reuben |
Bartimus
| | Posted on Thursday, October 23, 2003 - 12:36 am: |
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Chicks,
Oh yea... It gets cold out in Arizona. Have you been up to Hannigans Meadows lately? he he hehe Let's take a ride up to Showlow this weekend and get that bike broke in.  |
Budo
| | Posted on Thursday, October 23, 2003 - 06:47 am: |
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If I remember it correctly the Gvt leaves it up to the maker of the helmet to ceritfy their helmet is up to dot specs. Depends on how honest they are. However for the Snell sticker the maker has to submit their helmet for testing to a outside source. Keeps them honest. |
Joey
| | Posted on Thursday, October 23, 2003 - 08:06 am: |
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When I got my Blast!, I told the dealer that he had to throw in 2 helmets. He said OK to one. It was the $150~ HJC Snell approved. Since then, I have replaced it with one just like it (white instead of black) when I left it on my truck and went for a drive. I talked them down to $145~ for that one! |
Bomber
| | Posted on Thursday, October 23, 2003 - 11:40 am: |
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unless things have changed, Snell has requirements that are pretty specific to car guys (which makes sense considering the organizations beginnings) . . .. I'm not saying that Snell isn't a great certification (and certainly better than DOT), but it ain't bike-centric, nor is it a guarantee (there really aren't any of those) |
Chainsaw
| | Posted on Thursday, October 23, 2003 - 02:12 pm: |
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I think Snell does bike specific testing. I remember seeing a "Curb Strike" test that they conduct. i could be mistaken. |
Fssnoc2501
| | Posted on Thursday, October 23, 2003 - 06:27 pm: |
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Bomber,
Check out their website. There are different certs according to cars, motorcycle, bicycle, the list goes on and on. It is worth a look at the site. They have the comparisons between them and DOT along with detailed explaination of the testing procedures. An example there is the SNELL approval which is automotive and the SNELL M certification which is motorcycle. The major difference is the automotive has to have a fire resistance lining such as Nomex but motorcycle lining can be nylon. Like I said the web site is worth a look.
Ray |
Bomber
| | Posted on Friday, October 24, 2003 - 02:29 pm: |
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Fsssnoc . . .. it's been quite a while since I dug into snell v dot, for sure . . . . at the time, snell had car-only tests (repeated whammos agains a roll bar for instance) . . ..
I hope I didn't give the impression that I was knocking snell -- that was not my intent . . .. they, years ago, did great work, and it sounds like they've built on that great work . . . .I'm a beliver in their specs, for sure . . . I'll check em out on the site, and thanks for the poke to get me movin |
Sarodude
| | Posted on Friday, October 24, 2003 - 04:09 pm: |
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The Snell Memorial Foundation has various sets of standards. M rated helmets (ie - M2000) are tested / rated for motorcycle specific criteria, SA helmets for cars. Snell has certifications for all sorts of activities.
Also, I disagree with Dyna's comment about there being no difference between a $150 M2000 helmet and a $600 M2000 helmet. These certifications are Pass or Fail types. Nobody cares by what margin a helmet passes which of the many tests comprising a standard. Although both helmets conform to the minimums of the standard, I would stop WAY short of saying there's no difference.
-Saro |
Bomber
| | Posted on Friday, October 24, 2003 - 04:25 pm: |
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one of the dis-services the Hunt report did was convince many semi-safety consious folks that there is no difference in a $150 helmet and a $600 helmet . .. . their data actually said that the improvement in your chances with a cheap helmet vs no helmet were astronomical . . . . much great than any difference between cheap and expensive helmets . . . .which is, I'm sure true, but that does not negate the difference |
Court
| | Posted on Saturday, October 25, 2003 - 06:37 am: |
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The big bucks spent for an Arai always seem to pale just as I pass the handlebars.
Is there a difference?
Who knows? . . . chalk it up to perception and that the helmet fits well. There are some things There are things, such as condoms, flak vest and motorcycle helmet, I don't need to "super save" on.
Court |
Oldguy
| | Posted on Saturday, October 25, 2003 - 10:34 pm: |
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With helmets, price should be a secondary concern. First, to me, is fit. Try on a bunch of helmets from as many brands as possible and choose the best fitting one. You'll probably end up with at least a couple choices and then you can consider brand, color, price, status, Snell or DOT, etc. A correctly fitting helmet will make every ride just that much more enjoyable.
I believe Arai has stopped selling to mail order dealers because they want every helmet to be properly fitted through a personal sale at a dealer. Don't know about the legalities of that (restraint of trade, etc.) but it sure makes sense to me. That said, I never did find an Arai that would fit my noggin. The Shoei RF-800 was the best fit I found and then a few months later they replaced it with the RF-900, which for me is entirely the wrong shape. Seems like I've got too prominent a forehead, or is that just a swelled head?
Any way, my helmet mantra in a word...FIT.
Glenn
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Ray_maines
| | Posted on Saturday, October 25, 2003 - 11:23 pm: |
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OldGuy: That's funny cuz the Arai Signet GT fits my long narrow head better than any other helmet out there. That it protects well is a bonus. Not only is it comfortable but it's aerodynamic and doesn't try to rip my head off at 85mph. Maybe that's what the extra money buys. It's a bummer that it costs $450 but what the hell, I've got a steady job, and four years from now I won't remember, let alone care, what it costs. |
Bomber
| | Posted on Monday, October 27, 2003 - 12:44 pm: |
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Oldguy has it . . .fit is paramount! Arai is not restraining trade, simply choosing it's distribution outlets in a repeatable, predictable manner . . .. as long as they insist ALL distributors are non-internet, they're fine . . .
Court . . . .size and fit of the flak jacket is immaterial to it's primary use . . . every line animal worth his dog scarf KNOWS that flak jackets are designed to sit on while commuting to work in choppers, not to wear . . . (darned youngn's . . .gotta learn em everything!) |
Josh_
| | Posted on Monday, October 27, 2003 - 12:57 pm: |
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Well I just sent my Shoei Z-II back to Shoei Helmet, Sunny, Ca as it makes too many different piercing whistles. They say they will investigate that particular helmet and send me a new one. Cool.
Hope the new one doesn't do the same thing.
Shoei Cust Service is fine - provided you can get a hold of them. Their website lists a non-existant email address, but their old archived sites (if you dig) will yield an email address that they still answer.
I never could find an Arai that fit well - too bad since I like their vents and graphics better.
edited by josh_ on October 27, 2003 |
Nevco1
| | Posted on Monday, October 27, 2003 - 02:12 pm: |
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Could not find an Arai that fit well...Yep, sounds like another strong chinned Euro Type from the land of the Big Nosed People. Love the things and even found a way to get my beak to fit, but I just could not take the pressure on my chin. Thank God for Shoei!!!
Shoei's fit, comfort and silence (with ear molds) is top shelf, not to mention saved my life twice. Seems I have a propensity towards landing on my head and ripping off the face shield while doing my best spinning top imitation. |
Buelliedan
| | Posted on Monday, October 27, 2003 - 06:26 pm: |
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Dyna,
I couldn't disagree with you more! One of the female riders here in Austin recently went down wearintg an HJC full face that was Snell certified. She did a faceplant and the chinbar completely collapsed into her mouth causing her to loose 7 teeth and break her jaw in 3 places. If you compare an HJC to a Shoei you will see that the Shoei has almost an extra inch taller in the chinbar. That might have been the difference between her now requiring dentures and several upcoming surgeries. Was wearing a HJC better than nothing? Of course, she probably would be dead if not, but I bet she wishes she had spent the extra $200 for a Shoei or an Arai. |
Nevco1
| | Posted on Monday, October 27, 2003 - 07:16 pm: |
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Buelliedan...In both my accidents, the Shoei chin bar saved my face. Is the reason why I don't even consider the Flip-Up Helmets. I want a solid bar in front of me and don't want to rely on a mechanical hinge.
Don't be so hard on Snell, rather go after HJC with a product liability lawsuit. There is no way that should have happened with that helmet unless the impact was sever enough to break her neck or decapitate her.
Just say your collective prayers and help her get her due compensation for the product failure. |
Aesquire
| | Posted on Monday, October 27, 2003 - 11:19 pm: |
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ouch! I'll go look at my HJC again. I was happy with the flip up face shield, (I wear glasses) maybe I'll go helmet shopping again after Christmas.
Fit is everything, I miss the old Vetter's. (but Bell bought them, then went downhill. I doubt I'd buy a Bell today) |
Buelliedan
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 28, 2003 - 08:44 am: |
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Nevco,
Not slamming Snell in the least. Instead I was debating Dynas assertion that all Snell rated helmets are the same. I only ride with full face Shoeis on my head!! An HJC is not of the same quality of a Shoei or an Arai IMO.
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Aaron
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 28, 2003 - 09:13 am: |
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Just bought Susan and myself new Shoei RF-1000's. Fantastic helmets, very aerodynamic and quiet, and actually priced a little under the RF-900. |
Nevco1
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 28, 2003 - 10:41 am: |
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Buelliedan...Trust me, we do agree on the quality issue.
Aaron...Great decision. RF-200 and RF-700 saved my bacon and they just kept getting better from there! |
Ray_maines
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 28, 2003 - 07:13 pm: |
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I hate it when I've got something half way intelegent to say and Aaron beats me to it and says it better. There are so few times that I can add anything valuable to a conversation, and I need all the bonus points I can get.
I can't really say if one Snell/DOT/Whatever helmet is better than another in any given crash, but I know for sure that the more money you spend, the more comfortable your helmet is likely to be and the less likely it is to rip your head off at 85 mph. I.E. More "aerodynamic and quiet" as the fast guy says. I hate it when that happens. |
Blublak
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 28, 2003 - 09:44 pm: |
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Hey Bomber..
While that may be the way you wear your flak vest, under your butt.. when it comes to body armor, you want it to fit. When you're wearing that sucker for 12-16 hours a day, you don't want it uncomfortable or sliding around. TRUST ME.. those things are hot enough as it is, but add chafing and you discourage a lot of people from wearing them.. And of course, protective gear of any type wont do a hill of beans for you if it's in a locker.
That said.. On the helmet thing, I believe in a properly fitted helmet, that is comfortable and offers protection. Currently I have a Shoei, an HJC and a no name.. I trust the Shoei and HJC to do their jobs, both are top of the line and carry both the DOT and Snell rating. I take that to mean that they are about as good as it gets. Now on fit. My Shoei seems to press in on my forehead more than the HJC and after about 4 hours I really want to take it off.. Not so with the HJC. Just shows to go ya, that little design differances/changes effect the end user and help dictate a persons choice in use of gear. In the end, the multiple factors working on someone purchasing an item all take their toll. I looked at fit, price and rating. Then I worry about fashion. Both helmets have served me well, in the fact that I have yet to 'use' one of them, I can't speak as to functionality when it comes impacts. (Remind me sometime and I'll tell you about a 'Shoei' product test from years ago.. hehehe)
later, |
Bomber
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 29, 2003 - 03:33 pm: |
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blublak
I bow to your greater expertise . .. .yet another area in whcih great strides have been made since I was a uniformed minion of the federales (back in the Pelopenisian Wars) . . .. .
back then, body armor was heavy, hot, ill-fitting, noisy and MIGHT stop Dennis the Mennis's sligshot round . . . .. . .I've been please to read of the advances over the years . . . . although I recently read where less than a third of our troops in the middle east are equipped with the latest and greatest (in spite of the dollars having been appropriated for the task) . . . that's one thing that HASN"T changed . . . too bad |
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