Ape Hanger Update

Well, this project is slowly coming to fruition. I have the bars and risers on the bike, but have removed all controls, cables and wiring. So far, my ever growing list of ideas is culminating into one big melting pot of work. I’m not saying I mind the work, but I do miss riding my bike. Here is what I have so far. I’ve ordered, and received new grips to replace the ones that became a casualty of removing the old bars. Previously, when installing the left side grip on the old set of dragbars, I used a tad of cheap epoxy to keep it in place. As it turns out, cheap epoxy holds much better than expected, and will stand up against most solvents, resulting in the removal of the grip with a dremel, large flat blade screwdriver, and a hammer. As you probably guessed, I had to buy new grips. Since I was content with the look of those, I simply ordered another set to replace them. Along with replacing the grips, I ordered a Harley Davidson single throttle cable housing, and a momentary waterproof starter switch. The plan here is to reduce as much bulk as possible from the bars. The HD housing is not only smaller, but it likewise eliminates the use of the saftey/push throttle cable. In addition to that, relocating the starter switch to elsewhere on the VStar should prove to clean up that side of the bars. I will most likely leave the left side as is. Currently, I have received about half of what I need to get this project complete. I will keep working at it little by little, and continue to update when I can. Ride safe…

What Makes the VStar Great?

The VStar is such a versatile bike, and relatively inexpensive to modify, providing the option of having a “new” bike anytime you take the notion to get creative. If you haven’t guessed yet, I’ve decided on a few changes again. It just hit out of the blue one day while perusing through the treasure trove of parts on Ebay. I found a deal on a new set of bars that I just couldn’t pass up. I’ve always liked the looks of apehangers, but didn’t like the price for the ones that I found most appealing to my unusual taste. Call it fate, or accident, but I found a set of 13”apes that I feel will be perfect for my bike. For this change, I didn’t want to go overboard, or too high, so I decided to swap out the risers as well. I found a 2.5 inch round black riser that will work well with the new bars, while not being too outlandishly tall. I’ve mounted the bars, and risers, but still have a couple of loose ends, literally. I’m addressing cable, brake, and wiring issues, and will hopefully find a resolve this week. I’m contemplating moving the start switch away from the bars to another place on the bike. For the rest of the wiring, I’ve removed the neck covers and un-wrapped the bulk of it from around the neck, providing a little more length, and enough for the bar/riser combo. I’m currently speaking with a local guy to have the cables, and possibly the brake line made here in town. Hopefully this will alleviate some of the extra cost from online shipping charges. I normally like to plan my modifications a little better than this, giving me plenty of time in advance to buy all of the extras that are needed. This time I’m working a little backward. In the end however, I think everything should come together nicely. I will keep you posted with progress, and pictures later. Until then…ride safe.

How to Change the Dust/Wiper Seal on Your Vstar 650

As you know, I recently replaced the dust seals, also know as wiper seals, on my VStar. Here is a quick run down of what to do should you face this same problem. I was a tad rushed during the job due to the great riding weather I was missing, so I didn’t take the time to document each step with pictures as I should have. At any rate, here is how to remove and replace the dust/wiper seals….


1) Raise and secure the bike, ensuring you have enough space, and support to remove the front wheel.

2) Loosen the pinch bolt that holds the axle in place, you will find this on the lower slider next to the axle.

3) Loosen and remove the speedometer cable from the speedometer drive gear unit located on the wheel.

4) Remove the axle, and slide the wheel and brake rotor assembly out and away from the forks. At this point, the speedometer unit can be removed from the wheel and placed in such a way as to not let dirt or debris get in the unit.

5) Loosen and remove the two bolts holding the brake caliper in place, and remove the caliper. For this step you can simply place the caliper on a box or stool, keeping the brake line attached, preventing having to bleed the brakes when re-attaching the line.

6) Working with one fork at a time, loosen the pinch bolts found at the back of the triple trees, one for the top, and one for the bottom.

7) The tube should slide right out. If not, gently nudge it from the top, while applying a little pressure from under the triple trees. This should remove the fork tube completely from the bike.

8) Use a small flat blade screwdriver, held laterally, to gently persuade the rubber dust seal up. You will not need to apply a lot of pressure here, and should not press the screwdriver down into the fork, or else you could damage the fork seal.

9) With the old dust seal removed, simply slide the new seal down the tube until it rests on top of the fork slider. You can make a round sleeve to slide around the tube and drive the seal in evenly, or carefully tap it down making sure not to damage the seal as you guide it in.

10) Repeat this for both fork dust seals.

11) Reverse steps 1-6, reinstalling the fork tubes, wheel, rotor, and brake caliper. For each, there are recommended torque specifications. In most cases, I generally just tighten the bolts and make sure everything is secure. The first time or two doing this job, I did use a torque wrench. As of late however, I have found it a tad unnecessary.

There you have it. It’s a simple fix, and will keep your VStar’s fork seals protected from any dirt and dust, preventing any damage that may otherwise occur. As mentioned previously, I have a couple of ideas that I’m still mulling over. With a little luck, some more brainstorming, and hopefully some time off to work on my VStar, and I’ll be back with another update. Until then…ride safe!

A Few Slight Changes

Yes, you are at the same VStar 650 blog you've been visiting for the past few years. Recently however, I decided to give it a facelift. After all, I've significantly changed the looks on my bike, so I may as well do the same for my blog. I have retained the original colors, black and red like my Vstar, but have simply swapped around the format a tad. I have also added an EBay search bar for any related parts to my modifications that you may wish to look for. For now, that is it for the blog changes. The content will stay the same as it has in the past, and I will continue to update periodically with anything new I decide to embark on. Until then...ride safe!

Why Do I Ride?

   As a motorcycle enthusiast I’ve noticed there are certain times of the year when the mundane idiosyncrasies of life, and less than agreeable weather, culminate in an all encompassing, and overwhelming force seemingly driven by the sheer task of stagnating creativity, and attempting to diminish the strength of passion for the open road that can only be found in a bikers heart.

   The dull, drab, grey skies of winter, the torrents of cold, bitter downpours, and the harshest cutting winds slicing to the depths of ones soul, compounded with the wet, icy conditions found over the beloved country route I have grown familiar with encroach, and stifle the promising relief that I’ve found in riding. The all too familiar sting of winter seemingly freezes any attempts for reconciling thoughtful planning around the hopes of personalizing my motorcycle, mocking my future enjoyment for those far too distant springtime rides. My endurance, tested for months on end, is slowly growing weary of the repetitiously clouded skies, and ever looming silent highways. Then, from out of the darkest of days, the lackluster ambiance of winter is ripped through, shredded with the raw precision, and sharpness of a worn, dull, rusty razor. The unyielding first blast of warm springtime air thaws the slumbering life that old man winter held deep in a hypnotic trance. The shackles that once restrained an abundance of life have been broken, landing with a resounding crash, echoing with a loud ring of freedom. The arms of the open road are stretched forth wide, beckoning, and eager to embrace me as its long lost friend. Serenity, having waited patiently through out the long cold winter is now drawing aim with the stillness of a hunter, easily finding its mark as I appear an all too willing target. With the deathly blow of my winter’s memory, I am once again at peace, engulfed, and warmed by the essence of all that surrounds me.
    Dreaming and planning can once again percolate amid those dusty neurons, awakening and sending a renewed electricity charging through the artistic synapses that have hibernated far too long, birthing forth some grand new idea. My collective thoughts so far lead me down a road that is not, “one less traveled”, as Robert Frost would suggest, but that is unique to me, familiar and comforting, one wherein I simply strive to incorporate any idea that comes to mind, and I have yet to personally see. I am not an extremist, nor do I possess or exhibit television worthy talent with an incredulous bike build. I simply like to create something I can admire, seeing my individual ideas come to fruition, all while knowing that as simplistic as they may be, some dreams do come true. It’s this reassuring freedom of mind; a creation of what once was not that drives my overwhelming enjoyment of Motorcycling.
   I guess you can say I am a true example of the seemingly spiritualist nature a biker derives from their chosen life style. Regardless of back ground, I’ve yet to meet another rider that did not appreciate the same sense of calm found while enhancing their life through Motorcycling. Finding a oneness with nature, and an affirmation that we are a part of something that is of a far greater magnitude than our cognitive perceptions can stretch, are indubitably related as integral characteristics within the shared community of bikers. It is this camaraderie, and an exuberant understanding for what compels that innate and seemingly instinctual urge for freedom of mind, body, and soul surging within every biker I know that is truly the reason why I ride.

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Unwelcome Discovery

The beginnings of my up, and coming bike modifications have certainly taken an unwelcome turn thus far. While surveying the bike, contemplating new ideas, and overall dreaming up a plan of attack for any future changes, I noticed the front fork dust seal was a little worse for wear. From the exterior of the seal, there was a visible hairline crack showing in the upper wiper rubber located on the outer side of the fork. Apparently, the rubber had deteriorated in such a state as to allow moisture contact with the metal ring within the seal. With a firm tug, the rusted metal ring within the left side of the seal crumbled in my hand, giving way, and pulling completely away from the tube. Fortunately, the fork seals themselves are still in viable condition, and do not warrant replacing. I have however ordered the new dust seals for both of the forks, and will hopefully find the time within the next few days to resolve this issue. I will post more later,until then …ride safe.

Spring is around the Corner!

Yes, it’s that time again. The chatter of squirrels, songs of birds, and the purr of finely tuned motorcycles will once again fill the air. The long awaited arrival of warmer weather is mere weeks away. Though we seldom have snow here in the south, we do suffer from the brutalizing cold winter winds that often prevent a peaceful ride on the bike. As of late however, temperatures are improving, and spring time weather will soon prevail. The increasingly improved weather conditions have certainly had my creative juices flowing. I have been planning to update a few of my previous modifications, but due to unforeseen circumstances, and in culmination with the winter weather, I’ve yet to do so. However, I’ve begun to iron out several of the bumps I’ve encountered while cruising down the road of life, and should soon be back to sharing with you some of my recent ideas. I currently have a few trains of thought, and haven’t quite decided which direction I will go. At times, I have so many ideas, I feel the best option would be to purchase another Vstar and start a new build. After all, it is such a great bike, and so easily modified, I could build a different bike for each day of the week. It’s a nice thought, but I’m afraid I simply couldn’t justify the need for 7 Vstars to the missus. For now, one will have to suffice. I will however keep you all informed with any new revelations for the Vstar. Until then, and provided the weather is agreeable…ride safeJ