Mirror Deja vu

With all of the recent changes, I’ve decided it was about time to upgrade the mirrors as well. As you already know from reading through some of my first blog entries, the stock mirrors were one of the first items to go. The stockers were replaced with the teardrop style Arlen Ness Rad II mirrors. However, the new bars seemingly add a new aura to the bike, prompting this recent change. After mulling over several styles, and consulting with the wife and kids, presenting them with multiple choices, I was left to decide between the two top selections. Both mirrors resemble the Arlen Ness style tear drop, only with a little bit different twist. The choice I made reflects the overall “dark” theme of the bike, while complimenting the new bars. I’m so close to getting everything back together, I plan to post pictures of the mirrors along with the bars, risers, and some of the other odds and ends I’ve been working on, when it’s all complete. Until then, ride safe.

Just a few Pictures

I've been doing a lot of talking without posting any pictures for you lately. Here are a few of the items I have been toying with. The picture shows the stock right side wire bundle with the kill switch by passed. I also have the new starterbutton, grips, and Harley Davidson throttle housing. Originally it was chrome, but we can't have that now can we. I used a little bit of rattle can paint I picked up from our local Lowe's store. I want to compliment them on their line of Valspar spray primer/paint combinations. This product lays down real smooth, and gives a nice clean finished coat of paint. I used the satin black to paint the throttle housing, and have now painted the foot switch mount that I made to add a unique way for starting my Vstar. It is pictured separately. I have it mounted on the bike now, and will give more details about it later. I may actually attempt to improve on the design later on after I determine if the foot placement for the current one will suffice. I still haven't taken any pics with the bars yet. It's really hard to picture the final look without the tank on the bike. I still have everything removed for better access when the time comes to work on the throttle cable. Well that's it for now, more to come later. Until then, ride safe.

Customer Service?

I’ve hit a slight snag, so the bar swap will take a little bit longer. I’ve had the bars, and risers installed for weeks now, as well as all of the extras I’ve been working on have been completed. The problem lies in one of our local bike shops here in Valdosta, Red-line Cycle Center. This was the place I counted on to make the throttle cable. I’ve been in contact with them throughout the duration of the previous month about this issue. I was assured it could be made, and was quoted a price. To make a long story short, after multiple calls, and several visits, and numerous request to have this completed, I am still without the cable. I have literally begged this guy to take my money, and make the cable I requested. The very one I was told he could make. To make matters worse, the original quote has grown with every visit. On Friday, the final straw was when it was suggested that I trailer my bike up there for him to look at. He has already been given the old and new throttle, the old cable, and I’ve told him explicitly what I needed, as well as the measurements. What possibly could the bike offer that I have not already covered? Fortunately, my wife has been doing most of my leg work, as I simply have not had the time to do so. This guy has proven he is incompetent thus far, and lacks the capacity to handle customers appropriately. He has not called back when he said he would, and was not at his shop when he claimed he would be. Did I mention he sent the throttle housing back to me with scratches in the paint, adding more work for me to repaint it? So, I refuse to go any further with this ridiculous little man that does not deserve to have a business license. I have however found a beacon of hope among all of the bad customer service I’ve encountered lately. I spoke with Colleen Barnett-Taylor, from Barnett Clutches and Cables, and have painlessly ordered the exact cable I needed. Though my communication with her was brief, she was very pleasant, extremely helpful, and I feel confident that this order will go well. So, at this time, and until I receive the cable, I have no further updates to share. Ride safe……