D'OH!

Do you ever have one of those moments when you feel like Homer Simpson? Well, this was one of them. My last modification was painting, and adding new risers…sounds easy enough right? Every thing went as planned with one slight exception. When I installed the newly painted risers, I just couldn't help but put a little more torque on the cap than I should have. I was impatient, and didn't let the paint fully cure, and ended up with a slight blemish on the lower edge. It wasn't that bad, and hardly noticeable. However, every time I sat on the bike, I always caught myself looking right at it. The only thing to do was repaint it. No big deal! I pulled it off, wet sanded the entire cap, ensuring that it was smooth as silk, and started on with a new coat of paint. The temps were in the 70’s with relatively low humidity, and the paint went on perfectly. I let it sit for a couple of days just to be safe. I was pleased with the results, until I screwed the cap back on the riser, and then it hit me. The risers were painted “satin” black to match the bars, and looked great as far as I was concerned. The nice new paint on the riser cap also looked great, and was a fine coat of “gloss” black. I mention before about naming the bike “Bad Omen”? I think I’m helping it live up to the name. Looks like I’ll be getting those pictures of the newest addition to my V Star at a later date. Until next time, and after I re-paint the riser cap AGAIN, ride safe.

Faint of Heart Chrome Addicts...Look Away!

Once again, I have ruined perfectly good chrome. I found a deal on Ebay for a set of chrome risers that I couldn’t resist. Naturally, my slight aversion to chrome dictates that I had to paint them black. At first, I considered leaving them chrome and simply replace a few of the smaller accessories with chrome to accent the risers. I came to my senses though, and painted them black to go with the existing theme of the bike. When adding the apes last year I contemplated the idea of spiked risers versus the flat top design. I already had the spiked lower fork bullets, and previously trimmed the rock guards into spikes, so the idea for spiked risers made sense. However, I didn’t want to go overboard with that look on the front end, and have it stand out or look odd when compared to the rest of my VStar. Every time I walked by the bike though, the thought of spiked risers entered my mind. Finally, I decided to bite the bullet when I found a slightly used set from a seller EBay. When they arrived however, they were in much better shape than I presumed. As much as it pains me to say, I really hated sanding them down. Hence, the reason I almost left them chrome. Doing so however, I would have wanted to add in more chrome to go with them and I just didn’t see me going through with that idea. The dark theme has remained consistent through the years, and I wouldn’t want to change it now. I plan to get a picture of the bike with the new look as soon as the rain let's up. Well, that’s it for now. Until my next mod, or tid bit of news, ride safe.

Sanded Chrome

21st Annual Outback Riders Toy Run 2013

Eighty degree weather with only a hint of dark clouds above brought forth yet another remarkable turnout for the Outback Riders toy run. With bikes as far as the eye can see, participants once again came together for the children in this community. This year marks the 21st annual ride that began with comparatively modest numbers. Since the first year, this annual event has grown into one of the largest such rides here in the state of Georgia. The Outback Riders in collaboration with the Salvation Army, and Empty Stocking Fund open their hearts this time of year in expressing the true gift of giving. The generosity of all those involved benefit less fortunate children that would otherwise sadly, do without. This mutual act of kindness brings forth men, and women, from all walks of life, for miles around with one goal in mind, a Merry Christmas. So, to all of the brothers and sisters of the Outback Riders, and every one else that made this possible once again, thank you, have a very Merry Christmas, and as always… ride safe.

First Bikes top the hill

Santa

The Vstar ( I just had to put one in of my bike)

Apehangers, Mirrors, and Risers on the VStar

I took the time today to snap another picture with better visibility of the new bars, mirrors, and risers. It has been too rainy as of late to get much else done. I plan to tackle the headlight tint as soon as I can, and will most likely add a fresh coat of paint to the headlight. I doubt I will embark on any major new endeavours before the first of the year. I'd like to keep things simple to prevent any more down time. Hopefully, I will be able to attend the Annual Outback Riders Toy Ride again this year,and will post pics of it just as I did last year. Until my next update...ride safe.

VStar with Apes...at last!

Well, with a little bit of modifying, and a few choice words, I’m done… for now. After all of the recent tinkering, I finally had the chance today to take the bike for a quick ride around the block. I would say getting accustomed to the apes is going to take more than it did when I added the extra 6 degrees to the front end. I guess the added length increases leverage, making any response to turning the bike much more sensitive. Currently my VStar has a total of 16 inches of rise, in contrast to the seemingly miniscule 4.5 that I previously had. However, the throttle cable that created so much turmoil is almost too long. I ordered the length based on the stock set up offering about 8 inches of rise where as these bars have 13.5 with 2.5 inch risers. Therefore, adding 7 inches to the throttle cable seemed a logical choice. Though it is a tad longer than needed, I’m not going to complain so long as it works. The clutch cable, on the other hand, is a bit tight when turning. I did not order the clutch cable at the same time as the throttle because I have considered adding a jockey/suicide shifter. I’m still mulling it over though, and I don’t think I want anymore changes until I’ve grown accustomed to the new bar height. For appearance sake, the addition of the new bars seems to diminish the effect of the added rake. The bike looks to have resumed the stance more reminiscent that of a stock VStar. With that said, I still believe I will enjoy the change. One a side note, while rewiring the frame lights for a couple of new additions, I managed to break…more like pull apart, the strand of lights under the rear fender. In the future those will need to be replaced, and at the same time I plan to try and add some to shine on the front wheel. The addition I previously mentioned is in the form of a couple of small strands of blue, one behind the hyper charger, and one inside the HD horn cover. The idea here is to create more of an ominous eerie glow. The blue strands almost outshine the purple, but I’m satisfied with the overall results. Now, I just have to complete it on the front, and back wheel for the full effect. I also purchase a small piece of purple tint to add on the lense of the headlight, all in good time though. For now, I’m just happy to have my bike up, and running again. I will update with a few more pictures once I’ve added the headlight tint later. Until then…ride safe.

Barnett.... Never Again!!!

I will not endorse, or advocate the use of any Barnett products. What started out a very pleasant endeavor has become a nightmare. The first cable that was ordered was supposedly lost in transit. I fully understand that excuse as I too have had packages lost due to the postal service. After the duration of several weeks wait time, and my previous disappointments concerning this cable, my frustration however was hard to quell. Although, after being reassured a second cable would be made and expedited to me, I started to feel better. I was told to expect the cable the following Monday. That day came and went. I contacted them and was given a second apology, and another reassurance that the cable would be sent. Due to my schedule I was unable to call for another couple of weeks, but still had not received the cable. When I contacted them, I was told my order didn’t go through because of insufficient funds on my card. That was impossible as they had already been paid in full several weeks prior to this call. Turns out, there was an attempt to charge my card for a second cable. What????? I had not received the first cable, so when they attempted to charge my card again, the funds were already gone. Thankfully, I have a special card set up for all internet transactions that I only add enough money to for a particular purchase. Therefore, I was saved from being charged twice for a cable that I still did not have. I was told to call back the following week so that I could speak with someone about my situation. Fine! I contacted them once more, and asked for a refund. By this time I am fuming, knowing that I passed up an earlier opportunity on Ebay for full cable set that was roughly the cost of the single cable at Barnett. I was willing to hold out because I really wanted to have the Harley end on the cable that would work with the Harley throttle housing. Well after asking for a refund, I was once again assured that the cable was made, sitting on her desk, and would be sent at once. I was hopeful that this was finally going to be it. I was wrong. After another week the cable arrived, and it was not what I ordered, and had been waiting for. This was a VStar +7 cable but it did not have the HD elbow that I paid extra for. Another phone call to Barnett only provided more frustration. I was told there would be a shipping label emailed to me, and I could send that cable back for the alteration. The real kick in the teeth is when I realized that I was expected to pay the shipping charges. I currently have a call in to dispute this matter, but have not been called back as of yet. Here is where my frustrations boiled over in to madness. I decided I would try and make the best of it and work around their mistakes. I drilled out the Harley housing to accept a VStar cable, and have made a new retaining clip to hold the cable in. When I attempted to thread the barrel end into the throttle end of the grip I noticed the barrel on the end of the cable was misshapen. I tried anyway and was able to get barrel into the opening on the grip, however it will not spin freely allowing the cable to lie down inside the guide on the grip. Now, I know the grip is fine because I have already checked everything with the stock VStar cable and alls well. The barrel moves freely inside the end of the throttle sleeve allowing for proper operation. The Barnett barrel end will not move, and work the way it should. So now I’m left wondering, after the work I’ve done this afternoon, what is my next course of action. I think I’ll sleep on it, and make a decision in the morning. I will let you all know next week of the direction I plan to take at this point. Until then…ride safe.