What did you do to your bike today?

[MPittma100]

Led bulb change

Earlier model xs11s had no running lights in front. The fronts were t/sig only. Later models were both.

When buying LED replacements, you will need either 1156 or 1157 (Amber).

LED bulbs for instruments are 194 type. Match color to lens. Standards have clear or white. (tach and Speedo -2 each). Indicator panel uses 2 Amber (t/sig indicators), 1 red (oil pressure), 1 green (neutral), 1 blue (high beam), and 1 white or clear (headlight).

Bulbs can be bought in different lumens. Clear or white can be cool white or soft white.

I used 194s with multiple LEDS for the tach and speed.

Got all bulbs and emergency flasher from superbrightleds.com. Have used their products on many vehicles for years.

[JeffH]

Another 11 survives being parked

Not mine, Brent's xs11

Brent's xs11 had been sitting a year or maybe 1 1/2 years. Not good. So I met up with him the other day and went over to help him get it running.



Cases were starting to corrode a bit but Brent got them cleaned up nicely. Good to see the bike back on the road again. Brent was smiling. Good carb bowl flush seemed to do the trick. If the bike had just been started the jets would have gotten clogged immediately.

Brent & Jeff

[BA80]

That's what you get for being a Harley snob Brent.

[MaximPhil]

Always good to see pictures of Brent and his bikes.
Phil

[motoman]

Always good to see pictures of Brent and his bikes.
Phil

That it is......cept he's missing the traditional cigar.

[SteveO]

New LED Headlamp

I got tired of my traditional headlamp … I do a lot of night-time riding in the Summer time, and as I get older I found that I was not seeing the road as well as I'd like; so I found and installed the DAYMAKER LED Headlamp.

Was super reasonable for about $45, and plugs right in. It also came with an LED Decoder, but when installed I found that all it did was make the headlight's Idiot Light glow … no difference in the light it throws.

I've been using it for about a month and I like the new road view that it gives me. It also has a halo ring around the outer part of the lamp that is wired separately. I wired that to the HEADLIGHT fuse, so it comes on when I turn on the key, even though the light does not come on until I start the bike (that relay still works). A second wire is supposed to go to the turn signal, that when engaged is supposed to turn the halo to amber, but I have not found a good place to wire that to. I want to avoid touching the fuse box too much as it is 40 years old and delicate, and I'm afraid I will break it.

Anyway, it is a much better light for me to see, and for me to "be seen"; and so far I am happy with this simple upgrade.

[BA80]

I got tired of my traditional headlamp … I do a lot of night-time riding in the Summer time, and as I get older I found that I was not seeing the road as well as I'd like; so I found and installed the DAYMAKER LED Headlamp.

Was super reasonable for about $45, and plugs right in. It also came with an LED Decoder, but when installed I found that all it did was make the headlight's Idiot Light glow … no difference in the light it throws.

I've been using it for about a month and I like the new road view that it gives me. It also has a halo ring around the outer part of the lamp that is wired separately. I wired that to the HEADLIGHT fuse, so it comes on when I turn on the key, even though the light does not come on until I start the bike (that relay still works). A second wire is supposed to go to the turn signal, that when engaged is supposed to turn the halo to amber, but I have not found a good place to wire that to. I want to avoid touching the fuse box too much as it is 40 years old and delicate, and I'm afraid I will break it.

Anyway, it is a much better light for me to see, and for me to "be seen"; and so far I am happy with this simple upgrade.

Try unplugging the reserve lighting unit. The amps may be so low it thinks the bulb is burnt out and it's kicking it onto bright.

[BA80]

Changed the 75W140 synthetic gear oil in my middle and final drives today getting ready for the Durango, Colorado rally. It really didn't need changing. Clear as the day I put it in.

But, preparation is the key to success.

[Bonz]

Nice! No better feeling then seeing things were in good condition and putting fresh oil back in.

Last weekend I synced the ZRX carbs, new rear tire, threw on some larger-diameter hand grips for my big paws.

Cleaned the chain really well, wiped down thoroughly, and used a product called ACF-50. It's a military grade spray that you wipe on with a rag and provides a great clear non-tacky film so the chain will not pick up all the road crud. A bunch of guys on the ZRX forum have been using it and results for the past few years have been great in terms of chain life not being affected compared to normal spray lubes. As long as you keep those o rings and x rings protected the grease stays inside the pins.

I am running fancy synthetic oil in the bike, Greg. Haha. Had it analyzed (at 5000 miles) last fall when I changed it and found I can leave it in there for an easy 5000 miles and have plenty of active additives remaining. The analysis showed normal wear numbers on the different metals in the engine. I won't be changing the oil before the rally, that'll put me right about 5000 miles when I get home. The benefits of liquid cooling and tight tolerances, LOL.

[MPittma100]

Venturer Upgrades

Been riding my Venturer for several years now. No complaints. About 4 months ago I changed out all lights to LED bulbs. Battery/charging system has never been happier.

Most recently I added some Dynatek coils. Also configured a toggle switch to be able to use factory horns or air horn with OEM horn switch. Added an EBC rotor to rear brake and new pads. Fronts were changed to EBC previously.

I have run the Metzler tires front and rear for a few years now but they seem to wear out too quickly. I had a recommendation to try the Conti Go brand. I installed two of those and will see how they turn out.

No test rides on these changes. Just finished today. Will see how they do. Ready to head north next month to Stecoah, NC for VYR.

[dbbrian]

Been riding my Venturer for several years now. No complaints. About 4 months ago I changed out all lights to LED bulbs. Battery/charging system has never been happier.

Most recently I added some Dynatek coils. Also configured a toggle switch to be able to use factory horns or air horn with OEM horn switch. Added an EBC rotor to rear brake and new pads. Fronts were changed to EBC previously.

I have run the Metzler tires front and rear for a few years now but they seem to wear out too quickly. I had a recommendation to try the Conti Go brand. I installed two of those and will see how they turn out.

No test rides on these changes. Just finished today. Will see how thi hey do. Ready to head north next month to Stecoah, NC for VYR.

Hi Mike - I'm about to spring for tires myself, trying to pick something new.

How are your new ones?


Brian

[SteveO]

New LED Headlamp

Been getting a lot of compliments on my LED Daymaker Headlight. Rode last week at night on some very dark county roads, and my friend who I was riding with commented that even he saw the road better thanks to my light. I'm getting a much better view, even on the low beam.

Also changed out the old fuse box for a new kit with modern fuses. Much happier knowing the holders for those old glass fuses aren't going to break off when I go over a bump!

[MarkD]

Finally

Well, for a variety of reasons, I only rode one time last summer. Also, have not had my bike licensed and insured this summer. So- what I did to my bike today? I renewed the registration at the SOS office, and took out insurance on it. I will ride it this weekend, too, if she isn't too mad at me for letting her sit so long. It's been in the garage for too long, and needs to be on the road again.

[MaximPhil]

Well, for a variety of reasons, I only rode one time last summer. Also, have not had my bike licensed and insured this summer. So- what I did to my bike today? I renewed the registration at the SOS office, and took out insurance on it. I will ride it this weekend, too, if she isn't too mad at me for letting her sit so long. It's been in the garage for too long, and needs to be on the road again.

hi Mark,
So a late start to this years riding season. You have some catching up to do. Get out there and enjoy. One day I hope to ride the UP.
Phil

[MarkD]

For sure Phil- I plan on some good rides. A couple of years back, I did ride across the Mackinac Bridge, and what a thrill it was. You can't beat the view while on a bike.