It is awesome! Please wear a helmet!

Very nice!! That is a sweet looking machine.

Spot

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Taco cat spelled backwards is....taco cat.

I love that bike. I bought a new Forty Eight a month back, but the black Iron 883 was a close second. The deciding factors for me were the forward foot controls, the larger motor, and fat front end. Couldn't be happier with it, but I've seen a few customized Irons that make me wish I had room for two.

Welcome to the cult.

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The devil made me do it the first time, second time I done it on my own - W

First, I like all motorcycles. Of Harleys, I Iike sportsters a lot due to the weight savings over a big twin. Some day I'll build an xr750 copy for the street.

That said, you need to ride a fast sportbike to experience yet another level of adrenaline fun. You get supercar performance (0 to 60 in 2.9 seconds or faster) for less than $10k used. Liability insurance is less than $100 per six months and 40 mpg riding fast everywhere makes indoor storage the biggest challenge.

The death penalty is the same regardless of what kind of bike you ride, fast or slow. I've been riding sportbikes since 1985, and often commuting 90% on one so they are not just toys for young kids.

The sportster line really does hit the sweet spot for me. If I were any taller it might be an issue, but at 5'10" it's exactly the right fit, especially with the forward foot controls. I believe mine weighs in at 550 lbs or so, but the 1200cc is more than enough power to move it along in a hurry.

I grew up on motorcycles & ATVs, but haven't ridden since my teens. I think that's probably a good thing, given my predisposition to adrenaline craving and a general sense of invincibility. Having worked in trauma for fifteen or so years, and losing a few relatives from automobile and motorcycle crashes, I'm glad I waited until 40th before buying my first HD. I know I'd love riding a sport bike, but the reward just isn't worth the risk at this point in life.

I have a '56 panhead in storage (my deceased father's bike) that needs a total overhaul. Hasn't been ridden more than a handful of times since 1984. That will be my ground-up rebuild, something my boys can get involved in and someday inherit.

Final product will be somewhere in the neighborhood of this, bobber style:

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The devil made me do it the first time, second time I done it on my own - W

Here is the original V-Rod (2002). Still ride my Harley and enjoy "cruising". But as another poster eluded, there is so much more to motorcycling. My Ducati (2014) is my main commuter/ride. Love the newer nakeds - sportbike engine and brakes, upright bars and position.

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Fatigue is biochemical, not biomechanical.
- Andrew Coggan, PhD

By the way, if you're looking to a stage 1 upgrade--and I know you are--you might want to look at a pair of slip-on mufflers, as opposed to replacing the exhaust system entirely. I replaced mine with V&H short shots (chrome), then wrapped them in black fiberglass, then oversprayed with black silicone paint. I replaced the standard baffles (internal mufflers) with quiet baffles, but it's still really, really loud, to the point that I wear earplugs for any rides longer than a few miles. It gives off the Harley growl that was lacking with the stock pipes, and there's a noticeable uptick in performance, but the noise might be more of an annoyance than it's worth, and certainly to your neighbors, if that's going to be a problem for you.

In hindsight, I think I'd rather have wrapped the stock pipes and slipped on something like these (shown on your bike). Deeper sound, some degree of performance improvement, but a less abrasive decibel level. You can buy the wrap and mufflers for ~$400, or slightly more for black billeted heat shields as shown below, and the install is fairly simple:




I went from this (stock air cleaner already replaced with Rough Crafts high-flow cleaner):




to this:




and finally to this, chrome heat shields removed, black fiberglass wrap, along with custom seat & mount (rubber stoppers replacing stainless steel springs), grips, single-side saddle bag, front fender removed, black gloss headlight rim, and a few other personal touches:




I'm not sure I love the wrap any better than the chrome, though. It does eliminate the pinging sound that the heat shield-pipe combo produces, which is nice, and it gives it a more customized look (everyone and their mother upgrades to this exhaust system, as it's the best return on the dollar for performance and aesthetic investments). But I've seen several 883s and Fortys that have slip-ons, or that have replaced the stock with long, curvy chrome pipes, and it just fits this bike perfectly.

If you haven't browsed HDForum yet, you'll find endless threads about exhaust mods and what not. Also check out youtube; there's a bunch of before and after videos that give a pretty good representation of what different exhausts sound like on your bike.

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The devil made me do it the first time, second time I done it on my own - W

After 30 years of riding street bikes, I learned a very important lesson last week.

No matter what bike you ride, get the best suspension tech in your area to set your bike up to fit you.

What that means is that motorcycle suspension has to be set precisely to match the rider's weight. I used to ride whatever I had however it happened to be set. I did not know what was good and what was bad. If anything felt bad I just learned to work around it.

I just had the suspension sag, ride height, etc set on the 750 ZX7 Ninja that I have had since 1997. I had the fork seals replaced a month ago and ever since, it has not handled well. The bike was under-steering, hobby horsing, and generally felt harsh and over-sprung.

After an hour with the suspension guru, it is like I have a new bike. The big justification for all of this is that the bike is more safe to ride. I have better control since my tires are in better contact with the road and the bike's geometry allows it handle as it was designed to by the engineers.

Wow! Really loved the 48...since this was my first bike, I was hesitant to go for the larger motor...but the fat tires and peanut tank were very attractive. Like you said though, there are some really turned out 883 Irons from a few shops that I hope to emulate -[/img]

I hear adding in such fat tires can be expensive ...plus they are visually larger than I'd like but in general, very cool stuff.

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"Faced with the choice between changing one's mind and proving there is no need to do so, almost everyone gets busy on the proof." - John Kenneth Galbraith

 
Wow! That looks great! Yes...it took all of an hour on the bike to say, "You know...I wonder what (insert part) might look on here..." If I add on any parts int he first 60 days, it gets covered under the original warranty...a nice way to justify making the upgrade sooner than later!

The V&H exhaust gets a lot of positive feedback but like you, my sales guy was more keen on covers and to keep the sound from becoming unmanageable.

All that said, I rode 200 miles in the first 36 hours... I am completely smitten with the whole experience. Between the riding and the camaraderie, best choice I've made in years![/img][/img][/img][/img]

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"Faced with the choice between changing one's mind and proving there is no need to do so, almost everyone gets busy on the proof." - John Kenneth Galbraith

That's some damn fine riding territory out there. I'd have a hard time parking the bike if I lived there. It's hard enough as it is, and I live in Mid-Atlantic suburbia. I'm riding out to the Shenandoah Valley on Tuesday, which can't get here soon enough. It really has become an obsession.

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The devil made me do it the first time, second time I done it on my own - W

do you wear ear plugs? I've always been thinking I'd go deaf if I rode a m'cycle

 Funny you should ask that...I didn't this week but will moving forward. I wear a half helmet and anything above 40 ets incredibly loud. Most riders I've now noticed wear them, especially on the highway. I think full helmets might include some sound protection...but i dont know for sure.

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"Faced with the choice between changing one's mind and proving there is no need to do so, almost everyone gets busy on the proof." - John Kenneth Galbraith

I always wear a full helmet with ear plugs. The full helmet doesn't do a whole lot as far as noise. The high pitch wind noise gets on my nerves if I don't wear ear plugs.

I used to commute almost every day. But now I work right downtown and there is a decent amount of traffic. It sucks getting stuck in traffic on a 90 degree day in full helmet, coat and pants. So now my pedal bike gets more miles than my motor bike.

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I'm beginning to think that we are much more fucked than I thought.

 
I wear Sure earbuds similar to these on my motorcycle.



The foam gets compressed and then inserted into the ear where it expands just like an earplug. Cuts down the wind and motor noise and the music doesn't have to be as loud so you can still hear traffic.

You wear $1k earbuds on your bike?

I didn't know anyone wore $1k earbuds anywhere. Holy hell.

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The devil made me do it the first time, second time I done it on my own - W

 
Haha no, same brand, but I believe they were closer to the $250 range. Have them from back in my days as a drummer. Used them as in ear monitors, the foam came in handy then to keep my ear drums from bleeding.

I've used my $40 Sony earbuds and they work fairly well for noise buffering, but for $12 the slip-on foam covers are probably a great investment.

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The devil made me do it the first time, second time I done it on my own - W

Six hours in the saddle today. Ouch. The peanut tank is a pain in the ass for touring, but that goes without saying. Stopped three times today over the course of 190 miles, mostly in and around the Shenandoah Valley (VA) and Blue Ridge Parkway. Beautiful day for riding.







Not quite as inspiring as desert territory, but newly paved, windy and mountainous sections of empty road are tons of fun.

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The devil made me do it the first time, second time I done it on my own - W

Any bike is a good bike. Even if it is a Harley. Had my Yamaha for 8 years now. I love riding. No better way to spend, begin, or end a day. Until the morons come along. Never fully relax, keep your head on a swivel, and eyes wide open.

Guessing this is your first ever motorbike?

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Gnothi Seauton.

#somuchsexy

I'm currently hoarding mod parts, and hoping to tear down in August and apply everything. I'm also always scanning craiglist. Have a constant hard-on for a 2012 675R and a 848 EVO Corse. I also saw a 2015 S1000R outside of my hotel a couple weeks back, and the asymmetry of the front headlight is less pronounced. I could go for that one ferrrr-sho!

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Gnothi Seauton.

 
That sounds likes so much fun. Ironically I am in the DC area right now...through the 18th and have no access to my two-wheeled beauty (Team Schwinn makes a sad face)

I imagine once you get outside of the DC metro area, the riding is beautiful here ...I know it was for cycling when I lived in VA in a few years ago.

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"Faced with the choice between changing one's mind and proving there is no need to do so, almost everyone gets busy on the proof." - John Kenneth Galbraith

 
It is...I am a little enamored at this point.

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"Faced with the choice between changing one's mind and proving there is no need to do so, almost everyone gets busy on the proof." - John Kenneth Galbraith

Wife just picked up a Yamaha V Star 650 as her first bike. I haven't rode for years but am now very interested in getting a Royal Enfield.

http://royalenfield.com/

I used to ride a Bonneville. I sold it after becoming a father.

I loved all the British bikes - Triumph, BSA, Norton, etc. I want a new Royal Enfield so badly because its an exact copy. A retro bike without the pain.

Good move getting out when your first came along. I knew a tragic case where the dad and mom were killed in a motorcycle accident when their kid was three years old. Very sad.

But then of course just remember that if you had remained single you`d still be riding. :-)

My first foray into bike ownership was squashed by my Fiance 14 years ago...I am divorced now and have a sweet new ride. Coincidence? lol

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"Faced with the choice between changing one's mind and proving there is no need to do so, almost everyone gets busy on the proof." - John Kenneth Galbraith

Growing up I always wanted a motorcycle. I finally got one after college and it was everything I dreamed it would be. When I was single I rode it all the time and everywhere, except in the snow. Growing up my Dad was always around and that has had a unmeasurable impact on my life. I wanted to provide my children with the same experience so my plan from the beginning was to sell the motorcycle when children came. For the most part I really don't miss it. I'd rather spend my free time pedaling my bike 99% of the time.

For anyone, do you know anything about Indian motorcycles? For some strange reason, I am developing an infatuation with them. Not sure about their maintenance history, though.

Greg

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If you are a Canuck that engages in gratuitous bashing of the US, you are probably on my Iggy List. So, save your self a bunch of typing a response unless you also feel the need to gratuitously bash me. If so, have fun.
"Don't underestimate Joe's ability to f___ things up" - Barack Obama, 2020

I have a pinterest feed of Harley bobbers, these 883s popped up yesterday. My god, they're beautiful.







But I always come back to the 48. Something about that front end.

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The devil made me do it the first time, second time I done it on my own - W

Why did you cut off your penis?

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How does Danny Hart sit down with balls that big?

I got a new motorcycle today as well. Well almost new, probably three hours at most. I don't understand why people buy stuff when they don't have a clue. If only cost the guy about a $1,000 an hour to ride it compared to what he paid for it and what I bought it for. I don't think he ever got it in the powerband.

Nice! I have done a couple of trail-like rides on the Harley (packed stone, gravel) and it's already making me wish I had a dirt bike for heading out to the desert which is just a few blocks from my house.

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"Faced with the choice between changing one's mind and proving there is no need to do so, almost everyone gets busy on the proof." - John Kenneth Galbraith

Those are beautiful. I lasted all of 3 weeks...ordered a new V&H short shot exhaust, hoping to install later today or next week. The long chrome pipes that came stock just didn't fit with the aesthetic i was going for...errr...plus, I already wanted louder!

Also, and this is key, I have yet to meet a woman who has not inquired about whether the hog can accommodate 2...which is a shame because at present it doesn't. That may be upgrade #2...

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"Faced with the choice between changing one's mind and proving there is no need to do so, almost everyone gets busy on the proof." - John Kenneth Galbraith

I presume you went with black? That will look really nice. You should pick up the V&H round air cleaner kit ($100) if you're still rolling stock. Also, the bike will adjust somewhat to the fuel consumption change but the V&H FP3 fuel pak will make it run like perfection.

I saw an Iron with the V&H Radius pipes in black. It's like they were designed specifically for that bike.

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The devil made me do it the first time, second time I done it on my own - W

 
Oh yes...black for sure. Already out of the box and have the heat shields affixed. Leaving for a little weekend getaway with my kids tomorrow so It will likely have to wait until next week but its going to look great.[/img]

I am waiting on the new airbox because I want to avoid having to buy a programmer ...yet. lol This is quickly becoming a problem.

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"Faced with the choice between changing one's mind and proving there is no need to do so, almost everyone gets busy on the proof." - John Kenneth Galbraith

Biltwell Black Diamond HB would be my first choice for a 2-seater. Or you can always buy a pad for the rear fender mount that can be added and removed without changing saddles.

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The devil made me do it the first time, second time I done it on my own - W

 
Finally got the new exhaust added...wow...such a huge difference...louder at low speed, less droning at high speed...plus, it looks bad-ass...also flipped the side mirrors for a classic look[/img]

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"Faced with the choice between changing one's mind and proving there is no need to do so, almost everyone gets busy on the proof." - John Kenneth Galbraith

Major upgrade, very nice. It's crazy how relatively inexpensive that system is. I paid less than $400 for my chrome set, including the black fiberglass wrap.

Did you buy the quiet baffle set? I never ran mine with the set that came with those pipes, so I can't really speak to the difference.

Last week I installed smoke lenses and colored bulbs on both front and rear signals. Having removed the reflectors (I don't ride at night), there isn't a spot of color left on the bike. Thirty five bucks for the lenses and a few sets of bulbs. I would imagine that would look pretty damn sweet on your ride as well.




So, when are you lifting the tank? ;)

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The devil made me do it the first time, second time I done it on my own - W

 
I did not buy the quiet baffle...after listening to a few YouTube videos...I decided I wanted the noise and as I said, its actually less oppressive than the stock pipes when I am on the freeway. So far...a total win/win. The smoked lenses look great...I may have to put that on the list. As for raising the tank...eh...I dont like the space left underneath...but I do think a new set of handlebars may happen next year...and a chopped rear fender...[/img]

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"Faced with the choice between changing one's mind and proving there is no need to do so, almost everyone gets busy on the proof." - John Kenneth Galbraith

I live in the land of Harleys, so I have seen it all. That is absolutely gorgeous.

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If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went. - Will Rogers

Emery's Third Coast Triathlon | Tri Wisconsin Triathlon Team | Push Endurance | GLWR

 
...wow...that is strong praise indeed...and I am happy to take it! Your Gov was recently out here with his HD for a campaign event...I was out of town on business but thought it would have been an interesting experience for sure!

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"Faced with the choice between changing one's mind and proving there is no need to do so, almost everyone gets busy on the proof." - John Kenneth Galbraith

I dropped a few dollars on LEDs for the front and rear signals, and replaced the head light with a retrofit LED bulb. Holy shite, they're unbelievably bright. Looks good with the smoke lenses, too. $80 per set, $70 for the head lamp bulb. Probably not street legal, given that you can't direct the beam, but at least I have to worry less about not being seen during daylight hours.

I sort of liked the contrast of amber lenses on the monotone color scheme, but I think it looks good either way.

Shipping today are Arlen Ness pegs & shifter peg, and black Le Pera Bare Bones pleated seat.

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The devil made me do it the first time, second time I done it on my own - W

 
Hit some new ground today...the county gun range...and a little gravel road action...[/img][/img]

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"Faced with the choice between changing one's mind and proving there is no need to do so, almost everyone gets busy on the proof." - John Kenneth Galbraith

Curious how that front tire handles gravel. I tread lightly on gravel roads, and even with that fat front end it still feels fishy.

That's nice country out there. Where are you living?

By the way, if you were considering changing to LED, here's how they look while running. Activating the turn signals or hazards turns off the outer white light ring and flash amber in the center. The old head light bulb was an upgrade over stock, but even that still looked pale yellow. Here are the LED signals with retrofit LED bulb in the original can:

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The devil made me do it the first time, second time I done it on my own - W

FYI, if you change your mind on the tank lift or cleaning up the wiring mess under the tank, here's a step by step photo guide for it, demonstrated on your bike.


I may do a 1.5" lift, but only if I upsize my tank.

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The devil made me do it the first time, second time I done it on my own - W

So...I tread lightly (see what I did there?) on gravel but I really, really enjoy the challenge. When I lived in DC and would go out on the trails, one of them (Georgetown i think...) turned to gravel for a few miles on the way up to Bethesda and it was the most fun I had on a bike for years. Skinny tires, all balance, white knuckle. So of course, with my motorcycle I applied the same thinking...Started with a national park where the road ends and turns into hard pack gravel...a little scary, but I'm going super low speed working on balance and skill. Near where I live, we have lots of prepped but not yet developed lots and subdivisions...again, low speed, just for the fun of balance and doing something different. I just took a new position and if I get as much time at home as I am hoping, I think a dirt bike from Craigslist could be in the future...hitting some of the outer trails at a higher speed just sounds like a blast.

I like the lights...I need to put together a plan for what Id like the bike to look like and then start prioritizing some of the changes. I'm really digging drag bars right now and that may have vaulted to the top now that the pipes are on.

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"Faced with the choice between changing one's mind and proving there is no need to do so, almost everyone gets busy on the proof." - John Kenneth Galbraith

Drag bars are sweet. I *love* the way they look on the Forty Eight, but the riding position would be so slammed it couldn't possibly be comfortable for longer than a few miles, if at all. Looks like you have a healthy rise from seat to bar mount level on the 883, so changing to drag bars would probably bring you down to the position that the Forty Eight comes with stock, which feels exactly right.

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The devil made me do it the first time, second time I done it on my own - W

Yep, with the mid mounted controls, I have a little room to change the bars and not compromise the actual riding position all that much. As it is set up now, slouching (AKA riding cool) isn't that efficient because of the bars, it requires sitting up a bit more. I've started looking, I think I have 2 or 4 inch rise stock, which from what I've seen, is more than enough, even with flipped mirrors. Also looks to be a shade tree mechanic project...which are my favorites. I also need the air cleaner upgraded...and according to my daughter, a mean skull on my helmet...because then I'll be a real outlaw. Shes so damn cute.

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"Faced with the choice between changing one's mind and proving there is no need to do so, almost everyone gets busy on the proof." - John Kenneth Galbraith

Got in a late afternoon/early evening ride today up to Mt. Charleston...[/img][/img]

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"Faced with the choice between changing one's mind and proving there is no need to do so, almost everyone gets busy on the proof." - John Kenneth Galbraith

Have you seen the 2016 Irons? Sweet baby Jesus is right. Love the charcoal and olive schemes. Really nice seat upgrade as well.

Picked up a custom plate last week. I'm sure the paramedics will appreciate the irony ;)

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The devil made me do it the first time, second time I done it on my own - W

So clever! Love the plate. Any issue with it being sideways?

No problems so far. The law in Virginia only says it must be clearly displayed and unaltered. I keep a copy of the statute in my saddle bag in case there's any confusion, which I've heard there is from time to time.

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The devil made me do it the first time, second time I done it on my own - W

Sitting on the side of the road waiting for the tow truck. Snapped the throttle cable. No doubt the repair comes out of pocket since I replaced the grips a few months back. Ugh.

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The devil made me do it the first time, second time I done it on my own - W

That's no fun! How common is that type of failure? I've never really thought about breaking down while riding...interesting.

I went on my first poker run this weekend...had a great time. Rode with an MC...hit 5 biker bars...it was an experience!

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"Faced with the choice between changing one's mind and proving there is no need to do so, almost everyone gets busy on the proof." - John Kenneth Galbraith

Probably not that common, unless the cable was being torqued at the point where the lead shot is attached (if you've ever disassembled the shifters on a bicycle, you know what I'm talking about). Given that I changed grips and reinstalled the cable, I have no doubt they'll tag me for liability even though it's covered by an extended warranty.

No tools would fix this problem, though I had to borrow a Torx driver to open the housing to discern the problem. I have a small kit that I keep in my saddle bag but not a Torx set. That should be on your bike at all times, really.

Scary as shit having your throttle go dead while riding in three lane traffic at 60mph, though. Fortunately it was a secondary road and not the interstate.

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The devil made me do it the first time, second time I done it on my own - W

Riding weather is just around the corner in these parts. Been out lately?

I've got a few things in the works with the 48. Replacing the stock foot pegs with a set of Arlen Ness to match the grips and shifter peg, new low profile Arlen Ness mirrors, and a new set of Progressive 412 shocks arriving tomorrow. New bare bones Burly Brat diamond stitched seat to replace the somewhat oversized for the frame HD model I put on last year; hopefully the new shocks will offset the substantial loss of cushioning. Raised the tank 1.5", but haven't relocated the ignition yet.

The most intimidating project remaining is frame and fender modification. I removed the rear fender and fairings, lights, and license plate frame, and plan on cutting the frame struts back to just behind the shock mounts, and cutting the rear fender to shorten the length. LEDs will bolt on just aft of the shock mounts. If it doesn't turn out well I might just leave it off, or replace it with an aftermarket bobber fender. I've never done metal work, but from what I've seen on youtube it doesn't look overly complicated.

Wish me luck...

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The devil made me do it the first time, second time I done it on my own - W

That's going to look rad. My Dad was in the same boat a few years ago and the finished product was well worth the learning curve and effort. Keep us updated with pics!

Looks like a rad project - good riding weather has been back for a month or better here in Vegas. Since I got the bike in 2015, Ive put almost 17k miles on it - and made a move from the cafe racer style to CA club style - more upright, higher performance as well. Even started doing some stunting with it :)

Performance wise:

S&S 1200 Hooligan Kit with Cams
Thrashin Supply Co. 2-1 Pipe
Re-mapped ECM (74 Ft/Lbs TQ currently)
RSD Seat (looking to switch up to a Saddlemen)
8.5" Risers
Crash Bars all around

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"Faced with the choice between changing one's mind and proving there is no need to do so, almost everyone gets busy on the proof." - John Kenneth Galbraith

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"Faced with the choice between changing one's mind and proving there is no need to do so, almost everyone gets busy on the proof." - John Kenneth Galbraith

Damn, dude. Can't say I've seen one of those on one wheel. Yikes. What prompted the chain drive upgrade? I was considering that, but only of necessity for a fatter rear tire, since the belt drive setup can only accommodate up to certain widths.

How's the feel with the new bars? I'm trying to decide on whether to keep my stock setup or switch to Biltwell Keystones.

The best mod you can make is adding k's to the speedo, which you've done a far better job of than I. Well done.

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The devil made me do it the first time, second time I done it on my own - W

 
I couldnt be happier. After going to a big moto campout last year, I was really taken with bikes that seemed more all around. That started a shift towards a more upright position and a set of Biltwell Friscos. Then after learning to surf the bike (personal goal) I started looking at some of the guys (and girls) pushing the limits on Harley stunts. I'm no where near their skill nor am I open to taking the chances needed to master some of the tricks but i really lied the idea of a fast, all around bike that could also pull off a few tricks. That set me on the club style route - and also pushed me in the chain direction so I could go to a larger (but still streetable) 55t rear sprocket. Zippers Performance sell a kit for Sporty's at a really good price.

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"Faced with the choice between changing one's mind and proving there is no need to do so, almost everyone gets busy on the proof." - John Kenneth Galbraith

Took a good 7-8 hours this weekend, but it turned out nicely. Frame and fender chopped and repainted, belt guard removed, lights relocated, plate relocated from rear fender to axle, new shocks, new seat, new foot pegs.

Before:



After:




The metal work wasn't as challenging as I had expected, though the finish on the cut fender isn't exactly professional grade. Angle grinder and Dremmel is all that was needed. Cutting into the frame of a $13k machine isn't the easiest leap to take, but once you start hacking away it's just a ton of fun.

I'm jonesing for a custom paint job now, but the current scheme goes pretty damn good with the current setup.

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The devil made me do it the first time, second time I done it on my own - W

Yes! Subtle touches like that fender can really give a bike a very different feel. Well done!

Thanks. It was a ton of fun, and long overdue. The rear fender has a few nicks and scratches, so I'm thinking of spraying it to match the gunmetal grey metallic tank instead of stripping and painting the tank, which would run upwards of $400. Every Forty Eight in the country ships with a black fender, so that would set it off from the pack.

I remember helping my dad work on his '56 panhead when I was a kid. Brings back good memories.

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The devil made me do it the first time, second time I done it on my own - W

Question re: handlebar swap. The new bars are too high by a half inch for the current front brake line (disconnected in the photo), and I can't seem to find a replacement on JPCycles or any of the other suppliers. I'm guessing you had to replace yours with those frisco bars, and if so, where'd you find the line?

Edit: Gah, never mind. My ABS system requires replacement of the entire line system, since the connections aren't detachable. So the $120 bars required a set of $60 handlebar risers and $90 brake line set.

Good thing that tree in the background grows money. Ugh.

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The devil made me do it the first time, second time I done it on my own - W

When I put on my Frisco bars last year - I was able to do so without changing out any lines - it was tight - and it required removing some of the brake line holders (along the triple tree if I remember correctly) and making more of a straightline run from lever to caliper - but it all worked just fine

When I went to the taller risers and tracker bar (10" total height) I did replace the clutch and brake lines with Magnum lines

https://www.magnumshielding.com/


They have a a lot of options - I went with Copper but will eventually replace them with Black ones (don't love the copper and its been hard to match any other parts sadly)


I did both myself including the measurement - went a little too long unfortunately. As of yet, i still havent had to replace the throttle cables

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"Faced with the choice between changing one's mind and proving there is no need to do so, almost everyone gets busy on the proof." - John Kenneth Galbraith

Bought this

15 months old. 22% offf msrp and only 609 miles

Thats awesome! How's it ride?

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"Faced with the choice between changing one's mind and proving there is no need to do so, almost everyone gets busy on the proof." - John Kenneth Galbraith

If you know what you are doing (i don't) the suspension is apparently diabolical.

I've bought engine guard, crash bars, panniers, soft bags and scottoiler and i'm looking for a taller screen and supplementary fuel tank.

Once i've run it in to the ground i will replace the internals on front and rear with something

I rode 300-350k round mountain roads and b roads and some highway

Highway with small screen is physical. Mountain roads and hairpins for someone who'd been off a road bike for 6 years were exciting but for going between 40 and 70 up windy roads it was amazing.

I think its 84hp. So its pretty good out the gate. It looks the dogs bollocks in my driveway

I started with a 650 bike when i got back into motorcycling--a KLR (no i did not have a milk crate) but I am just too big for a 650cc bike once i pile on all my camping and fly fishing gear. This is why i went with a used 1150GS cause its got the omph to haul my fat ass and all my camping and fly fishing gear, cruise comfortably at highway speeds with escape velocity/power in reserve, and get me down forest service roads and trails to the camping/fishing spots i am headed to.

i love those 650 BMW GS's and wish you the best of luck on yours. One of the best things I did to improve my ride was to alter the suspension by putting custom shocks on the moto. After a bunch of research i discarded the idea of the most popular aftermarket shocks (Ohlins & Wilbur) and went with Hyperpro. Klaus at Hyperpro USA is the Man! Had shocks with custom progressive springs and external reservoirs built for me. Much nicer ride once i installed them---like a night and day difference.

Also. I was getting head buffeting at highway speeds but instead of a taller windscreen i went with a winglet that attaches to the top of my stock windscreen i got from either Tourtech or Beemerboneyard.

http://hyperpro.com/shocks/

/r

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Steve

Ta

Its an 800 - bit more ooph than the 650

I have seen hyper pro write ups on adv

How's that GS been treating you? Looks like a ton of fun to ride.

I traded in my 48 for something a little meaner (but at 700 lbs., definitely not leaner). Lightly used 2016 Softail Slim S, with performance package upgrade. 1801cc with a shit ton of torque. The weight to power ratio is just ridiculous. Still has that old school look that I love, but with a little more comfort, style, and range.

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The devil made me do it the first time, second time I done it on my own - W

I really like the 48's. Unbeknownst to the wife that may be a present next year for myself.

I really like these styles of bikes but i am not sure they would be good touring bikes in shit weather.

I am getting to grips with the GS. The seat sucks. I think the suspension sucks but i am trying to figure that out. In a straight line going downhill over very poor road surface braking to a junction it feels like the ABS goes on.

That said through really good alpine roads it f$$king rocks. I know i would kill myself on a sports bike but this is ideal, quick but not ridiculous.