$100 here, a hundred there. Pretty soon it starts to add up. Ok, more on that later. First, as promised in the last Typo - my picks for bike accessories. There are so many cool picks, where do I start.
If you don’t have the Reduced Effort Clutch, you’re just putting out too much effort to ride. “This may be the best $250 you’ve spent on your bike.” If I have to explain…. Just ask Julian, Dan or Jimmy. And, this might be the best time to get your bike in and get it done - read further; there’s a coupon that knocks that cost down a bit. Click to link to the touring, Softail, and Dyna RECs (Ok, I know, I hate acronyms too. I just did it for the corporate-types reading this).
With the current weather, you’re probably appreciating a little heat off the engine. Come Spring, sitting at the stop light on an FL can get a bit toasty. Harley’s got the answer - Air Deflectors. I would have expected them to call it an “Advanced Heat Management System.” But, you know there is a reason they call a crash guard, an engine guard. But, I digress. Customers said that the aftermarket versions of these (which came out first) really worked. I was skeptical, so I put a pair of the Harley ones (much better fit/much better looking) on my bike. Big improvement. And, they come in a black composite material (not smoked), so your eye really doesn’t read them. This is one of those “must haves” on my list.
If your running around on anything other than a fairing bike, I’m guessing there are times when you have XM-envy. I sure did. Not any more. I don’t listen to it all the time, but when I do - it’s so nice to have commercial free music that’s CD quality sound. I’m talking about the handlebar mount XM receiver from Harley. It’s a good size. You can read the display. And, you can punch the buttons with gloves on. It’s really well thought out. It’s on my bike and I love it. No speakers. I just use a set of headphones installed in my helmet. The headphones are made for Harley by Koss - great sound.
One more item. How about that new Isolated Drive System on the sprocket for 2008? Right. You want it. Even though you might have a bit of trouble describing what it does. Well, once again, that’s why Dan, Julian & Jimmy get the big bucks. Me, I just call it my “Cush Drive.” Good chance if you don’t have it, there is a kit that will fit your bike.
Back to the $100. I love talking about FREE money. A big thanks to H-D for making that possible. It’s the Elbow Grease promotion. Great name - what does it mean? Simply put, Harley is giving you $100 free labor against the installation of lots of stuff. Good stuff this time. Not the “slow movers.” Paint, chrome front end kits, handlebars, wheels, Screamin’ Eagle Street Legal Performance kits, and a bunch of other items. There are some terms & conditions but nothing that would stop you from taking advantage of free money.
So, to wrap this. The Elbow Grease bucks are available for a couple of my favorites: the handlebar mount XM and the Isolated Drive System kits.
I’ve been talking about the 10.5 anniversary a lot lately. Well, to anyone who will listen. So, my secret mole inside tells me: book your room, pick your bike, route your ride, because you aren’t going to want to miss the headliner. I’m like, “I’ve seen enough of Kid Rock to last me through my kid’s college.” They’re like, “Trust me, we ain’t stoppin’ with Kid Rock here.” (Lingo courtesy of high-school-lingo-for-dummies.com.) So, I do it. He was right. I’m stoked. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will headline the celebration week festivities. Best of all - only for 10.5 anniversary ticket holders. That’s right, an exclusive concert for us. So, if you don’t have your tickets, now is the time to pony up and make the commitment.
