Mike’s Typo

Got a touring bike?  Well, I’m your “Accessorizer” (today and today only).  It turns out that Bob Davis reminded me that I am the expert on center stands.  He and I spent a lot of time playing around with this stand and that stand for the CHP project.  Turns out the folks at the Product Design Center (PDC) were PDQ (pretty damn quick) at putting together what I think is the best center stand made for a dresser.

Many of you have gotten a chuckle out of the fact that I can’t seem to get my bike off the center stand.  It’s no problem gettin’ it up there, but then it’s there.  I know.  I know.  How good is it, if you can’t ride it off or push it off (easily)?  Well, BD played a little joke on the boss.  He ran those adjuster bolts way out.  So, when the bikes on the stand - well, it takes some real effort to get it off.  He thought that was a hoot.  There’s pictures of this; even a video.  But, I returned the favor with a little prank of my own in that next paycheck.  I think we’re even now.  Fortunately, Randy took pity on me and put the bolts where they should be.  It’s true I’ve been seen lately just puttin’ the bike up, so I can roll it off.  Thinkin’ about taking it for a ride next.  But that’s another post.

So buy one of these things.  They’re great.  Great for the road.  Great for the garage.  Great for cleaning.

Heck if you buy it from Julian, he’ll probably give you a break on the labor to install it.  Don’t tell him I said that though.

Novelty helmets - as they are called - are growing in popularity.  Heck, we even sell them.  And, we’re always looking for - well, just the right look.  A brit bike friend sent this link along.   (Follow the link and then search for “skull helmet.”)  He thought it was more appropriate for our bad-ass, open-throttle, hell-raisers.  Warning: these helmets aren’t DOT or Snell approved.  Oh, but I think the point is, “who cares?”  We’re goin’ straight to Snell anyhow.

Ok.  I’m not sure if this qualifies as a tech tip.  But, here’s my logic.  It’s a solution to one of the toughest problems we face - sore butts.  Seems technical enough.  So.  Here we go.  As many of you know, Bob Davis rides a lot.  I think he’s pushin’ 80,000 on his FLHT Electra Glide Standard.  Over the past few years Bob has experimented with the FLTR Road Glide fairing, different windshield, different tires, and of course different seats.  One thing is for sure - he swears by one Harley saddle.  Not only swears by it, but claims it’s the best long haul saddle he’s ever ridden on.  For years I resisted. Finally, with the new Road King I’m riding, we switched the saddle.  I’ve got enough time in it to be completely convinced this is the most comfortable saddle Harley makes for a Road King, Electra Glide, or Street Glide.  52314-08 if you’ve got a 2008 model; 52314-04 if you’ve got a 2007 or earlier.  It’ll be the best $250 you’ve spent.

Harley comes out with new, and often very cool, accessories after the catalogs are printed. Dealers typically get a quarterly New Products booklet. I drop what I’m doing when this hits my desk - I love scanning the new stuff. Found a gem in this product update. The Sissy Bar Backpack. This is a great commuter pack or local-rides-kinda-solution. It’s not for long trips (unless you pack really lite). When I saw the picture, I thought wouldn’t it be great if it would hold a laptop. Not only does it hold a laptop, it’s got a padded laptop pocket “…with a secure strap for safe transportation….” Where do these marketing types learn to write like this? What a great pack. Backward over your sissybar, or my preference would be forward facing. That makes it a backrest. I love this product. Great for commuting. Great for local riding without saddlebags.

Read more and/or buy it from us online.

Or, is it the other way around? As the wordsmiths at H-D so aptly state, “combine classic shape and modern function for a unique twist on engine protection.” Who writes this stuff? That’s sick (the bad kind, not the good kind).

But, here’s the thing, this relatively new Mustache Engine Guard is sick (the good kind, not the bad kind). Incorporating the highway pegs into the top of the engine guard just makes sense. And, someone did it years ago in the aftermarket, and the market loved it. So, is Harley’s version better? Well of course. Anytime you get the opportunity to copy and improve, you’ve got about a 50% chance of getting it right. Righter. Harley did with this one. This engine guard looks good. And, the position to stretch out your feet is comfortable. Oh, and I love this, “the integrated rubber pads offer a comfortable and slip-resistant cushion for your feet while traveling the open road.” Whew! That says it all. Check with the Santa Cruz or Green Valley gang to hear more about this product-of-the-week. It’s on my ride; it should be on yours. For touring and Softail models.

BTW. As an aside, for those of you with outboard highway pegs. This offers a measure of added safety. Less stuff sticking out is always better. I’m going to pass on the graphic explanations, just trust me on this one.

Ok. I’m going to state it up front - we don’t carry this product-of-the-week. Our technicians hate this stuff. I’m talking SLIME. SLIME is that green stuff that seals up tires that would otherwise result in a “bad riding day.” So, in my book, it can’t be all that bad. But, just wait until you have to change the tire. That green slimy stuff has to go somewhere. Having seen the process down in the shop, I can attest that a significant amount of what you put in the tire ends up on the technician as he attempts to change your tire. But, hey, this stuff will get you off the road and down the road. So, I’m risking the wrath of the gang and recommending it.

SLIME has put out a special motorcycle kit. It’s compact. And, it’s pretty much everything you need when it comes time to SLIME up including a 300psi air compressor. I’m thinking about the only other thing you might need is a good pair of needle-nose pliers to pull a nail, screw, or other offending object stuck in your tire.

Here is the caution and disclaimer. First off. Don’t skimp on tires - your life depends on it. Get a flat, replace the tire. SLIME, plug kits, and other temporary fixes are just that - temporary. This may or may not work with tubed tires. Check out SLIME’s site for compatibility and further product information. You can even buy it direct from them online.

Harley launched a new custom seat program for Softails. It’s online. You design your seat and then we order it for you. Could this be a hint of what’s to come on the custom front? If so, it’s all long overdue. This is a cool tool. Check it out here. Better yet, check it out, build a custom seat, and we’ll order it for you!

One of the new columns for 2008 is this POW - Product of the Week. It’s being ghost written by me on behalf of a product expert. Ok, really. I can do this. Just don’t ask me to ring you out on the register.

This week’s product is a no-brainer. I can’t tell you the number of bikes I see without the brake light module installed. We put them on all new bikes we sell when we set the bike up. That’s how sure we are that you should have it. Formally referred to as the “Auxiliary Running Light/Brake Light/Turn Signal Conversion Kit,” this little gem turns your rear turn signals into two additional brake lights. So, when you brake, you’ve got three lights instead of one. One of the biggest causes of accidents is the car not seeing that you are braking and taps (or worse) your rear end. When that happens, generally it screws up your day. So, if you don’t have this accessory, call us and make an appointment with Julian or Dan to have it installed. It’s pretty easy with no wires to cut.

Want to check out the official Harley word, here are the links:

• Softail
• Dyna/Touring
• V-Rod
• Sportster

Read on. There’s a coupon below from Jimmy and the boys on this.

Coupon - Free Install on Brake Light

Catchy title, right? Julian and Dan thought that up. And, they’re real proud of it too. So, doesn’t need much explaining. Bring your ride in for a brake light module, officially know as the “Auxiliary Running Light/Brake Light/Turn Signal Conversion Kit” and our boys will install it for FREE. That’s right, buy the kit from Julian or Dan and they’re going to strong arm one of the techs into installing it for free. Amazing what a batch of homemade cookies from Julian’s wife will do for us all. Hurry, this offer won’t last. We’re thinkin’ through February. But, really, don’t wait because you’ll forget or we’ll forget. You know the routine. Call for an appointment now. SC 421-9600 x2 or GV 768-9500 x2.

Well, not “everything.” But, damn, these are the most comfortable boots I’ve ever worn. They’re the new engineer style boot with the comfort sole from H-D/Wolverine. Joselyn, in SC, convinced me to try them on. I was skeptical. But, what the heck. So, I’m wearing them all the time now. I think I caught a gal checking out my boots today! At least that’s what I think she was lookin’ at. Ok, a bit of wishful thinking there. Really though, what were they thinking - boots are suppose to be big, clunky, uncomfortable, and hot. These aren’t boots, these are slippers that look like boots. Oh, did I mention they make me look taller, too? They’re so new, they’re not online. Check in with J - she’ll get you fitted-up.

They’re called “Release.” Hmm. Weird name for a boot. But, they sure are comfortable.

A bit wet & soggy, we’ve drug this out of the Typo Vaults to bring you another holiday gift idea. For the guy or gal who has everything, there is now Nikwax Map Proof. Here’s the blurb. Among traveling’s lesser joys is when rain makes a nice, expensive map disintegrate like toilet paper. It doesn’t have to be that way, though-not if you treat it with Nikwax’s Map Proof. Just sponge it on, and the solution is said to render maps waterproof, while keeping their ability to fold for storage and even write on them. One $7.95, 4.2-ounce bottle should be able to treat six or more maps. Check out the Nikwax site. If you think this is right for your enthusiast, you can order it online from Whitehorse Gear. Original source: Motorcyclist, 9/06