A Motorcycle Thread About Absolutely Nothing!

[TinCanSailor]

Hi all. Sorry, I have been overworked and underpaid as usual so not much time to be on the computer. I spent the last hour catching up on the posts.

First, I have been buying all the accessories for the bike (see attachments). All were easy to install except the crash bar. A do it yourself youtube video helped, along with a 2X4 and a rubber mallet , two time-outs from fighting with it and telling Reba that everything was going fine.

Two weeks ago I got about 5 miles down the road and the starter relay failed a second time. Second time to get towed. Fortunately, this time the shop felt sorry for me and only charged me $20. First time was about $140. I found out that starter relays are not always made by the bike manufacturer. I saw a Royal Enfield that uses the same one.

The weather here in the Charleston area is still about 90. A couple of days ago I went ATGATT to ride into the Charleston Air Force base and pick up a prescription refill. While there, the base had a drill and shut down everything. All of us in the waiting room were ushered into the pharmacy room itself and locked in. After the all clear, we were let out. I went out to my bike and got on (the very hot seat) and started to leave. Made a turn onto the main exit road and they pulled another drill. All vehicles stopped. Here I am dressed for what I would call "winter riding" and had to sit on the bike for about 45 minutes in the hot sun. No breeze. Security would not let any bikers (there were three in line) park and go stand under shade trees. USAF takes their drills seriously. Now I remember why I liked the Navy.

 

[TinCanSailor]

Hey Those who have cruiser motorcycle.

I have questions about saddlebags.

There are two type, one is Throw Over or Other is a bolt on rear fender. Which do you think is best to get?

I wanted to have saddlebags so I can carry 128oz water bottle, groceries ect. while riding cruiser

I found many in Ebay. Here's one example
7 PC GENUINE LEATHER MOTORCYCLE LUGGAGE SADDLEBAGS NEW: eBay Motors (item 170537387844 end time Oct-07-10 11:50:12 PDT)

They're cheap but my issue is that would it stay on bike on highway speed. Also Suzuki Volusia or Boulevard must have rear fender side saddlebag support bracket to prevent saddlebag from getting caught into spoke of wheel (remember that it have internal rear shock system rather than shock absorber on both sides. Look nicer). They're expensive and runs about $50 and up. There are one that selling from Hong Kong for $25 but its side bracket have offset neck. I don't want it, just straight one.
SUZUKI VL800/C50 SADDLE BAG SUPPORTS 990A0-75009: eBay Motors (item 220577499533 end time Oct-19-10 10:40:30 PDT)


Catty

I bought mine from LeatherUp.com. Many choices. I did have to measure the length to fit behind the rear pegs and in front of the turn signals. Mine are slip over. I just removed the seat and a couple of rubber mounts and placed it on and bolted down the seat. The bags have velcro flaps and zippers to easily remove them (like at a motel). No brackets were required.

 

[TinCanSailor]

Bzzzzing along the highway :rofl2: but without stingers.



Catty

Ah, but we have stingers - CCW!

 

[Jiro]

Hi all. Sorry, I have been overworked and underpaid as usual so not much time to be on the computer. I spent the last hour catching up on the posts.

First, I have been buying all the accessories for the bike (see attachments). All were easy to install except the crash bar. A do it yourself youtube video helped, along with a 2X4 and a rubber mallet , two time-outs from fighting with it and telling Reba that everything was going fine.

Two weeks ago I got about 5 miles down the road and the starter relay failed a second time. Second time to get towed. Fortunately, this time the shop felt sorry for me and only charged me $20. First time was about $140. I found out that starter relays are not always made by the bike manufacturer. I saw a Royal Enfield that uses the same one.

The weather here in the Charleston area is still about 90. A couple of days ago I went ATGATT to ride into the Charleston Air Force base and pick up a prescription refill. While there, the base had a drill and shut down everything. All of us in the waiting room were ushered into the pharmacy room itself and locked in. After the all clear, we were let out. I went out to my bike and got on (the very hot seat) and started to leave. Made a turn onto the main exit road and they pulled another drill. All vehicles stopped. Here I am dressed for what I would call "winter riding" and had to sit on the bike for about 45 minutes in the hot sun. No breeze. Security would not let any bikers (there were three in line) park and go stand under shade trees. USAF takes their drills seriously. Now I remember why I liked the Navy.

again with the starter? :roll: hope you got it fixed once and for all!

what's this drills about?

 

[TinCanSailor]

again with the starter? :roll: hope you got it fixed once and for all!

what's this drills about?

All military bases, ships, aircraft, etc. conduct drills occasionally, lately frequently in case of enemy attack, intruders, accidents with weapons or crashes, terrorist threats, etc. It allows military personnel practice time so if the threat is real, their response will be swift.

The dealer is searching for an alternative maker with the same electrical match. I will have to pay for that one when it comes in.

 

[purplecatty]

Just today evening, I went to Smithville, Mo about 40 min from my home. The guy was selling hard leather saddlebags and bracket from his Suzuki Volusia (he is actually parting out extras from his motorcycle and is selling Volusia for $3,100. It runs great but from what I see, it need to be washed!!). I found information from Craigslist. When I got there. His wife was home and she lead me to big detach garage. As we got in. I saw nice white Volusia with everything on it. It was much nicer than my Volusia (his volusia is newer than mine tho).. I told her I like the saddlebags and would like to buy it. She said that her hubby haven't removed the saddlebags. I told her I would be happy to remove it for him. She let me use his tools and I unscrew several bolts and got it out. It took me some struggle to remove bolts because screws were a bit rusted with dirts on it. I couldn't use lubricat spray because it was missing the tube.

The saddlebags are in great condition along with brackets. I paid $150 for it which are a very good deal while I saw on in Ebay for same price but in bad shape. The only ONE small problem was that on Right saddlebag, there were burnt leather under it where muffler was located. It wasn't that bad tho. Inside bottom of the bag, it have plastic "seating" and it was a little warped. I didn't care because no one can see it anyway. Outside of bags are in excellent shape almost all around. All straps on sides look so real and I unbuckled it and looked inside bag. Until I was about to buckle the strap, I realized there is a snap buckle behind it. I buckled the straps and use snap buckle and it was easier to open lid than unbuckle it oops!!

After I got home, I put brackets on then loaded saddlebags on rear fender. then I tied everything in and check to be sure I have more than 1 inches clearance between Right saddlebag and muffler. Sure enough it was more than 1 inches clearance (looks like 2 inches). I put Mustang seat on and bolted it in. It look SOOO NICE!! Look more like Harley than Volusia

In matter of fact... I did peeled off "Volusia Suzuki" sticker on both side of my motorcycle (black plastic cover just right under big seat. You can see one of middle pix showing left saddlebag. The black plastic cover with keyhole is a storage cover. ) then use W-D 40 to clean off gums off where stickers left off. Now it look better.

Now one more left that I wanted is Light Bar!!! That'll cover everything I wanted.

Catty

 

[Jiro]

purplecatty - if you're worried about the bag cuz of a very small clearance between saddlebag and muffler... look into adding heat shield underneath the saddlebag. It may cook anything inside the bag or even melt the plastic holding.

 

[purplecatty]

purplecatty - if you're worried about the bag cuz of a very small clearance between saddlebag and muffler... look into adding heat shield underneath the saddlebag. It may cook anything inside the bag or even melt the plastic holding.

There is no heat shield underneath it. Outside bottom of leather bag already had been cooked and plastic inside was warped. It apparently that the guy did not adjust middle support of saddlebags. He had Vance and Hines straight pipes. I recalled before removing bags off his motorcycle, it had less than 1 inch of clearance.

When I got home, I loaded saddlebags on rear fender and it was touching my muffler because it is a stock muffler, I untied the middle support and shortened it by 1 inches then tied it together and indeed it moved up over an inches away from muffler. I adjusted and tied the back of saddlebag's bracket strap. It indeed moved up a bit further.. Now, it's about 2 inches away from muffler which is very good clearance.

I am aware that I can't put anything cold in Right saddlebag such as box of ice cream, Cups of Slurpee, ect.. on Right saddlebag because heat radiating from muffler will make bag hotter than Left bag.

I like his Vance and Hines muffler and I could take it off for $350. I didn't have enough cash tho. Also he have End Drive which have smaller gear for $450 that improves gas mileage on Volusa. I didn't even know I can change End Drive on my Volusia just like one can change rear sprocket on motorcycle. He also selling windshield for $250, I saw and didn't like it because I would not be able to use windshield IF I decide to install Lightbar on it. It even have cup holder that attached to handlebar, I thought it was cool The foot rest, both front and rear cost $250, I think it's rip off cuz I found on Ebay for less than $100 for same thing. That's why I parted out saddlebags from his volusia cuz it was a real good deal along with brackets. If I buy brand new saddlebags and new brackets, It would cost me $350 plus $100 for brackets, would have spent well over $450 for it.

Catty

 

[Jiro]

There is no heat shield underneath it. Outside bottom of leather bag already had been cooked and plastic inside was warped. It apparently that the guy did not adjust middle support of saddlebags. He had Vance and Hines straight pipes. I recalled before removing bags off his motorcycle, it had less than 1 inch of clearance.

I see. but if you think that your bag will get cooked more... you can buy heat shield anywhere you can find - ebay, tool store, junk yard, wherever. It's usually a foil or tape. It's pretty much DIY thing and you'll have to figure out how to fit it in there but it shouldn't be too much of trouble for you.

The way I see it - you can use a thin metal plate and then apply heat shield on it (facing down at exhaust pipes) and then stick it underneath the saddlebag. I don't know how but maybe drill it in? glue it?

Just throwing some ideas cuz if the plastic thing inside your bag got warped.... then you are very limited to what you can put in that bag. For example - waterproof raincoat/bag would melt because some waterproof material has a very thin layer of wax. If you want to for fun - you could try to put a thermometer in the bag and ride around for a while and then see how hot it gets. If you have a cheap temperature sensor (a small LCD with long wired probe) - you can stick the wire in there and then monitor the LCD while you ride. $15 at Radio Shack. I should try this out for myself! I did notice that my left sidebag (or was it right bag?) does get hotter than others but I forget. I should know this for sure because I have to plan carefully when going on long trip. My bike does produce a massive amount of heat. I feel bad cuz it produces more global warming than my old car

 

[AndyE9503]

My old bike. Sold it when I got to pissed about crappy drivers around here. I kind of regret it now. Today was the perfect riding weather. High 60s and sunshine. After I get done with school maybe I will get another one.

 

[purplecatty]

My old bike. Sold it when I got to pissed about crappy drivers around here. I kind of regret it now. Today was the perfect riding weather. High 60s and sunshine. After I get done with school maybe I will get another one.

I bet I understand how you feel about it. It reminds me of my brother's Honda 750-4 Super Sport. I rode his and I did 0-75mph in 3 seconds. It was rather scary ride cuz it was so powerful that I nearly flew off the motorcycle. Had to squeeze handlebar tight as I can until my knuckles were white.

My Suzuki Volusia is a gentle riding motorcycle. Even I throttle up to max and shift gear, It is fast but won't pull me off from handlebar. I'm an old guy so I rather go easy

Catty

 

[purplecatty]

I see. but if you think that your bag will get cooked more... you can buy heat shield anywhere you can find - ebay, tool store, junk yard, wherever. It's usually a foil or tape. It's pretty much DIY thing and you'll have to figure out how to fit it in there but it shouldn't be too much of trouble for you.

The way I see it - you can use a thin metal plate and then apply heat shield on it (facing down at exhaust pipes) and then stick it underneath the saddlebag. I don't know how but maybe drill it in? glue it?

Just throwing some ideas cuz if the plastic thing inside your bag got warped.... then you are very limited to what you can put in that bag. For example - waterproof raincoat/bag would melt because some waterproof material has a very thin layer of wax. If you want to for fun - you could try to put a thermometer in the bag and ride around for a while and then see how hot it gets. If you have a cheap temperature sensor (a small LCD with long wired probe) - you can stick the wire in there and then monitor the LCD while you ride. $15 at Radio Shack. I should try this out for myself! I did notice that my left sidebag (or was it right bag?) does get hotter than others but I forget. I should know this for sure because I have to plan carefully when going on long trip. My bike does produce a massive amount of heat. I feel bad cuz it produces more global warming than my old car

I rather to use Mylar heat shield, It is commonly used for space heater, hair dryer, toaster ect. Cuz it stay cool on one side when heat is on other side. It is lightweight and stiff. It is better if I use either rivet with washer or short screws with washer to secure Mylar board. Glue won't last tho.

I have Outdoor/Indoor Digital temperature with long wire (sensor on end). I can read temp to see if Right saddlebag get hot inside or not.

Catty

 

[The Highlander]

My old bike. Sold it when I got to pissed about crappy drivers around here. I kind of regret it now. Today was the perfect riding weather. High 60s and sunshine. After I get done with school maybe I will get another one.

Nice ride!

 

[purplecatty]

I just tuned idle on V-Twin to make it run a little faster. Because when I was riding at 25 to 35 mph on 3rd gear or 45-50 on 4th gear, I used very little throttle and the engine made quick short stall and won't stay steady on little throttle. Originally the idle speed was slow like "Thumpa-Thumpa-Thumpa-" So I turn it up to make it fast "thump thump thump". After tuned the idle speed, It finally stopped stalling when riding with little throttle on 3rd or 4th gear.

My only issue is that I want to be sure that I am on correct RPM. On VL800 repair manual says Idle speed is 100 rpm. . I don't have tachometer made for 2 cylinder. I can purchase cheap one that would be nice to see how fast it idles. I will look into Ebay or Harbor Freight Tools (local store in my area).


Catty

 

[Jiro]

I rather to use Mylar heat shield, It is commonly used for space heater, hair dryer, toaster ect. Cuz it stay cool on one side when heat is on other side. It is lightweight and stiff. It is better if I use either rivet with washer or short screws with washer to secure Mylar board. Glue won't last tho.

I have Outdoor/Indoor Digital temperature with long wire (sensor on end). I can read temp to see if Right saddlebag get hot inside or not.

Catty

oh yea that'll do. any heat shield you think is good is fine. good luck!

 

[Jiro]

I just tuned idle on V-Twin to make it run a little faster. Because when I was riding at 25 to 35 mph on 3rd gear or 45-50 on 4th gear, I used very little throttle and the engine made quick short stall and won't stay steady on little throttle. Originally the idle speed was slow like "Thumpa-Thumpa-Thumpa-" So I turn it up to make it fast "thump thump thump". After tuned the idle speed, It finally stopped stalling when riding with little throttle on 3rd or 4th gear.

My only issue is that I want to be sure that I am on correct RPM. I don't have tachometer made for 2 cylinder. I can purchase cheap one that would be nice to see how fast it idles. I will look into Ebay or Harbor Freight Tools (local store in my area).

I wish I can feel or hear another Volusia running on Idle so I can match its idle speed.

Catty

I know what you mean. I rode my friend's motorcycle - Buell Blast home for her. It had no tachometer. I was going by the feel to know when to change gear. Having a motorcycle especially powerful one with no tachometer....... it's tricky but with experience - you kinda can tell by the feel. I'm not sure how to explain it but I'll do my best.

When you're on 1st gear... you can tell your engine's nearing its max (like 70-80% to max) by feeling that the engine can't pushing it anymore plus your throttle's all the way down.... and then you shift up. Then you shift up when you feel the engine can't push the bike any further.

you can look up the specification on your bike for its normal idling RPM and what's its redline RPM.

 

[Jiro]

My only issue is that I want to be sure that I am on correct RPM. On VL800 repair manual says Idle speed is 100 rpm. . I don't have tachometer made for 2 cylinder. I can purchase cheap one that would be nice to see how fast it idles. I will look into Ebay or Harbor Freight Tools (local store in my area).


Catty

oh you just edit your post. 100 rpm? you mean 1000 rpm?

that's normal. most motorcycle idles between 1,000 to 2,000 RPM. Any higher - well... SHUT UP!!!!!!

(meaning - your bike's too loud!!!! is your throttle stuck??? )

 

[Jiro]

I wish I can feel or hear another Volusia running on Idle so I can match its idle speed.

how about this - ask your son to join you to borrow his ears and ride on a very flat long road. Start from Gear 1 and then tell your son to tap on your shoulder to shift up when he hears a certain noise (probably high-pitch whirring sound). Repeat this process a few times until you get the feel of it.

I hope that tip works cuz I don't know if it would!

 

[purplecatty]

oh you just edit your post. 100 rpm? you mean 1000 rpm?

that's normal. most motorcycle idles between 1,000 to 2,000 RPM. Any higher - well... SHUT UP!!!!!!

(meaning - your bike's too loud!!!! is your throttle stuck??? )

It's actually Idle speed of 100 rpm on the manual. No joking. Sound slow. Good idle speed on small engine should be around 400 to 600 rpm. I was able to do 50 rpm on one of old lawnmower engine and maintain its idle long enough (puttkah-puttkah-puttkah). I did the same on Toyota engine with new platinum sparkplugs and fiddle with idle and car did idled 50 rpm according to dash tachometer and engine was shaking a bit violently but didn't die. So If motorcycle V-Twin ran 50 rpm, It'll make slow thumping sound if it doesn't die.

What I really want is a normal AVERAGE idle speed for V-twins opposed to idle specification on manual.. I've heard some harley idling slow just like my motorcycle did. I guess the former owner messed with idle on Volusia to make it idle like harley. If Idle speed is slow, it would cause stalling when throttle up after shifting at slow speed. It kinda trying to throw you foward a bit..

I recalled my brother's honda idling fast between 800 to 1,000 rpm.

Catty

 

[purplecatty]

how about this - ask your son to join you to borrow his ears and ride on a very flat long road. Start from Gear 1 and then tell your son to tap on your shoulder to shift up when he hears a certain noise (probably high-pitch whirring sound). Repeat this process a few times until you get the feel of it.

I hope that tip works cuz I don't know if it would!

It have nothing to do with changing gears on certain speed. I was riding steady speed at speed limit like 25mph, 35 mph or 45mph. That's when my bike started to stall when I maintain a little throttle, about less than 1/4th of throttle. After tuned the idle, it was better and I have no problem maintaining steady speed.

Catty