Category Archives: motorcycle

New parts for the Sportster

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I ordered a couple Kie Blinc Bluetooth intercom systems I’ll let you know how they work.

blinckie2

I also went to Baxter Iowa and met Todd England of Revolution Cycle. Todd had a cast mag wheel that would fit my 2006 Sportster (Custom). Not that I don’t like the look of the 21 inch spoke but I really hate cleaning spokes and chrome. I’d rather have cast wheel and Todd hand one that went great with the solid cast rear wheel of the Sportster Custom.  The wheel is a 19 inch which has about the same overall diameter as the 21 inch.

castmagwheel

Todd and Revolution Cycle is really a machine shop doing thing like boring carburetors building stroker flywheels and lots of hop up cylinder and head kits. If you need work you might check his site out at http://www.rev-ia.com/

After the wheel think I’ll work on brake rotors with my logo cut in then and maybe a  2-1 exhaust…

My new GoPro Hero 3

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As a gadget nut I usually try to get in on the start of new trends, but when it came to action video and cameras, I stuck with my Canon or iPhone. Well I wasn’t able to hold off anymore.  With encouragement from my kids, I started looking into buying an action adventure camera such as the GoPro.  In the back of my mind I think all they wanted was a way to get incriminating video of their parents for some future use (or to win the prize money on the Funniest Home Videos Show), but whatever the reason, it worked. 
I finally ordered a GoPro Hero 3.  Part of me said I didn’t need one and the other parts of me wanted to be able to film my activities. Not like I’m BASE jumping or mountain climbing, but I do motorcycle, boat, drive and fly. And in my mind, any of those activities should make it a worthy investment.
After researching what was available I actually bought a refurbished unit directly from GoPro.  I felt it was a great deal. It is in like new shape and I was very pleased with the price and the speed that I got it. And buying the camera itself is the small price, all the mounts and extras are what really add up. 
I must say that all those years of watching YouTube videos made with GoPro and looking at the GoPro cameras at the SEMA show, I never understood how small it really is and how high of quality the videos are.
I haven’t really used the unit yet, played with it in my recliner, like that’s an action shot.  But I can’t wait to get it set up on the ‘toon or motorcycle and start using it. 

Next on my “to do” list is “Extreme ‘tooning”…wait until you see those videos on YouTube.
Stay tuned for more “action” shots from SkySmith GoPro…I promise to get out of the recliner.

What’s in your motorcycle garage toolbox?

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If you are planning to do any work on your Harley (or other motorcycle), you need to make sure you have good quality, basic tools and equipment. I’m not talking about outfitting your garage like a professional bike shop, but enough to allow you to tackle most owner projects.  And…you can never have too many tools in your shop, right? 
You can work on your bike while its setting on its side stand or a good option is a hydraulic lift that looks kind of like a jack and fits under the center of the bike and lifts against the frame rails.  Stability is the key, make sure if you use the small jack style lift you have the bike supported by additional hands and tie down straps.
If you have the room, a complete “ride on” bike lift is handy. Harbor Freight sells a manually operated hydraulic lift for motorcycles up to 1,000 pounds for around $300, on sale.  With the ride on lift you still need tie downs to make sure the bike is secure. 

Everyone has a tool preference and whether it is Snap-on, Matco, Craftsman or whatever, make sure they feel right.  It is hard to imagine that a wrench isn’t a wrench, but they aren’t.  Even in the same brand, there are different designs.  You need to try out the tools and see how they feel in your hand. If you buy the low end they often have sharper edges and are uncomfortable to put much pressure on.  If you can’t grip them comfortably, they are a waste of money, what ever you paid.  Cheap tools are also prone to rounding and slipping on nuts and bolts.  Usually good quality tools have a good warranty, often lifetime. Breaks or becomes damaged, take it back for a replacement.  Bad tools end up being dangerous and more expensive than buying the better quality right from the beginning. 
Here is a short list of tools that should be in your shop.  Everyone you talk to will have more, less and a different opinion, but this is a start.  And you’ll need both metric and SAE. Both will be on your bike.  Sometimes you can buy most of what you need in one complete set, on sale for a very reasonable price.  Again, make sure the tools are comfortable to grip.   If you get a chance, take a look at Chicago Brand’s new open end ratcheting wrench.  They make a very handy tool for tight spaces!
Short list:
Screwdriver set (straight and Phillips)
Combination (box and open end) wrench set up to ¾ inch to start.
Ratcheting wrench set
Socket and ratchet set, 3/8 inch drive
TORX driver set metric and SAE (get the anti-theft versions with the hollow centers)
TORX screw driver set
Hex wrench set (Allen wrench) in metric and SAE.
Hex drives that fit the 3/8 ratchet
Torque wrench
Pliers
Diagonal cutters
Locking pliers (Vice Grips)
Medium sized ball peen hammer
Plastic or rubber mallet
Adjustable wrenches (Crescent wrench) six and ten inch.
Magnetic parts tray (sticks to the lift or tool box and holds the small parts you take off)
A few additional items:
Good quality safety glasses,
Mechanic gloves
Fire extinguisher
Shop lights (adjustable stand with a couple of halogen lights is nice) 
Mechanic trouble light
Hydraulic roller stool
Rolling tool tray or stand
Drip tray to catch oil etc.
Tank and fender protective pads (or clean soft cloths)
Optional:
Cordless drill
Drill bit set
Dremel tool
Hack saw and blades
Razor knife

The list can go on and on, but to do most owner repairs and maintenance you don’t need a lot.  Check your tool box you probably have most of what you need already.