I figure there are some motorcycle guys/gals on CP, so I thought we could have a place to talk all things Motorcycles.
Tire Mount and Balance Prices (as of 10/29/16)
Prices based on if you remove the wheels yourself and bring the wheels and new tires with you:
Cycle Gear - $35 per wheel if you buy tires from them. $58 per wheel if you buy tires elsewhere
Rawhide - $65 per wheel (assuming it would be the same at other HD dealers. they book it at 1/2 hr per wheel)
C R Cycle Tires (DeSoto) - $30 per wheel
Cheapest I've found my Michelin Commander II's. Seem like they have good prices on other brands too. http://www.jakewilson.com - Free 3 day shipping on orders over $75 [Reply]
One argument you’ll read (or possibly have already) is if you need a ‘re-tune’, ECM Flash, piggy back controller etc if you do an AC + Slip ons. I nearly drove myself insane trying to decide (arguments are made in both cases that make sense) I ultimately opted for some O2 bypass / XiEDS in lieu of a piggy back controller like a Power Commander, and in lieu of an ECM flash (Harley SERT. I'm sure Victor has a similar acronym/flash). There is one website that even advocates you don’t need to run anything (XiEDS or controller),…though, I just wasn’t comfortable with that route.
My $.02 after reading all that stuff for a good 4 months last winter is the ECM primarily operates in closed loop mode for 95% of my riding (ie, non-wide open throttle, or nearly wide open throttle. I forget at what percentage of the throttle being open where it goes into open loop mode….but it’s pretty much railing the throttole.). I picked up some XiEDS for my 72 for like $99, and have about 8k miles on the bike since I bought it new. I’ve checked the plugs a few times, and didn’t see anything that would indicate it was running lean. If anything, maybe just slightly rich. Runs a little cooler.
Benefits are obviously cost – much lower than a controller and/or ECM flash. But, it’s literally just a bypass line/connector you put onto your O2 sensor that makes the ECM think you’re a little lean so it adds fuel. A good solution, IMO, if you never pan on doing any work to the heads or cams etc/timing advance, rev limit, etc, and will pretty much just be changing the slip-ons and AC with no other engine mods, and are happy with the current map. Basically just runs your stock fuel maps from whatever is currently in the ECM.
Having said that….I do plan on swapping the XiEDS out for a Power Commander here soon I hope, which will allow for custom maps and the ability to do a dyno tune for final tweaks. But I don’t “NEED” it by any means – simply would like to optimize. The bike runs like a raped ape as is. A controller will be a luxury item for me if/when I pull that trigger.
So……depending on your riding style and if you’re considering any future engine mods (cams, pistons, etc), budget….the XiEDs may be something to consider if you’re on a budget. I’ve had zero issues with them and have done two separate road weekends that put about 800-1000 miles on the motor.
Originally Posted by jd1020:
Supposedly it's in the works. Buddy of mine sent me it. Although, I'm not sure how legit it is based on the comments from the gearheads article.
It's being built in St. Petersburg Russia where they have like what, 3 months of good riding weather? That's like building a bike in the Northern Territory of Canada... [Reply]
One argument you’ll read (or possibly have already) is if you need a ‘re-tune’, ECM Flash, piggy back controller etc if you do an AC + Slip ons. I nearly drove myself insane trying to decide (arguments are made in both cases that make sense) I ultimately opted for some O2 bypass / XiEDS in lieu of a piggy back controller like a Power Commander, and in lieu of an ECM flash (Harley SERT. I'm sure Victor has a similar acronym/flash). There is one website that even advocates you don’t need to run anything (XiEDS or controller),…though, I just wasn’t comfortable with that route.
My $.02 after reading all that stuff for a good 4 months last winter is the ECM primarily operates in closed loop mode for 95% of my riding (ie, non-wide open throttle, or nearly wide open throttle. I forget at what percentage of the throttle being open where it goes into open loop mode….but it’s pretty much railing the throttole.). I picked up some XiEDS for my 72 for like $99, and have about 8k miles on the bike since I bought it new. I’ve checked the plugs a few times, and didn’t see anything that would indicate it was running lean. If anything, maybe just slightly rich. Runs a little cooler.
Benefits are obviously cost – much lower than a controller and/or ECM flash. But, it’s literally just a bypass line/connector you put onto your O2 sensor that makes the ECM think you’re a little lean so it adds fuel. A good solution, IMO, if you never pan on doing any work to the heads or cams etc/timing advance, rev limit, etc, and will pretty much just be changing the slip-ons and AC with no other engine mods, and are happy with the current map. Basically just runs your stock fuel maps from whatever is currently in the ECM.
Having said that….I do plan on swapping the XiEDS out for a Power Commander here soon I hope, which will allow for custom maps and the ability to do a dyno tune for final tweaks. But I don’t “NEED” it by any means – simply would like to optimize. The bike runs like a raped ape as is. A controller will be a luxury item for me if/when I pull that trigger.
So……depending on your riding style and if you’re considering any future engine mods (cams, pistons, etc), budget….the XiEDs may be something to consider if you’re on a budget. I’ve had zero issues with them and have done two separate road weekends that put about 800-1000 miles on the motor.
I got mine from DK Customs (though, not sure if they deal at all with Victorys); but I've read on numerous spots about the guys below: http://sales.nightrider.com/Victory_c_31.html
How do you guys transport your motorcycle?
For the longest time I have been putting mine on a typical Motorcycle Trailer I borrow from a friend. It does a great job, kind of a bitch to get up on the ramp because at one point you are out in space with a 500 lb bike.
Anyway, lately I have been looking at something like this.
Anybody got any history with this kind of Toyhauler or Toyhaulers in General?
I think it would be great. Load up, head to Colorado, camp and ride. [Reply]
I don’t have any experience with them, but I would LOVE to get one or borrow a buddies.
Probably 5 years ago during my sport bike days, a few guys loaded up 3 bikes into something very similar to the picture you posted (though theirs opened from the rear), and trailered it to Deals Gap. It had a tiny porto-potty in it, sink, and microwave, and a small bench seat/table that would retract (similar to that of a pop up camper). It was perfect for what they needed. Hell, I think they just slept in sleeping bags on the floor of the trailer at night. Ride all day. Come home, grill some burgers on a smokey joe; cooler for beer, food, meat etc. Kick back, then crash inside when the night’s done.
How much do those things typically run? [Reply]
I know there is a huge XiED market for HD (DK Customs and Nightrider are the two biggies), but I’m not sure about Victory. There may very well be, I just don’t know about it since I don’t have a Victory (yet. :-))
Definitely worth checking out if you just want a little improvement, and better sound via slip ons and don’t plan on ever tearing down a motor etc. and they're plug and play. no soddering or cutting wires etc. click into the harness...done.
I’ll try to remember to find a link I found once that was a great write up on the XiED vs Controller/Flash etc. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Dayze:
I don’t have any experience with them, but I would LOVE to get one or borrow a buddies.
Probably 5 years ago during my sport bike days, a few guys loaded up 3 bikes into something very similar to the picture you posted (though theirs opened from the rear), and trailered it to Deals Gap. It had a tiny porto-potty in it, sink, and microwave, and a small bench seat/table that would retract (similar to that of a pop up camper). It was perfect for what they needed. Hell, I think they just slept in sleeping bags on the floor of the trailer at night. Ride all day. Come home, grill some burgers on a smokey joe; cooler for beer, food, meat etc. Kick back, then crash inside when the night’s done.
How much do those things typically run?
The one in the picture around 13K. It just seems to make sense to me. Riding through Nebraska to get to Colorado on a Moto with all the gear=pretty boring. Same with heading up to Northern Minnesota. This way the bike and camp gear all ready to go. Plus then the wife wants to go more often. [Reply]
I agree. maybe "if" I can ever retire where I can ride for like 2 solid weeks etc. but otherwise a hauler would be great. I'm riding to Sturgis this year just so I say I did it/earn my patch so to speak....but I want to go to Deals Gap and Colorado to ride at some point. and hauling vs riding can be way more convenient sometimes. just load up, and drive straight through. not as fatiguing, don't have to worry about weather, fuel stops etc. less shit to haul on the bike/rain gear etc.
if it's just me and some buddies, and a solid week off of work...sure, maybe I'll ride. but if I've only got 3 or 4 days, I'd rather just haul it and make better time in between. but sometimes I KNOW I won't feel like riding 1000 miles to simply get to the killer roads. etc. Nothing worse than being caught in bad weather riding and being 500 miles from your destination.lol. Add in a tight schedule, and it can really F things up. [Reply]
Originally Posted by TheUte:
How far is Sturgis for you?
Another place to put on your list is Yellowstone, it is so freaking awesome on bike.
We’re actually staying in Wall, SD – which is about 680 miles (if I recall) each way from where I'm at in Lenexa KS. And about 80 Miles East of “Sturgis”. We’re planning on Using an entire week. One guy we ride with….man, this guy I could call him tonight and see if he wanted to ride to Texas and he’d be up for it lo. Hell, last summer he got in trouble with his wife because we left work for a ride, and rode to fucking New York. Had the following day off (Friday) of work, then rode back that weekend. That dude will literally ride wherever as long as he doesn't have to be at work. So, I’m sure he’ll be fine riding straight through, but that will be a LONG day on the 72, and my brother on his night train.
I’m sure adrenaline will kick in on the ride up and it would be doable (baring weather). But the ride back….I’m thinking will have to be divided up into 2 days. We’ll probably only hit the ‘Sturgis’ nut-house maybe either a full day, or maybe like 2 partial days. The rest of the time we plan on riding. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Dunerdr:
Speaking of bar hopper here's my best friends project we've been working on as a tribute to his dad. He's a non mechanical guy. He installed the kick start without help and here's the result.
ever figure out how in the hell that happened? [Reply]
