Snippets

[shanneba]

Glad you are home safe and warm now.

Do you have heated gloves?

[Crusty]

I have some Carhartt waterproof Insulated gauntlets, but before I get heated gloves, I'll need to get another jacket liner. The circuit for gloves in my present Gerbings is dead.

My next electric jacket will probably be a Warm&Safe. I think hand deflectors are in my future, as well. And Neos overboots for my feet.

[sprink]

Glad you made it. Cold has changed for me. I have been through winters with nothing more than a jean jacket, but not lately. I would not have attempted the trip you made.

The upgrades in cold gear you mention will be good for your trip "up north"!

[BKB]

If you have the H-D crash bars fitted to the '06, I've got a set of desert dawg lowers you can borrow. They're Laura's, but she won't be using them this winter. (if/when I can find them) Keeps a lot of wind & road phlegm off your feet. Got a set on mine.

[Crusty]

Thanks, Brian; but there are no crash bars on it at present. I don't plan to be putting many miles on until the weather gets warmer, but I appreciate the offer.

Today, I'm going to be standing in line at the BMV to get a duplicate license and registration to replace the ones I lost on the trip.

[BKB]

OK. Enjoy your day at the BMV.

[sportsterpaul]

Glad it was a relatively safe trip, albeit a cold one. Pleasing to know there are others out there doing cold weather rides like I’ve done. A side note Ken Phenix, the electric heated gear guru, on the IronButt Association forum, will be returning my gloves that he added heat elements into. His are capable of nearly twice the heat output of any gloves out there. We’re not talking warm but hot! My only other issue will be toes and I’ve got something to try in that regard. Also, I may have the pieces of hand deflectors that I can make up a set, if so when we run down I’ll bring them down.

[ChinCactus]

Glad you're back with the new to you scoot. I have a Warm & Safe heated shirt. Works great and pre wired for gloves.

https://www.warmnsafe.com/collection...-12v-heatlayer

[Crusty]

Mulling Over Plans


Today is trash day and I just went through the garage to put my trash out. As I came back in, I stopped and looked at the bikes. First the new ’06 Custom, then the Express.

The 06 needs several changes. Handlebars and risers, Mid controls, mufflers, Rear Turn Signal relocation, a luggage rack and a seat (But I already have a seat for it) and a Tachometer I’m sure there will be other changes, as well.

The Express hurts to look at. Yes; it needs to have its engine torn down completely and the crankshaft assembly sent to Dark Horse Crank Works to be properly refurbished; but it was my vision of what a Sport Tourer could be. When it’s done, however, it will be a much better version of that vision.

The only beetles in the pudding are the number of dollars it will take to achieve everything. I am severely lacking in funds. Yesterday, the BMV took close to $300.00 for sales tax and title & licensing fees. That emptied my checking account. The Express is going to be on Hold until I get my Income Tax refund. I’ll be able to buy a luggage rack when I get my next check. I bought a set of saddlebag (brackets? supports? the bent rods that keep the bags away from the rear wheel) before I left Massachusetts; so I’ll be able to put my old set of soft bags on it. That way, I’ll be able to use the bike for grocery shopping and other errands. I also have a line on stock mufflers and a set of mid controls. I really am fortunate in my friends.

It’s all going to come together. It will just take a bit of time.

I had some really good luck, yesterday. I got my documents back. My License, registration, Medicare cards, etc. They were in an envelope in the mail. There was a note that said, “I found these on the floor of Hudson News at Logan Airport. Have a Merry Christmas!” The note was unsigned and there was no return address on the envelope. I had started the process of getting replacements, but the two photos of my daughter Megan are irreplaceable.

I’ve had huge amounts of Luck, lately; both bad and good. it feels like my Guardian Angel and my personal demons are fighting it out and I’m the beneficiary/victim of the battle.

Today, the weather is supposed to get up to 50º F (10º C) I’ll hopefully be able to clean the 06. It’s covered with road phlegm and really needs a bath. I also need to bring it by the BMV so they can check the VIN and give me a license plate.

I just looked at the thermometer. It’s right at the freezing mark. I think I’ll wait a little bit longer before heading out.

[sportsterpaul]

26F and almost balmy with clear roads and light winds. My primary is back together and just have some leaks to correct then will be able to do some serious roadwork. I have some 4” high pullback 1 1/2” risers, I can bring down. And if I can repair enough pieces of my old hand deflectors they’ll come along as well. Will keep you posted on itinerary.