Care and Feeding of Motorcycles

Bikes come stock with cool stuff, but they have to be modified. These are some adjustments made to my bikes.

New Vance and Hines Straightshots. No bags, back seat or sissy bar on the Boulevard. The bike also has a K&N air filter and the Cobra FI2000R fuel management processor installed, using the stock settings of 3.5, 5, 3.5.

Of course, I had to add these slashcut tips to the pipes. These tips can be ordered in several versions, seems to me its another way to make money - why don't they just build the pipes with the tips in place? Guess the marketers realize we're willing to spend the money on chrome doo-dads.

These are Show Chrome 2" by 4" round risers. I love these, they make a huge difference in the handlebars' location and make a difference with my back and shoulders. Installing these was pretty simple, but definately a 4 handed task as an assistant needs to hold the bars while you do the wrenching. Well worth the effort!

New Cobra bars and saddle bags.

During the winter break, I made these lowers. It's a bit too cold to ride enough to figure out if they help, but everyone I talk to about lowers claims they reduce some of the buffeting around your head and body. Hopefully they'll make a difference.

In May, I added a 3 piece mustang seat. It's firmer, has the backrest and a wider pillion seat. Passenger boards are folded up.

The helmet lock in stock form is on the rear fender, but is under the saddle bags and inconvenient. With the additional of a bracket I made, I moved the lock to the front fender, where it is now useable.