My 2011 Harley 48
#1
07-21-2013, 12:35 AM
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: USA
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My 2011 Harley 48
Hello everyone!
My name is Hash and I've been riding for about 4 years now. Ever since I first rode on the back of my cousin's motorcycle about 10 years ago I know I've wanted to own and ride my own.
When I first turned 18 I bought a 2002 Yamaha YZF-600rr. It was pretty beat up and needed a lot of work but at the time it was what I could afford and I got to ride! A year later, my brother was interested in riding too so I gave him my bike and bought a 2010 Yamaha R6 off the lot. What a mistake that was, but we all learn from making them. Don't get me wrong it was a sweet bike to ride through the rocky mountains but after a while I realized it was uncomfortable and annoying to ride around town with. After paying it off this year I decided enough was enough and I wanted to sell it.
I went to a local used bike shop to get a quote for how much they would buy it for (was having a difficult time selling it myself). While waiting for the appraisal of the R6 I saw it! The bike I've loved from the moment I set eyes on it a few years ago but was always out of reach. A Harley 48! The peanut shape tank, the big front tire, the way the mirrors are mounted under the handle bars, the color scheme, everything about it just really got to me! After a while of negotiating we made a deal, shook hands and I rode off the lot! I couldn't have been happier.
The bike itself needs a little TLC but nothing major and nothing I couldn't handle. Just two days after, I cleaned up and replaced some rusted bolts got a new air filter, gave it a wash and WOW did it shine! I've been riding it everyday to class and errands I can't get enough.
The one thing that did bug me however was the noise. The v-twin engine was great but the stock exhaust made me feel like I was riding a lawn mower around town. I did a lot of research about modifying the exhaust system. I came up with a lot of "you need an air cleaner and fuelmap" and "no you don't need anything if your just doing exhaust or AC". I went to the Harley dealer expecting to hear yes you need those but buy the tuner from us instead, and that is exactly what I found. However, upon talking to more of the staff I heard more that just replacing the exhaust without an AC wouldn't require a fuel remap. So...I found a great deal on a new set of Vance & Hines big raidus 2-2 exhaust system, bit the bullet and spent some money.
Sometimes I wonder if the UPS man is the most adored person in the world because he sure made me happy when those pipes arrived. I installed them just yesterday and although I didn't expect them to be loud, they were. I feel bad for my neighbors but hey...its a safety feature
. They sound amazing and I now I feel like I'm on a proper Harley.
I still have more modifications to come but for now I'm just enjoying it as it is.
The day I bought it
http://www.flickr.com/photos/40057885@N07/9330187515/
New pipes are on
http://www.flickr.com/photos/40057885@N07/9332985626/
Update Aug 3, 2013
I added the chopped fender light from Harley. I think it looks way better than the stock reflector plus another brake light for added safety. I took the fender off even so I could clean underneath it easier and place the hooks in good locations. It was a pain in the *** and I hope I don't have it take it off again soon.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/40057885@N07/9426937547/http://www.flickr.com/photos/40057885@N07/9429709432/http://www.flickr.com/photos/40057885@N07/9426941179/
My name is Hash and I've been riding for about 4 years now. Ever since I first rode on the back of my cousin's motorcycle about 10 years ago I know I've wanted to own and ride my own.
When I first turned 18 I bought a 2002 Yamaha YZF-600rr. It was pretty beat up and needed a lot of work but at the time it was what I could afford and I got to ride! A year later, my brother was interested in riding too so I gave him my bike and bought a 2010 Yamaha R6 off the lot. What a mistake that was, but we all learn from making them. Don't get me wrong it was a sweet bike to ride through the rocky mountains but after a while I realized it was uncomfortable and annoying to ride around town with. After paying it off this year I decided enough was enough and I wanted to sell it.
I went to a local used bike shop to get a quote for how much they would buy it for (was having a difficult time selling it myself). While waiting for the appraisal of the R6 I saw it! The bike I've loved from the moment I set eyes on it a few years ago but was always out of reach. A Harley 48! The peanut shape tank, the big front tire, the way the mirrors are mounted under the handle bars, the color scheme, everything about it just really got to me! After a while of negotiating we made a deal, shook hands and I rode off the lot! I couldn't have been happier.
The bike itself needs a little TLC but nothing major and nothing I couldn't handle. Just two days after, I cleaned up and replaced some rusted bolts got a new air filter, gave it a wash and WOW did it shine! I've been riding it everyday to class and errands I can't get enough.
The one thing that did bug me however was the noise. The v-twin engine was great but the stock exhaust made me feel like I was riding a lawn mower around town. I did a lot of research about modifying the exhaust system. I came up with a lot of "you need an air cleaner and fuelmap" and "no you don't need anything if your just doing exhaust or AC". I went to the Harley dealer expecting to hear yes you need those but buy the tuner from us instead, and that is exactly what I found. However, upon talking to more of the staff I heard more that just replacing the exhaust without an AC wouldn't require a fuel remap. So...I found a great deal on a new set of Vance & Hines big raidus 2-2 exhaust system, bit the bullet and spent some money.
Sometimes I wonder if the UPS man is the most adored person in the world because he sure made me happy when those pipes arrived. I installed them just yesterday and although I didn't expect them to be loud, they were. I feel bad for my neighbors but hey...its a safety feature
. They sound amazing and I now I feel like I'm on a proper Harley.I still have more modifications to come but for now I'm just enjoying it as it is.
The day I bought it
http://www.flickr.com/photos/40057885@N07/9330187515/
New pipes are on
http://www.flickr.com/photos/40057885@N07/9332985626/
Update Aug 3, 2013
I added the chopped fender light from Harley. I think it looks way better than the stock reflector plus another brake light for added safety. I took the fender off even so I could clean underneath it easier and place the hooks in good locations. It was a pain in the *** and I hope I don't have it take it off again soon.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/40057885@N07/9426937547/http://www.flickr.com/photos/40057885@N07/9429709432/http://www.flickr.com/photos/40057885@N07/9426941179/
Last edited by hashmaster3k; 08-03-2013 at 09:17 AM.
#3
07-21-2013, 12:53 AM
#4
07-21-2013, 07:58 AM
Cruiser
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Madison, Mississippi
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Your bike looks killer with the Big Radius pipes.
Excellent choice!
I went with the Rush Slip Ons with 1.75" baffles myself. Saved a few bucks, kept the HD exhaust look and still improved the sound 1000 percent! I got off a Kawasaki Z1000 to get on my 2012 Big Blue Pearl 48 and in all my years of riding and owning bikes, this one is the one that has been the most fun to ride. While certainly not the most sophisticated, the fastest, of the most comfortable the 48 is has brought back the sheer joy of what "bear bones motorcycling" is all about - the ride, not the speed. I've had a field day replacing little parts here and there, in a continuous effort at making the bike "my own" and will continue to do so. I realize now that all my previous comments about the "Harley people being slaves to the HD marketing department" were erroneous and wrong. Or, perhaps, I've become a slave? Who cares? I've been thrilled with my bike - (especially so after replacing the torture device they call a "seat.) And now that it has a proper sound, seriously doubt I'll ever sell this one. Granted, the 48 isn't for everyone, but then again, what bike is?
Excellent choice!
I went with the Rush Slip Ons with 1.75" baffles myself. Saved a few bucks, kept the HD exhaust look and still improved the sound 1000 percent! I got off a Kawasaki Z1000 to get on my 2012 Big Blue Pearl 48 and in all my years of riding and owning bikes, this one is the one that has been the most fun to ride. While certainly not the most sophisticated, the fastest, of the most comfortable the 48 is has brought back the sheer joy of what "bear bones motorcycling" is all about - the ride, not the speed. I've had a field day replacing little parts here and there, in a continuous effort at making the bike "my own" and will continue to do so. I realize now that all my previous comments about the "Harley people being slaves to the HD marketing department" were erroneous and wrong. Or, perhaps, I've become a slave? Who cares? I've been thrilled with my bike - (especially so after replacing the torture device they call a "seat.) And now that it has a proper sound, seriously doubt I'll ever sell this one. Granted, the 48 isn't for everyone, but then again, what bike is?
#5
07-21-2013, 08:22 AM
Tourer
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Durham nc.
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#7
07-21-2013, 10:23 AM
Road Warrior
