Taking my EVO on the road
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,065
Likes: 4,561
From: Haslet Texas
I'd have no problem hopping on either (although the '95 would be more comfortable) and heading to Alaska if that was in the plans.
It's not the miles it's how well you took care of your vehicle (and I don't mean cleaning!!!)
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 442
Likes: 30
From: Florida
This is the problem. I have only owned if for a year and I have caught up on a lot of neglected maintenance. I think it is pretty solid now except for the electrical system. I think florida heat and humidity, living part of its life outside and part in a small trailer have caused some corrosion.
I have replaced a few wires, the stator and the turn signal control module. The neutral light does not work and the turn signals work fine in the garage, but they work inconsistently on the road.
I worry that I could be stranded by an electrical problem at any time. I would like to replace the entire wiring system, but my mechanic advises me that doing so could open a can of worms and is at a minimum, very tedious.
I have been advised that my symptoms sound like a ground issues so I am planning to see if that solves any of my problems.
But at the moment, I feel like the Versys has a higher probability of getting me there and back without any problems.
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,065
Likes: 4,561
From: Haslet Texas
I have replaced a few wires, the stator and the turn signal control module. The neutral light does not work and the turn signals work fine in the garage, but they work inconsistently on the road.
I worry that I could be stranded by an electrical problem at any time. I would like to replace the entire wiring system, but my mechanic advises me that doing so could open a can of worms and is at a minimum, very tedious.
I have been advised that my symptoms sound like a ground issues so I am planning to see if that solves any of my problems.
I worry that I could be stranded by an electrical problem at any time. I would like to replace the entire wiring system, but my mechanic advises me that doing so could open a can of worms and is at a minimum, very tedious.
I have been advised that my symptoms sound like a ground issues so I am planning to see if that solves any of my problems.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 442
Likes: 30
From: Florida
You are probably right. Perhaps a lot of effort, but a learning experience, peace of mind and perhaps save me from getting stranded some day.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Montana
Pull the bulbs out of the blinkers use hand signals jump on that bike and ride. If it breaks down call a friend with a pickup. It's only 600 miles, make an adventure out of it. Odds are it will make it just fine.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 442
Likes: 30
From: Florida
I do think I would enjoy the trip more on the Harley. And I have only been stranded once so far when the stator died. And I have fixed a lot since then. So I probably would make it and it would not be the end of the world if I didn't. Might give my son and adventure to come rescue me.
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 179
Likes: 38
From: On the border in Texas
If don't have one consider the manual push button for the starter solenoid. My bike goes in tomorrow for the 10K and a solid going over. It sat a bit before I got it. The fellow kept it serviced and took good care of it, but sitting and time have let the contacts in the right side controls get a little corroded.
The right turn button has been a little wonky now and then. A few times now I would have strong lights, push the starter button and nothing. Not a thing. First time it happened I had just gotten the bike inspected then it wouldn't start. I called my friend and he came over. Just when I was about going to get some contact cleaner and dielectric grease and take the controls apart he says "Wait, I know a magic trick."
He then leans over, reaches under the seat area and BAROOM the bike fires right up. It had been so long since he had used it he had forgotten that he had a button installed on the starter. After that the handle bar switch worked fine except a few times lately I have had to reach down and press the button. Works everytime.
I haven't messed with anything because the bike was already scheduled to go in for a good front to rear and all points in between. Since the cables will be getting lubed and checked and I will be having them install Kuryakyn ISO grips at the same time that issue will be addressed too.
That little button can mean the difference and a lot of comfort when you have good lights and no matter how much you push that bar mounted button nothing, not even a click happens.
I just managed to do around 200 miles with the wife yesterday as our longest yet on this bike. However, that button is a real nice piece of comfort. And it's been the difference a few times between start and no start.
The right turn button has been a little wonky now and then. A few times now I would have strong lights, push the starter button and nothing. Not a thing. First time it happened I had just gotten the bike inspected then it wouldn't start. I called my friend and he came over. Just when I was about going to get some contact cleaner and dielectric grease and take the controls apart he says "Wait, I know a magic trick."
He then leans over, reaches under the seat area and BAROOM the bike fires right up. It had been so long since he had used it he had forgotten that he had a button installed on the starter. After that the handle bar switch worked fine except a few times lately I have had to reach down and press the button. Works everytime.
I haven't messed with anything because the bike was already scheduled to go in for a good front to rear and all points in between. Since the cables will be getting lubed and checked and I will be having them install Kuryakyn ISO grips at the same time that issue will be addressed too.
That little button can mean the difference and a lot of comfort when you have good lights and no matter how much you push that bar mounted button nothing, not even a click happens.
I just managed to do around 200 miles with the wife yesterday as our longest yet on this bike. However, that button is a real nice piece of comfort. And it's been the difference a few times between start and no start.
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,065
Likes: 4,561
From: Haslet Texas
A few times now I would have strong lights, push the starter button and nothing. Not a thing. First time it happened I had just gotten the bike inspected then it wouldn't start. I called my friend and he came over. Just when I was about going to get some contact cleaner and dielectric grease and take the controls apart he says "Wait, I know a magic trick."
He then leans over, reaches under the seat area and BAROOM the bike fires right up. It had been so long since he had used it he had forgotten that he had a button installed on the starter. After that the handle bar switch worked fine except a few times lately I have had to reach down and press the button. Works everytime.
He then leans over, reaches under the seat area and BAROOM the bike fires right up. It had been so long since he had used it he had forgotten that he had a button installed on the starter. After that the handle bar switch worked fine except a few times lately I have had to reach down and press the button. Works everytime.