DIY Cheap Mods
Stage IV
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Winnipeg Canada
Hi
That picture was three days ago, we've had more snow than last year. I think it's above average for snow LOL. As a plus the mosquitos aren't too bad right now.
Our thoughts are about spring and our annual flooding concerns if there is a fast runoff melt. Also this year was a record for the coldest winter weather for Dec, Jan & Feb in 75 years. It not a damp cold though.
Soon we will be spring biking, it's not bad in the day but gets cool as the sun goes down, gotta have the heavy gear in the bags and ya have to watch out for the ice forming on the highways at night. I've hit that on a couple of occasions, gets your pulse going though as it will put you sideways.
Darn, I getting anxious to let er rip.
See ya
Soon we will be riding, that makes me very happy
That picture was three days ago, we've had more snow than last year. I think it's above average for snow LOL. As a plus the mosquitos aren't too bad right now.
Our thoughts are about spring and our annual flooding concerns if there is a fast runoff melt. Also this year was a record for the coldest winter weather for Dec, Jan & Feb in 75 years. It not a damp cold though.
Soon we will be spring biking, it's not bad in the day but gets cool as the sun goes down, gotta have the heavy gear in the bags and ya have to watch out for the ice forming on the highways at night. I've hit that on a couple of occasions, gets your pulse going though as it will put you sideways.
Darn, I getting anxious to let er rip.
See ya
Soon we will be riding, that makes me very happy
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 92
Likes: 7
From: Nevada Sierras
Shows you what I know 
I am thinking back to mid-70's... thought I remembered some mega white seasons, perhaps looking more ominous in person than in pics ;^)
I also seem to remember we called them "dive bombers", or birds, instead of mosquitoes ;^)
Hope you have a safe season getting back on it.
hth
I am thinking back to mid-70's... thought I remembered some mega white seasons, perhaps looking more ominous in person than in pics ;^)
I also seem to remember we called them "dive bombers", or birds, instead of mosquitoes ;^)
Hope you have a safe season getting back on it.
hth
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: Pierre, SD
Got a few Cheap mods I did Last year just did not get around to taking pics till tonight.
Not sure if Pictures will show up? if not goto my profile and check out my Albums
Rear Fender Bib, Had left over leather from another project, Did some tinkering and cut it out, dyed it, etc. the top layer is heavy 10-12 oz. leather, under neath is some suede I had as well. Cost - 0$ had the stuff laying around.
License plate frame.
wanted a lay down, did not wanna spend $60 @ dealer.
used an old road sign, cut it with a jig saw, sprayed it black, bought 3 spacers @ Ace hardware. total cost - $1.75
Made my own Solo Bag, I wanted a Solo Bag, did not want to spend the $200 on a leather one, Went to local Tandy store, explained what I wanted, Got 10-12 oz latigo leather, went to work Cost $60 on leather + 6 or so hours of my time.
Used left over road sign to make back plate to rigid mount the bag, after about 3 months and 2 broken straps. free sign $5 in bolts n nuts.
Not sure if Pictures will show up? if not goto my profile and check out my Albums
Rear Fender Bib, Had left over leather from another project, Did some tinkering and cut it out, dyed it, etc. the top layer is heavy 10-12 oz. leather, under neath is some suede I had as well. Cost - 0$ had the stuff laying around.
License plate frame.
wanted a lay down, did not wanna spend $60 @ dealer.
used an old road sign, cut it with a jig saw, sprayed it black, bought 3 spacers @ Ace hardware. total cost - $1.75
Made my own Solo Bag, I wanted a Solo Bag, did not want to spend the $200 on a leather one, Went to local Tandy store, explained what I wanted, Got 10-12 oz latigo leather, went to work Cost $60 on leather + 6 or so hours of my time.
Used left over road sign to make back plate to rigid mount the bag, after about 3 months and 2 broken straps. free sign $5 in bolts n nuts.
Hidden Electric Fuel Pump Shut Off Switch
OK, this is on a 2011 Cross Bones and I don't know what other models have the fuel pump mounted on top of the fuel tank.
1st - I removed the center console from the fuel tank by simply removing the chrome dome hex nut and lifting up the center console and laying if off to one side.
2nd - It exposed the plug that plugs into the fuel pump and sending unit.
The white arrow points to the plug in question.
There are 4 wires going into that plug and you will only be concerned with the all BLACK wire, not the Blk/Grn wire.
3rd - Strip the plastic wire cover back so you have about 4" of wire exposed. Cut the exposed black wire in the middle. Add a small barrel connector to both of the cut ends.
4th - Using a Double Pole Single Throw micro switch connect a black wire to both poles about 24" long each.
I mounted my switch under the right front side of the two passenger seat on my bike and ran the wires under the seat to under the leather tank strap to the Ground Wire I cut on the fuel pump connector and crimped both into the added barrel connectors I previously installed. Flipped the new switch off, turned on the main switch in the center console, then turned on the start switch on the handle bar. NO FUEL PUMP SOUND, Flipped the new micro switch on, and the fuel pump fired up, Cross Bones Started. With the micro switch in the off position the engine may start but run for approx 3 seconds, die and will not start again.
I hope this is informing, if not let me know what other help you need. Any Double Pole Single Throw Micro Switch will work. Why micro, cause it is easy to hide.
1st - I removed the center console from the fuel tank by simply removing the chrome dome hex nut and lifting up the center console and laying if off to one side.
2nd - It exposed the plug that plugs into the fuel pump and sending unit.
The white arrow points to the plug in question.
There are 4 wires going into that plug and you will only be concerned with the all BLACK wire, not the Blk/Grn wire.
3rd - Strip the plastic wire cover back so you have about 4" of wire exposed. Cut the exposed black wire in the middle. Add a small barrel connector to both of the cut ends.
4th - Using a Double Pole Single Throw micro switch connect a black wire to both poles about 24" long each.
I mounted my switch under the right front side of the two passenger seat on my bike and ran the wires under the seat to under the leather tank strap to the Ground Wire I cut on the fuel pump connector and crimped both into the added barrel connectors I previously installed. Flipped the new switch off, turned on the main switch in the center console, then turned on the start switch on the handle bar. NO FUEL PUMP SOUND, Flipped the new micro switch on, and the fuel pump fired up, Cross Bones Started. With the micro switch in the off position the engine may start but run for approx 3 seconds, die and will not start again.
I hope this is informing, if not let me know what other help you need. Any Double Pole Single Throw Micro Switch will work. Why micro, cause it is easy to hide.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 852
Likes: 5
From: Virginia Beach, VA
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 523
Likes: 1
From: kingston ontario
You have a good point. Tho I think If I crash I may have other issues :-D
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 36
Likes: 3
From: Oklahoma
Someone suggested that I post this in here. I already had the spikes from 10 or 12 years ago, so they didnt cost me anything. Im guessing if I were to go buy them, they would probably be $10 at most. The decal is all that I was out of pocket for a whopping $8 and about 30 or 45 minutes of my time. And yes, I am aware of the placement and potential danger yadda yadda yadda.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 36
Likes: 3
From: Oklahoma
Had some 5/16 hose laying around. Its only about $1.50 a ft. Took my shift rod off, slid it on, and put it back together.
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Someone suggested that I post this in here. I already had the spikes from 10 or 12 years ago, so they didnt cost me anything. Im guessing if I were to go buy them, they would probably be $10 at most. The decal is all that I was out of pocket for a whopping $8 and about 30 or 45 minutes of my time. And yes, I am aware of the placement and potential danger yadda yadda yadda.
