"DIY MODS" and TRICKS to SAVE $$$$$$
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,389
Likes: 26
From: Windham,Maine
When I first started riding Harleys always knew I wanted to hot rod them.Over the years have ground up built a lot of them.Today it is very easy to save many thousands of dollars doing as much as you can.Parts for Harleys seem to be everywhere.Of course you have to want to save a buck or two and know where you can do it.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
Greatest idea since the motorcycle was invented! Bought a remote off e-bay for $13, followed the instructions in this thread about hooking it up to your high beams on your scoot. Worked great! If I can figure it out anyone can! Only question I have is the bike is 12 volts, the opener is built for 9 volts - what's going to happen to the opener circuit board when I run with the brights on for a while? Might smoke it, I don't know yet...
Thanks - good posts!
Thanks - good posts!
I installed the remote first on my old RK under the right side cover, now inside the fairing on the SG. Since 1998 I've changed the 9V battery in the remote only once, and that time only after about five years as a precaution, so the battery going dead has never been an issue for me. I would change it every few years at an opportune time when you have easy access to the remote, but I've taken it for granted so long I will face a dead battery one of these days.
For those cases when a remote isn't available I rigged up a high-security switch (SPST on-off type) near the garage door. If necessary I can insert the barrel key, which I have on all my key chains, and open the door. It's a very simple wiring procedure, connecting to the existing push-button switch in your house in parallel.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 954
Likes: 3
From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
For those cases when a remote isn't available I rigged up a high-security switch (SPST on-off type) near the garage door. If necessary I can insert the barrel key, which I have on all my key chains, and open the door. It's a very simple wiring procedure, connecting to the existing push-button switch in your house in parallel.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
The wireless keypad is a good idea, but I wonder if there are any waterproof keypads available.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,599
Likes: 7
From: Hoffman Estates, IL
I keep a door opener just inside the top-front lid on my left bag. Twist a bit, open the latch, slide 'yer hand inside, hit the button, drive in. Locked up and out of sight otherwise.
If it means anything, the iPass (tollway pass) is on inside top-front right bag. And no, it doesn't register on high-way speed tolls (where I tend to put it in the shield bag) but works well below around 30MPH...
All hail industrial-strength Velcro.
If it means anything, the iPass (tollway pass) is on inside top-front right bag. And no, it doesn't register on high-way speed tolls (where I tend to put it in the shield bag) but works well below around 30MPH...
All hail industrial-strength Velcro.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 194
Likes: 1
From: oregon
poor man's upgrade
I own a Y2K Road King Custom. I hit a swap meet a few years back, picked up a black ultra tour pack for about $50. It was cheap because there was a crack in the corner and the latches were about to blow out, which they did soon after I started using it. Anyway, I had the RK leather tour pack, but was too small for my use. I swapped out the quick disconnect mounting hardware to the Ultra tour pack. I bought a new-to-me maroon colored lid off eBay for $45. I bondo'd the crack in the body, then sanded off the gel coat on the body and lid. It was about $400 to get it painted to match so I scratched that idea. I took the lid, body, side covers and the underside panel of my cop seat to a local shop that sprays truck bed liners. Had them spray everything with black liner and picked up the parts 2 days later - cost was $65. Reassembled everything and it looks great. Folks think I have a custom wrinkle paint job until I tell them different. Clean the parts with soap and water, condition with Armor All. Still looks like new 3 years later.
Banned
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Bangor, Me.
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Advanced
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: Slidell, Louisiana
Gas Cap Spare Key
I don't know if anyone has posted this tip yet, but it is worth reading.
I have an Electraglide with the locking gas cap cover with the barrel key type lock. If you ever go off without your key and need gas your screwed. I keep a spare key I had for a freezer lock in my saddlebag and it opens the gas cap but it doesn't work in the start switch so I don't have to worry about leaving it in the saddlebag.
Never have to worry about getting to a gas station and not being able to get gas again.
Merry Christmas Y'all
I have an Electraglide with the locking gas cap cover with the barrel key type lock. If you ever go off without your key and need gas your screwed. I keep a spare key I had for a freezer lock in my saddlebag and it opens the gas cap but it doesn't work in the start switch so I don't have to worry about leaving it in the saddlebag.
Never have to worry about getting to a gas station and not being able to get gas again.
Merry Christmas Y'all
Stage III
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
I put heal-toe shifter ends, on outside edge of floorboards, to hang my heals over while cruising. Legs got tired and cramped on highway pegs, on crash bars. The relaxed ride on my FLHTCI is improved for my longer legs.