Well, isn't that just helpful.


Hey Grayhawk,

I have to say, like so many here, that I admire your commitment to the ride. I'm more than a little envious of your daily ride. I have to make time to ride and it seems that its getting harder and harder to work it in.

I live three minutes from my office, so on days that I can ride to work, I usually leave a half hour early just so I can detour long enough to run it up to operating temerature before I park for the day. . . and that's usually in the dark. At this rate, I'll probably take 10 years to put 20K on the odometer. Lucky for me I'll retire in about a year and maybe then I can do some serious riding. I'd like to tour the US and visit every state. . . Well, the lower 48 anyway.


This is my first 88 and I haven't even had my first oil change yet, so I can't say much about longevity. But you are obviously a carefull owner. It seems that if you stay on top of the maintenance, there's no reason you can't enjoy this scoot for years after she's paid off.

Best of luck partner.

 

do engine mods (and related like exhaust, etc.) have any impact positive/negative? I have heard people say they would shorten the life of the bike, but I have a feeling that is a myth bike manufacturers have been trying to spread. others said some mods make the bike run better, hence increasing it's life.

 

RIDE ON! Keep it! Keep Riding! A bike never gets to old!

 

Read below!

 

Mild mods probably don't hurt that much, but obviously if you're running higher compression, bigger pistons, higher lift cams, and winding out to the higher rpms these mods make possible, you're stressing the bottom end of the engine, oil circulation system, bearings, transmission, clutch, etc. beyond what it they were designed for. You don't get something for nothing; the added stresses will take their toll on longevity. That's why racing engines get overhauled after a few runs and everything in the whole drive chain gets beefed up to deal with the stresses. What would a manufacturer such as Harley have to gain by discouraging hopped up engines? It could actually sell more parts because of the increased wear and tear of a highly modified engine. As was mentioned in posts above, the guys that wring out the most miles ride conservatively and baby their bikes.

 

I will ride, and do what it takes to keep the King rollin. Brought the King home on March 23, have already had the 5000 mile check up. Friends can't beleive I have put that many miles on it already. Lovin every mile.[sm=badbadbad.gif]