So...I did a thing...
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Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 80
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From: wet and wild
So...I did a thing...
So I bought a Harley and Im new here.
Ive noted that most of the introductions tend to be...brief. Sorry lads and ladies, Im just not that sort. Yet, the good thing about forums is that no one has to read an overlong post if they dont care to.
Ive been a long time rider and Ive rebuilt more motorcycles than most people have had hot meals. Alright, I exaggerate. A little. (never let the truth get in the way of a story)
My friends are highly amused by my purchase. Why? Well because I have long held an affection for my European bikes and have joyfully engaged in banter about the superiority of our chosen marques with my HD riding acquaintances.
Still, how did I get here?
So it begins back in the mid-80s as a young man freshly paroled from the bondage of parental control. I had been around dirtbikes in the far north as a kid, but street bikes were an unknown. Harleys were off the list for most of my peers in the latter 80s, on through the 90s and into the new century. Those that remember those days will remember the eye-watering markup attached to the desirable HD bikes from the showroom floor to the pages of Walnecks and Cycle Trader (the analog editions, mind you) we young turks living paycheck to paycheck, simply didnt have the wherewithal to compete with the more well-heeled professionals who now desired the "HD Life" European bikes were plentiful, inexpensive and fun to work on. I fell into the cafe racer crowd (the second revival; not to be confused with the current "third wave" of brown seats and plaid). Cafe stuff at that time meant a lot of digging through garages for old cast off parts from the Domi-Racer catalogues and a lot of improvised usage of hand tools. My chosen marque became Moto Guzzi. Which I still adore. I still have a fair brace of those ranging from loopframes (including one I assembled quite literally like Johnny Cash's Cadillac by dredging wrecks from alleys and burn piles - no, really. I did that) and a couple much more modern Guzzi ADV bikes nearly two decades apart in age and technology (fantastic and capable machines). MG bikes also brought with them a certain rebellious nature. Customizing and accessorizing the bikes is laughable. And because of the low volume of bikes in the US, upkeep was and is largely a "by your own bootstraps" affair. I admit to a pride in having to do it all myself.
That is ancient history. Skipping ahead many years in the Wayback Machine, I find myself a Gentleman of a Certain Age. In which I am now the Professional with a Wallet and enjoying Things I Wanted. I realized that I had discharged many of the responsibilities I had assumed when younger, leaving me with an ability to indulge myself in things I had to skip in the past. Travel and picking up unloved Moto Guzzis being primary fun. Last summer I began doing something I had always wanted to do - buy the Guzzis I couldnt afford in the past. Preferably neglected ones in need of some loving care. Having gotten one I had always wanted so badly - A 2016 Stelvio NTX - I wanted to do it again the following year. and yet, 2021 is an odd year for bikes or any other large purchase, as anyone knows. I ran squarely into this as the scarce number of MG bikes within travel range were....speculatively...priced and there was competition for the bikes. This was new to me. With the fall arriving and seasonal changes causing me to reduce the range of my searches from "fly n buy" to "a days drive" I ended up actually having a 2015 Norge that I was about to negotiate on get bought right out from under me via a phone call.
(oh but he do go on, dont he? get to the point!)
Back home, the gremlins of internet algorithms interrupted my Guzzi searching with some Harley Davidsons. And I was noticing a trend. Unlike other bikes, there were heaps of HD bikes available close by. Many were what I considered to be of reasonable prices without being "Abandoned project" bikes and all of them had Ads that had been long in duration or had been repeatedly posted with ever dwindling prices. Hmm
Then I encountered one that particularly caught my eye. A very stock appearing 2000 Electra Glide Classic EFI. It had a lot going for it. It appeared stock and had not been crashed into a Kuryakin catalog. No "Theoretically Dubious" modifications. Well cared for. Priced well. and within a 20 minute drive. Oh what the hell maybe its time for me to have my very own Old Man Garbage Barge...
I knew what I had run into as soon as I arrived at the owners home. An elderly woman was working in the front yard and I asked "Is this such-and-so address?" She squinted at me "Are you here for the motorcycle?" "Yes Ma'am I am" "Good! buy it and get that thing out of here, he has no business on it anymore!" "Well I guess I know who I need to negotiate with on the price then!" And that set the tone for the transaction. The owner was a gentleman of an even more certain age than I, whose riding days were behind him and had reluctantly come to face that fact without injuring himself or the bike...and yet it took three years of the bike sitting in his garage (well, three that he would admit to) before he agreed to put it up for sale. The first thing I noticed was that in person it appeared pretty well cared for. The second thing I noticed was how *small* it is. You may guess from my handle that I am a Fully Grown Adult, unlike the rest of the undernourished and undertall population. Like meeting that celebrity youve seen in movies and on tv and remarking "You seem bigger on TV" it was so *small* in person. Later when I sent round a photo of myself with the bike a friend remarked "Are they making those things 1/3 scale now?"
I set to looking the bike over and asking my questions. It had received regular maintenance from someone who knew how to open an oil bottle. the owner had kept it generally clean - though there was a fair amount of garage dust and the tires were badly underinflated. In my conversation with the owner I got the idea he was the sort who just enjoyed riding and washing, preferring to let someone else handle the services. Not being a complete idiot ( I aspire to only partial idiocy) I had researched the common issues. I was aware that the EFI was an early version and of a short run in use - so at some point it would demand replacing as parts for it got scarce or it became unsalvageable. But for now the bike started from cold without hesitation and settled into a smooth idle. Power was good and linear without hiccups or any noisy components (well ..no noisier than could be expected). The more I poked and asked questions, (at the missus prompting with a sharp elbow) the price dropped. And kept dropping until I really just couldnt say no. Despite the lack of service paperwork proving the claimed "its got a something cam"I decided to gamble on those tensioners having been updated at some poointin the last 20 years. Seemed like a reasonable bet and the rest of the bike was in good shape except for necessary Garage Queen Resurrection maintenance. The fellow sure did like to demonstrate the stereo...
So I aired up the ties again and rode it home with my knees in the air and being mindful to get my leg out of the way of the handlebars in corners.
At home I set about to getting it cleaned out and a more thorough inspection. I also went to the local Independent shop (reasoning that the local dealer was likely to be a bit sticky about such an old machine) to introduce myself and get the necessary oils, potions, filters and gaskets.
First thing - the seat and bars needed attending. I wasnt going to get far looking like a frog sitting on a tricycle. Fortunately the bike came with the original seat as a part of the "Oh hey I found some stuff that goes with the bike" section of the purchase process. That was a big improvement. I gather the gent had fitted it with a "reacher" seat. and with the bars adjusted forward I had some reasonable sitting arrangement. Then with the fluids draining, I got after the exhaust to get things loosened up so I could peek into the cam box. after an inordinate time of very careful disassembly (always cautious with a new to me bike as I dont have the hands on know how yet) with the aid of a lot of "Dad Words" I got the cam cover free.
That bet I had made? I lost.
Yep OEM tensioners. Drat.
Now I could absolutely have done the update myself. But Im also realistic about my time and effort. It was going to take me weeks of spare time to do and I would do the task at *least* twice as I climbed the learning curve. So what better way to make the Indie shops acquaintance than to bring them a nice, fat, job? So buttoned up, I took it to the shop just over a week ago. Its taking a bit of extra time because...why stop there? tires and probably wheel bearings are necessary at a minimum. and we are making the first step in the ergonomics.
I realized that I had sitting on my wall of parts, an HD Police Air Ride Seat. I had to dig deep to remember where the hell I had gotten that. A friend had inherited his dads shovel and a shitload of stuff. He invited me to pick stuff out of the boxes in his driveway, since I am always looking for interesting potentially modifiable items for my other bikes. Since I had gotten the bike I had come to realize that I only had part of the seat. I now remember clearly looking at the Air Ride suspension bits: tank, hose, airbag in a box next to the seat. But neither my friend nor I knew what that was. and so it was left behind. Now I know there are alternatives to the air ride system. even a newer factory made suspension. But here is one of the things I like about this shop...the dude had an idea how to build a suspension under that seat that is unlike any other I have seen on any bike anywhere (and no, it does not involve dog toys).
Im supposed to pick up the bike today or tomorrow. and Im excited as hell. Over a Harley. Who knew?
Like anyone, Ive got plans for it. Anything I do will, wherever possible, be reversible to stock. So Im not going to paint it, for example. Like most I like the idea of a "local" and a "travel" mode. fortunately the TourPack is a quick disconnect. So other than covering up stuff thats exposed by removing the pack, acquiring a replacement passenger seat, and such. There isnt a lot to do. SOme things I will have many questions about and will need help sorting through the bewildering array of solutions to problems (not something I am used to with Moto Guzzi. believe you me) some things that I desire, I have learned are not popular typically (stereos on bikes...hate em) and I expect to have to figure out my own solutions.
I look forward to long and fruitful conversations!
Ive noted that most of the introductions tend to be...brief. Sorry lads and ladies, Im just not that sort. Yet, the good thing about forums is that no one has to read an overlong post if they dont care to.
Ive been a long time rider and Ive rebuilt more motorcycles than most people have had hot meals. Alright, I exaggerate. A little. (never let the truth get in the way of a story)
My friends are highly amused by my purchase. Why? Well because I have long held an affection for my European bikes and have joyfully engaged in banter about the superiority of our chosen marques with my HD riding acquaintances.
Still, how did I get here?
So it begins back in the mid-80s as a young man freshly paroled from the bondage of parental control. I had been around dirtbikes in the far north as a kid, but street bikes were an unknown. Harleys were off the list for most of my peers in the latter 80s, on through the 90s and into the new century. Those that remember those days will remember the eye-watering markup attached to the desirable HD bikes from the showroom floor to the pages of Walnecks and Cycle Trader (the analog editions, mind you) we young turks living paycheck to paycheck, simply didnt have the wherewithal to compete with the more well-heeled professionals who now desired the "HD Life" European bikes were plentiful, inexpensive and fun to work on. I fell into the cafe racer crowd (the second revival; not to be confused with the current "third wave" of brown seats and plaid). Cafe stuff at that time meant a lot of digging through garages for old cast off parts from the Domi-Racer catalogues and a lot of improvised usage of hand tools. My chosen marque became Moto Guzzi. Which I still adore. I still have a fair brace of those ranging from loopframes (including one I assembled quite literally like Johnny Cash's Cadillac by dredging wrecks from alleys and burn piles - no, really. I did that) and a couple much more modern Guzzi ADV bikes nearly two decades apart in age and technology (fantastic and capable machines). MG bikes also brought with them a certain rebellious nature. Customizing and accessorizing the bikes is laughable. And because of the low volume of bikes in the US, upkeep was and is largely a "by your own bootstraps" affair. I admit to a pride in having to do it all myself.
That is ancient history. Skipping ahead many years in the Wayback Machine, I find myself a Gentleman of a Certain Age. In which I am now the Professional with a Wallet and enjoying Things I Wanted. I realized that I had discharged many of the responsibilities I had assumed when younger, leaving me with an ability to indulge myself in things I had to skip in the past. Travel and picking up unloved Moto Guzzis being primary fun. Last summer I began doing something I had always wanted to do - buy the Guzzis I couldnt afford in the past. Preferably neglected ones in need of some loving care. Having gotten one I had always wanted so badly - A 2016 Stelvio NTX - I wanted to do it again the following year. and yet, 2021 is an odd year for bikes or any other large purchase, as anyone knows. I ran squarely into this as the scarce number of MG bikes within travel range were....speculatively...priced and there was competition for the bikes. This was new to me. With the fall arriving and seasonal changes causing me to reduce the range of my searches from "fly n buy" to "a days drive" I ended up actually having a 2015 Norge that I was about to negotiate on get bought right out from under me via a phone call.
(oh but he do go on, dont he? get to the point!)
Back home, the gremlins of internet algorithms interrupted my Guzzi searching with some Harley Davidsons. And I was noticing a trend. Unlike other bikes, there were heaps of HD bikes available close by. Many were what I considered to be of reasonable prices without being "Abandoned project" bikes and all of them had Ads that had been long in duration or had been repeatedly posted with ever dwindling prices. Hmm
Then I encountered one that particularly caught my eye. A very stock appearing 2000 Electra Glide Classic EFI. It had a lot going for it. It appeared stock and had not been crashed into a Kuryakin catalog. No "Theoretically Dubious" modifications. Well cared for. Priced well. and within a 20 minute drive. Oh what the hell maybe its time for me to have my very own Old Man Garbage Barge...
I knew what I had run into as soon as I arrived at the owners home. An elderly woman was working in the front yard and I asked "Is this such-and-so address?" She squinted at me "Are you here for the motorcycle?" "Yes Ma'am I am" "Good! buy it and get that thing out of here, he has no business on it anymore!" "Well I guess I know who I need to negotiate with on the price then!" And that set the tone for the transaction. The owner was a gentleman of an even more certain age than I, whose riding days were behind him and had reluctantly come to face that fact without injuring himself or the bike...and yet it took three years of the bike sitting in his garage (well, three that he would admit to) before he agreed to put it up for sale. The first thing I noticed was that in person it appeared pretty well cared for. The second thing I noticed was how *small* it is. You may guess from my handle that I am a Fully Grown Adult, unlike the rest of the undernourished and undertall population. Like meeting that celebrity youve seen in movies and on tv and remarking "You seem bigger on TV" it was so *small* in person. Later when I sent round a photo of myself with the bike a friend remarked "Are they making those things 1/3 scale now?"
I set to looking the bike over and asking my questions. It had received regular maintenance from someone who knew how to open an oil bottle. the owner had kept it generally clean - though there was a fair amount of garage dust and the tires were badly underinflated. In my conversation with the owner I got the idea he was the sort who just enjoyed riding and washing, preferring to let someone else handle the services. Not being a complete idiot ( I aspire to only partial idiocy) I had researched the common issues. I was aware that the EFI was an early version and of a short run in use - so at some point it would demand replacing as parts for it got scarce or it became unsalvageable. But for now the bike started from cold without hesitation and settled into a smooth idle. Power was good and linear without hiccups or any noisy components (well ..no noisier than could be expected). The more I poked and asked questions, (at the missus prompting with a sharp elbow) the price dropped. And kept dropping until I really just couldnt say no. Despite the lack of service paperwork proving the claimed "its got a something cam"I decided to gamble on those tensioners having been updated at some poointin the last 20 years. Seemed like a reasonable bet and the rest of the bike was in good shape except for necessary Garage Queen Resurrection maintenance. The fellow sure did like to demonstrate the stereo...
So I aired up the ties again and rode it home with my knees in the air and being mindful to get my leg out of the way of the handlebars in corners.
At home I set about to getting it cleaned out and a more thorough inspection. I also went to the local Independent shop (reasoning that the local dealer was likely to be a bit sticky about such an old machine) to introduce myself and get the necessary oils, potions, filters and gaskets.
First thing - the seat and bars needed attending. I wasnt going to get far looking like a frog sitting on a tricycle. Fortunately the bike came with the original seat as a part of the "Oh hey I found some stuff that goes with the bike" section of the purchase process. That was a big improvement. I gather the gent had fitted it with a "reacher" seat. and with the bars adjusted forward I had some reasonable sitting arrangement. Then with the fluids draining, I got after the exhaust to get things loosened up so I could peek into the cam box. after an inordinate time of very careful disassembly (always cautious with a new to me bike as I dont have the hands on know how yet) with the aid of a lot of "Dad Words" I got the cam cover free.
That bet I had made? I lost.
Yep OEM tensioners. Drat.
Now I could absolutely have done the update myself. But Im also realistic about my time and effort. It was going to take me weeks of spare time to do and I would do the task at *least* twice as I climbed the learning curve. So what better way to make the Indie shops acquaintance than to bring them a nice, fat, job? So buttoned up, I took it to the shop just over a week ago. Its taking a bit of extra time because...why stop there? tires and probably wheel bearings are necessary at a minimum. and we are making the first step in the ergonomics.
I realized that I had sitting on my wall of parts, an HD Police Air Ride Seat. I had to dig deep to remember where the hell I had gotten that. A friend had inherited his dads shovel and a shitload of stuff. He invited me to pick stuff out of the boxes in his driveway, since I am always looking for interesting potentially modifiable items for my other bikes. Since I had gotten the bike I had come to realize that I only had part of the seat. I now remember clearly looking at the Air Ride suspension bits: tank, hose, airbag in a box next to the seat. But neither my friend nor I knew what that was. and so it was left behind. Now I know there are alternatives to the air ride system. even a newer factory made suspension. But here is one of the things I like about this shop...the dude had an idea how to build a suspension under that seat that is unlike any other I have seen on any bike anywhere (and no, it does not involve dog toys).
Im supposed to pick up the bike today or tomorrow. and Im excited as hell. Over a Harley. Who knew?
Like anyone, Ive got plans for it. Anything I do will, wherever possible, be reversible to stock. So Im not going to paint it, for example. Like most I like the idea of a "local" and a "travel" mode. fortunately the TourPack is a quick disconnect. So other than covering up stuff thats exposed by removing the pack, acquiring a replacement passenger seat, and such. There isnt a lot to do. SOme things I will have many questions about and will need help sorting through the bewildering array of solutions to problems (not something I am used to with Moto Guzzi. believe you me) some things that I desire, I have learned are not popular typically (stereos on bikes...hate em) and I expect to have to figure out my own solutions.
I look forward to long and fruitful conversations!
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Joined: May 2016
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From: Alexandria, Va
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From: Honah Lee
Welcome from North Beach, FL., USA! 
Just in case you have not done both of these two important items!
Be sure to add an Avatar of your favorite shot in the USER set up for the small picture others will see in the top left corner of your post with your USER name.
And most importantly a Signature Line in your USER set up for your bike model, year, and all the letters that Harley recognizes it with that others see at the bottom.
This enables others to know your exact model if you ever ask a question or another member interested in it may ask you a question about it.
Your all set.... Enjoy the ride! ______________
Just in case you have not done both of these two important items!
Be sure to add an Avatar of your favorite shot in the USER set up for the small picture others will see in the top left corner of your post with your USER name.
And most importantly a Signature Line in your USER set up for your bike model, year, and all the letters that Harley recognizes it with that others see at the bottom.
This enables others to know your exact model if you ever ask a question or another member interested in it may ask you a question about it.
Your all set.... Enjoy the ride! ______________
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Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 80
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From: wet and wild
You say that to all the girls
Welcome from North Beach, FL., USA!
Just in case you have not done both of these two important items!
Be sure to add an Avatar of your favorite shot in the USER set up for the small picture others will see in the top left corner of your post with your USER name.
And most importantly a Signature Line in your USER set up for your bike model, year, and all the letters that Harley recognizes it with that others see at the bottom.
This enables others to know your exact model if you ever ask a question or another member interested in it may ask you a question about it.
Your all set.... Enjoy the ride! ______________
Just in case you have not done both of these two important items!
Be sure to add an Avatar of your favorite shot in the USER set up for the small picture others will see in the top left corner of your post with your USER name.
And most importantly a Signature Line in your USER set up for your bike model, year, and all the letters that Harley recognizes it with that others see at the bottom.
This enables others to know your exact model if you ever ask a question or another member interested in it may ask you a question about it.
Your all set.... Enjoy the ride! ______________
