the case of the neverending repair

 
Drinks on my tab, coffee for me please.

Well, the left saddlebag finally arrived, got it yesterday.  The left
muffler came in but for the second time was *not* the right one.  I
*told* them it wasn't the stock muffler, and there's a part number
stamped into the metal, but they insist on eyeballing it and guessing.

Insurance added on the headlight.  They missed the cracks in the lens
on the first inspection.  I took the opportunity to upgrade the bulb,
paying the difference.

So for a June 16 accident, it's almost Halloween and we're still not
quite done yet.  I hope to hell the rest of you had better luck with
insurance repairs.

Insurance declined to replace the right saddlebag, which is fine with
me, as there's only a couple of scratches on it and I bought the bike
to ride, not admire.  The dealer accidentally got a right as well as a
left saddlebag delivered, and offered to sell me the right at cost but
that's still $300 and I declined.

I think I'm going to try touching up the scratches just for the
experience.  I have had less than satisfying results on past bikes
(touch-up really is an art) but have read up on it and want to see
what I can do.  Something to do during the winter.

I'm also thinking I'll just shelf the new muffler when they finally
get the right one until I'm ready to change out the header.  I want to
get rid of that crotch-toasting Y connector on the rear cylinder. and
there's no point in taking the exhaust system apart twice.

And yes, I know you give up some low end torque, but the bike is
lively enough and at this point I'm more concerned about comfort on
hot days than I am about outrunning squids.

At my request, the mechanic did a test ride and pronounced the top-end
clatter "normal", so I'm not gonna worry about it.  I need to learn
more about this engine anyway, so will check the valve train
tolerances over the winter.  I've read that adjustable pushrods,
properly adjusted, can reduce some of the clatter as the engine grows
taller when it warms up.  They're relatively inexpensive and would
save work if I swapped out the cams later.  And (say it with me...)
it's something to do in winter.

I took the bike for a drive yesterday evening in the hills west of
Beaverton.  My jacket is back "in the shop" (broken zipper) so was
wearing the summer jacket which was a bit brisk for conditions.  Yet,
there's something about negotiating the curves and hills, seeing the
leaves starting to turn, smelling wood smoke, feeling the bite in the
air that says summer is over but winter hasn't quite set in yet, that
makes it just the perfect moment.  As if I needed it, I was yet again
reminded why I ride.


   Ron
-
2003 FLHTCUI "Noisy Glide"
http://www.christianfamilywebsite.com
http://www.ronaldchristian.com

 
good move


shoulda took the cash


good call


"learning keeps you young" Snag- the old guy


2/1 give more low end torque, should have switched out to Fat CAts


wait til you get the cams

 >    Ron

 
I realize that, but I was kinda in the hospital when the process
started.  I didn't have a lot of say at first and later it was too
late to change.


Yep.  I might be asking for advice on that sometime this winter.


I thought about it, but for now will keep the duals.  Bought the bike
with SE exhausts on it, which were too loud, swapped them for stock
mufflers off a 96 inch engine ($50 take-off) when I put the K&N air
cleaner on.  I can hear the radio now and it should still flow better
than was stock in 2003. If the power is inadequate with a True Dual
setup, I'll consider selling the parts I have and going with a 2:1.
I'm well aware that this is a common progression amongst harley owners
who don't listen to advice.  :-)


I'll at least take the cover off and check it out.  I actually don't
know what cams are currently in the bike.


   Ron (from alternate account)