Star Road Star S
MSRP: $13,090
Caretaker: Bartels
Measurements: 6'0"/198 Lbs/33" Inseam
Odometer: 3220
Miles Since Last Issue: 97
| MODIFICATIONS: |
| KURY AKYN PASSENGER PEG MOUNTS | $99.99 |
| KURY AKYN ZOMBIE PEGS | $103.99 |
Before launching into this pathetic long term update I'd like to point out that during the production of this issue (7 weeks, give or take) I've ridden about 5500 miles. If you count the miles I did in all of the tour stories this issue it's more like 8-9000. But, yeah, the long term Road Star? Under 100.
So with that said, lets pretend it's winter right now. Let's say I live somewhere with snow on the ground (as I sit in an air-conditioned cubicle in Los Angeles, with the thermometer outside at about 85 degrees) and I have some time on my hands to modify the bike. Lets also say I've already done all the big stuff (in reality, pipes, wheels, tires, hard bags, paint, etc are still in the pipeline). What to do now?
Details, my friend, are the answer. One nice touch that is frequently ignored in the press (though not on real-world customs) is internalizing the handlebar wiring harness. Run along the bottom of the bars like it's done at the factory, is a great way to distract from the clean lines of your bars and (in our case) braided cables. There's some drilling involved; a pair of holes out near the controls, and a larger on at the bottom of the bar, and definitely some wiring, but in the end it's a nice detail that goes a long way towards that smooth custom you've always wanted. Our Burly Brand apes never looked so good.
The other change this issue was ergonomic. It seems like, other than on the big tourers, many of the OEMs pay absolutely no attention to where the passengers feet go... they simply find a spot that works with the pipes and leave it at that. The Japanese seem to be the most guilty, putting passenger's feet in a position best suited to riding on the back of a sportbike... or a gynecological exam. In any case, we found these cool little peg relocators from Kury Akyn that shif the feet down and forward a few inches. Doesn't seem like much, but combined with the wide, adjustable Zombie pegs, they made for one happy passenger.
Honda VTX 1300T
MSRP: $11,299
Caretaker: Zimmerman
Measurements: 5'10"/220 LBs/32" Inseam
Odometer: 2687
Miles since last issue: 601
When I realized how few miles I'd put on the VTX since the last issue I was humiliated to say the least, especially since I've been riding the thing at nearly every possible opportunity. The problem being that for one reason or another, those opportunities haven't been coming as often as I'd like. Unfortunately, that means the VTX has spent more time on the kickstand than on the road and that, in common parlance, sucks. What time I spent in the saddle has been put to good use. There was uh, the recent trip to the hardware store, and the ride out to my favorite ice cream stand, hey, quit smirking it's 60 miles each way, and then I err, rode to breakfast on Monday. Who I am I kidding? I haven't ridden enough miles these past six weeks to knock the cobwebs off the brake rotors, but at least I did get those Motosens gauges that have been sitting on the shelf these past few months bolted on. As you can read in this issue's How To, that went quite nicely and I'm very happy with them.