H-D Road King Custom
Caretaker: Kay
Odometer: 8053
Miles Ridden this Cycle: 495
Modifications:
* DP Brakes pads
* Wheeldock EZ-UP Centerstand
* 2 Wheel Tunes music system
The 'King returned to our H-D friends a bit earlier than plan-ned, but not before I did some significant testing on the following:
We slapped on DP Brakes Harley-Davidson replacement pads front and rear. The rear provided better brake modulation, and the overall stopping power was slightly better than the stock pads.
Next, we bolted on a Wheeldock EZ-Up Centerstand in minutes, just as advertised. Leverage is good, so that even lighter-weight riders can get the bike up on the stand. It's also excellent for performing cleaning and maintenance tasks that don't require wheel removal.
Finally, we tested the 2 Wheel Tunes music system, consisting of a small amplifier, proprietary speakers and a music player mount. Add your favorite MP3 player and you're set. Sound quality is remarkably good, but hearing that sound varies with road speed, use of earplugs and whether your helmet faceshield is open or closed. In other words, your mileage may vary. Also, the system is limited because MP3 players are hard to use while moving and even harder-or impossible-to use while wearing gloves. Thanks to Creative Labs for providing the ZEN V Plus and ZEN Vision:M players used in testing
Victory Kingpin
Caretaker: Zimmerman
Odometer: 3379
Miles Ridden this Cycle: 2635
Modifications:
* HackerPipes install
(www.HackerPipes.com)
Pity the poor KingPin, it hasn't been an easy life. First I hammered the thing over hill and dale chasing AC through the mountains of Vermont. Next, it was 16 straight dyno runs testing the HackerPipes detailed elsewhere in this issue. In between were numerous day trips, including an all-out dash to the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome in upstate New York. I also did a run to the Hagerstown round of the AMA Grand National Dirt Track Series, which added somewhere between 750 and 1000 miles to the odometer.
Through it all, the Pin behaved like a champ. It hasn't needed anything more than routine tire pressure adjustments, and I haven't had to add even a drop of oil. This thing's truly an Energizer Bunny. The only possible downside is that a bike that demands so little attention sometimes gets less than it deserves. I have to keep reminding myself to check things like belt tension and the oil level.
In between riding and futzing around with the exhaust system (see this month's How-To), I haven't had much time to do anything else to the King, nor am I sure there's much else worth doing. A set of driving lights would be nice, though not a necessity as the stock headlight sure worked well enough on the last trip. However, I am considering putting some sort of brake light flasher on the bike. During our Vermont sojourn, Andy mentioned that the taillight, set as it is into the rear fender, was a little difficult to see, particularly in the rain..