ragtop69gs

Not sure Dan, why chance it for a quarter inch?

OH DEER! That's not good Sorry to hear that. I was luck when I had a deer hit while out in Montana, I got the bike slowed down to 15 MPH before impact. Damage was a crunched fender, bent passing lamps and a loss of the passing lamp visor. we got lucky and didnn't go down even though I was 2 up pulling a fairly heavy trailer. I hope both you and the bike heal fast.

@Yammer Dan, DON'T GO 1" !!!! Only go 3/4" I had slid my forks up 1" and on a hard bump the fork tube covers hit the lower tree, denting the covers. This may not be a problem for you since Don has already installed a set of sonic springs to it before you got it. After my fork rebuild I slid the tubes up only 3/4" , I have not noticed any discernible difference from the previous 1"

David, I just got done with a complete front end rebuild. All new bushings, seals and a set of 1.2 Sonic springs and 15W belray fork oil. you can read about the job HERE . And my impressions on the completed job HERE . A big job but well worth the time and dollars invested. Enjoy the new bike, you'll love the ride comfort.

I run them in my RSV and used them for year on my dune buggies with pre-filter covers. I'm of the opinion that you are WAY over doing it on the cleaning. K&N's filter better when they are somewhat dirtier. I check mine every year but on average only clean them every other year. If you run a lot of dirt/dusty roads they may need cleaning more often.

The gasket should be saveable, especially if you greased one side before putting the cover on. Your friction zone should have moved to almost all the way out with the lever, if it's still slipping I'd have to ask, what oil are you running?

Don don't trust you Carl, after all you are a butcher by trade!

Hang in there Scott, There is a special place for people like you,,,, A patch of grass behind a gas station with plenty of tent space for you and Tippy. Before you know it you'll be over this bump in the road and chasing your front wheel once again ! AND Get well FAST

Thanks for the offers fellas, any suggestions on a suitable amp?

I'll get the mounting sorted out before I get there. Now to figure out which amp to get. I do have an old 50W Jensen amp on the shelf in the garage. Is there such a thing as a high power output but low power consumption amp? If I remember right, the Polks are rated to 150W

I finally had a chance to go for a ride after rebuilding the forks and installing Sonic 1.2 springs, Belray 15W fork oil set at 5" with 1" of spring preload. At 1st it didn't feel much different then I started to hit the twisties, this is where my opinion started to change, the bike tracked much more sure footed, hitting bumps, dips and small potholes are no longer a buttpuckering event, the front end stayed planted and no longer felt like it was going to wash out [emoji3] . My second concern was using 15W oil, upon recommendation by @Rick Butler , my concern was put to rest on the first ride. The bike handled all the different road conditions well, without being too stiff and harsh. I highly recommend this upgrade to anyone who's bike does not feel planted in turns or dives when getting on the front brakes. That's my story and I'm stickin to it.

I have been wanting to add an amp to my audio system on the 2nd gen, the problem is I'm not very confident of my abilities when it comes to electrical stuff. Is there anyone that's done an amp install on their 2nd gen that would be willing to help me with that at Freebirds on Saturday? I upgraded the speakers to Polks 2 years ago.

I'll put that one on the bucket list for next time I'm out there. We're not going to have time during this trip. Thanks for the tip.

Lucky the gators didn't make lunch of him!

They are rock solid if you have some Carbon One crash bar braces installed. Otherwise pull straight out to the sides on the front crash bars

Don, I'll actually be staying in Roberts, Mt. , at a friends house, which is North of Red Lodge by 12 miles . I have been out there several times already and have done the loop you talk about. Beartooth and Chief Joseph are just a day ride from Wayne's house and we will ride those again this time. Last time there we did a loop that included Cooke city, Gardner, W. Yellowstone, Jackson Hole, Riverton, Cody then back to Wayne's. The next day we loaded the 4 wheelers and went to St. Anthony's sand dunes in Idaho for 3 days. Check out some of the dunes videos on youtube. Especially Choked Cherry dune This time our ride will take us North & West to Going to the sun road & Glacier NP.

Good plan Condor. I like to have more than 2, I have had straps fail on me. I also like to have straps on the back end of the bike to keep the rear from shifting on the trailer. I try to tie it down so it will stay on the trailer even if it flips over!

I'll be in Montana in July and Glacier NP is on the agenda, has anyone ridden this route from Red Lodge to Glacier NP? Looking for opinions/ advise on this route I'm going to suggest to others in the group. Mapquest link for proposed route http://mapq.st/1DgvMsv

That's why I stated "as close to the risers as possible" but you are correct, there is that possibility if too much force is used. Don is using a wheel chock so there's no need for aggressive fork compression.

Also DO NOT leave it in gear, as any rocking motion will cause the pistons to move in the bore without lubrication. Not good for long hauls.

I remember that hydrographics post, that was some kool stuff.

Looks nice! Any pics of them installed?

These are the point I use for tie down. I use strap extenders on the handlebars to get the ratchet strap hook away from the paint and put them as close to the riser as possible. Use ratchet straps NOT cam straps.

Thought that may ellicit a responce from you! Lol Anyway Congrats on this milestone. Only true love stays together for 48 blissful years, here's to 48 more

Too many Rum balls folks,,, [emoji12]