RedRider

That's the one I have also. However, the shell casing idea is interesting. The valve stem cover is pretty cool. FYI, I would suggest next time you replace your front tire, replace the stem with a metal one. The additional weight of the shell is pretty minor, but there are a lot of shock/vibration on the wheels that might cause some difficulties. Did you epoxy a standard valve cap into the shell? RR

Look at the rear fender just above the rear brake caliper. You may need to open the saddlebag to see it. If there is a ding where the caliper hit the fender, the shock is shot. Not the only sign, but when my shock died on the way back from Houston (it wanted to stay at Squidley and Lonna's), a big bump put a ding there. RR

I'm not buying what the rep said with the demise of the VMax. Too soon since they redesigned it. Now, putting the VMax engine in a new Venture? Now your talkin'. RR

If you get the splitter, you can store the BT receiver inside the faring. Doubt it is waterproof, and it will clean up the look. RR

No, not really. I just happen to get a good deal on them when I needed to replace my original OEM. RR

I made no changes to my carbs when I installed K&N filters. Pilot screws are 2.5 turns. RR

I have a Cyclegear magnetic tank bag. Just about any will work. To help keep everything from running down towards the seat, I put a rolled up towel under the back to make it more level. RR

58k miles? Barely broken in. 158k, still solid. 258k, maybe think of upgrading. RR

Well done. To do this under 16 hours shows discipline of a true LD rider. Congrats. RR

Announcement of the latest addition to the concert lineup at Buffalo Chip. http://tinyurl.com/kd4jfd2 RR

Saddle Sore 1000. It is an entry ride for the Iron Butt Association. 1000 miles (1600km) in 24 hours. One of the other entry rides is the Bun Burner 1500 (BB1500). This is 1500 miles in 36 hours. RR

And they are fairly inexpensive. RR

Heading out today to visit my eldest son in Phoenix (recently moved there from Austin). He has the St Jude auction bike purchased a couple of years ago. Looking forward to going for a ride in the warmth and sunshine. Oh, looking forward to seeing my son also. RR

Puc, If'n you are ever wantin' to put a few miles on a 2nd gen, let me know. You are welcome to take mine for a little ride of a couple of days to try it out. Just don't do anything rash like wash it. I have the patina just like I want it. It has raising links, bar risers, and a custom seat (driver only, navigator seat is still stock). Lemme know. RR

IIRC, it is actually less expensive to just replace the slave cylinder rather than rebuild it. RR

Hey, aren't you the husband of that great gal that make rockin' good cheesecakes? Good to see you back. RR

You can do a same day passport at the following locations: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports/information/where-to-apply/agencies.html Otherwise, expedited is 3 weeks turn around by mail. Best bet, if it is convenient, have your son go the the closest US Embassy or Consulate and renew it from China before he comes home. RR

You going to bring this up to the Fond du Lac field for testing? Would love to see it fly. RR

The verification process is all done by volunteers. It sometimes takes a while.

You can get a good improvement with the Sylvania UltraStar headlight. The other option is to go with an H4 HID conversion. Options available from about $60 to several hundred. As for running lights, there are several LED lights available that will mount next to your front wheel at the end of the forks. RR

If you aren't letting the bike/battery sit for an extended time, just do the sensor bypass. What kind of new battery did you get? Lead/acid or AGM? If AGM, it isn't going to leak anyway. Don't drill any holes in the battery. Besides, doing so is just putting in a bypass at the battery instead of behind the faring. Cleaning options? I'm not the right guy to ask about that. RR

Congratulations. Welcome to the club. Well done.

Sounds like you have good plans together to make your new Connie 'all yours'. If I might make a suggestion - You have budgeted $1000 for a Corbin/Sargent seat. For that money you can get a customized Russell Day Long saddle with heat and backrest. It will be a seat customized to YOU, and not just a more comfortable version of a stock seat. It is the seat of choice for all the Long Distance guys (me included) and is the most comfortable seat on the market. Custom Motorcycle Seats and Touring Saddles - "Day-Long" Touring Saddles and Motorcycle Seats by Russell Cycle Products RR

A BBGold (1500 miles in 24 hours) is not an entry level IB ride. Not easy even for seasoned IB riders. I expect you meant 1000 / 24. RR

Poor word choice on my part. Meant next generation. Nothing concrete, just rumor from the Kawa guys at the Chicago bike show. You know how accurate those rumors are. RR