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Vicenzajay
Posted on Saturday, August 17, 2013 - 08:18 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

New rear turn signals on!

Love 'em - very small footprint and yet quite bright (non LED). Definitely reduced the rear footprint of the bike, making it much less "look at my antennae!"
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Kenny_gilgore
Posted on Saturday, August 17, 2013 - 09:14 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Jay,

Did you use turn signals from Amazon?

If so, how about posting a link.

KennyG
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Kenny_gilgore
Posted on Saturday, August 17, 2013 - 09:24 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Had my new "scooter" tires installed today and then went for a 70 mile ride. What a difference the tires make in handling. We used a "Pit Bull Jack" for the rear tire and a floor jack under the factory muffler to change the front tire.

With the clutch and primary chain now properly adjusted, and a new vent tube fitted it was a pleasure to ride.

And the neighbor kids didn't holler "grind me a pound" when I put the blast in gear.

I really appreciate the help from you guys.

KennyG
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Gearheaderiko
Posted on Saturday, August 17, 2013 - 10:19 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Great to hear you're finally enjoying your Blast! Glad to help: )


Apparently I missed a few posts:
"The mechanic told me he saved me an hour and a half labor by not cleaning the carburetor. " Sounds like a good guy ; )
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Vicenzajay
Posted on Sunday, August 18, 2013 - 12:09 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Kenny G,

Of course - here's the link for the ones I went with:

http://www.amazon.com/BikeMaster-Universal-Mini-St alk-Signal-122-9850/dp/B0012TRKGA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UT F8&qid=1376797755&sr=8-2&keywords=ministalk+turn+s ignals

They are simple, single filament models with black wires for signal and black/white for ground. Of note - I had to wedge some toothpick ends into the sockets along with the signals' contacts as they were much slimmer than the Blast's OEM signal jacks. I didn't want to crimp down the signal jack receptacles in order for there to be a possibility (who knows?) to go back to OEM turn signals if desired. I then used electrical tape around the receptacles and the "pairs" in order to make a professional grouping that was secure and wouldn't allow the slimmer contacts to slip in the future. Finally I zip-tied the wires together as they were from the factory. They work great, are very bright - and, in my opinion, really slim down the rear profile of the bracket altogether.

I'll take a picture here shortly and get it posted up for reference...

Cheers,
Jay
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Vicenzajay
Posted on Sunday, August 18, 2013 - 12:11 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Here's a quick picture of those turn signals:

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Kenny_gilgore
Posted on Sunday, August 18, 2013 - 01:25 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Jay,

They look good.

I have a couple of turn signal on my Blast that are scuffed up from the previous owner dropping the bike. I am going to replace them with the same ones you have.

Speaking of the previous owner, the left hand head light holder has been bent, and does anyone know if I have to drop the forks to put a new one on?

KennyG
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Vicenzajay
Posted on Sunday, August 18, 2013 - 01:32 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Can I start another topic? I'd love to know "how to know" whether or not I need to adjust timing on my motor.....and then, of course, I really need a "timing for idiots" description on how to do it on a Blast.

:-)
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Gearheaderiko
Posted on Sunday, August 18, 2013 - 01:36 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

No. They can be bent open and bent back closed with little consequence. That being said however, they can just as easily (very easily) be bent back into shape after a drop. I would save my money.
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Gearheaderiko
Posted on Sunday, August 18, 2013 - 01:42 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Your timing never (never) needs to be adjusted. The only way it can go out of time is if you have a loose or bad module, loose timing cup, bad cam gear.
Timing never goes out of adjustment on its own. In the old days of points, as the points would wear, timing would shift.
Timing can be adjusted for better performance or to compensate for extended engine wear. But it won't go out of adjustment on its own without needing parts replaced.

(Message edited by Gearheaderiko on August 18, 2013)
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Vicenzajay
Posted on Sunday, August 18, 2013 - 01:49 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Okay - that's great to know...:-)
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Vicenzajay
Posted on Friday, August 23, 2013 - 11:30 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Got a question over on the knowledge vault forum (cleaning thread) about what to use on the metal frame uppers near the fairing and seat. Story is over there - I'm not a newbie to working on finishes....actually have won a couple of car shows in the distant past. However, my efforts to remove scuffing from throw-over saddlebags have backfired and the metal looks dirty and yucky now (but very shiny and yucky - go figure).

Need help knowing what will buff that metal out to a uniform color...
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Ezblast
Posted on Saturday, August 24, 2013 - 01:15 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Paint
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Gearheaderiko
Posted on Saturday, August 24, 2013 - 09:56 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Concur, paint. They overlooked that the paint would quickly discolour and wear through on the y-frames.
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Sycho
Posted on Saturday, August 24, 2013 - 01:46 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Does Powdercoating last longer than paint? Meaning, does it hold up better to rubbing from saddlebags or boots?
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Kenny_gilgore
Posted on Saturday, August 24, 2013 - 04:10 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Sycho,

My experience with powder coating is that it is superior to paint as far as abrasion resistance. In fact if it is cured properly it is almost impossible to hand sand through the finish to bare metal.

I would mention to the coating company that you want maximum abrasion resistance.

KennyG
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Vicenzajay
Posted on Sunday, August 25, 2013 - 12:19 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Thanks, Kenny G...

Of note - I did get some Meguiars Ultimate Compound this evening and try it. It definitely helped. It's not perfect, but now it doesn't look so "shmucky"
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Vicenzajay
Posted on Wednesday, September 04, 2013 - 11:40 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I'm going to order the racing plug that EZ recommends - what size socket works with the Blast's spark plug?
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Vicenzajay
Posted on Monday, September 09, 2013 - 01:41 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Just going to say again that I really love riding my Blast.

I'll try to put that in perspective - I originally bought the Blast as a "crawl, walk, run" step into the 1200 Custom I had ordered about 8 months ago. It had been 30 years since I'd ridden, and I wanted to take it slow.

Well, I got the Blast the first week of June this year. Promptly had the Dunlops (the front tire) completely fail me during my MSF safety class - and as a result, I put quite a bit of time into fixing the bike as well as detailing it out, upgrading parts that needed it, and overall just taking care of it as it had been stored outside for years before I bought it.

I've since put about 3,000 miles on it before last week. Frankly, it seems as if I've lived on the Blast. My son and wife have ridden 2-up on it with me for probably 500 of those miles as well, so the entire family has enjoyed it. Everyone has helped changed the fluids, clean the bike, change parts, hold tools, pour over manuals - you get the idea.

Anyway - I took delivery of the Sportster last Saturday - and I've obviously got to Stage 1 the bike, etc. It's a nice machine, and I think I'm really going to like the bike.

But I LOVE the Blast - there's a difference. I came home this week (I live about three hours from where I work during the week) and promptly jumped on the Blast and rode it about 50 miles all over Whidbey Island. It's just in a different class with respect to handling, cornering, and just plain fun.

Just wanted to share - I know I'm going to like the new Sportster....but the Blast is "the one".

Cheers - Jay
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Ezblast
Posted on Monday, September 09, 2013 - 02:00 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Why I sold the CR.
EZ
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Gearheaderiko
Posted on Thursday, September 12, 2013 - 06:50 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

If I had to choose only one bike to have (within reason-Vincent doesnt make a reasonable list), it would be a Sportster. Big enough to travel, small enough to take anywhere and still fun in the twisties! But I havent had to make that choice in some time; )

Why you'd take a brand new bike and make it stage one is beyond me. You dont even know how fast it is yet, so where is the joy in making it faster? It is a nice bike though.
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Gearheaderiko
Posted on Thursday, September 12, 2013 - 06:50 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

PS ....and nothing is as reliable as bone stock.
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Vicenzajay
Posted on Saturday, September 14, 2013 - 01:03 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Erik,

I could care less about one more horsepower - I just want the engine to run cooler and correctly - that's all.

No kidding, these first two weeks I've ridden it 500 miles for the break in period - and it is running HOT, HOT, HOT...

Thus the stage 1...and it will only be a good air cleaner with a Power Vision remap to bring the AFR up and the temps down. I don't want faster - just cooler and less lean.
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Gearheaderiko
Posted on Saturday, September 14, 2013 - 04:13 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

My apologies. I've just seen so many people buy new Harleys and just immediately start throwing money at them in chrome and performance parts. Then they just sit in the garage. Yours is a thought out modification with long term benefits beyond the usual ego boost and bragging rights.
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Gearheaderiko
Posted on Saturday, September 14, 2013 - 08:59 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Does your Sportster have catalytic converters? Those suckers get really hot
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Vicenzajay
Posted on Sunday, September 15, 2013 - 03:25 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Erik,

No worries - I understood your sentiment exactly. It's one of the reasons even the air cleaner assembly I'm getting still fits in the OEM enclosure. For all intents and purposes, the bike will look completely stock.

What I have bought for it cosmetically are things that help my purpose as a commuter. It has a great sissy bar/luggage rack on there now that I installed - so my son and wife can ride 2-up relatively comfortably and I get another bag when carrying my stuff south for the work week.

Mine is the 49 state emissions version, so it's not supposed to have catalytic converters. I haven't noticed them in the pipes, so I think I'm good on that score. It was still running very hot - I got the Power Vision from Fuelmoto yesterday and Jamie sent along a stock air cleaner/pipes improved tune for the ECM. Just a touch (not very much at all) richer with some other minor changes in the tune. I rode it for about 5 minutes after flashing the ECM - enough to tell the bike was running fine, but not enough to report on operating temp, etc. Later this week (I'm off work for a bit, yay) I'll run it for a while and get a better feel for it.

I'm going to wait until after the 1000 miles service to install the new air cleaner - it's the XLFLOW-S1 made by figuremachine.com. I have Jamie sending me a tune for that combination as well, so once that's in and the fuel control is working well, I'll be "done" tweaking.

Anyway, thanks for the great words. I'm hoping I take to it for the same reasons - small enough to be fun but large enough to travel :-)

Back to Blasting, though - I got to ride the Thumper for a while today...such fun :-)

Oh - anyone have the size offhand for the Blast's spark plug socket? I need to get a dedicated socket for it and would like to do that without popping off the gas tank to measure (I should have done this when I first replaced the spark plug 3 months ago...).

Cheers, Jay
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Ezblast
Posted on Sunday, September 15, 2013 - 01:12 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Should be same size as sportster.
EZ
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Gearheaderiko
Posted on Sunday, September 15, 2013 - 01:30 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Concur. But replacement plugs can have different sizes, but you can never have too many tools!


You would know if it had catylitic converters, they get really, really hot. Stupid hot for something so close to your legs. The bike also runs soooo much better without them too!
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Sycho
Posted on Sunday, September 15, 2013 - 03:38 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I use an 18mm wrench for my Iridium Plug. It's a closed end wrench but it ratchets so I can slip it over the plug without taking the tank off.
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Kenny_gilgore
Posted on Sunday, September 15, 2013 - 03:46 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I tried to adjust my Blast primary chain by sound, and with the adjusting bolt turned out as far as it would go I didn't hear any clattering at idle speed. So I turned it back in to where it had been with 12 flats out adjustment. Is it possible the engine has to be revving faster than idle to hear the clatter?

KennyG
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