| Author | Message | ||
     Dwolk |
1) Lost a helmet today. Thought I had secured it really well to the tail of my XB12s, but a passing Harley pointed out the loose tied-downs...Can anyone suggest a successful method for carrying a second-helmet so it doesn't go bouncing off the semi coming up from behind? 2) My engine light came on today several times, NY State Thruway, speeds around 80, temp 100+. When I pulled over, I shut the bike off for a minute or two (but not really long enough to cool the bike down), started her up and the light was out. Anyone know what this means? Bike has oil and all fluids. | ||
| Max |
Well one thing wear fu'd helmet  ...Your being a squid.If not for yourself for your luv ones.Wouldn't lose it if was on your fu'd head.Wear dam brain bucket. Check oil your level. What oil weight running. | ||
| Cdallen |
I think we should probably check facts before going off on some one... 1st NY has a helmet law and 2nd he already stated "Bike has oil and all fluids." | ||
| Tomd |
Dwolk, Ah yes, the dreaded second lid. I've lost many of them through the years. The only way I have found to make sure I still have it on the bike at the end of the day is to have it in either a tank bag or saddle bag-trunk. I have lost them with bungies, nets, cables. The engine light could have been from getting hot and skipping a few sparks. If however it threw a code it should still be readable. If it's running well and the light goes out within the proper time frame when you start it, I would guess the overheat/spark skip routine. Tom | ||
| Cajunrph |
Hey Mad Max he said Can anyone suggest a successful method for carrying a second-helmet Read the post before you pop off. | ||
| Frausty12r |
not sure about the trunk space on the S model, but on my R model I've found a way to clip the D-rings on the second lid to the s-hook on a bungee web, which I stuff in the trunk, then orient it in a way in which the open side is facing down (so the d-ring can not slip off the top of the s-hook). Then Put the pillion seat on and voila. presto-change-o the lid is secure. I've made several 300 mile trips in excess of 100 mph with no loss. did have it spin around backwards, almost thought I lost it but a simple spare hand back to face it the right way and it hung on. (forgive the post, I've got about 5 beers down in about 40 mins. saturday night, not riding, time to get hammeredededed) | ||
| Tq_freak |
AMEN to that frausty..im in the same boat you are in brother | ||
| Dwolk |
I'll try your suggestion Frausty12r, it's just that spare-hand backward slap that I've got to work on. And since the second helmet was an expensive one, but really meant for friends and family at lower speeds around town, I guess I can spring for one of those softer and therefore safer and cheaper and better low speed helmets like the Z1R ZRP-1 I've been reading about. As for the engine light, thanks Tomd, for the info. I'm about to change/upgrade sparkplugs so that may make a difference. And I'll check the codes first chance. Thanks everyone, Dwolk | ||
| Max |
Sorry thought It was primary one. My bust !!!!!!I was wrong kick in butt and slap like red head step child. Yes I Made Mistake DumDASS ALert (Message edited by max on August 14, 2005) | ||
| Bruceclay |
Not a lot of experience in this myself but the only way I have done it is to bungee net it to the seat open end to the front, then I strap it to my belt. | ||
| Chainsaw |
Use chin strap to secure it to passenger grap strap (tighten thru visor) and bungee net. | ||
| Truk |
I understand you are having a heat wave. What weight oil are you using? Perhaps if it is not the right weight for he temp, this could be the cause for the engine getting too hot | ||
| Tomzweifel |
The best way I've found to carry a helmet:  Go to Home Depot / Lowes. In the hardware aisle you'll see a bunch of Velcro brand straps in different sizes. Get this one depicted here:  1) Buckle the chin strap, make it as wide open as possible. Face the helmet aft, then put the tip of the seat into the chin strap to provide forward restraint. 2) Lay the strap fuzzy side down on the bike just forward of the aluminum tongue on the passenger seat. 3) Latch down the passenger seat over the velcro strap, then cinch the strap down tight under the visor, and close visor. If you did it right, when you pop the seat back off, this is what it should look like:  Total cost: $2.25 for each strap (they come in packs of two, sorry!) | ||
| Dwolk |
I should have asked how to secure a helmet before I lost one. Great advice and terrific pictures---thanks for the details. As for engine oil, I'm using SAE 20/50 and yes it's only been 100+ for the last month...or so it seems... And Max, don't feel to bad, I'm the one that lost my Shoei, all you did was speed-read the post... | ||
| Davefla |
Max, you're hilarious. I hope everybody doesn't slap their redheaded stepchild! (Message edited by davefla on August 14, 2005) | ||
| Truk |
Any modifications to the bike's engine... Muffler, K&N , etc... If so could it be running lean and thus a bit hotter than it should? Combine that with the heat wave and the ambient heat from the traffic, congestion and pavement of NY Turnpike could this be the reason for running hot??? Also, my handbook says if you are using HD oil, it says to use SAE 50 instead of 20W50 if the lowest ambient temp is 60 degrees.. | ||
| Frausty12r |
He's in upstate NY, the lowest ambient temp is probably closer to 20-30*F in which case 10w-40 would be suitable, but 20w-50 is fine, just doesn't allow for "Great" cold starts (when it's cold outside) | ||
| Truk |
Frausty - During the summer the lowest ambient temp in upsate NY is still 20-30*F? I am here in SC so obviously I don't know? | ||
| Frausty12r |
I didn't say that it was, the idea behind oil is you stick with the "lightest" weight given the temp. If he wants to change the oil for the summer season, and use SAE50 so be it, it's not a requirement. That table is in there for people who live in lets say... FLORIDA where the annual ambient temp is closer to 60*. Regardless 20w50 would still be enough protection for the bike in the summer months in upstate new york. (Except maybe this summer when it's been hotter than hell everywhere) Who knows, I'm no HD Buell Tech, but most engines don't like slapping around heavier oil as it does reduce windage, just making a comment on my knowledge of automobiles, perhaps I have a lot to learn about the 45* v-twin which I've come to love. *side note, no need to make a snide comment "I am here in SC so obviously I don't know?" I'm in florida, and I've got the news too. | ||
| Truk |
Frausty - Honestly didn't mean that as a snide comment. Sorry you took it that way. Just my way of admitting my lack of knowledge regarding the temp in upstate NY, that is all | ||
| Frausty_void |
My apologies for taking offense, can I buy you a cyber beer? and we can talk about the weather in upstate new york? *grin*  | ||
| Truk |
No problem... I understand this isn't the best medium for effective communication. I appreciate you bringing it to my attention so I could explain. Cyber beer would be great....Better yet, perhaps some day we will run into each other and we can have have the real thing, and there is no need to pick up the tab, we can just discuss our mutual admiration for a great motorcyle and motorcylcing over a cold one |
