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Custom Vehicle Discussions => Screamin’ Eagle® Softail® Springer® => Topic started by: bc on May 21, 2007, 09:48:07 AM
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It was kind of a nasty day, but it was yesterday or 2 weeks from now, so ...
Rode my Deuce through the rain to the dealer (50 miles), finally hitting some sun with 10 miles to go. The new bike checked out fine visually and in a parking lot run, and after forking over the $$, I hit the road home ... hitting the rain on the way back again. It sure doesn't look like a showroom bike now, even with only 66 miles on it! The first detail has to wait until this weekend, though.
Terrific ride, and the front-end is better than the Deuce's, as expected. Handling, over all, seems a little better too. There is definitely less front-end dive in the Springer. I really can't say anything about motor performance yet, as I like to baby a bike through break-in. I don't think I cracked it over about 3100 and 50/55. It's definitely a hot engine. It was pretty hot coming off the rear cylinder, even though the air temp was only 60.
As reported elsewhere, the headlight vibrates. While that's good for being seen, I don't know how it will be for my own visibility at night.
The stock seat stinks. I was actually sore when I got home ... after only 50 miles! This was disappointing, as I like the look, but didn't have high expectations for it, either. Oh well, a reach seat would be a bit more comfortable anyway.
I had a few footpeg problems. The right rear passenger footpeg contacts the pipe when flipped up. I'll probably just take the passenger pegs off, as if I'm going to replace the stock seat, I'll put a solo saddle on anyway. My right foot came flying off the right driver peg when the bolt loosened and the peg spun on me. That had to wait until home to fix. No loctite on the threads. When I fixed it, I also took the opportunity to rotate the left peg forward a bit as the stock position was a little tight for upshifting.
She's staying stock until the 1,000. Then it's pipes, SERT, K&N element, and windshield.
I'm still looking for a good SERT tuner in New England. I called Meredith HD, who has a dyno. The guy I talked to, however, said that he'd only need a half-hour, given what I was planning for upgrades. On one hand that makes some sense, particularly if he has a map for the exact mods. On the other hand, it also sounds like that's all I'd get, i.e., the bike wouldn't be individually tuned. Opinions?
bc
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Congratulations. :huepfenjump3: :bananarock:
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Congrats on picking up the new scoot, enjoy the riding.
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Congrats and have fun. What color is your new scoot? I was going with the SERT and got talked into the Zippers ThunderMax with the Auto Tune module. It runs like a dream. I put in SE-257 cams and VH Big Radius pipes and NO stumbling, pops or backfires at all. It runs cooler too (205 to 215 on oil temps) The more I ride it the better it runs. Just had it in for the 1000 mile check and plugs were perfect color and even the mechanic was impressed when he took it for a test ride. Putting it on the Dyno next week for piece of mind on AFR numbers not so much HP/TQ. Again have fun!
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Congrats and have fun. What color is your new scoot? I was going with the SERT and got talked into the Zippers ThunderMax with the Auto Tune module. It runs like a dream. I put in SE-257 cams and VH Big Radius pipes and NO stumbling, pops or backfires at all. It runs cooler too (205 to 215 on oil temps) The more I ride it the better it runs. Just had it in for the 1000 mile check and plugs were perfect color and even the mechanic was impressed when he took it for a test ride. Putting it on the Dyno next week for piece of mind on AFR numbers not so much HP/TQ. Again have fun!
Took some time to decide between red and blue, but went with the blue. I've always had black bikes, and like the look lower key.
I may end up the Tmax or PC if I can't find a SERT tuner. Something about Zipper's pricing bugs me, though. I understand the value of auto tune and all that vs. the cost of dyno runs, but it still seems like they charge too much. Gotta take care of the heat, though, and much as I like my dealer (honest, plus fair pricing), they take a hard line on warranty stuff, which could drive me to the PC, even though it would otherwise be a last choice.
I'm havin' a blast. Never thought I'd enjoy a springer so much. Shoulda got one years ago.
bc
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Hey BC,
Would love to see some pics even if it is not detailed. Thanx for the ride report. I am getting more and more excited about picking up mine. Was thinking about a new seat also, just from reading opinions like yours. Is the paint as visually stunning as most say, regarding pictures vs reality?
L8R
Seegarz
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Glad to hear you got your scoot and enjoying it :2vrolijk_21:
Boy that s..ks that the local dealership didn't do a good pm on your scoot
There is no way that foot peg should have gotton loose within 50 miles :nixweiss:
Find a really good tuner and go with his suggestion on the pipes and tuner....IMHO
jeffj
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BC,
Congrats on the bike,
I usually dont care for springers...but after seeing on at my dealer...WOW!!!
I sit on it everytime I go to the shop...wish I could afford it! It was red. Havnt seen the blue...so post up some pics.
Barry
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Congrats on the new bike
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Congratulations!!!!!! :coolblue:
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Congratulations
But :worthless: of your bike ! :2vrolijk_21:
Jacques
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Congrats on the new scoot!
As far as the tune goes it sounds like the dealer is just going to load a canned map. To get the bike to run at its peak it should individuallty Dyno tuned.
Good luck!
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HD-dude,
I think a canned map will do wonders on a new bike for the heating issues due to the EPA BS It probably wont garner him the best HP/TQ numbers but will be better until he can put all of the break in miles necessary to do the high rev dyno testing that is necessary to tune it to the best advantage of the bike. Best to can it until the break in is done then dyno the chit out of it; JMHO. :2vrolijk_21: :bananarock:
Seegarz
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Hey BC,
Would love to see some pics even if it is not detailed. Thanx for the ride report. I am getting more and more excited about picking up mine. Was thinking about a new seat also, just from reading opinions like yours. Is the paint as visually stunning as most say, regarding pictures vs reality?
L8R
Seegarz
Can't post pics, unfortunately. My dig. camera "disappeared" during our move-in last fall. The paint is excellent, but (IMO) varies from pretty low-key in the case of the blue, to pretty well stunning in the red. Personally I don't like the tangerine. I like the red, but it has enough orange in it that I thought I might get tired of it. Even the blue pops in the sunlight, though. The graphics are placed right where the sun hits the top curves of the tank.
500 miles later, and I'm still impressed with the front-end handling vs. conventional forks. I've also had a chance to start opening it up a bit. Lots of power, but you can feel that the motor is capable of a lot more.
bc
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Find a really good tuner and go with his suggestion on the pipes and tuner....IMHO
jeffj
I think you're right. Stopped at Heritage HD in Concord NH this weekend. They have a dyno and do SERT tuning - but will only install pipes "that they know will pass inspection." Since NH actually has a pretty reasonable noise-level approach, it was kind of odd that they only allowed their techs to install ONE aftermarket slip-on (yep, one) on Softails.
bc
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Congrats on the bike. I've mine for about 6 months ( mostly winter though ) and just took it to M Beach for the Spring rally. 3300 miles so far - going in for new head gaskets next week. Hey - that's what the warranty is for right?
You'll love the bike - I've got a 97 Heritage Springer too and wouldn't get rid of it for the world.
That Harley dealer that won't put pipes on is making my head hurt ! Tell him to go sell BMW's
-Beerman
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Hey Beerman,
You leaking or just want a gasket replacement? Seems a little early for that kinda thing, no? :nixweiss: :-X
Seegarz
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That Harley dealer that won't put pipes on is making my head hurt ! Tell him to go sell BMW's
-Beerman
Man, do you have that right.
I finally found a SERT tuner in the area. Got some opinions over the phone, too, along the lines of "HD's pipes are mostly crap" and they'd be able to direct me to some better options, depending on what I wanted to accomplish. At $85/hour for dyno time, they're more reasonable than Heritage HD, too (they're $100).
bc
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I have 2 leaking head gaskets - both going to be fixed after the new parts come in next week.
Wait and see what happens - too early to start bitching.
Glad I have a couple of other bikes, it's too nice out to drive a car !!
-Beerman
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...please keep us posted.
Seegarz :(
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Congrats on the new scoot :2vrolijk_21:
but :worthless: