Topic: After a few days on the Spiced Rum (Read 7870 times)

dustingaunder · « **on:** March 30, 2010, 08:10:58 PM »

Now that I've ridden it for 5 days straight I figure it's worth doing an initial review and mod list.

The bike has plenty of power and rides very well with the preload set at 8 turns. I'm a big boy at 270# give or take and 8 turns works well for me. When my wife and I ride two up I give it a couple more turns and the ride is phenomenal. I'm really surprised how well it handles two up. I've ridden my dad's 08 Road King Classic a little, but most of my recent experience is on a 2007 Yamaha V-Star 1100. One up on that bike was fun, but two up with both our big behinds (I love a woman with a little meat) on it was not good. It was spongy in the corners and low speed handling was bad since she sat up so much higher than I did. One complaint is the sound. It sounds like an under powered lawn mower running and I'm almost embarrassed to rev it up at any time. The windshield looks great on the bike, but I want to ride the bike so it's got to go. I get buffeting at speeds over 55 or so. 70+ the buffeting is unbearable. It rattles my head so much I can hardly see if the wind is right. I already ordered a dark smoke Clearview 8" recurve so I'll report back on that when I get it. Overall, I'm very happy with the bike. I'd been hoping they'd come out with a SESG in 2010 for a couple years now. When I laid eyes on the SR in August I knew I had to have one. Everything worked out and my dealer told me she was getting her last one in March or early April so I got my name on it and finally picked it up on 3/26.

It has been pretty cool here since I picked it up, but it was almost 80 today and while the heat was not bothersome today, it was noticeable. I'll report back when it really warms up into the 90s and 100s, but maybe it won't be a problem....*crosses fingers* I noticed when I stop the top of the head touches the inside of my leg sometimes and it is pretty hot. Doesn't burn me though my jeans, but it doesn't feel good. I'm going to look into those covers that come on the Ultras for this.

Here she is on pickup day! I haven't been able to think of a name yet though.

dustingaunder · « **Reply #1 on:** March 30, 2010, 08:16:18 PM »

As for mods, I already mentioned the windshield. I'm also considering matching passenger floorboards and moving the pegs to the engine guards. That one depends on the wife and how she feels about the pegs on a longer trip. Just around town she likes them OK, but my money is on our first out of town trip she'll start dropping hints about them. I am probably going to do the HID head lamp as well. It is ok, but I'd like it a little brighter.

My biggest question I guess is the pipes. I really need to address the sound of this bike. I don't want to blast my sound at everyone, but a little more grumble would make my lawn mower jealous instead of the other way around. I'm wanting to get the Fullsac 2" baffles and remove the catalytic converter. No big deal, it probably won't take any time to do these two tasks one rainy weekend this spring. My concern is tuning. I really don't want to drop the $$ on a SERT or PC-V. Will the stock tuning properly adjust for the increased flow or will I have to break down and get the computer?

Georgehjr · « **Reply #2 on:** March 30, 2010, 08:51:44 PM »

Well we also got to ride today, 375 miles, total now 600, She looks good after a long day.....bike not bad either

Anyway , couple of things:

Windshield : the new Harley shield is not much better, will have X-Screen this week to test.

Sound: cant not hear at 70 plus, not sure if it's me, the windshield, or the speakers, My thoughts are I need the new J&M and an new amp set up.
and yes the pipes suck, I think I am riding my Yamaha...

Need floor boards for her if we are doing any long two up, but that's what the Ultra is for , this bike is to be my one up bike

and can't wait for the Corbin Seat.

Also she wants a higher backrest.

But on a good thing, WOW even babying the bike for break in, the power is great , cant wait to cut it loose. speeds where between 70-80 on I95 riding from West Palm Beach back to Daytona mileage was about 30mpg

RedDevil · « **Reply #3 on:** March 30, 2010, 10:11:03 PM »

Quote from: dustingaunder on March 30, 2010, 08:16:18 PM

As for mods, I already mentioned the windshield. I'm also considering matching passenger floorboards and moving the pegs to the engine guards. That one depends on the wife and how she feels about the pegs on a longer trip. Just around town she likes them OK, but my money is on our first out of town trip she'll start dropping hints about them. I am probably going to do the HID head lamp as well. It is ok, but I'd like it a little brighter.

My biggest question I guess is the pipes. I really need to address the sound of this bike. I don't want to blast my sound at everyone, but a little more grumble would make my lawn mower jealous instead of the other way around. I'm wanting to get the Fullsac 2" baffles and remove the catalytic converter. No big deal, it probably won't take any time to do these two tasks one rainy weekend this spring. My concern is tuning. I really don't want to drop the $$ on a SERT or PC-V. Will the stock tuning properly adjust for the increased flow or will I have to break down and get the computer?

If you're going to change out the pipes and mufflers, then yes, you'll need to retune the bike, it is already running lean and with the freer flowing exhaust, it will run even more lean. The stock ECM map will not be able to compensate for that much change. You'd probably be okay if you just change the mufflers and leave the stock headers on, but you'll still be running lean and hotter. Get the tuner and get it set up right.

Chains · « **Reply #4 on:** March 30, 2010, 10:14:49 PM »

Congratulations on the new bike send us some photos of the mods as you do them

dustingaunder · « **Reply #5 on:** March 30, 2010, 10:35:46 PM »

I found these rattling in the fork sliders. Anyone that's been in the fairing know where they go? Can I ride the bike with them out? How difficult is the front of the fairing to get off? They're probably 1/4" or 5/16".

Briancvo · « **Reply #6 on:** March 31, 2010, 06:12:02 AM »

not sure where they go,but i had the front fairing off this weekend as i did a mirror
modification. It is very easy, loosen 3-screws at the windshield trim and pull windshield
up and off. there are 4 screws on the inside two near your mirrors & two hiding down near the forks.
the last two are a little tricky to get your fingers down in there to get them started when reinstalling.
Once all 7 screws are out the fairing will tip foward (so protect the front fender.) with the fairing tipped
foward unplug the two light plugs,and your off...

dustingaunder · « **Reply #7 on:** March 31, 2010, 08:21:58 AM »

I found out they are the nuts that hold the gauges in the dash. I'll take it off today when I get home and get them back together so I can ride again. I just hope I didn't lose any more of them.

JCZ · « **Reply #8 on:** March 31, 2010, 09:02:49 AM »

You guys just getting your bikes might want to consider the Fullsac baffles (makes em sound like a Harley without being obnoxious) and the Hog Pod tweeters that mount on the dash. You'll be able to hear your bike and the stereo.....even at 80 mph. You will have to retune your bike though (which means you'll need a tuner also).

Congratulations on the new rides, guys.

Georgehjr · « **Reply #9 on:** March 31, 2010, 09:20:51 AM »

Quote from: JCZ on March 31, 2010, 09:02:49 AM

You guys just getting your bikes might want to consider the Fullsac baffles (makes em sound like a Harley without being obnoxious) and the Hog Pod tweeters that mount on the dash. You'll be able to hear your bike and the stereo.....even at 80 mph. You will have to retune your bike though (which means you'll need a tuner also).

Congratulations on the new rides, guys.

What's your opinion of getting the new J&M speakers and there amp set up instead?

dustingaunder · « **Reply #10 on:** March 31, 2010, 10:03:17 AM »

Why won't the bike compensate for the baffle change in closed loop?

What all needs to be done to retune the bike? I don't think my dealer has a dyno.

Boatman · « **Reply #11 on:** March 31, 2010, 10:29:07 AM »

Quote from: dustingaunder on March 31, 2010, 10:03:17 AM

Why won't the bike compensate for the baffle change in closed loop?

What all needs to be done to retune the bike? I don't think my dealer has a dyno.

Purchase the baffles and TTS mastertune from Steve at fullsac and he will provide you with a dynoed map he made from bikes he has had in his shop with the same mods as you.

dustingaunder · « **Reply #12 on:** March 31, 2010, 11:07:32 AM »

Is that better than going with the SERT?

worshipduder · « **Reply #13 on:** March 31, 2010, 12:48:11 PM »

IMO yes

mjb765 · « **Reply #14 on:** March 31, 2010, 12:53:08 PM »

Quote from: dustingaunder on March 31, 2010, 11:07:32 AM

Is that better than going with the SERT?

Much better....and Steve is very helpful should you have any questions......

dustingaunder · « **Reply #15 on:** March 31, 2010, 01:17:58 PM »

Cool, looks like I'll be saving up a little longer for the full package.

Will the upgrade make the bike run cooler?

mjb765 · « **Reply #16 on:** March 31, 2010, 02:38:49 PM »

cyril · « **Reply #17 on:** March 31, 2010, 02:54:13 PM »

Nice bike i feel sorry for you having to tolerate nearly 80 degrees though can you tell me what its like i can`t remember, i have good knowledge of 45 though.

Enjoy

dustingaunder · « **Reply #18 on:** March 31, 2010, 03:36:06 PM »

Thanks, lol. It is in the low 80s today but windy as hell.

Sapper6 · « **Reply #19 on:** March 31, 2010, 05:49:16 PM »

Quote from: Boatman on March 31, 2010, 10:29:07 AM

Purchase the baffles and TTS mastertune from Steve at fullsac and he will provide you with a dynoed map he made from bikes he has had in his shop with the same mods as you.

This is good advice and often what many of the riders here have done. I'll be one of them when I have a bike to do it with.

The nice addition to the mastertune is that if you are remotely computer savy you can utilize the V-tune feature of the mastertune software. Hook up a laptop to your bike and dyno it yourself. Not really needed if you only make the Fullsac Mods, but if you want to dial the bike in closer to what it should be than you have the option. Also if you make any changes later to the bike you can do your own dyno tuning. There are extensive articles written on the subject on this site. Steve Cole of Mastertune is a member of this site and Steve George of Fullsac is as well. They are both very helpful.

dustingaunder · « **Reply #20 on:** March 31, 2010, 07:16:38 PM »

Sweet. You guys made my mind up. 2" baffles, catectomy, TTS Mastertune from Fullsac.

More pics to tickle your fancies. I just got done waxing her up. Found another chip and a scratch that I didn't cause while doing it. The chip is on the right side panel at the very front point. I expect it to be replaced as it was chipped then clear coated over the chip. The original chip on the fairing will probably get the touch up and the new scratch is inside the speaker well on the right side. I'll probably ignore that one. It is hard to see, but it looks like a little wax left over that won't wipe off.

dustingaunder · « **Reply #21 on:** March 31, 2010, 07:23:36 PM »

Yes, the rear reflector at least will be getting the axe. I just need to get motivated to do it. I've been too busy riding it to care.

slamr · « **Reply #22 on:** March 31, 2010, 07:41:40 PM »

Quote from: Georgehjr on March 31, 2010, 09:20:51 AM

What's your opinion of getting the new J&M speakers and there amp set up instead?

I did the J&M 7.25" speakers without adding an amp. I'm very pleased. Loud and clear at 80 plus with tunes thru my iPhone (mounted in a Riders Claw of course).

Hawg · « **Reply #23 on:** March 31, 2010, 09:17:42 PM »

Quote from: dustingaunder on March 31, 2010, 07:23:36 PM

Yes, the rear reflector at least will be getting the axe. I just need to get motivated to do it. I've been too busy riding it to care.

Lookin' Good what cleaners are you using?

CVOTequila · « **Reply #24 on:** March 31, 2010, 11:17:32 PM »

If you want REAL Harley sound, I would suggest Freedom Racing Duals, they are loud but not so loud it is obnoxious, they just sound good, and it actually sounds like a 110!

dustingaunder · « **Reply #25 on:** April 01, 2010, 07:57:18 AM »

Quote from: Hawg on March 31, 2010, 09:17:42 PM

Lookin' Good what cleaners are you using?

I use Mother's products only. I've always used Mother's on my vehicles and have always been happy so I've never switched, lol!

dustingaunder · « **Reply #26 on:** April 01, 2010, 07:45:14 PM »

Got my 8" recurve from Clearview today. It went in in a matter of a couple minutes and I took it for a test ride. WOW!!! I can't believe I didn't get that before I got the bike. The wind was blowing about 20 mph out of the south and gusting to 30 and when I was riding north at 60-70 it felt like I was cruising in town at 35 or so compared to the stock screen. Heading back south at 70-75 it compared to about 55 with no wind with the old screen. I ordered one of the blemished screens that was in stock and the blemish was exactly where and how they described and nothing more. It ended up saving me $20 and no wait. I got the darkest tint they offer and it looks great on the bike. Not as stylish as the 4", but worth the sacrifice in looks for the improvement in the ride. Thanks a ton Clearview!!

Oh, quality is much better than the stock screen as well. Those Clearview guys know what they're doing.

DABB · « **Reply #27 on:** April 01, 2010, 08:20:44 PM »

Sounds great, but we have no pic of it???

dustingaunder · « **Reply #28 on:** April 01, 2010, 09:13:58 PM »

I'll get a pic tomorrow or the next day. I got it on then decided to get the mower and weedeater running. Once I got both of them tuned up I decided to get the yard mowed before the weather rolled in late tonight and tomorrow. Then I ran out of daylight...DOH!

dustingaunder · « **Reply #29 on:** April 02, 2010, 08:58:40 PM »

250 miles with the new screen today....all I can say is WOW!!!

dustingaunder · « **Reply #30 on:** April 02, 2010, 09:02:42 PM »

Now all I need are the lower deflectors. Do they make those that don't cost more than my windshield? I like the Harley ones, but I looked at them today at the dealership and they were over $100....that's nuts.

mjb765 · « **Reply #31 on:** April 02, 2010, 09:04:08 PM »

So buy them for a dealer that does 20% off....now they are only $80

dustingaunder · « **Reply #32 on:** April 02, 2010, 09:08:00 PM »

The w/s was only 79.99!

dustingaunder · « **Reply #33 on:** April 02, 2010, 09:10:14 PM »

Oh, I should also add that I'm probably the CVO owner with the tightest ass (frugal). I guess I have my mom to thank for that. That woman could squeeze two nickles together and make a dollar.

RedDevil · « **Reply #34 on:** April 02, 2010, 09:29:28 PM »

Quote from: dustingaunder on April 02, 2010, 09:10:14 PM

Oh, I should also add that I'm probably the CVO owner with the tightest ass (frugal). I guess I have my mom to thank for that. That woman could squeeze two nickles together and make a dollar.

I saw an, um, err, "entertaining woman" in the Phillipines, that could do that...but that's another story.

Fired00d · « **Reply #35 on:** April 02, 2010, 10:03:19 PM »

Quote from: RedDevil on April 02, 2010, 09:29:28 PM

I saw an, um, err, "entertaining woman" in the Phillipines, that could do that...but that's another story.

Hehehehehe... she was still doing it when I was there.

Thanks for the memory.

Ride Safe,
Fired00d

dustingaunder · « **Reply #36 on:** April 02, 2010, 11:27:54 PM »

You guys are terrible....lol.

NW_FLSTRSE3_2009 · « **Reply #37 on:** April 03, 2010, 09:31:28 PM »

Quote from: dustingaunder on March 31, 2010, 11:07:32 AM

Is that better than going with the SERT?

I changed the head pipe and I am running Fullsac baffles and a map from Staeve on my 2009 SERG and it runs and sounds great, plus I keep the stock look. This is much cheaper than buying all new stuff and a tune (approx $2100).

dustingaunder · « **Reply #38 on:** April 04, 2010, 10:56:37 AM »

I can't decide if a new seat is warranted or not now. I've got about 900 miles on the bike (500 the past two days) and my butt gets sore. Now compared to my last bike ('07 V-Star 1100) the seat is worlds improved. I'm not sure how much a new seat will be able to improve over this one. Maybe I'm just a wimp, but after about 200 miles I'm wanting to stop every 60 or so. My wife is happy with the passenger pad. It is much nicer than the V-Star in that regard. I don't get the numb feeling like my old bike gave me, but my tailbone starts to get sore. Looking at the Mustang solo w/ backrest and the 8.5" or 11" pillion for the wife. The solo with 8.5" pillion looks basically like the stock and I don't want to drop 600+ to find out that it's basically the same as my stocker which looks fantastic I might add.

dustingaunder · « **Reply #39 on:** April 05, 2010, 07:57:48 PM »

I don't think I'm having the heat issue that some are claiming with the 110. It was about 80 here when I got off work and I decided to work on some low speed maneuvering in my neighborhood and an empty parking lot. I probably did figure 8s, u-turns, hard rights and lefts for an hour and while the bike got warm it didn't seem like it was overly hot for what I was putting it through.

Another think I learned is that this bike handles amazing at low speeds. My V-Star weighed less and didn't do as well as this big momma at the slow stuff. I'm really impressed doing easy U-turns in our neighborhood with it's pretty average 2 lane roads. I even had to put a foot down one time and I popped the bike back up and finished the turn without much effort. I love this bike!

dustingaunder · « **Reply #40 on:** April 05, 2010, 09:35:05 PM »

Just took the rear reflector off. Pretty easy to do. I guess you have to cut it? I cut it, but I was running out of light and tired of dinking with it.

Is it just me or does the paint swirl very easy when it gets touched when it is dusty?

Author Topic: After a few days on the Spiced Rum (Read 7870 times)