MAY ALREADY!

Not much to add really just cleared 2k on the bike, still on the FT Bars finally sorted my issues with the mirrors I now have a decent set of of billet handlebar end mirrors so much better! see all I need to see without having to double check !

Daytripper 5

Ride out in the autumn sun, home thru Alton- Lasham- Basingstoke and back again!
Great ride about 70 mile round trip great bends and great scenery! I've done this ride before but went onto Hartley Wintney.

No issues last time was on the solid wood seat!!!!! But this time comfort of the gel pads!
Thoughts:  I'm thinking of swapping back to the FT bars mainly because I prefer the look! If a swap them out sometime this week I'll get a few more rides before weather stops it. Just make sure I need the higher ones or not. Part of me wonders if it was just the nerves of new bike etc that made me tens up!

Day out two up

Went with my wife to Loomies for a late brunch then through countryside to Lower Upham to take a look at motorcaravans .

Upped rear suspension to 3 rd setting ( previously top setting 5th) wife said bumps weren't as harsh. I did not notice any issues either, yes front end dived a few times under heavy braking. Which would be lessened by improving front forks I suppose.
Talk about having an arguement with your self! To change front forks or not to change lol
An enjoyable day

Tour of some of Britain!

I've just completed a three leg tour of visiting family.
First Home to Melton Mowbray 185 mostly boring miles of Mway and Dual carriage ways. Mpg 58 new gel pad seats were great, the return to the OEM bars helped my neck issues, the Dart Screen great up to 70 then performance drops off but still good. No real issues.
Second leg Melton Mowbray to Kirkby 125 miles about fifty fifty roads no problems at all still high mpg.
Third leg a 250 Mway Chase boring but no real choice unless I was taking a few days to get home. As said screen helped up to about 80 after that didn't do much I'll admit when I get bored I hammer the bike, car whatever suffice to say even riding above the legal limit ( way above at times!) The bike was solid no surprises no wondering etc

So I am still playing with rear suspension settings . I'd lowered it to step 2 extra luggage didnt really weigh that much so left it. It's was fine. Bike behaved, bumps in road did not feel as harsh! Maybe there's a case for less preload not more with this setup. The front forks didn't seem any worse nor better.
I'll admit I'm a lazy rider I ride for the relaxation and it's about the only time I do not get stressed! It's a great healer for me. But it looks more and more like if there's a fault it's the front forks, get a damper/ cassette in the other fork it'll probably be sorted for me. Although having said that so far I'm wondering if even that is worth getting done!

MPG

Well I suppose I'm riding like an old man!

Despite " giving it some" over the last tank full and 20 odd of that with the new screen I've just returned 62 mpg!

30 mph is the only speed limit I really stick too, as I was taught from day one to drive/ride to the machines/ mine capabilities. Taught by an ex traffic/pursuit plod, then did my advanced etc . I am surprised to be getting best part of 60 mpg most of the time. Maybe the 16T front sprocket has helped. I'm not complaining mind! 

The bike was bought for us to enjoy a sunny ride in the country and maybe a few excursions abroad.

Biltwell Thruster grips

Finally turn up !

It's been a problem trying to get hold of these grips in the UK in 7/8 - 22mm.
But after 4 weeks waiting AR Harleys managed it.

They are a little lighter in colour to the seat but the pattern is the same and having had them before far more comfortable than the OEM ones! 

They also have a fairly large collar at the end which hopefully will stop me accidentally turning on the high beam . 

On that note why would you have a " flick lever" right where you reach for the clutch?

Dart Screen

Last of the easy customisations! 

Took 15 minutes to mount, the offside indicator nut was indeed fiddly, as per instructions, if you have large fingers near impossible I would suggest a little blue tack to hold the nut on the back of the indicator bracket would be the way to go.

Other than that easy , I also had to loosen the brake reservoir nut just enough to move the brake line up to avoid it hitting the screen on left-hand lock.

It'll get tested tomorrow once I've fitted my new grips!