FFS. I know I'm in the wrong group for this, but the news media is *NOT* exaggerating the problem here. If anything, the national US government is botching the response very badly, and the news media is stuck *UNDER*-reporting the problems with this virus. Health care workers are too busy trying to stop people from DYING that there's limited discussion of neurological issues that are being developed by an alarming number of people who catch this thing. This is NOT the god damn flu. This is much worse, and anyone saying so is more guilty of self-serving propaganda that needs to be turned the hell off. A nurse friend of mine was just discussing with my wife and I (at safe distance) how much she's struggling with how many patients she keeps losing, and the lengths she has to go in order to keep herself, her husband, and her daughter safe from infection as well. This is no joke, guys.

On the flip side (and more on-topic), I do not see a problem with solo riding, save for the strain that you might put on hospitals if you get injured in an accident. Beyond that, it's a genuine help for riders to get the hell out for a bit, provided they can do so while keeping safe distance from other people. I have been doing this, and I have REALLY needed it. Getting out for walks with the wife has also kept me from going crazy. Though in both cases, I do remain utterly flabbergasted by how many people I see at area parks, few if any wearing masks or maintaining adequate physical distance from other people. It's insanity. Particularly given that my county already has the second highest number of confirmed cases outside of Philly. THAT is irresponsible.

Being on lockdown and practicing safe physical distancing does NOT mean that you cannot find other ways to socialize. I use my riding as an excuse to visit various friends' houses and say hello. I keep a good 10'+ distance from anyone when I get there and chat, sometimes talking from the street while they remain on their front stoop. It has brightened my mood as well as theirs, and it was VERY clear even to my self-deprecating ***. Most of us are naturally introverted already, but seeing one familiar face for the first time in weeks is good for everyone's mental health. I know I sure as hell needed it this weekend when I was crawling out of my skin. So yeah, as long as you're conscious of what's necessary to prevent possible spread of this VERY dangerous virus, and actually act responsibly, I see no reason to NOT get out for a ride or drive or whatever to keep yourself from going crazy. Please take this seriously, but get out for a ride if you can, especially if it helps you to help others in the process.

As far as actually on topic, I finally got a USB charger so that my phone battery doesn't die when I'm using it as a GPS, and I added leather wraps to my new Avon grips. I'd noticed that one pair of my gloves felt better than the other due to extra reinforcement, so I just did the same for my grips. Much bigger overall now, but definitely more comfortable. Now I just wait for my cheapo torque wrenches to show up so that I can properly install my new intake and poly riser bushings.

Be kind to each other, folks.

 

No argument here. I love custom paint jobs as well. One of the most fitting ones I ever saw was with a Native American chief on a horse in front of a sunset, on a gas tank of an Indian. How appropriate is that!!!!

This is the great thing about motorcycles with histories, even if they are new, the parent company still has a history and you can find vintage riders on vintage bikes. Sometimes the bikes have been reconditioned or restored (like the new looking, old BMW R/ series) or they have the original patina and worn leather. Both are great!!!!! New bikes with original custom paint and accessories look great as well.

 

Installed a Barrett extra plate clutch kit in my 2011 XL1200C. I looked over the plates I removed and did not notice any excessive wear. The spring plate was in good shape as far as I could tell. No missing revits or springs. Bike has 28,450 miles

Glad I did, so I don't have to worry about it, but, not sure it was necessary. In the end, I learned some things and will sleep better knowing the clutch is not a potential point of failure.

 

My 2003 only has a little over 6k miles on it, but my newbie riding has been a little rough. Combine that with the age of the bike, and it might be good to change the clutch plates sooner rather than later. Folks here suggested around 10k miles. I'll at least give it another year before I worry about it, but I do want to get it done sooner rather than later, just so that I don't have to worry about it again. And I'll DEFINITELY want to get it done before I start feeling the urge for a Hammer mod.

 

That will be a great opportunity to replace another weak point, the stock clutch throw-out bearing, which is not actually designed for the job it is doing. This is what most people replace it with:*** 7200B TVP Angular Contact Bearing

It will reduce the clutch lever pull a little while making it much smoother. It also helps control the slightly quicker clutch engagement without the original "grenade" plate. I love the difference. I didn't replace the clutch diaphragm spring because I used 3 stock clutch plates to replace the "grenade" plate. My goal wasn't to increase performance, just make my 883 last longer and run better.

 

Yeah, I had seen that mentioned a couple of times here. I'll try to remember it. I do know that the prior owner of my bike had a reduced pull clutch mod installed. I can certainly tell a difference when I mess with stock bikes at the local dealer. We'll see how things go when I get to that. Thanks for the reminder!

 

I've never seen or heard of a reduced clutch pull mod. Other than replacing the throw-out bearing, I lubed the cable and lever with a teflon spray lube for bicycle cables. My lever is slick as silk with light, even pressure throughout the pull and I made the change almost 10K miles ago.

 

I have found the exact bearing but while searching came across 7200BTVP, 7200BGTVP, 7200BEP and 7200BECBP. The last 2 are SKF. Any idea what the differences are as I couldn't find anything.

 

Probably referring to the Muller power clutch, it has a longer arm....
Here's a pic;





hth,

T.

 

I took a look at the old paperwork that I got with the bike, and the line item does indeed say "POWER CLUTCH 94-08XL BUEL", so that must be it. I didn't look closely at it when I had the derby cover off last year, but that's what I would expect. Will indeed look into the bearing replacement if I can when I get around to replacing the clutch plates.

EDIT: You know what? Thanks for bringing this up. I'd been wondering why the clutch pull felt a little sloppy since I changed the fluid, and didn't improve after the dealer changed it yet again. I just checked the instructions for the Power Clutch, and apparently you're only supposed to back off the adjuster screw 1/8 turn with the Power Clutch instead of 1/4 for OEM. Crap. Ah well. Will be aware of that next time I fuss with the primary.