 New LePera solo
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,104
Learned Hand
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OP
Learned Hand
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Re: New LePera solo
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 531
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 531 |
Need better picks of how you mounted it
pain is temporary, pride is forever.
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Re: New LePera solo
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,104
Learned Hand
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OP
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Kit provided by Mike Sellman at Bellacorse.
It installed in 30 minutes. You want to see pictures of the mounts?
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 Re: New LePera solo
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 325
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 325 |
looks good now your bike needs a bath 
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Re: New LePera solo
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,104
Learned Hand
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OP
Learned Hand
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yeah winter storage gets her filthy
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Re: New LePera solo
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,727 Likes: 5
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,727 Likes: 5 |
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: New LePera solo
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 482
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 482 |
next up ... bath, rider review, and let's see some photos of this in the sunlight.
Nice looking bike, what tires are you running?
George
Freelance Observer
07 BA with 605's, engine dresser bars, and cheap saddle bags.
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Re: New LePera solo
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,420
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,420 |
I'm curious as to how the mounting hardware looks so YES, please post some more pics
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Re: New LePera solo
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,420
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,420 |
Quote:
Check it out! I am not sure if the pictures do it justice. But the silver metal flake is outrageous!
But is it comfortable? It does look good.
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Re: New LePera solo
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,104
Learned Hand
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OP
Learned Hand
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Posts: 1,104 |
Tires are Dunlop K155 front/K555 rear Yeah it's comfortable  
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Re: New LePera solo
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,420
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,420 |
Thanks for posting the pics. Good job on the diagram  . I like the look and the setup looks easy enough.
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Re: New LePera solo
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,104
Learned Hand
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OP
Learned Hand
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It's a solid, well build rig. Very impressed with it.
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Re: New LePera solo
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that Michael probably wouldn't appreciate pictures of the brackets being posted online. He doesn't have them on his site.
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Re: New LePera solo
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,968 Likes: 1
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,968 Likes: 1 |
LePera does make a nice seat.
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Re: New LePera solo
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
I guess he doesn't since he's asking $400 for a $150 seat, $50 mount and some $15 springs. Thats a pretty pricey piece of metal for the rear. Quote:
I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that Michael probably wouldn't appreciate pictures of the brackets being posted online. He doesn't have them on his site.
Al
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Re: New LePera solo
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
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Re: New LePera solo
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
Quote:
Then don't buy it.
Didn't. Made one for my old bike. I suggest Biltwell for similar components at a far lower cost. But I just don't care much for BC.
Al
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Re: New LePera solo
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Nothing wrong with that. Have you posted pictures of yours somewhere? I'd like to see it.
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Re: New LePera solo
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,210
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,210 |
I'd just like to say, that Im glad someone posted the pictures without thinking about the business aspects. We all constantly post pictures of every square inch of these bikes, and it'd be ashame if there was some "top secret" assembly that was off limits.
Theres nothing special going on under that seat anyway. If its easy to make yourself its gonna be replicated regardless if theres pictures of it or not.
Case in point...I seen the pictures of the battery relocation bracket that streetboogie was selling for $150 two years ago and I figured out how to do it myself for $20. Then I passed that knowledge on to anyone who asked.
And thats whats great about this site.
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Re: New LePera solo
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
I just said he might not appreciate it. I didn't say it was illegal or even unethical. I've made plenty of stuff for my bike and I have no problem showing them off. But I'm not trying to make a living off them either.
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Re: New LePera solo
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,210
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,210 |
Quote:
I just said he might not appreciate it. I didn't say it was illegal or even unethical. I've made plenty of stuff for my bike and I have no problem showing them off. But I'm not trying to make a living off them either.
Okay...I read your post like you were scolding him for posting the pics, like they were gonna be taken down or something.
I remember asking about how his seat was mounted before in the vendor's section and it was treated like a big secret to protect the design. And I thought you were doing the same.
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Re: New LePera solo
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
No, I think that discussion was probably in the back of my head when I posted. But I'm nobody's forum police (well, except Robert's). 
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Re: New LePera solo
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,210
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,210 |
Yeah thats the discussion that was in the back of my head when I read it..haha
I guess to a salesman this site is a double edged sword.
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Re: New LePera solo
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
There are some fine lines to walk. Same goes for being a moderator.
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Re: New LePera solo
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 150
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 150 |
Thanks Mike for the shout-out. Yeah, the black piping was the way to go.
And yes, I did ask Mike not to post detail photos of the mounting kit. It is a proprietary design and quite frankly, I am worried about some other vendor copying my design.
For you DIY'ers, I don't understand why you give a rat's ****** what I sell the kit for. If you think I'm selling $50 worth of mounting hardware with this kit, I would ask Mike if he thinks he got only $50 worth. The mounting plates and hinge are custom-made parts, not some Chinese-made stamped tin bits commonly used in the V-twin world. The barrel springs, leather washers, R-clips and chrome bolts are the only off-the-shelf parts used. And $150 will only get you a plain black vinyl seat from Le Pera with the afore mentioned Chinese hinge... not the diamond stitched Metalflake upholstery as shown.
/Mike
Last edited by RaceDweeb; 03/03/2009 1:37 PM.
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Re: New LePera solo
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
I didn't want to take any more away from this thread and Mike's good looking bike however, I'll add this and unsubscribe from this thread: I guess you don't understand how this site works and I posted my suggestion because "I" think the kit is over-priced. That's my opinion and we share opinions here. If you post a mod, you are going to get feedback. Not everyone is going to like what you do to your bike or a product you make. Quote:
For you DIY'ers, I don't understand why you give a rat's ****** what I sell the kit for. If you think I'm selling $50 worth of mounting hardware with this kit, I would ask Mike if he thinks he got only $50 worth. ..
/Mike
Al
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Re: New LePera solo
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,210
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,210 |
Quote:
Thanks Mike for the shout-out. Yeah, the black piping was the way to go.
And yes, I did ask Mike not to post detail photos of the mounting kit. It is a proprietary design and quite frankly, I am worried about some other vendor copying my design.
For you DIY'ers, I don't understand why you give a rat's ****** what I sell the kit for. If you think I'm selling $50 worth of mounting hardware with this kit, I would ask Mike if he thinks he got only $50 worth. The mounting plates and hinge are custom-made parts, not some Chinese-made stamped tin bits commonly used in the V-twin world. The barrel springs, leather washers, R-clips and chrome bolts are the only off-the-shelf parts used. And $150 will only get you a plain black vinyl seat from Le Pera with the afore mentioned Chinese hinge... not the diamond stitched Metalflake upholstery as shown.
/Mike
mike, you can charge whatever you want as far as Im concerned. If you can swing $400, good for you. I'd consider buying one if they were cheaper, but theyre not so its cool. Im happy with making stuff like this myself. Its kinda the fun in owning one of these bikes.
I respect your worries about people stealing your design, and that sucks. But I believe this site shouldnt be censored like that. Get a patent maybe? I dont know how the business side works, Im the consumer.
Thanks to Mikey790 for posting the pics, thats the way it should be.
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Re: New LePera solo
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
While a sprung solo seat can be DIY'ed for less, I've looked at the various components online and Mike's price is not out of line for what he's offering (and for those who can't DIY, it's the ONLY bolt-in option). There are seats cheaper than LePera and there are WELD-IN brackets for $50.
Once again (directed at no one in particular), if you can make it yourself, shaddap and go do it. Otherwise, go for a ride.
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Re: New LePera solo
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 533
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 533 |
Generally a person gets what they pay for. In deference to vendors who produce their own product, there is more than the sum of the parts to be considered versus retail price. If it fits right out of the box this is only because the vendor/manufacturer took the time and effort to make sure it would fit. Almost every do-it-yourselfer has experienced the trial and error process that all too often accompanies a clever idea for making and installing a new part. Time is money to one who makes their living selling aftermarket goodies for us. In addition to time invested and material cost, there are product liability issues that vendors must face that us DIY folks seldom think about. Remember the $5,000,000 cup of McDonalds coffee.
Not casting any stones, just offering an additional perspective.
2018 FLHCS
2014 Surly Straggler - 16,000 miles and counting!
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Re: New LePera solo
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 150
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 150 |
Quote:
I guess you don't understand how this site works and I posted my suggestion because "I" think the kit is over-priced.
The problem I have with your post Al is that you didn't say "I think" but rather made a very declaritive statement...
Quote:
I guess he doesn't since he's asking $400 for a $150 seat, $50 mount and some $15 springs. Thats a pretty pricey piece of metal for the rear.
... stating specific prices for the kit's components. This asserts that I'm charging $400 for $215 worth of parts, which is not even remotely correct.
Post your opinions good or bad, that's how it should work. But PLEASE be careful in your writing as some out there are taking your words quite literally. Also a little sensitivity to those vendors out there who have dug deep into their own pocketbooks to fund the development of parts & accessories for your beloved America's & Speedmasters who be greatly appreciated.
Stepping off the soapbox now.
/Mike
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Re: New LePera solo
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 228
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 228 |
Quote:
For you DIY'ers, I don't understand why you give a rat's ****** what I sell the kit for. If you think I'm selling $50 worth of mounting hardware with this kit, I would ask Mike if he thinks he got only $50 worth. The mounting plates and hinge are custom-made parts, not some Chinese-made stamped tin bits commonly used in the V-twin world. The barrel springs, leather washers, R-clips and chrome bolts are the only off-the-shelf parts used. And $150 will only get you a plain black vinyl seat from Le Pera with the afore mentioned Chinese hinge... not the diamond stitched Metalflake upholstery as shown.
/Mike
Mike, you also should watch what you say and how it is said. Alot of other DIY'ERs may take offense to what you wrote. Not every DIY'ER on this site went against you on this. Only a few chimed in here. Not only that i felt your reply wasnt very professional.
The thing i love about this site is it seems like everyone out there wants to help each other. Opinions are a good review of a product. Most reviews are based on opinions. Problem with opinions is how the saying goes, everyone has one.
Just put out a good product at your most reasonable price and im sure youll sell things. Not everyone is a DIY'ER so you should have a market. Comments like you left would turn me away.
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Re: New LePera solo
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 26
Greenhorn
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Greenhorn
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and this thread folks, has been a lesson in how to make friends and influence potential customers.
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Re: New LePera solo
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 150
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 150 |
Sorry if I offended some sensitivities around here. But please try and keep in mind that I've invested a great deal of money into my business, including making up these solo seat kits after receiving several requests to do so.
If you guys have the right to post your opinions, then in-turn I should be able to address the technical inaccuracies of what is written. t!t-for-tat.
If you find me rude, unprofessional and/or pushy, please remember no one is holding a gun to your head to buy from me (unless you're in my showroom).
/Mike
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Re: New LePera solo
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,960
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,960 |
SO!! Back to the original post. NICE BIKE!! Quote:
John
Like a dog on a car ride with my tongue in the wind
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Re: New LePera solo
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,104
Learned Hand
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OP
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Thank you! 
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Re: New LePera solo
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,210
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,210 |
hey Mikey, is your bike lowered at all? If so do get any bump hop in the suspension when going around bumpy curves or anything? I was just wondering how the seat felt in a bump hop situation?
My bikes lowered in the front and rear and it gets a little sloppy in bumpy curves with a standard hard seat, and I was wondering if springs on the seat would add more mayhem to the ride?
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Re: New LePera solo
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
I threw you a compliment in our Facebook group, too (in the gallery). 
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Re: New LePera solo
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,104
Learned Hand
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OP
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My bike is lowered front and rear. And yeah, occasionally it does get a little hoppy. Won't know if the springs on the seat add to the fun, until the snow melts..
Will let you know!!
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Re: New LePera solo
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 335
Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Posts: 335 |
Hey Mike - are you done with your mods yet? I can't wait to see that thing on the road.
(PS, your bags and windshield look great on my bike :P )
Last edited by Joe_Merlino; 03/05/2009 1:43 PM.
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Re: New LePera solo
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,210
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,210 |
Quote:
My bike is lowered front and rear. And yeah, occasionally it does get a little hoppy. Won't know if the springs on the seat add to the fun, until the snow melts..
Will let you know!!
yeah let me know about that, cause I was assuming you'd be bobbing and weaving and springing all over the place...haha....at least a big more than having a fixed seat beneath you. Also I was wondering what its like when youre leaning into turns a bit and youre putting more weight on one spring more than the other. Im not dipping my knee or anything but sometimes you need to get on the side of the seat a bit, ya know?
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