 Any mechanical issues she should be aware of?
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Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 16
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Oct 2015
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A friend of mine is about to take delivery of a new 2014 America. I ride a Goldwing GL 1500 and know I will be replacing the Alternator about every 50k miles and will probably be plagued with electrical problems. On the Suzuki S-40 she traded in for the America, it was pretty well known that the fuel petcock was a problem. Seems every brand has a known weakness.
What can she expect from her beautiful new America?
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Re: Any mechanical issues she should be aware of?
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720 |
Stretchmarks on her face from extended smiling. Getting tired of riding the most inquired about bike when riding in a group at gas stops. I could go on, but I digress and will let others express their observations..
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Re: Any mechanical issues she should be aware of?
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,068 Likes: 1
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,068 Likes: 1 |
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Re: Any mechanical issues she should be aware of?
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
SECOND most inquired about, my Indian gets more than my America did, although the America got PLENTY!  But a new alternator EVERY 50 K on a HONDA?!! Wow. And that's gotta cost a buttload of money! One more thing though. You might get jealous of your friends bike when you ride together. She WILL get all the attention!
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: Any mechanical issues she should be aware of?
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Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 16
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
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She already gets all the attention......Maybe now her bike will get noticed, too!.......
Last edited by Cardinal; 11/08/2015 11:51 AM.
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Re: Any mechanical issues she should be aware of?
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,227 Likes: 62
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,227 Likes: 62 |
Quote:
SECOND most inquired about, my Indian gets more than my America did, although the America got PLENTY!
I'm surprised at that, to me Indian has lost it's attraction, it has gone through so many rebirths that to me it is no longer Indian but just some knock off with the name. I like the new engine and the retro style but just not a real Indian to me. I hope they are more dependable than the last original engine was. Triumph and HD have a long history of continuous production and are still the same company they always were under new management but still the same company, Indian is really just a Polaris to me. I hate to say it but the way Triumph is going is pushing me the direction of HD. Probably never happen, probably just ride antiques as I always have. I feel the same way about the new Nortons, they have the name but it really isn't a Norton.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Any mechanical issues she should be aware of?
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Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 797 Likes: 17
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 797 Likes: 17 |
Cardinal the only real issue you are going to have is after you ride her America and come to the realization you want one for yourself.  Did you know the Cardinal is the state bird of Indiana!!!
Last edited by BillyIndiana; 11/08/2015 9:08 PM.
Road Rash Heals. Freckles Grow Back. Ride
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Re: Any mechanical issues she should be aware of?
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Quote:
Quote:
SECOND most inquired about, my Indian gets more than my America did, although the America got PLENTY!
I'm surprised at that, to me Indian has lost it's attraction, it has gone through so many rebirths that to me it is no longer Indian but just some knock off with the name. I like the new engine and the retro style but just not a real Indian to me. I hope they are more dependable than the last original engine was. Triumph and HD have a long history of continuous production and are still the same company they always were under new management but still the same company, Indian is really just a Polaris to me. I hate to say it but the way Triumph is going is pushing me the direction of HD. Probably never happen, probably just ride antiques as I always have. I feel the same way about the new Nortons, they have the name but it really isn't a Norton.
I get that, Ian. But even our beloved Triumphs have only a loose connection to the old days. They're not produced in the same factory, not designed and built by the same people (crap, some are assembled in THIELAND now). John Bloor basically did the same thing Polaris did, he picked up the rights to the name, told a team of designers he wanted a new, modern Triumph designed from scratch and built a new factory. I suppose the closest thing one could get to a "real, NEW Indian is a Kiwi version, where a small family operation in California reproduces the old 1940s Indian using new material and newer electronics to essentially build a brand new "old" bike. And I'd like one of THOSE too, but I'm thinking they are probably upward of 30 K. And, there's no way they're gonna be as reliable and powerful as a modern bike. Here's how I look at it. Polaris has ressurected a cool old motorcycle and brought it into the present. It shares enough styling from the old days to make me happy, with modern reliability built in. And it looks like it is gonna be around for awhile, thanks to lots of money and the marketing tools available from Polaris, which wasn't available with the previous incarnations. (Of which there were really only two, the "Gilroys" built in California and the "Kings Mountain" version built in NC)When I get a minute, I'll ride out to see ya and try to change your mind. And we'll have to work on your politics while I'm there, too!   (P.S., sorry about the thread hijack!)
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: Any mechanical issues she should be aware of?
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,227 Likes: 62
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,227 Likes: 62 |
To me the difference is Triumph never went completely out where as Indian went out in 1953 and was done for many years before the first rebirth that failed as did others until Polaris got them. Polaris just bought a long dead name.Don't get me wrong, I think they are nice but not a real Indian. You can buy a Vincent too assembled from spares but to me it isn't a Vincent.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Any mechanical issues she should be aware of?
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Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 16
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 16 |
Quote:
Cardinal the only real issue you are going to have is after you ride her America and come to the realization you want one for yourself. :baby
Did you know the Cardinal is the state bird of Indiana!!!
I'm a little afraid of that.....but I like my Rolling Sofa for the long hauls.
Cardinal is also a darn good looking and flying airplane built by Cessna...the C-177. 
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Re: Any mechanical issues she should be aware of?
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,227 Likes: 62
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,227 Likes: 62 |
On the older bikes there have been CDI problems, not sure if that has been eliminated on later bikes or not. I personally have not had mine fail but my ol' lady did on her BA. The injection has been less than smooth as well. Some have had cush drive issues but I still have the one that came in mine with no issue. If it does go the Tbird cush drive is a tighter fit. Some had charging issues, there is a mod to eliminate that. I have had none of the above mentioned problems, I even still have the hidden filter and tip over valve on mine. I don't lube my chain and have only replaced it once and I did that before I really had to, my rear sprocket showed no wear and the front only slight wear.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Any mechanical issues she should be aware of?
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
And I had 50 K on my 02 before I sold it. Not one single mechanical issue.
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: Any mechanical issues she should be aware of?
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 220 Likes: 2
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 220 Likes: 2 |
If the bike suddenly splutters and stops then refuses to start, open the petrol tank lid, if the breather hose from the fuel tank gets blocked it will not allow air into the tank as the fuel is being used causing a vacuum in the tank and fuel will not flow, pretty rare but can happen. She is going to have a lot of happy miles on this bike, hope you can keep up with her.
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Re: Any mechanical issues she should be aware of?
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 459 Likes: 1
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 459 Likes: 1 |
I have over 56,000 on my 2003 Speedmaster with the only real issues being the CDI going bad at 40,000 miles and having to replace the regulator/rectifier at around 49 or 50,000 miles.
2006 865 Neon Blue/Jet Black Speedmaster,790cams, TTP Stage 2 Firestarter, Epco Exhaust with 10.25" Samson Vrod baffles, UNI pods with 40 pilots, 150 mains,Thruxton needles, 3 turns out.
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Re: Any mechanical issues she should be aware of?
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Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 797 Likes: 17
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 797 Likes: 17 |
Quote:
Quote:
Cardinal the only real issue you are going to have is after you ride her America and come to the realization you want one for yourself. :baby
Did you know the Cardinal is the state bird of Indiana!!!
I'm a little afraid of that.....but I like my Rolling Sofa for the long hauls.
Cardinal is also a darn good looking and flying airplane built by Cessna...the C-177.
First there is no rule that says you can only have 1 motorcycle.
Second yes the 177 is a nice plane!!! Looks like my Apprentice S 15e rc plane.
Road Rash Heals. Freckles Grow Back. Ride
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Re: Any mechanical issues she should be aware of?
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22 |
I accept the points about Bloor having no connection with Meriden, but in his favour I'd point out that he bought Triumph immediately it folded and straight away made it clear he was going to ressurect it....and started work on a new generation of engines....there was a lot in the UK bike press at the time about just how long he was taking to bring the machines to market but he consistently made it clear that he wanted to get the bike right, oiltight and reliable selling it to the public.
I took the Road Less Travelled.
Now where the ****** am I?
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Re: Any mechanical issues she should be aware of?
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Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 797 Likes: 17
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 797 Likes: 17 |
There seems to be more than one conversation going on here.
or like the political debates we are not all dealing with the question at hand?
Road Rash Heals. Freckles Grow Back. Ride
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Re: Any mechanical issues she should be aware of?
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,730 Likes: 5
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,730 Likes: 5 |
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: Any mechanical issues she should be aware of?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
Hi Robert, The oem rear brake pads wear extremely quick. EBC is a good replacement when the time comes. Not too much else to worry about on these bikes. Sure, early models had issues, but other than fugly gas tanks, the newer models have those earlier issues sorted. Funny you mentioned petcocks. These are an iffy thing on our bikes. But hold on now, these fuel injected models don't....  Pingel was a good replacement , yet even those will leak after 10 years or so. Vera Lynn got to smell like her carbs were being tickled. Ah, the old 750's.  Hey! You aren't too far from member greybeard!
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Any mechanical issues she should be aware of?
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,227 Likes: 62
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,227 Likes: 62 |
One mechanical issue I found was that the kickstrater and points seem to be missing.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Any mechanical issues she should be aware of?
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 146
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 146 |
I would love to have a kickstarter option for my bike! Especially with the worry about the starter gear boss breaking.
I don't miss points much tho.
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Re: Any mechanical issues she should be aware of?
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,227 Likes: 62
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,227 Likes: 62 |
That starter boss would be a nonissue if they had a kicker.Almost every bike I ever owned was kick only.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Any mechanical issues she should be aware of?
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Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 16
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 16 |
[image]https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/IDinoLXWSQcSqnWtLuY4UbsurnHr6mAmFBTj2jCb3CM?feat=directlink[/image]
Getting a red line under "direct link" and picture is not showing.....what's going on? I'm using Picassa.
Last edited by Cardinal; 11/15/2015 9:07 PM.
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Re: Any mechanical issues she should be aware of?
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,730 Likes: 5
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,730 Likes: 5 |
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: Any mechanical issues she should be aware of?
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Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 16
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
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Don't know what I did, but the picture mysteriously appeared!
Any way, the bike in the picture is not what she was trying to buy. She was looking at a red America for $6700 shown on their website. They told her it had 525 miles on it, tags were paid through July of 2016, first scheduled service had been completed and warranty was only good until July of 2016.
Turns out that the bike we were looking at on the web page was a new 2014 with only 10 miles and a full 2 year warranty from whenever it gets bought.
The bike they thought she was talking about, which wasn't on the web page, was the 2014 Blue LT for $300 less than the Red America.
So she ended up buying a bike that was UNDER represented! Sort of a bait and switch in reverse...higher value bike for less money!
She's pretty happy, but nervous about how much bigger it appears and feels, than her little Suzuki S-40......she'll deal with it.......she always does.
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Re: Any mechanical issues she should be aware of?
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Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 16
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
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 OK, I'm closing in on the picture thing.. Here she is on her little S-40.
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Re: Any mechanical issues she should be aware of?
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Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 797 Likes: 17
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 797 Likes: 17 |
Congrats to Her. Maybe you should have gotten the Red One. Your handle is Cardinal. Maybe it is a sign. They probably still have it. Not too late.
Once she gets the bike rolling the size will melt away. I sat on one the other day and the America has grown over the years. Mine is a 2005 and the older style.
Just wondering what part of the country you are located? I mean she just took delivery in November. I did get 2 hours of riding in today here in Indiana, but this time of year in Indiana it was by the grace of god.
You can see the pictures of my ride today under members rides 2005 TBA.
You should also encourage her to join here. Most of us are quite helpful. Some are very opinionated. All of us have of love of motorcycling and the America and Speedmaster.
I still have not got the picture thing down.
Last edited by BillyIndiana; 11/15/2015 10:51 PM.
Road Rash Heals. Freckles Grow Back. Ride
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Re: Any mechanical issues she should be aware of?
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Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 16
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
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We are both in Central California, so we have "DAYS" we can't ride, not "SEASONS". Even the days we can't ride are generally only partial. Ride after 10 or so in the morning on Foggy winter days, and get back by 3 or so on the hot summer days. Best part of living in Fresno is that we can be riding in the mountains or beach in under 3 hours. Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon , or Monterey, Pismo Beach, Carmel and Morro Bay......all about 2 1/2 hours from home.
As for getting the Red one, I'm pretty sure it was sold while she was signing the papers on the LT.
Thanks, everybody, for your input. It looks like she bought a reliable brand and will have many trouble free miles of riding.
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Re: Any mechanical issues she should be aware of?
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 214
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 214 |
I wonder how a kick starter would work with modern compression ratios and engine lay outs.
2009 America
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Re: Any mechanical issues she should be aware of?
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22 |
No starter boss issues on any bike post 2008.
I took the Road Less Travelled.
Now where the ****** am I?
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Re: Any mechanical issues she should be aware of?
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,227 Likes: 62
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,227 Likes: 62 |
Quote:
I wonder how a kick starter would work with modern compression ratios and engine lay outs.
I have kick started 13:1 engines with no issue.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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