Advice 4 the noob (that would be me...)

[CuDaMaN]

A general question for some of you veteran BD owners about things that a new owner might want to be aware of. Common issues, problems, and or situations that go hand in hand with owning one of these bikes. I’ve trolled around the threads and spent lots of time in the technical section, coming away with a ton of info. Not planning on doing anything major for the first summer. Just want to get it broken in correctly and enjoy it. (It’s a 2008 Ridgeback)
Some things that I have read about and consider to be worth doing would be:
1) Paint Saver gas cap
2) Dynabeads
3) HID bulb - PIAA Super Plasma GTX Bulb
4) Plate Flip & protection of the LED’s
5) Shrink wrap wire connections
6) Scorpio Alarm System
That should be enough........... I’ll save the new pipes and carb rejet for next year.
If you can suggest any topic that I can use in the search box, please do.
Bike should be here in about a week......
Thanks......... Greg

 

[barhopper]

The HID is the way to go. Makes you very visible at night as it lights up the sky. If they want your bike, they will steal it with whatever alarm you get. Have fun with the new bike.

 

[LDO]

Cuda,
I'd say your are off to a good start. I would add an S&S SSW+ engine manual as well as the shop manual for your Big Dog (it aint the greatest but it's better than nothing).

I'm not sure how the newer bike react to electrical mods like the HID and the alarm but I'm sure there are guys on here that can tell you how to make those mods work without killing your EHC.

- Get familiar with your bike.
- READ YOUR OWNER'S MANUAL. Some may laugh but it DOES tell you how to check your fluids and shift your bike and where some components are located.
- Do a thorough pre-ride check before taking off for anywhere.
- Pressure washers, star washers and loctite are your friends! Make sure you have enough of all on your bolts that work themselves loose from time to time.
- Keep some zip ties handy when on the road.
- Don't run your bike with the enricher on! (I don't use it at all!) just a few twists of the throttle should get her going (depending where you live).
- Put your bike on a tender when you're not riding it.
- Think about a K&P oil filter (member MadDog can get it for you). It is a reusable mesh oil filter that, depending on how many miles you plan to ride your bike, will pay for itself quickly; as will a K&N air filter.
- Make sure you have an inch/lbs and a foot/lbs torque wrench.

The search feature usually pulls up alot of stuff, some related, some maybe not, you may have to dig thru some stuff but there have been tons of issues covered here on the forum so you should be able to find what you're looking for. We have some great members here that can help with just about anything so don't be afraid to ask.

I'm sure the rest of the fellas will come on and add to the list.

Hope this helps!

Good luck:2thumbs:

 

[CuDaMaN]

Great tips!!!!!
I hear ya both on the alarm issue, and the zip tie suggestion is really smart thinking!!!
~G~

 

[lee]

looks like LDO got you covered. One thing though - when he says pressure washers are your friend I don't think he's talking about the kind that sprays water

 

[BubbleHead]

RAYWOOD IS PROABLY ONE OF THE MAIN GUYS TO TALK TO ON POSSIBLE ISSUES SINCE HE IS THE " MILEAGE MASTER". NO ONE HAS PUT AS MANY MILES ON ANY BDM AS HE HAS SO HIS EXPERIENCE LEVEL WITH WHAT MIGHT GO WRONG IS VERY HIGH. NOT TO FORGET A TON OF OTHER MEMBERS THAT ARE EXTREMELY SHARP ON THESE BIKES AKA.. GAS MAN/ AL HALL/ OHMSTER / LDO/ BRUCE/HOAT/LEE/THUMPER/FIBERSNAKE/CHA CHA/CHOPPER DAVE AND MANY MANY OTHERS , FAR TOO MANY TO TYPE HERE RIGHT NOW.

 

[lee]

absolutely essential is regular and high quality maintenance and servicing. Looking after your dog will significantly increase your chances of your dog looking after you

 

[CuDaMaN]

absolutely essential is regular and high quality maintenance and servicing. Looking after your dog will significantly increase your chances of your dog looking after you

Agree 100%, but I was also looking for some things to do before some of the more common problems happen. Thats why I picked the things I did :
Paint Saver before I screw up the tank
Dynabeads before all the ugly weights go on
HID bulb before someone doesnt notice me
Plate flip before I smash my shin......lol
Shrink wrap before I have electrical issues due to moisture

There's so much more that can be done, but I think it's a good start....
Thanks everyone......:2thumbs:

 

[lee]

all good things (not too sure about the paint saver - you should be ok on that one). Remember when doing your shrink wrapping to put dielectric grease into the connectors :2thumbs:

 

[CuDaMaN]

Awesome!!! Thanks Lee.....