Been A While

Energy One

BigDogBro1

Made in the USA
Hello Brothers and Sisters,

BigdogBro1 here, finding my way back!

I have not been on the forum in some time. I still have my 2007 Bulldog as does my brother BigdogBro2 (Cody). We purchased Victory Magnums a few years ago and have been riding those most often and taking some longer weekend group trips. Last year I didn't tag the Bigdog due to a bad rear tire and had no local shop that would work on the 300 chrome rear wheel and tire. After finding a local shop that wanted $100.00 to change the tire if I brought in the rim and tire I decided to do my own tire changes. I have a lift in the walkout basement, tools, air, mechanical ability and knowledge. I liked the NoMar tire changers but they were priced higher than I wanted to invest, so I came across a guy living near me (Ann Arbor, MI) that makes some nylon rim cleat blocks called Mojo blocks and a Mojo bar. These are made to be adapted onto Harbor Freight MC tire changer machines. I also 3D printed and installed some additional cleat protection pieces. I bought the HF MC top and the regular car tire changer bottom portion that has the bead breaker. I made many changes and came up with a tire changer that works very well. I bought the Mojo blocks but went with the NoMar tire bar instead of the Mojo bar. Overall with the HF equipment $65.00, extra clips, bar, yellow NoMar tire lock, custom made brackets, clamps etc. I have just under $250.00 invested.

We have 5 fat tire bikes in our group as well as Victories, Harleys and others. This project will help out changing tires for the others as well and help reduce my cost in the equipment for $20.00 at tire change. I have already done several other tires getting ready for the new season. I am putting together a video doing my 300mm as the first change attempt. There are a few things I have learned and changed up since then so it's going much quicker and easier with every tire changed. I will post the video at some point soon on my YouTube channel.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5djrxBeeOKB9_6rHnn6G8A

Another project I am currently attempting is a custom battery disconnect on my 2007 Bulldog. I would like to only have the battery on charge and disconnect the EFI and EHC boxes during the winter months. There is just enough space under the left side cover to do this. I don't like the way I must disconnect the battery terminal as it is not a clean disconnect and sparks, reconnects and disconnects trying to remove the (-) battery bolt. I think this was a contributor to the demise on my EFI controller a few years back. With the cost of replacing the electronics again I have decided to design a easy access disconnector.

I will visit more often and hope the forum keeps growing and sharing.

Ride safe and enjoy!
Rob

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BigDogBro1

Made in the USA
The 7 minute EDIT time limit cut me off before I had a chance to add this.

Last year we lost two of our riders. Stallion from cancer and Bob from a fatal accident on our annual guys trip up to Oscoda MI. We think Bob lost consciousness while riding and collided with the on-coming traffic guard rail end box guard. It was a bad accident scene and we were very much affected by Bobs loss and still are. I created tribute videos for both Stallion and Bob on my channel for their families and friends.
 

41bigdawg

Let the Big Dawg eat !
Welcome back Rob :) Nice work on the tire changer, I have the NoMar Pro in my shop. I like the way you took the best of everything and made you own for a lot less, Nice.

Sorry to hear of the loss of your friends, my condolences.

Looking forward the checking out your videos :chopper:
 

awg

Guru
Wow! What a great story. Didn't like the ending though. But the tire machine will definitly come in handy. I remember your post from some time ago. Its good to hear from you again. I'm kind of your neighbor here in Ohio. So your weather is bad I'm sure like ours.
 

BigDogBro1

Made in the USA
Its been some time since on the forum. Did I hear correctly that Ray had passed?

Has anything else changed much in the last two years?
 
The 7 minute EDIT time limit cut me off before I had a chance to add this.

Last year we lost two of our riders. Stallion from cancer and Bob from a fatal accident on our annual guys trip up to Oscoda MI. We think Bob lost consciousness while riding and collided with the on-coming traffic guard rail end box guard. It was a bad accident scene and we were very much affected by Bobs loss and still are. I created tribute videos for both Stallion and Bob on my channel for their families and friends.
Welcome back !
 

pknowles

RETIRED
Welcome back Rob. As the others said, sorry for the loss of you friends and great job on building and sharing the tire change info.
 

BigDogBro1

Made in the USA
Thanks to all for your kind words.

I wanted to post the YouTube link for my video. The video was cleaned up as this was the first time with a stiff 300 tire. The tire changer sits a bit high off the floor so I had some struggle with it. It might be a bit painful to watch as I struggle along :) Enjoy.

 
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BigDogBro1

Made in the USA
My deepest condolences to Ray's family and friends. I never personally met the man but from what I have read I'm sure I would have chosen him to be a close friend. R.I.P. brother and ride on!
 
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