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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Finally, a pic of my bike!
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Message started by skrapiron on 04/07/08 at 06:22:02

Title: Finally, a pic of my bike!
Post by skrapiron on 04/07/08 at 06:22:02

I got tired of getting errors every time I tried to upload a pic of my bike, so I did what was recommended and opened a bikepics account.

Here is the latest photo of my LTE650 Savage (Luxury Touring Edition (all credit for the name goes to MaxMorely))

http://www.bikepics.com/pictures/1244814/

http://w3.bikepics.com/pics/2008%5C04%5C07%5Cbikepics-1244814-800.jpg

Now, does anyone know how to direct-link this picture so it shows up without having to click the link?

Title: Re: Finally, a pic of my bike!
Post by Southpaw on 04/07/08 at 10:58:11

Hey Skrapiron

Watcha got between the handlebars up there? Or is that just the way the windshield mounts look in the picture? Looking good!

Dan

Title: Re: Finally, a pic of my bike!
Post by sluggo on 04/07/08 at 11:42:38

sweeeet,

Title: Re: Finally, a pic of my bike!
Post by skrapiron on 04/07/08 at 12:36:05

In between the handlebars, I have a Rapid Transit triple tree bag. Its just big enough to hold my registration, sunglasses and my cell phone while I'm riding. I took another pic, this one from behind. You can see the bag alot better from this angle.

http://w3.bikepics.com/pics/2008/04/07/bikepics-1244818-800.jpg

Title: Re: Finally, a pic of my bike!
Post by willrph on 04/07/08 at 16:50:38

Great looking bike!!! Take any long trips; looks like you could scoot for awhile. Who is the maker of the saddle bags? Model number? I really like the look on the bike,

Title: Re: Finally, a pic of my bike!
Post by stinger on 04/08/08 at 01:38:57

nice bike! also where did you find the bag on the back?

Title: Re: Finally, a pic of my bike!
Post by keithert on 04/08/08 at 04:10:05

What sheepskin pad are you using? Does it stay in place when you get on and off the bike?

Title: Re: Finally, a pic of my bike!
Post by skrapiron on 04/08/08 at 04:32:58

Thanks all.

The saddle bags are made by tour master. They came with the bike, but I would not buy them again. After just 2 years, they are sagging very badly and the velcro does not seal all the way around.

The top case is the Dowco Iron Rider overnight bag. I got it from a local dealership for about $70.00. Originally, it was attached to the bike using velcro straps and friction ties. I found that they would loosen over time and had to be cinched down more often than I liked. What I ended up doing was cutting a 1/8" plate of aluminum to fit the inside of the bag. I then drilled through the plate and bag (the bag has a wood or more accurately wood product reinforcement in the bottom) and through bolted it to the luggage rack using carriage bolts, fender washers and lock nuts.

I got the wool seat pad off of e-bay. It was $20.00 shipped. It secures to the seat using a web-strap that runs around and under the seat. Once it is clipped in place, you cinch the straps to secure it.

When I get my new seat, I may still use the lamb-skin pad. It provides insulation in the winter and allows air to circulate under you in the summer to prevent sweat and in turn, monkey butt.

Title: Re: Finally, a pic of my bike!
Post by willrph on 04/08/08 at 17:37:26

Thanks for your update That is what is so great about this site, honest people riding a great bike. I'll continue to evaluate saddle bags but I must say it still looks like a great cycle. Enjoy your rides.

Title: Re: Finally, a pic of my bike!
Post by rpgpgmr on 04/08/08 at 18:37:03

willrph,
FYI, don't even think about ordering the Suzuki Boulevard bags they sell for the S40. I bought the studded ones and they look GREAT, but they suck big time. The best pair of bags I've installed was a set of Tour Master Nylon Cruiser II Slant Saddlebags. They are nylon, easy access for gloves, and zip out to expand nicely. When my fiance bought her bike, I gave them to her and ordered the Suzuki bags for mine. I've regretted it ever since, but she loves them so I guess it's okay. ha

And you're right, this site is great. I have learned SO MUCH from members. I have twice the bike now that I did before I found this site. I get in trouble for how much time I spend reading/answering posts. ;D

Title: Re: Finally, a pic of my bike!
Post by skrapiron on 04/09/08 at 05:08:01

140A0F0F11130B630 wrote:

.....Take any long trips; looks like you could scoot for awhile...... ,

I have just over 23,000 miles on the bike since I bought it used, July 13 of last year. In the last 2 days, I have ridden 550 miles ( I am a field technician. If a customer has a problem with one of our products and their IT group cant solve it, I ride in like the cavalry. All I need is a small parts allotment, laptop and phillips-head screwdriver. Makes doing the job from the back of a bike a whole lot easier!)

I've spent so much time in the saddle, I haven't gotten monkey butt in quite a while....

Title: Re: Finally, a pic of my bike!
Post by rigidchop on 04/09/08 at 16:34:42

i'm interested in the way you mounted those foot pegs. was it dificult?

Title: Re: Finally, a pic of my bike!
Post by Strafford_Guy on 04/09/08 at 16:46:44

Those are KÜRYAKYN pegs? They are sweet looking. How comfortable are the offsets on the engine gaurd? do they give you room to strecth out? I am debating between those or foward controls. Not that I have the cash for either at the moment.

Title: Re: Finally, a pic of my bike!
Post by skrapiron on 04/09/08 at 19:25:17

The engine guard and the forward pegs were not a problem to install. I had my wife hold the bike vertical, then measured each clamp to make sure I was starting equadistant, then tightened and assembled from there.

The forward controls were simply unbolt the stock ones, measure the diameter of the pivot pins (the hex bolt through the mount) then drilled out to slightly oversize, add 2 5/16 washers and mount on the bike.

The rear pegs were a bit more work. I had to fit a spacer washer between the pegs and the mounts to ensure that it would be sufficiently tight to hold the pegs up when in a stowed position (I used the spring spacer off of the front pegs to do this). Once I had the depth measured, I used and angle grinder to machine a radius on top of the mount to allow the pegs free travel. Then, I rough fir the pegs and spacers and used my persuader to make sure it was a tight fit ( a claw hammer works wonders!) I tightened the bolts down then had my son sit on the back to determine the correct pitch for the pegs.

As for the pegs on the highway bar, I won't ride without them. Between the stock peg position and the highway pegs, I have 3 leg positions. Stock (slightly forward) feet on the highway pegs (up and about 6" forward) or I can rest my ankles on top of the pegs (for a full out stretched riding position.) Between the 3, I can change my seating position as often as I like. It has been a godsend for long trips and has made my stock seat seem almost comfortable.

When I mount my custom gel seat with memory foam, it may be entirely different. But I won't know until I pick them up with my bags on the 26th....

Title: Re: Finally, a pic of my bike!
Post by skrapiron on 04/27/08 at 17:46:44

Its DONE! Presenting my COMPLETED (whew) 2004 LTE650 Savage ( I got my exhaust, new seat and new saddle bags installed. Now I'm stylin'!!) I need another bike to customize.......

http://w3.bikepics.com/pics/2008/04/27/bikepics-1268995-800.jpg