BobMador's "Lil Debbie" - TOTALED 17 Jan 08 :(

[BobMador]

"Lil Debbie" is a 2006 VTX1300R that I bought 30 Nov 05, and I have already logged 310 miles on her! That doesn't sound like a lot, but after all... it's been raining, snowing, and freezing most of the time since I bought her.

So far I have added the Honda Boulevard Windscreen. That was added 09 Dec 05.

My next upgrade will be a backrest for the passenger seat. I bought one from CruiserBackrest.com (http://www.cruiserbackrest.com) but the right-hand rail had a spot of chrome rubbed off and was painted over. Also on the same rail the inside looked like the clear-coat was starting to brown.

I contacted the company via e-mail and they told me to send it back and they would replace it. I sent it yesterday (13 Dec 05) and I'm looking forward to getting the replacement so I can install the backrest.

More to follow as it happens!

[BobMador]

Odo reading: 135

I have changed out the bulb in my headlight.

It's a "Blue H4 Xenon Headlight" bulb to give the look of the new blue lights, but I don't believe it's as strong as those lights.

I noticed that to get the full-strength of those blue lights requires a special plug adapter to generate the power.

This was a simple bulb replacement.

[BobMador]

20 Dec - 512 miles

I just put chrome tank trim around the gas tank.

I also dressed up my ignition key by going to X-cessories (http://www.x-cessories.net/) and buying a key knob with the blue center. That color is pretty damn close to the color scheme of my X!

It looks great! I've had to point it out to several people that the blue knob is my key! They didn't even realize it.

Almost time for the 600 mile check!

[BobMador]

22 Dec - still 510 miles

I just got my bike stand from pepsX (http://pepsx.com/)... great stand! Thanks pep!

I immediately put Lil Deb on the stand and commenced to cleaning her with some spray-on/wipe-off cleaner that I picked up at the International Motorcycle Show in Seattle.

The cleaner is called "ShowTime" from www.lazyhog.com (http://www.lazyhog.com) and it does a great job!

I also got my formotion clock in the mail and stuck it to the console on top of the Honda emblem. (There was double sided tape on the back of the clock)

I have ordered the parts for the clock-mod that has been mentioned elsewhere in this site and plan to do that in-console clock-mod as soon as all the pieces arrive.

[BobMador]

Dec 27 - 650 miles

I did the first oil change today. I used Valvoline 10w-40 Motorcycle 4-stroke oil and I had "her" on my new pepsX stand for the job.

[BobMador]

Dec 27 - 650 miles

I installed my www.powerlet.net (http://www.powerlet.net) power mod today (after the oil change was done).

I bought two power adapters and put them into the frame neck covers.

Result: I screwed up! I didn't pay attention to the area of the frame neck covers that was clear of the gas tank and installed my adapters BEHIND the gas tank!! DOH!

Luckily, I made a deal with Sinned to buy his stock frame neck covers that he no longer wanted.

I think next time I'll mark the clear areas with a marker of some sort BEFORE I cut the holes! :D

[BobMador]

31 Dec - 800 Miles

I finally arranged for the 600 mile valve check to be done by a trusted mechanic (not a dealer mechanic), even though I have 800 miles on the bike.

The mechanic quoted me $100 plus parts!

EXTREMELY REASONABLE!

[BobMador]

31 Dec - 821 Miles

Install a driver's backrest from VTXOA Member WillyBruno (http://www.vtxoa.com/forums/profile.php?mode=viewprofile&u=1692)

Received my Kuryakyn ISO grips and will probably install them tomorrow (01 Jan 2006).

[BobMador]

01 Jan 06 - 853 Miles

Woo Hoo!!

I installed my new Kuryakyn ISO Grips today! Thanks to the "How-To" video (http://www.vtxoa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=91250) that I found a link to on this forum it took me all of 15 minutes.

I'll post pics as soon as the weather allows me to take her out to somewhere scenic!

[BobMador]

10 Jan 06 - 983 Miles

I finally got my www.CruisenBackrest.com (http://www.CruisenBackrest.com) passenger's backrest installed today!!

http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/500/5110Debbie_on_road.jpg

I had also ordered a rear rack, but it turned out to be incompatible with the backrest.

So, I contacted the seller and asked to return it for a refund. I hope I get the go ahead!

Edited: I got the authorization to return the wrong rear rack! wooo hoo!

[BobMador]

14 Jan 06 - 984 miles

Finally able to install my Sirius Starmate Replay Satellite radio! I mounted the radio to the handlebars between the risers with a RAM Handlebar Mount (for Garmin StreetPilot III, 176, 276c). I mounted the antenna to the rear fender just to the right of the brake light and ran the antenna wire behind the passenger backrest rails, behind the right-hand panel, under the gas tank on the right-hand side, out the right-hand neck frame and up to the radio.


http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/500/5110Sirius_Radio_-_small-med.jpg


I coiled the extra antenna wire and power wire and zip-tied it in the gap of the neck.

Reception is adequate in that position. The only problem I have is when I make sharp right-hand turns the antenna ends up pointing directly at the ground and the radio loses the signal. I think I can live with that!

I use a portable FM radio to receive the signal from the Sirius and I have ultra-thin Clearercom helmet speakers with velcro backing stuck to the inside of my helmet.

[BobMador]

14 Jan 06 - 984 miles

I also attached the quick connect/disconnect cable for my Delron Battery Tender Plus today.

I arranged for the wires to be accessible from behind my right-hand access panel.

Hopefully I won't have to actually use the battery tender this year!

[BobMador]

22 Jan 06 - 1316 miles

Today, I watched a buddy install my hypercharger! I just stood there and held the floodlight and handed wrenches to my buddy. :oops:

For the Risers, I held the handlebars while my buddy swapped out the stock risers for the new 4" risers.

To be fair, I removed the gas tank and the stock airbox. Then, I replaced the gas tank after the mods were installed.

While the gas tank was off I took the opportunity to re-route the power connector for my Sirius Satellite radio. The power connector is now in the gap of the neck hidden behind the neck frame covers. I just have two wires running up to the radio now instead of having a bunch of wire coiled up behind the radio.

[BobMador]

07 Feb 06 - 1738 miles

I attached a set of clear Memphis Shades Lowers to my fork covers and a chrome fuel plate cover and chrome fuel selector lever.

[BobMador]

14 Feb 06 - 2100 miles

Installed a Big Bike Parts front brake caliper cover that I bought off of Big Bikes Auction from TomCat.

Looks great!

[BobMador]

08 Mar 06 - 3400 miles

I installed a kewlmetal helmet lock (http://www.kewlmetal.com/Default.aspx?tabid=30&ctl=CatalogItemDetails&mid=355&CatalogItemID=107&CatalogID=1) on the end of my throttle grip. I plan to get another helmet lock for the left-hand grip soon (to even out the look).

I received a set of Barnett Stainless Braided cables (4" longer than stock) for the throttle and clutch. I plan to install them this weekend.

[BobMador]

10 Mar 06 - 3430 miles

Second Oil Change. I used GN4 Oil from HDL and Honda OEM Oil filter, also from HDL.

I also changed out my stock clutch cable with a Barnett Braided Stainless Steel (http://www.barnettclutches.com/products/cables.aspx?harley=&cruiser=Honda&model=&vintage=) clutch cable that's 4" longer than stock.

I was going to change out the Push/Pull throttle cables too... but I chickened out!

[mr8172p]

Hi,

Just got myself a VTX 1300 and enjoyed reading your progress and seeing your additions.

I copied a few websites from your posts. Sites that I would have never known existed.

Larry

[BobMador]

21 Mar 06 - 4100 miles

Added Barnett Braided Steel Cables (http://www.barnettclutches.com/products/cables.aspx?harley=&cruiser=Honda&model=&vintage=). Actually, I guess you can say that I "replaced the stock cables with the braided steel cables".

Any way, I took my bike to my mechanic and watched him do the push-pull throttle cables. I just didn't have the courage to tackle that job!

[BobMador]

31 Mar 06 - 4732 miles

Just installed the Coyote Hotrod X-Hinge Gas Cap Mod from Honda Direct Line (http://www.hondadirectline.com)!!

My wife bought it for me for my birthday!!

Is she great or what???

[BobMador]

Hi,

Just got myself a VTX 1300 and enjoyed reading your progress and seeing your additions.

I copied a few websites from your posts. Sites that I would have never known existed.

Larry

Thank you for your nice comment!

Because of your comment I went back through my posts and added CORRECT links to the products that I added! :D

[BobMador]

I don't remember when I bought this new helmet...

http://www.kbc-helmet.com/helmet/h_images/forcerr_bblue.jpg

But I thought I'd throw it up here!

[BobMador]

03 Apr 06 - 4935 miles

Just installed the Big Bike Rear Brake Caliper Chrome Cover (http://www.hondadirectlineusa.com/stores/product.asp?pid=3909&str=13&ID=999239245)!

Wooo Hooo!!

****EDIT: As soon as I rode the bike after install I noticed my rear brake was VERY soft! I went back to the HDL website and read the buyer comments and noticed there were two comments about the same problem. Guess I should have read the comments BEFORE I installed the cover!****

[BobMador]

07 Apr 06 - 5039 Miles

I FINALLY got my 4000 mile service check done! Oh well, better late than never!

While my mechanic was doing the check I also had him rejett the carb (with the included jet kit from the Kury Hypercharger), change out the spark plugs with Triple Platinum Split-Fire spark plugs, and fix my soft rear brake (see previous entry).

The brake problem was that the pads had slipped when I removed the top bolt on the brake assembly.

He did all that work for $90! I've raved about him in the past and I'm gonna do it again. Rob @ West Edge Cycles at 12th and Commercial in Anacortes, WA is a GREAT Honda mechanic with extremely reasonable rates!

[BobMador]

09 Apr 06 - 5071 miles

Installed Cobra Passenger Floorboards (http://www.cobrausa.com/content/index.cfm?siteaction=CruiserProducts&bikeid=60&partid=338) today. Took me about 15 minutes!

[BobMador]

22 Apr 06 - 6000 miles

Well... Lil' Debbie now has a voice with AUTHORITY!

I did the Clayton Exhaust Mod... but I cheated!

I made arrangements with another VTXOA member (Biddy) to swap out my Stock (Unmodded) exhaust with his Stock (Clayton Modded) exhaust.

Biddy didn't care for the way the mod sounded on his X. But he was very impressed with how they sounded on MY X!

Biddy said the mod sounded "tinny" on his bike, but sounds very deep and nice on mine.

[BobMador]

26 Apr 06 - 6509 miles

I just installed the Kuryakyn Throttle Boss that I got from HDL (http://www.hondadirectlineusa.com/stores/product.asp?pid=171&str=13&ID=68216925)

I went for a quick ride after I installed it and it seems to work great! I can't wait to take it out on the highway for a longer ride.

[BobMador]

30 Apr 06 - 6905 miles

Today I changed the oil in Lil' Debbie for the third time.

This time I used Fully Synthetic Mobil 1 - VTwin 20W-50 oil.

For the filter I used a FRAM PH-6607 oil filter.

[BobMador]

08 May 06 - 7156 miles

I just received and installed my modified stock seats that were customized by Rich's Custom Seats (http://www.richscustomseats.com).

I haven't had a chance to ride on it yet.

Here are a couple pics of them:

http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/500/5110Rich_s_Seats_01-med.jpg


Here's a shot of the new seat with my WillyBruno Driver's Backrest installed:

http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/500/5110Rich_s_Seats_02-med.jpg

[BobMador]

09 May 06 - 7162 miles

I just received my NEW jacket!!

http://www.sandhillspowersports.com/sandhills/images/item/large/471-5202.jpg



It's fairly close to the color of my helmet

http://www.kbc-helmet.com/helmet/h_images/forcerr_bblue.jpg


and my bike

[BobMador]

11 May 06 - 7250 miles

A friend and I installed a pair of Kuyakyn 6-1/2" risers today.

http://www.kuryakyn.com/graphics/products/popup/12268_kur_1725_tt_h_pu.jpg

They didn't QUITE fit!! I had to go to ACE Hardware and buy SHORTER bolts!

It seems that these risers were designed to go on HARLEY bikes!

But... CruiserCustomizing (http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/detail.cfm?model_ID=54&Category_ID=7&manufacturer_ID=16&product_ID=19990) sells them for the VTX 1300S.

Oh well, I got them to work. There is one bad thing about them... the risers impact my speedo housing when I turn the handlebars all the way to either end.

[BobMador]

22 May 2006 - 7941 miles

I received and installed my new LeatherLyke Model 339 Saddlebags!

http://home.comcast.net/~bob-mador/Saddlebag05.jpg

[BobMador]

31 May 2006 - 8379 miles

Well... I was warned about the Barnett Stainless Steel cables, too bad it was AFTER I bought them!

But, the clutch cable finally broke :?

Fortunately I saved my OEM cable when I read the warnings about the Barnett cable and was able to swap out the cables in about 10 minutes.

I will, of course, complain to Barnett and demand a replacement cable. But it will be relegated to a replacement cable.

I will order another SS cable from a different company. I heard there was another company with more dependable cables.

[BobMador]

05 June 2006 - 8688 miles

I just received and installed my new Motion Pro (http://www.motionpro.com/motorcycle/cable_partno/62-0426/) clutch cable. Hopefully I'll have better luck with this cable!

[BobMador]

12 June 2006 - 8913 miles

Well... better late than never! :oops:

I FINALLY got my bike in to my favorite mechanic for the 8,000 mile check at only 8913 miles!

[BobMador]

13 June 2006 - 8913 miles

I got my baby back from the mechanic and he told me a couple items about my X.

Item #1: The rear brake fluid was burnt. He replaced it.
Item #2: The rear brake pads were almost gone! So he replaced them
Item #3: The oil was looking dirty so he did an oil change.

So... this is Oil Change #4, Rear Brake Fluid Change #1, and Rear Brake Pads Change #1.

The mechanic told me that the front brakes were at 75%+. So I guess I'll wait a bit to change those.

[BobMador]

19 June 2006 - 9320 miles

I got my tank bib (bra??) from RobT today and immediately installed it.

Great construction and excellent fit!

I asked Rob to put a rather large pocket on the bib and I'm beginning to regret that, but that's my fault for asking for such a large pocket.

Overall I am very satisfied with the product that Peaceful Cruisin (http://www.peacefulcruisin.com/) sold me.

[BobMador]

20 June 2006 - 9350 miles

Well, I had Lil' Debbie Dyno'd... for the second time in less than a month. The first time I didn't log because it wasn't done properly and I had to reschedule another appointment.

I had the DynoTune done at Skagit Powersports (http://www.skagitpowersports.com/).

Here is the report:

http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/500/5110Dyno_Results-med.jpg

The settings are:

Needle: Fourth from top
185 Main Jet
55 Pilot
2.5 Turns of A/F screw

The Results:

Baseline Run - Max Power: 60.27 Max Torque: 73.67
Final Run - Max Power: 64.23 Max Torque: 77.53

[BobMador]

22 June 2006 - 9494 miles

I installed the Stebel Air Horn today!

Thanks goes out to Cool Runnings for just giving me the horn... and pepsX for his fine Stebel Horn Bracket!

And, for his step-by-step instructions, thanks to BigDog! I followed his instructions ALMOST exactly. I didn't cut the wires to my stock horn. Instead I just disconnected the bayonnet (aka - spade) connectors from the horn, and attached a male spade connector to the wire and connected my new wire to the existing stock horn connectors. One day I may insert a "Y" connector and wire in both the stock and the Stebel horns!!

[BobMador]

26 June 2006 - 10,635 miles

I FINALLY finished installing my Kuryakyn Highway pegs. I bought the mounts off eBay and the pegs direct from Kuryakyn... but I didn't realize that I needed a THIRD piece!

If I had bought the mounts from Kuryakyn the piece that goes between the mounts and the pegs would have been included, but I had to save a few bucks and buy the mounts off eBay.

Oh well.

[BobMador]

01 July 2006 - 11,203 miles

Well, I finally laid my bike down! :cry:

I was on my way home from a PGR ride and was about a mile from jumping on the expressway, 60 miles (approximately) from home when I rounded a corner and traffic was stopped.

I hit the brakes and my rear wheel locked up on me.

Long story short... I went down and suffered a small road rash raspberry on my left elbow and a severe sprained left ankle.

(For the full story, refer to "I went down on a PGR ride" (http://www.vtxoa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=150059))

My bike suffered a snapped off left mirror (the entire mirror all the way to the clutch handle was snapped off!), floorboards (both) bent up, the right-hand highway peg pushed in towards the bike and the rear brake pedal pushed in towards the bike, scratches on the bottom of the mufflers, road rash on the bottom of the left saddlebag, scratches on the front brake handle, and an area of road rash on the front fender measuring about an inch long and about 1/2 inch wide.

All-in-all, not much damage to either myself or my Lil' Debbie. I am VERY thankful to any and all deities and/or guardian spirits that I was not injured any more severely and the damage to my bike was so light.

For pics of the damage, follow this link: http://community.webshots.com/album/551992063ksOQsS

[BobMador]

10 July 2006 - 11,245 miles

Well, Lil' Debbie is (almost) good as new!

My mechanic straightened out the floorboards, replaced the clutch handle assembly, and straightened out the highway pegs.

So... the only damage left to repair is the paint scratch on my fender and the scratches on my exhaust.

I can live with the exhaust scratches and I have a plan to touch up the paint on the fender.

[BobMador]

29 July 2006 - 12,012 miles

I am having new tires installed today while she gets her 12,000 mile check-up!

I'll have been riding Lil Debbie for only 8 months... tomorrow! and I have already put over 12,000 miles on her :shock:

I still have probably about a 1,000 miles left on the tires, but I'm heading to Sturgis on Thursday (03 Aug) and I'll probably put about 4,000 miles on the bike in the next 14 days! After all... it's 1,250 miles ONE WAY! Plus all the miles of riding while I'm there.

Oh yeah, the oil is also being changed out. It's only been about 4,000 miles but I'm still using "fossile" oil. Plus, I'm going to be stressing the bike soon on this upcoming trip so I asked to have the oil changed today too.

[BobMador]

01 August 2006 - 12061 miles

I just received and installed my new J&M CB system!

Unfortunately I forgot to order the headset cables, so I can't use it yet! :(

Oh well, I noticed that both J&M and JP Cycles will have stores in Sturgis! So I'll just visit one or both of those places and buy the missing pieces. The only problem with that plan is that I won't be able to use my system on the way there.

At least it'll be fully operational while I'm there and for the trip back!

[BobMador]

02 August 2006 - 12083 miles

I installed the Kuryakyn Chrome Tripletree Cover today!

It fit real loose and I ended up applying double-sided foam tape on the bottom to make it fit tighter.

LOL

The very first thing on the instructions is a Note that says "have a friend hold the handlebars while you install the cover" (or something to that affect) and I did just the opposite!

[BobMador]

08 August 2006 - 14010 miles

I finally finished installing my J&M CB today!

I made it to Rapid City, SD to the J&M Corp vendor tent at the Black Hills Harley Davidson store where I bought the helmet speakers and connecting cord.

I immediately plugged my MP3 player into it and enjoyed adjustable volume control music! It was AWESOME! Even better than my Autocom system!

The next day (I'm actually writing this entry on the 10th) I got a good radio check with my CB, so I guess I'm all set to rock out and communicate when I want/need to!

[BobMador]

09 August 2006 - 14168 miles

WOO HOO!! I got some LED Accent lights added to my bike! Now she glows as she's running down the dark night streets.

There are 33 lights on her, with 3 of them inside the Kuryakyn Hypercharger. The three inside the Hypercharger are Red, Purple, and Amber and they make it look like there's flame inside.

[BobMador]

04 September 2006 - 16,250 miles


Well... I just detected a slow leak in Lil Debbie's rear tire! I went to ride and while trying to back out of the garage I noticed that instead of gliding out with the usual minimum of effort I had to grunt and push with all my effort!

When I whipped out my tire pressure gauge I found out that I had a whopping 5 PSI in the tire!

Fortunately it's time for my 16,000 mile check up and I'll get the tire fixed then too.

[BobMador]

06 September 2006 - 16,525 miles

Lil Debbie is in the shop for her 16,000 mile checkup.

Only 525 miles late!

***********Results of Checkup**********************

Well... the mechanic couldn't do the valve clearance check due to the LED accent lights that I had installed.

He did change the oil, check the spark plugs, change the final drive oil, and replace the rear tire tube (that tire had a slow leak).

[BobMador]

08 September 2006 - 16,580 miles

Well, a buddy of mine pointed out to me that my air filter was looking quite BLACK, so I decided to actually use the K&N Air Filter Recharge kit that I had bought a couple months ago!

It's all done and looking good! Hopefully it will give me a couple more MPG.

[BobMador]

On 17 January 2008 at approximately 0930 I was rear-ended while riding my X in my po-dunk little town.

I was slowing to stop at a red traffic light when the next thing I know I'm on the ground moaning in pain.

Here's what I learned happened from accident reports and word of mouth:

As I was slowing to stop a 48 year old lady in her Chrysler Pacifica was speeding down the road in the same direction. Two different drivers told police that they were doing 40 mph (the posted speed limit) and she passed them fairly quickly. The popular guess is that she was doing about 50 mph.

The accident report stated that I was struck from behind 90 feet from the traffic light I was slowing for and I ended up in the intersection. I have no memory of being struck or flying through the air or rolling about on the ground. I believe the only way I could have been struck from behind and ended up 90 ft ahead is that when I flew backwards off the bike I must have hit her Pacifica's front end and then ricochet into the intersection!

The only good news to this story is that I did not suffer any broken bones or any other serious injury. I did not move when I found myself on the street and waited for an ambulance to arrive and be placed on a back board for transport to the hospital. After a CT scan for neck injuries and an x-ray I was declared free from broken bones.

However, I was still in considerable pain and the dr. was nice enough to prescribe pain medication.

Now I'm waiting for the insurance companies to get together and come through with whatever money is deemed appropriate.

Here is where you can go to view photos that show the damage to my poor little scoot:

http://thumb19.webshots.net/t/50/650/4/30/15/2349430150093479639IAwIzR_th.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/album/562230248oXceQw)

I hope to be riding again soon!

[BobMador]

:(

Well, the insurance company of the person that hit me accepted the damage quote from the motorcycle dealer. My motorcycle is "totaled".

Actually that happened about two weeks ago, but I've been so busy that I haven't had a chance to log in to post. That and I've been too sad to post it.

I haven't ridden a motorcycle in 6 weeks as of today! That's the longest I've been without going for a motorcycle ride since I bought my X! I'm going crazy!

I should be getting the insurance check to cover the motorcycle loss in about a week. That's the good news.

The not so good news is that there's a sale at my dealer THIS WEEKEND! Oh well.

[Jon's1800VTXC]

:(

Well, the insurance company of the person that hit me accepted the damage quote from the motorcycle dealer. My motorcycle is "totaled".

Actually that happened about two weeks ago, but I've been so busy that I haven't had a chance to log in to post. That and I've been too sad to post it.

I haven't ridden a motorcycle in 6 weeks as of today! That's the longest I've been without going for a motorcycle ride since I bought my X! I'm going crazy!

I should be getting the insurance check to cover the motorcycle loss in about a week. That's the good news.

The not so good news is that there's a sale at my dealer THIS WEEKEND! Oh well.

Hey Bob long time no see. Make the deal at the local dealer and have them hold it for a $100 deposit. This time of year I can't see them saying no :wink:

[BobMador]

Hey Jon,

That's a GREAT IDEA! Thanks!

Maybe I'll get a new bike and still get the good deal package of my choice... now I just need to decide which of the five packages I want!

Package 1: $750 gas card

Package 2: FREE 4 Year Preferred Maintenance plan

Package 3: $500 accessories plus FREE installation

Package 4: Free 5 day motor home rental

Package 5: Free Honda EU 2000 Generator

All great deals.

[BobMador]

I just heard a rumor that my totaled 1300S isn't in the junk yard! (at least not yet)

I heard that the county bought it for their drunk driving education class. It's usually a punitive class that drivers convicted of DUI have to attend. It's known as the IDIPIC (Impaired Driving Impact Panel of Island County) class.

Evidently the class organizers are using it as an illustration of the damage that an impaired driver can do to a motorcycle!

I wonder if the rumor is true?? Maybe I'll give them a call and find out if they did in fact acquire my totaled 1300S.