Big Red Fred is in the house!

[DDDDDMORGAN]

Made it home safe and sound with the new ride.

As I stated before I was hesitant but getting on the thing (once I got out of the gravel driveway) it was like the bicycle, you just go from memory.

It was an easy ride home, maybe 7 miles. The old hippy brother in law stated, "Yeah get the front tire replaced, it's a little squirrly." Boy was that an understatement!

It took the potholes just fine but from a stop or even worse turning from a stop, was hair-raising; there was a crazy wobble until you got the thing wound up, even then it wandered. When I got home I was looking at the tire more closely and yeah, it's worn but there's still some tread left. Well, when I leaned over I pushed myself up against the tire and it squished! Yeah, a technical term I know, turns out the darn thing only had 10 or 12 pounds of air! It will get new tires but that should fix it for a while.

I like the recommendation on the beginner and intermediate classes, I think I'll do that. I chatted with a friend and he said the same thing. Around here there are novice, beginner, advanced beginner and intermediate and then the Evel Kenievel course. The advanced beginner will be good this year, they provide a bike and such. I like the idea of the parking lot, gonna go do that after tires and registration. I can see where the slow speed maneuvers will be a challenge. I will have all this squared away for next year so we can take some trips, I"m really excited.

I couldn't believe the power and how smooth the bike is. I've never ridden a cruiser, it's simply fantastic. I can see how you folks can stand to take such long trips.

[Nails]

once I got out of the gravel driveway

I bought my '75 Goldwing from some guy at the end of about a quarter mile of nasty clay mud -- I locked the hubs of my Scout to get back there. I said, "I'll take it if you can get it out of here." He did. (I had experience with MX as well as other 4-cylinder road bikes, but really didn't want to mess with that.)

only had 10 or 12 pounds of air! It will get new tires but that should fix it for a while.

As mentioned, these front-ends are awfully sensitive. That's the bad news. The good news is that most of the time, squirreliness is cheap and easy to fix. Don't be surprised if this isn't the only problem. Don't settle for really any squirreliness. These pups can sure hustle through corners!

I couldn't believe the power and how smooth the bike is. I've never ridden a cruiser, it's simply fantastic.

Well, that's sure a good sign. Sounds like a promising first date.

Yeah, these are splendid superslab burners. But you'll find they jam on curves. Kinda suck on gravel, but they can certainly do it.

Enjoy!

[DDDDDMORGAN]

Nails,

I'm a little overwhelmed with all the info on this website/forum. Can you distill the front end information for me to the essentials?

I'm going to change all the fluid I can and such but if you can tell me from experience and replacements/upgrades I should make I will work on it this winter.

thanks

[Nails]

Can you distill the front end information for me to the essentials?

I think you should take this a step at a time. But okay, here are a few steps I think you can justify right now.

Get rid of any Dunlop 404 on the front. You can find many opinions about tires here.

Go ahead and order Progressive springs.

Without knowing the mileage, I'd suggest replacing the fork bushings, seals, &etc.

I endorse Dextron for fork oil. Others like real fork oil. I also already mentioned my opinion of the air-fork manifold. With Progressives, you dump the whole air-fork thing.

While waiting for parts, make an appt at the shop. Most of them seem to be slammed right now.

Take the forks off the bike, and then take all this stuff to your favorite local mechanic. They have all the right tools, and it's cheap if you pull the forks off. Anyone can rebuild forks at home, but it's a PIA job; and the local shops need your support.

And I already mentioned visiting with Gene Kap about his headset tool. You can find a vid that Don put together describing this adjustment. All of this is right here, just use Search. You can find details as well as alternative opinions.

But to answer your question, I consider the above to be "no-brainers". Then put it back together and see what you got. There's a good chance you'll be done.

Right now, I wouldn't plan anything beyond this. If you're still less than impressed with the handling, then bring it up here to see about what you might try next.

[lucky13]

That"s a fine looking bike you have!