Today, I installed a set of "pathfinder LED headlights" . Very straight forward plug and play stuff. I want to replace the stock seat BUT cannot quite come to terms with the cost of a "russel". There is a local Guy who has been rebuilding/ shaping seats for many years and I might give him a try.
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What have your done to your C14 today
- Thread starter COGnosticator
- Start date
Nothing major, but pre-spring preparations on both my C14 and Marina's (wife) Honda Shadow w/ oil & oil filter changes. Next weekend I'll get to changing the final gear oil on both.
What have I done to my red 08 lately?
Quite a bit. Setting it up to fit me.
Thanks to COG members I was able to get an almost new VStream and wind deflectors and a front peg lowering kit as a VERY good price.
Thank you. Installed a Phil’s rack for my Givi top case. Super solid.
Looking for mounting hardware to install two driving lights on the canyon cages. Think I found something and should arrive soon.
The only thing I need is a set of new or used throttle Miesters.
Can’t locate any in Canada. Anyone out there have a set?
New tires are in order.
Can’t wait for the snow to go away and get some kms on the bike.
It only has 8300 kms on it. I’ll rectify that this summer!
Hopefully see you at the Bun Cooler!
Quite a bit. Setting it up to fit me.
Thanks to COG members I was able to get an almost new VStream and wind deflectors and a front peg lowering kit as a VERY good price.
Thank you. Installed a Phil’s rack for my Givi top case. Super solid.
Looking for mounting hardware to install two driving lights on the canyon cages. Think I found something and should arrive soon.
The only thing I need is a set of new or used throttle Miesters.
Can’t locate any in Canada. Anyone out there have a set?
New tires are in order.
Can’t wait for the snow to go away and get some kms on the bike.
It only has 8300 kms on it. I’ll rectify that this summer!
Hopefully see you at the Bun Cooler!
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Put the battery back in. Started it. Warmed to operating temperature. Turned off. The nights later this week could only drop to the high 20's, so if the freezing fog stops forming I will ride to work to enjoy the mid 40's ride home. Aired up the tires in all 5 bikes, but want to run the C-14...the only one with grip warmers.
Grip warmers, and excellent wind protection! I rode my KLR 650 the other day, it was 45* and despite having good grip warmers and barkbusters, my knees were missing the fairings on the C14! (And the gobs of power, too, obviously)
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Only could get in a quick 20 minute ride around time. But it was good!
Just be careful in the twisties. Make sure you have them folded up. I have different engine guards than you but I did have to relocate my pegs because I kept scraping the set/stop screw on the bottom of the peg.
Ride safe, stay healthy
Dale
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They’re up pretty high (higher than the ones on my Goldwing) but, I understand, If I drag these, I’m probably already in trouble. I don’t unfold them anywhere but “straight and flat.”
First ride of 2022 
, brief but enjoyable 160 mile lunch round trip.
Temps in SE PA today flirting with 60 then at 70+ Miles from home temps suddenly dropped to upper 30’s - thank goodness for heated gear. We keep carrying layers in the case something goes up in smoke but loving the light-dressing and controlling our microclimate with press of a button.
, brief but enjoyable 160 mile lunch round trip. Temps in SE PA today flirting with 60 then at 70+ Miles from home temps suddenly dropped to upper 30’s - thank goodness for heated gear. We keep carrying layers in the case something goes up in smoke but loving the light-dressing and controlling our microclimate with press of a button.
I need to do similar on my Canyon Cage bars. It would have made my 2020 Iron Butt ride so much easier.
Having the option of stretching the legs makes a world of difference, even on a 100 mile ride before i had my torn meniscus trimmed up i even added a set of Ronnies pegs. Who would have thought moving ur foot forward about an inch and a half ( 1 1/2 inches) would make such an improvement.
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Both of you are exactly right. About an hour and my knees are starting to be a real pain - literally. I’ve had this bike for seven years. Now I can keep it seven more (maybe). I think it’ll be a nice augmentation to the “tour” part of sport-touring.
I can now rest my legs straight out. These will stay folded and out of the most of the time,
I can now rest my legs straight out. These will stay folded and out of the most of the time,
Interesting that you guys mention the knees being an issue. I've had my right knee scoped already, and will likely need my left knee done in the next year or two. But this isn't my biggest pain or cause for concern (yet).
Not sure how many of y'all have felt a stabbing pain in the front right hip, but it gets me every now and then. It's a sudden cramp and deep discomfort in my right hip flexor heading down into my groin. It usually starts in about 10 to 15 mins on the bike, and when it comes on it's like a hurricane. If I try to relax and let it play itself out it'll get super acute. If I tense up and try to flex my way through it there's a bit slight bit of a tapering effect, but it still peaks before calming down. I'll also stand straight up on the pegs when this happens if traffic permits, maybe twice or three times before it eventually calms down. Sometimes if it's lasting longer than one stop light I'll dig my right thumb into the muscle at the crease in my pants at the top of the pocket. That can help too, but not always and it doesn't usually keep it from peaking before passing.
Am wondering if anyone has already figured this out. Other than getting old and clunky, is there another cause (like bursitis or osteoarthritis) that we need to be looking out for? Any MDs, DOs or DCs in our midst who can educate us?
Geez yer old.
Bothers me sometimes too, but I'm only 70.
Pain is why God invented Tyenol.
Ride safe, Ted
Bothers me sometimes too, but I'm only 70.
Pain is why God invented Tyenol.
Ride safe, Ted
Yeah that happens to me sometimes. I have to hold it straight out while I howl in my helment. Then it normally calms down. I think it's a function of being "folded up" as much as anything. (My legs are a LITTLE longer than Ted's ---)
But's funny that this didn't USED to bother me. LOL...I hate to say it, because it's such a simple thing, but I think that hydration has a big impact on these 'cramping' sort of issues, for me at least. Most of us don't drink enough water. I tend to have fewer issues when it's warmer out, because I tend to drink a lot more water when it's warm and I know I'll be sweating a bit. If it's mild out (50-60*) I tend to cramp a lot more. Just something to think about.
In my case, it's normally when I first get on the bike, or after a stop at a red light.
So, I don't think it's hydration as much as a muscle spasm from setting in a different position. (with legs spread on the bike vs standing)
Normally, standing while riding briefly, or stopping/getting off the bike for a few seconds and it goes away.
Ride safe, Ted
So, I don't think it's hydration as much as a muscle spasm from setting in a different position. (with legs spread on the bike vs standing)
Normally, standing while riding briefly, or stopping/getting off the bike for a few seconds and it goes away.
Ride safe, Ted
I have the same thing happen to me usually at the beginning of a multi day ride after a layoff from riding. I can get it in both hips and it usually happens within the first hour of riding and normally only after a stop for gas or at a red light. If I'm lucky and only get it in one hip then I can shift sideways in the seat and stretch out the leg on the affected side straight out along side the bike and the pain subsides. It is definitely related to how far my knees are apart while trying to exert downward pressure to hold up the bike when stopped. Really intense pain, so bad that I worry about dropping the bike if I try to stop and get off. Then after that first bout of pain it doesn't come back for the remainder of the trip, be it days or weeks. It's always after a significant break in riding. It happened once to me at a Yamaha demo day when I hadn't ridden in awhile, I got on a FJR and left the dealer in a follow the leader type procession and thought just as we pulled out into traffic that I was going to drop the bike if we stopped....fortunately we made all of the lights and the pain subsided in 5 minutes. I'm sure it has something to do with the hip joint and spreading the legs while trying to hold up the bike and that there is probably an exercise or stretching that could be done before a ride to address it before a trip...but I haven't found it yet. Searching the internet seems to only find long term chronic problems and nothing about an intense temporary pain. I'm sure it isn't a cramp and I highly doubt it has anything to do with hydration as it's always too early in the trip.
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I didn't necessarily mean lost hydration from riding; I just mean overall hydration level. I have the same thing though, cramp isn't really the right word but it's usually fast onset and very strong. I sometimes get it after being on the bike for a while, hopping off for a quick stop and then swinging my leg back over the bike to start on again... it comes on after bringing my leg back onto the peg. Weight bearing the the best way to make it go away (standing on pegs) but sometimes just stretching my leg out will make it subside.
Maybe it's just me.
I just know that the more hydrated you are, the smoother your joints are able to move... and also with adequate levels of electrolytes, the better the body is able to keep water distributed where needed.
orthopedicassociates.org
Maybe it's just me.
I just know that the more hydrated you are, the smoother your joints are able to move... and also with adequate levels of electrolytes, the better the body is able to keep water distributed where needed.
Dehydration and Joint Pain: How Your Hydration is Affecting Joint Health - Orthopedic Associates
Most people are familiar with common signs of dehydration: muscle cramps, excessive thirst, and lightheadedness. But it is important to note that these symptoms occur when a person is severely dehydrated – other less-noticeable symptoms can occur due to mild dehydration. Just because you aren’t...
orthopedicassociates.org
This happens to me a lot, usually when I first get on the bike or when I move from high way bars back to pegs. What I do is stand up (edit; on the pegs)and sit down 3 or 4 times in a row . Seems to get things aligned.
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Concur, and sorry for the hijacking. Wasn't my intention. Just made sense to bring it up in relation to the road pegs that allows for less long-trip stress on the extremities.
I installed HVMP Weighted Bar Ends today.
Won them at the National last year.
Thank you HVMP.
PS: The Bar Ends did a lot to help my Joint Pain.
Ride safe, Ted
Won them at the National last year.
Thank you HVMP.
Kawasaki Bar Ends
HVMP bar ends provide greater comfort and less fatigue for long rides. These brightly finished bar ends will reduce the vibration felt at the grip by damping the 'buzz' feel from the engine.
www.hvmp.com
Ride safe, Ted
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Let me guess....their RED.....!!
Per usual, I have no idea what you are trying to say here...or are you joking and I don't get it (also as usual
)?I understood the install, and the Thank You to HVMP, but how did bar ends you just installed today help with joint pain? I assume in your wrists?
He s trying to put the yhread back on topic....yhis is yhe what have u done to your c14 thread.
Ron had suggested a new thread be started regarding our old bones and aches and pains...lol
Ron had suggested a new thread be started regarding our old bones and aches and pains...lol
I have run mine since last year and looking at the wear I figure they will go about 6K. Be interesting to see how yours compare, though it could be apples to guavas with differing roads, type of riding, loads, etc.
Ahh so...then a "well done Ted" is in order. (ouch, that hurt a bit
)After having my leaky fork seals replaced I went on a several day trip doing some west Texas twisties. Butch (rbentdude, riding partner) asked if they felt any different and I said no just the same to me. Then on the last day of the ride we went to a restaurant for dinner that wasn't within walking distance to the hotel, and on the way back in the dark I noticed how low my headlights were aimed. I didn't think the shop would have any reason to change my fork settings but it turns out they did. My preload was way low, (on topic -->) so today, I raised it back up to approx. were it should be. It's a testament to my lack of ability, or lack of feel of the bike that I rode for several days and didn't notice any difference until my head light aim showed me a clue, 'cause my insensitive derriere sure didn't have any.
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Today, in Winterpeg, Maniitscolda, Canada, I finished re-installing my home made tip over bars. I had previously built and installed these however as most things go, decided that mods were required.The original design actually decreased the lean angle by a degree or two. Not acceptable. Also, I use hi-way pegs on long trips. These did not work well for attachment points. The newer design does not limit the lean angle and has built in mount for the Hi-way pegs / driving lights. Once spring "SPRINGS" here, I will see how these work out.
I have a few pics but sadly cannot figure out how to attach.
I have a few pics but sadly cannot figure out how to attach.
If I remember correctly, only full members can post pictures, just one of many reasons to become a full member and.. well.. I'm also very interested in seeing your tip over bars
Installed a Lithium Iron Battery (a little bit ago) and cleaned and tested some problem electrical connections (Love the cranking power). Looking forward to a great riding season. I am also keeping an AGM battery on a tender for trips I don't want trouble on until I have full faith the new Lithium Iron battery won't give me trouble on cold trips.
I checked to see if my C14 was still out in the garage, making sure the biker mice didn't ride off with it.
Yep, it's still out there, in the -10F frigid cold.
Yep, it's still out there, in the -10F frigid cold.
My right side header pipe started leaking exhaust because the nuts rattled free and fell off. Just spent a good amount of time doing my first lower fairing removals on both sides. Once they we out of the way I loosened the upper radiator bolts and removed the lower brace bolt. That allowed me to swing the radiator far enough forward so I could reach all the nuts. A few others were loose. I put locktite on all 8 of them and then went through the re assembly process. It wasn't a joy to do all of that.
Its cooled off again here in Socal and the mountains have another layer of snow on them. It might have hit 60 today... tonight its down around 35 degrees again. I like this weather for riding... wear all my gear and feel cozy and well protected!
Its cooled off again here in Socal and the mountains have another layer of snow on them. It might have hit 60 today... tonight its down around 35 degrees again. I like this weather for riding... wear all my gear and feel cozy and well protected!
Time to refresh all the fluids and see what has and has not been done on the maintenance side of things on a '13 with 8k on the odo.
Observations:
- the air filter was the biggest surprise, it looked pretty darn good compared to some others I have seen, still swapped it.
- Bosche brake fluid is like a neon yellow, ok I guess, I am used to the clear stuff so when it starts to yellow I know it's time to change
- coolant DID have some in there but was low and seemed really concentrated, maybe some evaporation.
- from the looks of everything but the filter, it was waaay past due to replace. 9 years and 8,000 miles later, it was time.
- I decided to hold off on the fork oil till I pull the front tire for replacement. I am sure it is original but it will need to wait a few more months
- brakes are in good shape, but will clean when I do the fork oil swap, front tire
Observations:
- the air filter was the biggest surprise, it looked pretty darn good compared to some others I have seen, still swapped it.
- Bosche brake fluid is like a neon yellow, ok I guess, I am used to the clear stuff so when it starts to yellow I know it's time to change
- coolant DID have some in there but was low and seemed really concentrated, maybe some evaporation.
- from the looks of everything but the filter, it was waaay past due to replace. 9 years and 8,000 miles later, it was time.
- I decided to hold off on the fork oil till I pull the front tire for replacement. I am sure it is original but it will need to wait a few more months
- brakes are in good shape, but will clean when I do the fork oil swap, front tire
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Flushing coolant system wasn't too bad, took 3 engine heat cycles , 3 gallons of distilled 25/75 vinegar mix. I then took pressurized air to get as much out as possible. Didn't feel like breaking down entire system with only 8k on it. The oil wasn't too bad looking and nothing shiny in it (thank goodness). Had an Kawi filter, I always use the bigger Mobil filter, makes it easy to just put 5 quarts in instead of 4.7. Yes, I did mix the Mobil motorcycle oil with the T6, it was the last T6 they had and I wasn't going to shop around town. The gear oil was pretty bad and not much in there, not too sure why that is but, good to go now.
more pics...
more pics...
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Good pics! Looks like the fluids were for sure ready for replacement. The air filter looked ok for that year bike, but only 9k miles? I pulled mine out last time I had the fairing off (about 2k ago when I was at 10k miles) and it was still cleaner than yours. Maybe sitting for so long let stuff get gunky? In any case, I'm sure your machine is going to be very appreciative of the refresh! :^ ) Thx for sharing! AB
I put a throttle meister on today on my 09. I’m having a bit of an issueI have seen this thread on other bike forums like the BMW GS and FJR and these threads always cost me money
Today I installed the G2 throttle tamer to my 2013, fairly straight forward and easy job, then I put the throttlemeister on (thanks Reid) took a little adjustment to make it work right, but now I am ready to go, well after I get a new LED headlight for the one I mucked up
So, what have you done to your C14 today. :great:
I have seen this thread on other bike forums like the BMW GS and FJR and these threads always cost me money
Today I installed the G2 throttle tamer to my 2013, fairly straight forward and easy job, then I put the throttlemeister on (thanks Reid) took a little adjustment to make it work right, but now I am ready to go, well after I get a new LED headlight for the one I mucked up
So, what have you done to your C14 today. :great:
I put a TM on my 09 today. Having issues getting it adjusted as well.I have seen this thread on other bike forums like the BMW GS and FJR and these threads always cost me money
Today I installed the G2 throttle tamer to my 2013, fairly straight forward and easy job, then I put the throttlemeister on (thanks Reid) took a little adjustment to make it work right, but now I am ready to go, well after I get a new LED headlight for the one I mucked up
So, what have you done to your C14 today. :great:
Tried numerous shims etc but best I can get it still doesn’t quite hold. Drops slowly. Do I take out a shim to get more grab? Any insight would help. Thanks.
What did they pop you for? Glad my state does not use the point system.went for a lay up…got my 2 points
Doesn’t all WAZE wo
rk
FTP
Hopefully, your state has the legalized bribery program they call "deferment". Jack up the fine and they forget all about it. My last ticket in my Mark VII was about $250 under the deferment program. I passed an unmarked car. As soon as I got back in my lane, here come the lights. Oops.