Boy this bike has opened up!

[Erilflynn]

And I don't say this because I'm selling it. But like everybody said, after about 8-9,000 miles (and a little trip) this engine has really opened up. Add the flash and a nice little purr after I debaffled and I find myself asking why am I doing this? Oh, that's right I'm 62 years old, can't flat foot it and am an accident waiting to happen. But still enjoying it. If only I had a garage.

[redjay]

You just need some Elton John boots !

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ELTON-JOHN-S...item1e7e8ee594

[JD Hog]

Originally Posted by Erilflynn

And I don't say this because I'm selling it. But like everybody said, after about 8-9,000 miles (and a little trip) this engine has really opened up. Add the flash and a nice little purr after I debaffled and I find myself asking why am I doing this? Oh, that's right I'm 62 years old, can't flat foot it and am an accident waiting to happen. But still enjoying it. If only I had a garage.

Yes, I have 11,000 on mine with the reflash, stock air intake and pipes and I'm loving the results. Hope to add slip on's later for a little more sound but that will be it.

Have you considered getting boots with taller soles for flat footing easier? I'm 65 and only have a 30" inseam so I know what you mean. I just make sure that I'm very careful when I stop with the pavement lower on one side than the other. I'm also very careful not to park down hill if I have to back up to leave.

How about a garage in a box? I had the 6' X 10' before I built my garage.
https://www.amazon.com/ShelterLogic-Shed-Box-Auger-Anchors/dp/B000RQ3GJO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1479157731&sr=8-2&keywords=garage%2Bin%2Ba%2Bbox&th=1&psc=1

[Erilflynn]

Originally Posted by JD Hog

Yes, I have 11,000 on mine with the reflash, stock air intake and pipes and I'm loving the results. Hope to add slip on's later for a little more sound but that will be it.

Have you considered getting boots with taller soles for flat footing easier? I'm 65 and only have a 30" inseam so I know what you mean. I just make sure that I'm very careful when I stop with the pavement lower on one side than the other. I'm also very careful not to park down hill if I have to back up to leave.

How about a garage in a box? I had the 6' X 10' before I built my garage.
https://www.amazon.com/ShelterLogic-Shed-Box-Auger-Anchors/dp/B000RQ3GJO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1479157731&sr=8-2&keywords=garage%2Bin%2Ba%2Bbox&th=1&psc=1

Yes, I do all that too when I stop and park. And I'm also a 30" inseam also. Go figure. All I know is I had a great fall ride today. The debaffle really improved the sound to my ears. I only went the first plate but it sounds much improved to me. If I was gonna keep it I think I would try the V & H after the bad experience I had with the Cobra Billet Tips. I'm sure the Tri Flows sound much better. Happy holidays!

[tonik]

Progressive makes a lowering kit for the front. Scootworks makes one for the rear, there are others for the rear I just can't find them right now. But just lowering the front may be enough for you, and would preserve most of the ground clearance in the rear. But that is a fair amount of money to invest without knowing for sure if it would be comfortable and safe for you. Either way best wishes on your search.

And I am certainly not recommending Scootworks.

[redjay]

Luverne Kawasaki makes lowering links for the rear

[Erilflynn]

Originally Posted by tonik

Progressive makes a lowering kit for the front. Scootworks makes one for the rear, there are others for the rear I just can't find them right now. But just lowering the front may be enough for you, and would preserve most of the ground clearance in the rear. But that is a fair amount of money to invest without knowing for sure if it would be comfortable and safe for you. Either way best wishes on your search.

And I am certainly not recommending Scootworks.

You're right it is a fair amount of money. That's why I am just considering switching brands to maybe a Yamaha 1300 VStar Deluxe or possibly a Victory CC which is very low and about 100 lbs. lighter.

[tonik]

Originally Posted by Erilflynn

You're right it is a fair amount of money. That's why I am just considering switching brands to maybe a Yamaha 1300 VStar Deluxe or possibly a Victory CC which is very low and about 100 lbs. lighter.

I hear you on the weight. I am 57, and I can tell the day is coming where a 900 lb bike two up full of gear just isn't going to cut it. Won't matter, you (and I) will still be happy with what we got. All bikes make me smile.

[SUMMITRIC]

So i have an '11 vaquero... Am enjoying the power and ride and everything, but you're saying at 10,000kms it will start running even better? My '11 only has 3500kms on it now. I am going to get the ivan reflash this winter.

[redjay]

My Voyager ran cooler and got more gas mileage as the miles racked up.

[Erilflynn]

Originally Posted by SUMMITRIC

So i have an '11 vaquero... Am enjoying the power and ride and everything, but you're saying at 10,000kms it will start running even better? My '11 only has 3500kms on it now. I am going to get the ivan reflash this winter.

Yes my miles to KM conversion is a little rusty but yes as many have said they really open up after about 8,000 miles and they run much stronger. Add on the flash and it feels like a new bike.

[SUMMITRIC]

Will the Ivan flash make a difference before this 8000 mile target then?

[tonik]

Originally Posted by SUMMITRIC

Will the Ivan flash make a difference before this 8000 mile target then?

Oh hell yes. The '8000 mile target' is an improvement, but it isn't really huge. It's not like it becomes a rocket or is even comparable to the changes Ivan makes.

Don't wait, you will only be mad at yourself if you wait once you do get it done. Unless you are about to park it for the winter. Getting it done over the winter so you have zero downtime is certainly worth considering.

[VulcanD]

Originally Posted by SUMMITRIC

Will the Ivan flash make a difference before this 8000 mile target then?

I had mine flashed around 7000 last June. The flash makes a HUGE difference in power up through the gears. It's a different bike. Some might say HUGE exaggerates percentage wise, but let's just say it feels like a different bike. I have to watch myself in 2nd around a corner so I don't accelerate too fast!

13,700+ miles in my first year (picked it up last November). Bike runs smoother, sounds better (still stock pipes), and has a lot more power (admittedly with the flash) than it did when it was new just a year ago.

Happy and safe riding,
Dan

[SUMMITRIC]

thanks, guys... gonna get the flash done over the winter :)