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Old 08-25-2014, 03:31 AM   #1
MarkG   MarkG is offline
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Checking the lights

Have not been home too much recently, that coupled with the 100+ temperatures the incentive to ride has been at a minimum. Decided to do a night ride after the sun went down at least the temperatures would be in the mid 80s. Besides the poor Nomad has been sitting too long without being ridden.

When I fired up the bike the first thing I did was go through all the light switches. Bright light, dim light, turn signals all worked. Even the tail light worked until I pushed the brake. Nothing. Crap, and do you think I could find the spare bulb I keep around for it, NO! Lost 30 minutes going to the store to get replacement 1157s. Took less than three minutes to replace it after I got home.

I usually carry at least one of the headlight and taillight bulbs in the saddle bag along with the right size screwdriver. No idea when the bulb disappeared. In this case I was a little surprised usually the taillight burns out rather than the brake light. The extra bulb went into the saddle bag.

Overall once I got out of town it was a nice pleasant ride. No wind, not too many cars and I was able to run the bright light most of the time. Took my time and enjoyed a 115 mile ride.

One other habit is to check the horn after I get away from the houses and not too many cars around. At least I know it honked instead of gurgled at the beginning of a ride. Several people I know found out the hard way the horn did not work because they had never pushed the button.

Besides the tires did you check your lights today?
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Old 08-25-2014, 05:36 AM   #2
HwyRider   HwyRider is offline
 
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Glad you were able to get out and get some seat time.
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Old 08-25-2014, 05:59 AM   #3
Loafer   Loafer is offline
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Mark, good for you!
Great tip to check the bikes functioning parts for safety!
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Old 08-25-2014, 10:54 AM   #4
Old Bear   Old Bear is offline
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I thought 100 degrees in AZ was considered a cool day? Regardless, my hat is off to all the riders out your way, this past week we have had high 90's with heat index from the humidity up to 105. As I commute about 55 miles to work, I get to 'enjoy' that for over an hour, with a hunk of that in stop-n-go rush hour traffic! I can't imagine what it must feel like there!
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Old 08-25-2014, 11:00 PM   #5
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Saturday rode over to Daytona with the brother in law... About 95 degrees and as humid as it could possibly be. The rain on the way home sucked but it did cool it off some.
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Old 08-26-2014, 07:05 AM   #6
Monkeyman   Monkeyman is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MarkG View Post
When I fired up the bike the first thing I did was go through all the light switches. Bright light, dim light, turn signals all worked.

One other habit is to check the horn...

Besides the tires did you check your lights today?
I check my lights before every ride, too, although lately I've probably spent more time checking lights than actually riding. :(

The stereo buttons are just below the horn button on my Victory. It's a bit of a stretch to reach the stereo buttons so, when I'm at a stop light/sign (with the clutch pulled in) and I try to adjust the stereo, sometimes I inadvertently hit the horn. Tends to piss off the car in front of me. Oops.
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