Your winter plans

[phenrichs]

Ok so for most of the world winter is "off-season." Motorcyclists however get busy. We spend the nice weather months riding the life out of our bikes and coming up with ideas on how to make them better. Then in the winter months we strip em down and make repairs to what we broke or we customize them to make them ours.

Just thought it might be about time for a thread to share what repairs or build plans you have for the winter months.

[phenrichs]

I will be spending the winter months prepping the Nomad and trailer for the trip to the national rally in June.
I bought a 78 cyclemate trailer for $100 and it only needs minor stuff but I have ideas for improvement.
I will extend the tongue about 10 inches, plan on replacing the old lights with LED, new bearings, tires, a little repair to the piano hinge, I plan to reinforce the luggage rack on top.

The bike will be getting a hitch from chuckster, Hoppy converter, lights on the crash bars (thanks cactusjack for the photos), tires, BB's in the bars to reduce vibration, power outlet for MP3 player.

I think that's it for now.

I just finished a heavy maintenance event three weeks ago. I did everything listed under the 24,000 mile service items. I have 10,000 miles on my tires, so they are good to go for at least another 6-7000 miles. I have a set of new brake pads for the front,(the rear was changed at 43,000 miles when I replaced the tires), so I will get those changed out soon. 53,000 on the oem front pads and they still have some life in them.The clutch is working good,so no worries there.
I probably will do an oil change before the weather gets cold, although I use 20-50 year round.
I don't let things go during the summer. When something comes due it gets done as I don't want to get stuck away from home if I can help it.
So far (knock on wood) I've only had two problems, but they were both over 1000 miles from home. Fortunately neither of them stranded me,although I did stop in and get them taken care of at dealerships along the way.
FWIW, Twigg Cycles in Hagerstown, Md., and Cumberland Cycles in Carlisle,Pa., bent over backwards to get me back on the road, and were more than reasonable with the charges.

[ponch]

I never put it away. I just make sure I fill it up with gas and ride it when I can. As long as there is no ice on the road, I'll get it out a couple times a month for sure.

[glwilson]

I won't be doing all the "add-on" work mentioned above. Don't have the time... plus I like my Nomad just as it is... and I am seriously considering the Voyager next season. (will have to see one first though)

Ponch wins the award for being able (or willing) to ride in the winter months. Far too cold for me at that point to do so. (I will be snowmobiling instead -- heaters and snowsuits)

I may be trying to plan on some trips for next season though.

[Top Cat]

Plan on getting mine painted. Adding different leds to the bags. get different risers. buy a vista cruise. Thats about it.

[ponch]

If I could scrape enough money together, I'd get a day-long saddle. I got the mustang and it's not right for me. I feel like I am sitting on the tank.

[biscuitsngravy]

I'm thinking of installing some Phat II risers. Also want to install wiring for my GPS. BnG

[kioti]

My plan is to finish the conversion from Nomad to Vulcan Voyager.
I will finally install the trunk I have had for 2 years now but more time will be spent with mods to my wifes Lehman Jackal so it is ready for the early June travel plans.

[nomad]

i'd like to get some phat 2's also. down here in mississippi the winter is so mild
that i ride year round. all i need now is the neck bearings lubed then i am good to go.