Ask FullHOG Bob: Recent Comments

Comment on Welcome FullHOG Members

Mark — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 00:21:20 GMT

Thanks Bob.
Bummer!
This is going to get expensive!

Comment on Welcome FullHOG Members

Ask FullHOG Bob — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 00:24:19 GMT

Mark,
Thanks for the question, unfortunately the answer is no, it won't work. I don't know if it is commpletely impossible, but it would at least require alot of custom rewiring. In 1999 Harley made many electrical changes and may have made even more before '04. I think if you looked behind the fairing of a '98 model and compaired it to '04 you'd be amazed at the difference. Sorry about that.
Best regards,
Full Hog Bob

Comment on Welcome FullHOG Members

Mark — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 17:04:19 GMT

Bob,
Do you know if a newer HD radio is compatible with an older bike? e.g. if a 2004 or newer touring radio will fit in a 1998 fairing? including the connections?

Comment on Welcome FullHOG Members

Ask FullHOG Bob — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 00:36:48 GMT

Frank,
I'm sorry, but that ride is for Road Captains only. I know several people that would like to do a ride to Death Valley, so maybe it should be considered at the RC planning meeting in December. It is a little difficult to organize a Death Valley ride. If you try to do it in one day, it ends up being about 550 to 600 miles depending on the route you choose. That's a bit much for most riders and doesn't leave much time to enjoy the valley. I've done it that way twice and it's a long day that leaves you wishing you had spent more time there. If you plan an overnight stop, you find very few choices in lodging and they are all fairly expensive as well as being fully booked during the desirable seasons. If your willing to deal with the problems it's a great place to visit on your Harley.

The RC ride in October is an overnighter,(I haven't done that before to Death Valley) so we will see how it goes. If it all works well, maybe someone (a Road Captain) will plan the same trip for the Chapter next year.
Full Hog Bob

Comment on Welcome FullHOG Members

Frank Storms — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 22:52:24 GMT

Bob, Just a quick question. I see a Death Valley ride coming up in October. Is that for Road Captains only? I would really like to go. Thanks, Frank

Comment on Welcome FullHOG Members

Ask FullHOG Bob — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 01:02:35 GMT

Roni,

It's not that you should not use "fix a flat" with spoked wheels, it just almost never works for that. Spoked wheels require inter-tubes to make them air tight. When a tube type tire gets punctured the thin wall of the tube usually tears, causing a hole that "fix a flat" just can't seal. Bikes with aluminum wheels use tubeless tires because the rims are air tight. The thicker wall of the tire gives the sealer something to "hold on to" and seal the leak at least temporarily. Even if it seals the leak well, you should get the tire fixed or replaced a the first place possible. Remember, your tires are your most important piece or safety equipment. Don't take any unnecessary risks due to bad tires.

Hope to see you soon,
Bob L'Hommedieu

Comment on Welcome FullHOG Members

Ask FullHOG Bob — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:43:38 GMT

Frank,

Since I've been a knuckle head and failed to answer your last question, I'll try both now.

First, in regards to oil consumption. Due to your very low miles, the piston rings are probably not completely seated. This will cause some oil burning. I would continue to monitor how much you're using and see if the amount tapers off. I would not be alarmed about using one quart in the first 5000 miles, but by 10,000 miles I would expect to see very little oil use between service intervals.

In years past, motorcycle tires lasted quite a while, but nowdays with higher horsepower engines and softer tread compounds, tire life isn't that great. The trade-off is better handling and traction for braking and such at the expense of long tire life. On your Ultra you should get about 9,000 to 10,000 miles on the rear tire and about twice that much on the front. I prefer the stock Dunlop tires for all around performance and life. There are other choices out there but most that handle better wear out faster and long life tires tend not to handle as well. If you feel bad about the tire life on your Ultra, just check with the Sport Bike guys. They're lucky if they get 3,000 miles out of the front or rear tire.

Hope to see you around soon,
Bob L'Hommedieu

Comment on Welcome FullHOG Members

Frank Storms — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 22:51:47 GMT

Bob, I have another question to ask of you. How long can I expect my rear tire to last on my Ultra? Thanks, Frank

Comment on Welcome FullHOG Members

Frank Storms — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 20:04:35 GMT

Hi Bob, hope everything is going well. I haven't talked to you since Lone Pine. I do have a question for you. How much oil use is within specs for an FLHTCU? I have used almost an additional quart between my 100 and 5000 mile service. Thanks Bob. Talk to you soon. Frank

Comment on Welcome FullHOG Members

Roni — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 03:28:15 GMT

Hi Bob,
I had heard you should not use "fix a flat" in a tire with spoked rims. Is this true? Also, could you explain how to properly use this in an emergency and approximately how far you can travel after using it?
Thanks,
Roni