New Rear End Mods Done

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

Finally got my rear end mods done for now.  Short rear fender, new plate mount with brake lights and custom LED signals, running and brake lights.  Rear fender isnt perfect, needs a repaint but planning on gettng the bike repainted when funds are available so figured just leave it for now.  The Ultimate Big Boy will have to change.  Either to a Low Boy or back to my Corbin setup.  Im almost ready for Delmarva now.

[Toledo Mark]

I like the little wind screen.  How does it compare in riding with an OEM windshield?  Also what brand is it?

[fudgie]

What brand of CT is that? You like it?

[Chillerman]

How many of those solo fender racks do you have left to sell  .

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

I like the little wind screen.  How does it compare in riding with an OEM windshield?  Also what brand is it?
Windscreen is made by National Cycle.  Really doesnt do much for the wind and no way compares to the OEM.  More for the look.

What brand of CT is that? You like it?
Tire is a Yokohama A048 205/55.  I LOVE this tire.

How many of those solo fender racks do you have left to sell?
That is the only rack I have left.  I wish I had 10 more.

[TomE]

Now that's nice. A Valkyrie bobber. Nice!

[F6Dave]

That tire looks like a cross between a MC and car tire.  Much more rounded than most car tires, as far as I can see from the pic.  Very interesting -- might be worth a try!

[F6Dave]

I hope that Yokohama outlasts a MC on the Valk.  I just looked it up at TireRack.com and it sells for $233.

[Walküre]

I like the little wind screen.  How does it compare in riding with an OEM windshield?  Also what brand is it?

Kinda reminds me of my daughter's artificial nails, before she puts them on, other than the color...

[F7daved]

2 questions what exhaust is that, looks nice

What highway pegs are those.  Where can i get a set. Thanks

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

Yea the tire isnt cheap but its worth it.
The highway pegs are by Kuryakyn, not sure of the exact model.
Exhaust is Cobra 6x6.  I cut them down 12 inches and run no baffles.  Sound is awesome.

[The Anvil]

I like the little wind screen.  How does it compare in riding with an OEM windshield?  Also what brand is it?

I had the same screen in the spring. Took it off and sent it back. Very good quality and looked terrific, but I found that for me it created a lot of swirling air and head buffeting. But depending on your size YRMV. Also, with a full face helmet it might have been fine.

The bike looks great with that VTX fender and the rear fender bob-job.

[olddog1946]

I likey likey...bike looks GOOD!

[Gondul#408]

I like the little wind screen.  How does it compare in riding with an OEM windshield?  Also what brand is it?
Windscreen is made by National Cycle.  Really doesnt do much for the wind and no way compares to the OEM.  More for the look.

I also have the National Cycle fly screen...keeps the worst of the wind blast off your chest but that is about it; still better than nothing though.  Not a fan of big windscreens...

BTW, like the license plate frame...where did you get it?

[Dag]

Looks good 

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

[/b] [/quote]

BTW, like the license plate frame...where did you get it?

[/quote]

Thanks guys.  The license plate frame is made by Kuryakyn. 

[mario]

that's really tough lookin'  , rude dog.  why are you thinking on changing your seat?  sleeker look? 
also, about the ct.  have you tried other car tires and if so, what's the diff with the others you've tried and this one?

[BF]

I'm wondering how long that Yokohama car tire lasts.  What kind of milage do yo get from one?

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

that's really tough lookin'  , rude dog.  why are you thinking on changing your seat?  sleeker look? 
also, about the ct.  have you tried other car tires and if so, what's the diff with the others you've tried and this one?

Thanks Mario.  I just got the Big Boy but its sits me too high.  I already have a Corbin setup, I was just looking to try something different.  I need the Low Boy version of the Ultimate.  But yes, I also want a lower sleeker look for my bike. 
This was my first and only car tire.  I just love the rounded edges of it.  I love it and have no plans on changing to a different car tire.  The only way I would go with a different tire or back to a bike tire is if I change out to custom wheels and cant get the right size. 
BF, This was the first Yoko I put on but Im not expecting great mileage.  I dont do a lot of long distance riding so its not a big deal for me.  I figure when I get to about 12k miles or so it will need to be changed and thats when I will do my rear end maintenance again. 

[bogator]

The Yokahoma tire ??? I have been runnin a yok for 15000 mi and ---just did a service on the rear-- still got another 15000 left on the tire. thats my guess--maybe more--we will see---I like this tire--I only gave 100.00 for it a little over a year ago.

[Imohtep]

Very, very nice!

Love the tire!

My own is going to have same kind of style on next winter...new aftermarket rear fender is waiting...

Good job!!!

[Imohtep]

that's really tough lookin'  , rude dog.  why are you thinking on changing your seat?  sleeker look? 
also, about the ct.  have you tried other car tires and if so, what's the diff with the others you've tried and this one?

Thanks Mario.  I just got the Big Boy but its sits me too high.  I already have a Corbin setup, I was just looking to try something different.  I need the Low Boy version of the Ultimate.  But yes, I also want a lower sleeker look for my bike. 
This was my first and only car tire.  I just love the rounded edges of it.  I love it and have no plans on changing to a different car tire.  The only way I would go with a different tire or back to a bike tire is if I change out to custom wheels and cant get the right size. 
BF, This was the first Yoko I put on but Im not expecting great mileage.  I dont do a lot of long distance riding so its not a big deal for me.  I figure when I get to about 12k miles or so it will need to be changed and thats when I will do my rear end maintenance again. 

About Yokohama, is it semi race tire? If so, what rubbermix it is, M or MH?

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

They have Medium and Medium-Hard.  I went with the Medium-Hard compound.

[YoungPUP]

Did you chop the factory rear fender half, or is that a VTX piece?

[Imohtep]

They have Medium and Medium-Hard.  I went with the Medium-Hard compound.

Ok. Must be better one... Has more miles (not get too hard by the time...)

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

Did you chop the factory rear fender half, or is that a VTX piece?

Its a stock fender that was cut down.

[Dougs2000IS]

The Yokohama is what I was looking for. Thank You all.
That will be ordered asap. I have a few goodies going on this winter. Tires, Lowboy Ultimate seat, Rattle Bars Kickshifter, Grumpy pipe extensions, And Cruise Control! Should be as close to perfect that I want.

[BF]

That will be ordered asap. I have a few goodies going on this winter.....Rattle Bars Kickshifter........

Good luck finding one.  Chet retired and doesn't make them anymore. 

[fon1961]

Great job on the bike 

[Master Blaster]

Nice, heres one I did a few yrs ago
http://vrcc.photostash.com/vrcc_501/Ratbike+transformed+013.jpg
and the front fender
http://vrcc.photostash.com/vrcc_501/Ratbike%20transformed%20010.jpg

[mario]

Nice, heres one I did a few yrs ago
http://vrcc.photostash.com/vrcc_501/Ratbike+transformed+013.jpg
and the front fender
http://vrcc.photostash.com/vrcc_501/Ratbike%20transformed%20010.jpg

sweet!!

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

Nice, heres one I did a few yrs ago
http://vrcc.photostash.com/vrcc_501/Ratbike+transformed+013.jpg
and the front fender
http://vrcc.photostash.com/vrcc_501/Ratbike%20transformed%20010.jpg

Oh yea, very familiar with your bike.  Love the fenders and I have the same handlebars. 

[Daniel Meyer]

Always have loved the job you did on that rear end...

[MarkT]

I sent the following as a PM to Rude Dog but it occurs to me he's probably watching the Pack/Giants game - as I am too - so won't see it for awhile & I'd like to mess with this yet some more today to get the bike out of the shop. (Tomorrow & the rest of the week I'm working on pipes for others.)  So thx if you have any tips on mounting this tire:

It's a Yokohama A048 205-55-16, see the tire in this thread.  The tire is extremely stiff and low profile, so getting the second bead over the edge takes three strong men and a boy.  Or two sumo wrestlers to sit on it.

Hey Rude Dog.  Love the look of your bike.  I'm trying the DS again - with your tire same size 205-55, same medium hard compound.  Putting it on now.  Did you mount it yourself?  Putting it on a stock wheel.  I've been changing my tires for years with a HF tire changer.  Mounted lots of different tires on the Valk and the wing including a GYTT in 205-60.  Anyhow, havin a tough time with this tire.  Looks like I'll hafta squeeze it somehow to get the second side on.  Did you mount it yourself?  I'm takin a break to watch the Pack & Giants today, but after, I'm back on the tire.  I'm thinkin I'm going to squeeze the tire a few inches with a modified jack and hold the squeeze with bar clamps and c-clamps while I mount the second side.  The first side was a beast too, BTW.  Took more than twice as long, silicon spray, some new oversize tire irons I had picked up, and a few choice words.  I've never had to use the spray or the extra irons before; soap soln  and normal irons was good enough.

Thx for any tips / comments you have.  MarkT

[mario]

also, rude dog, what's the brand and size barrel bag on your bike?

[Sodbuster]

Hey Rude Dog -
That's a bitchin lookin bike you've got there .... Good Job !!  Have you considered going with a Bob Dron fairing ??  Seems like it would be a good match with what you got going there.

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

Hey Mark,
Thanks.  I was watching the game.  Sent you a PM just now.  I didnt mount the tire myself.  Cant help you there.  Im looking forward to hearing your opinion on the tire.  You wont get a ton of mileage out of it though.  For my riding it works for me, I love the look.  

To Mario,
Barrel bag is a Nelson Riggs "Rigg Pak".  

To Sodbuster,
I always liked the Bob Dron but Ive since sold my standard and now have an I/S.  

[MarkT]

Thx RD.  I'll have to get back on the tire after I work on customer's projects.  My local dealer is closed tomorrow - but I'm thinkin I'll just take the wheel & tire down there with me and pay them a few bucks to finish the mount.  Assuming their professional mounting machine has more capability than just me with my HF mounter & big tire irons.  Clearly the 2nd rim needs to be forced on with greater leverage than just an operator with levers.  I'm trying this again because I love the look of your bike with that tire.  Not to mention the fenders and bars you had on your Standard.  Gotta admit those cutoff Cobras went with the whole look very well.  OK, all the extra polishing and chrome, too.  Besides that, the more rounded profile of this tire, I'm thinkin may eliminate a lot of the bad handling I got when I tried the GYTT.  The lower profile will increase acceleration, while I would like to get the improved stickiness of these tires - hopefully this tire will deliver some of that, though granted it doesn't have the siping of the GYTT.  The lower mileage doesn't matter so much, since I use the wing for trips anyway.  My lifelong best friend just bought a Harley, lives in KS and will be visiting for some riding on the front range twisties come summer.  He swears by how POWERFUL his Hardley is.  Of course, he's been off bikes for 30 years, and has never ridden any big bikes since then.  So he's comparing his 96CID Hardley to the little bikes he used to ride - like my Ducati 450, and a 400 Honda he had during my Vietnam years. So of course he's impressed. His power yardstick is rather small.  I'd like that little extra bit of Oomph to show him what a REAL bike can do...  That is, my rice grinder.  I'm sure hoping the handling doesn't suck.  If it doesn't, I might even let him ride it. I mean, I TOLD him not to buy a Harley - but he bought their hype.

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

Hey Mark,
Thanks for the compliments.  Much of the work I did is thanks to the help from this board.  Im not a cornering guy but I love this tire.   Im looking forward to hearing your feedback since your probably more aggressive with cornering than I am.