Hoser and KCvalk......

[John Schmidt]

Thanks for the comps re. the bike. It's a culmination of over 6 yrs. of tinkering, most of the changes are functional improvements. Only a couple were done "just because" and for looks. The last pic is my answer to illuminating the tach and speedo to match the smaller gauges backlighting. I can see them in any light now. 

[Hoser]

I think the custom upolstery is awesome, thinking about doing something with the seat on my tourer.  Hoser 

[mooserider]

Sweet Bike, What did you use to light the gauges up like that?

Keith

[Ghillie]

yeah, I wanna know about the gauge mods too

[John Schmidt]

Sweet Bike, What did you use to light the gauges up like that?

Keith

Actually was rather simple. I tried all the various LED's in the original bulb slot, but LED's are too directional and don't spread the light like incandescent bulbs. As a result, you get light but it's concentrated mostly at the top where the bulb is, still making it difficult to see the dial. What I used are license plate bolts with an LED recessed in it. Got them at Discount Auto parts but probably available about anywhere. I opted for some where the LED was even with the top of the bolt. Originally, the light was too concetrated and lit up only the center about the size of a dime at close range. So, I smeared a dab of clear RTV over the end of the LED and it diffused the light enough to cover the dial. I used some scrap SS I had and made the mounts to bolt in as you see them in the picture. The pic is a "work in progress" since it obviously isn't wired in yet. I took the shot to show how it's mounted. I ran the wires inside the headlight bucket and spliced into a 12v source that comes on with the key....don't recall which wire I used just off-hand. Looks really cool at night though, even had cagers next to me at a stoplight comment on it.

[John Schmidt]

I think the custom upolstery is awesome, thinking about doing something with the seat on my tourer.  Hoser 

Hoser, that's one of my favorite Valk colors...the burgundy and cream. Just one criticism.....that garage is too clean. If mine looked like that I'd think I was in the wrong house. 

[Hoser]

Earlier that day, and it got worse before it got better!    Hoser

[John Schmidt]

Earlier that day, and it got worse before it got better!    Hoser

My car tire is a long way from needing replacement, but I still go in about every 10k and pull the final drive and driveshaft. Will probably replace the rear pads while I'm in there, easier when it's all apart like that. While I have the shocks loose I might replace the bushings I got from Gary...the neoprene items. They will probably last me until I can't ride anymore...which I hope is at least another 10-12 years. That will put me well into my 80's by then, assuming mama goes along with it.