Kuryakyn X-Tension Highway Peg Mount Review

Kuryakyn X-Tension Highway Peg Mount Review

One of the first modifications I did to my V-Star 1100 Classic “Mistress” was to add some front pegs. At 6’2” I needed a way to stretch out my legs on longer rides. I had really wanted to get some Lindby Custom Linbars, still do, but funds were not available. So I started looking at front pegs to add to my bike to stretch out and rest my tired dogs on.

In researching for front pegs I decided I wanted some that could be folded up out of the way when not in use, rather than the stationary kind. Looking online I ran across the Kuryakyn X-Tension Highway Peg Mounts on the Kuryakyn website. I think I looked there because several other add-ons on my V-Star were from Kuryakyn. I honestly don’t remember where I ordered them from, but I ordered them online from an online store that had a good price. They arrived safely packed in foam peanuts several days after they were ordered.

The Kuryakyn X-Tension Highway Peg Mounts measure 4 ½” long and have a 1 ¼” offset which allows the reach adjustment to be fine tuned for the rider. The metal is really stout and fully chromed. Another feature I really liked was that the actual foot landing pad is thicker on these pegs, not being just a post. This gives the foot more purchase area. The pad is also equipped with floating rubber grip strips. These peg mounts allow for the peg to be folded up when not in use.

Installation is straight forward and required no special tools, just normal SAE sockets or wrenches most folks have in their garage. Here we go again with SAE nuts and bolts for a metric bike. I mounted them right onto the front frame down-tubes. They have to be mounted high enough up that they do not interfere with the operation of the rear brake pedal on the right side and the shifter on the left. Do not forget to use the included locking washers.

The hardest part about installation is getting them mounted evenly from side to side on height and angle. You also have to tighten the bolt at the pivoting point to the right tension so that they will stay up when put up. It probably took less than an hour to install them.

Having an extra place to put your feet on long ride is well worth it. With my backrest on the Corbin seat and my feet up I feel like I am riding a recliner down the freeway. You can use the pegs with the toe or heel of your shoe or boot. Alternatively, you can just rest the whole back of your foot up on top of the peg. This gives you multiple choices on long rides when you need to move around for comfort.

I have not had any issues with the Kuryakyn X-Tension Highway Peg Mounts. I will warn you Chromaholics that it is painstaking to clean the tops of the pegs between the rubber traction inserts. I have found the easiest way is to use the very edge of a soft cleaning towel. You have to go back and forth like you are shining shoes, between the rubber inserts. Torch gives the Kuryakyn X-Tension Highway Peg Mounts a M.M.M. rating of 9.5.

Ride on,
Torch

Pic of the week with a tattoo side note

When I woke up this morning, it was beautiful outside. Instead of just putting my dog out on the leash, I went outside with him. The grass was still wet with dew, and the sun was shining. The sunshine cascading on this dew laden cobweb caught my eye like a shiny coin would on black tar. The spider was in the middle. It was a classic picture of nature and it's beauty. It was one of those simpler things in life that make you realize how beautiful nature can be. I quickly got my camera to captured the moment.

Then I got to thinking.

I love cobwebs. They are really pretty, as long as you aren't walking through one. They also look pretty cool, and signify a sort of toughness. I've even got an old cobweb or spider web tattoo on my right shoulder. It's got a Black Widow in the center.

I remember thinking that I always thought that those cobwebs on the elbows looked pretty cool. When I got that tattoo I seriously pondered getting one one my elbow instead of my shoulder.

But I chose not to because I wanted all my tattoos to be able to be covered up by short sleeves for business purposes if I ever got a job where it really mattered.

Here is a picture of a dude with the classic elbow cobweb.

Pretty cool.

I had always heard that it had a meaning, but never knew what it was.

The power of the internet revealed to me that typically, the cobweb on someone's elbow signifies that they have been, or still are in prison. An extension or thread is added for each year they spend in the joint.

Funny, I never knew that until now.

I guess we all learn things as we go.

I'm glad that I know now. I'm also glad that I didn't choose an elbow cobweb design for a tattoo back then, not knowing what I know now. Boy would I have looked like a dumb ass at 19 with a tattoo signifying I spent five years in the Pen. That would have meant I was 14 Yrs. old when I started my hardened prison life. LOL!

I always feel like somebody's watching me...

Sometimes when I sit at my desk, clickity clackity clacking away at the keyboard typing this drivel that you sometimes come to read, I get the distinct feeling like I'm being watched.

Kinda like somebody or something is lurking over my shoulder, ready to pounce at any given minute.

Must just be paranoia.

I'm back in the saddle again.

Kenny sitting on the ground ready to roll (Like it should be).

By 10:30 last night Kenny was released from his time out on the trailer and was breathing thunder again.

After disassembly, checking everything I could possibly check, it turned out that all that was wrong was the connections were getting loose and corroded. Not like battery acid green corroded, but like black shit between the connectors at the battery post corroded. Really only the positive side, but I sanded both clean, and got good tight contact. This is all it took.

Thanks for well wishes, and advise. I know I can count on many of you who gave me advise if I ever need it in the future. Maybe I'll save myself some more money by doing some other maintenance myself from here on out.

I've always done my own body work and paint, and do just about any home building project, but have never ventured deeply into mechanics. I've learned something here. I can do some things like this myself, I can save some serious ching doing so, and I've got friends out there willing to lend good advise.

Thanks!

Bad motorcycle! Go to your trailer!

On Saturday from 10:30 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon, I spent power washing my deck, in preparation to sand and re-stain. It was actually a lot of work. I rewarded myself with a trip to the liquor store, bought a case of beer, and came home. Savored a beer, and decided I should also reward myself with a nice long bike ride. So off I went. I rode for a good while, letting the stresses of the day blow off of me in the wind on a nice long winding back road that I like to ride. I stopped for gas, got on the bike, turned the key, and nothing. No lights, no click, no starter, no nothing. This is a good way to ruin a ride. I've had problems with the starter a bit before when it's hot, but always seems to work on a second try. This was not the starter. Like I said, no nothing, not even a click. I checked my battery terminal connections, etc., and all were tight. I got ahold of my mechanic via cell phone, and explained the situation. He said, he's seen this happen 3-4 times on Sportys in the last 10 years. He said it sounds like my positive cable has a short. He said if I can find the pigtail coming off of it and isolate it, I might be able to bypass and jump it. Me not being a mechanic, which is why I called him in the first place, really did not understand exactly what he was saying. I caught him with almost no battery life left on his cell phone so he could not talk long either. He was out, so cell was his only way to talk. I said I've got no tools with me to do squat. I was lucky to use my key to get the back screw off to get my seat off to access the cables. I believe the next thing I heard was "Hmmm, Your fucked. Get a tow, or a trailer."

So begins Kenny's punishment. He Shall be banished to a trailer for not starting. I called my wife, (God, I hate when I have to do that), who does not drive with a trailer, and kindly asked her to pick me up. She couldn't get the heavy trailer out of the shed and hooked up so I'd have to backtrack. She drove all the way out to where I was and picked me up. I drove home with her, then drove back with the trailer and picked up the bike and headed home again. It was dark by the time I finally arrived back home with Kenny in tow on my trailer. I had a beer, showered, and hit the sack. It was a long shitty day.

Update. Yesterday morning, I was up bright and early. I'm up to my elbows doing surgery on Kenny, when My wife finds me in the garage working, and say's "I thought you were going to help me today." (I did say I would). We had lot's of things to do for preparation for going to her sister's house for Father's day.

Prior to my wife reminding me that I had other commitments, I was able to test the battery. It had 12.53 volts, so the battery was clearly not the problem. My mechanic, Stormy might just be right on this one . The battery is now out of the bike. This was the last I've done on it.

Kenny's still in solitary confinement on his trailer.

Naughty bike.

P.S.

If any of you gear heads have any ideas on why he is misbehaving, I'll gladly take advise. I am for once, going to try to fix this one on my own. I do still have to check the positive cable though. That won't happen till tonight (maybe).

FMC Classic Side Lace Leather Motorcycle Jacket Review

FMC Classic Side Lace Leather Motorcycle Jacket Review

When the weather got too cold to ride in my OSi Cool Mesh Jacket for my commute to work, even with the liner installed, I started looking for a leather jacket. My quests lead me to Full Boar in Hurst Texas. Unfortunately, due to the economic times, they have since gone out of business. They had the FMC brand Classic Side Lace Leather Jackets on sale. I tried a couple on for size and decided to get one a little larger than I needed. Having a larger size would allow me to dress in layers if I ever needed to ride in extremely cold weather.

The FMC jacket is manufactured for First Manufacturing Company Inc and, according to the label, made in Pakistan. This FMC jacket has the classic motorcycle styling. The outer shell is made from Top Grain Cowhide and feels very substantial. The zippers are all stout and function well. There is an abundance of pockets including two hand pockets with zippers, a small pocket watch style pocket with snap on left side, an upper zippered pocket on left side chest, (great for gun concealment), and lastly a pocket on the inside left chest panel.

The FMC Leather Jacket half belt and side leather laces make it very adjustable. The Action Back makes it much more flexible when moving about and stretching. The sleeves are long to cover your wrists when your arms are stretched out holding handle bars. The sleeves also come with a four inch zippered cuff section to open up your wrists for more room or to let more air in.

When it is cold out you can zip in the Full Size Quilted Thinsulate Liner, unsnap the collar and fold it up, and zip the jacket all the way up. If you have something to cover your face, either full face helmet, neoprene face mask, or balaclava, the only other spot to worry about is your neck just under the Adam’s apple. If your balaclava goes down far enough it might work, otherwise you will need something else to cover that spot that the FMC Jacket does not.

The FMC Classic Side Lace Leather Motorcycle Jacket is constructed very ruggedly and is a very heavy jacket to wear. This jacket is thick, black and, in my opinion, too warm to use for rides in the Texan summer months. For Fall, Winter, and Spring commuting and rides the FMC jacket served well. The hardware is solid and I have had no issues with it through its first season of use. Torch gives the FMC Classic Side Lace Leather Motorcycle Jacket a M.M.M. rating of 9.5 out of 10.

Ride on,
Torch

Tattoo Zone

O.K.; This is just plain fuckin funny!

My wife (who is tattoo-less) e-mailed this to me.

Hey if we can't laugh at ourselves, then what fun is life?

I've got Tattoos in the Green "Socially acceptable rebellious zone", in the Dark Green "Warning 67% chance of dragons, wings, or equivalent faggy lameness zone", and on my chest, which is not mentioned here.

I know I've got to have some internet pals out there with tats in "OTHER" places, and it's all good.

So, pony up; Where are yours?

Bates E02264 5" Defender Tactical Boot Review

Bates E02264 5" Defender Tactical Boot Review

Last fall I needed a pair of new shoes for work. I, of course, wanted a pair that would lend themselves to motorcycle riding as well. I had several requisites in mind, including non skid, oil resistant, slightly above ankle, and of course, Leather for protection. I started looking around at stores for something that would fit the bill, or rather, my foot.

One of my sons kept bragging about a pair of BATES boots that he had purchased on a recommendation from a local LEO, (Law Enforcement Officer). He bragged about how comfortable they were, how well they gripped the floor, and most of all, how light they were. They were lighter than the tennis shoes he used to wear out every other month because they just would not hold up. The Bates Boots were very durable. He purchased his at Academy Sports & Outdoors in Grapevine, Texas.

So one day I found myself at Academy and made it to the shoe section to see what they had and possibly try on some boots. I soon found out they had at least four different styles of Bates to choose from. They had some like my sons, 5” lace ups. They had some steel toe versions, some zip up versions and some composite toe versions. I tried on a few and soon decided I liked the versions that also had the side zipper because it made them soooo much easier to take on and off. I kind of liked the idea of having some extra toe protection so I opted for the 5” Composite Safety Toe Side Zip E02264 and made my purchase.

Here is the description from the Bates website:

The composite safety toes in these hard working boots won’t set off electronic security but definitely will add vital protection to your toes. Made with all non-metallic components, from zippers to speed lace eyelets. Featuring a breathable mesh lining, an ergonomically supportive insole and slip-resistant Ultra-Lites outsole to help prevent on-the-job injuries, these boots are value priced to not hurt your budget either. ASTM F2413-05 Rated.

Specs

Gender: Mens
Type: Boots
Height: 5"
Color: Black
Uppers: Unknown
Outsole: Enforcer Series Ultra-Lites™
Construction: Cement Construction
Toe: Composite Toe
Waterproof: No
Stealth: Yes
Weight: 3.0 lbs. per pair

I will attest to the fact that these boots are very comfortable. It did take a little time to get used to the Composite Safety Toes because of how they felt against my toes. I was not used to having a hard toed boot. These boots are very light weight. My son always told me how he had a hard time getting used to walking in such a light boot, he always wanted to high step. I had the same feeling from time to time. Both the Defenders together weigh about as much as one of my HD Pecos Boots.

The side zippered boots did cost a little more than the ones without, but the convenience is definitely worth it. You can lace the boots up how you like them and just used the zipper to take them on and off. Every few weeks the laces will work a little loose and have to be laced up tighter again. The zipper is probably my favorite feature.

These boots have great traction. I work in an Automotive Service Department and some of the floors are polished and when they are wet it can be extremely treacherous. The slip-resistance of the Bates Tactical boots Ultru-Lites outsole is extremely good. They use cement construction to attach the sole. The lugged sole is very rugged looking and may not work for formal dressing up.

The breathable mesh lining is another great feature. Bates Footwear constructed these boots with sweaty stinky feet like mine in mind. They do not completely stop my feet from sweating; after all I live in Texas. They do, however, keep my feet cooler, which prevents them from sweating as much. These boots breathe well and still do not stink. The trade off is that they are not waterproof.

The only metal on these boots is the zipper pull tab and slider. When zipped up there is a leather tab with hook and loop closure that covers it up so there is no metal showing that might scratch your bike. The tongue is padded and there is a large padded collar around the top which is real nice as well. Comfort is in much supply on these boots.

Soon after I started riding with the Bates boots I did notice one issue. The Composite Safety Toe makes the front of the boot taller than an ordinary boot or shoe. This made it where the boot would no longer fit under my front shifter to up-shift. Fortunately, my V-Star, "Mistress", is equipped with a heel-toe shifter, so I had to learn to start up-shifting with my heel. Now I have gotten so used to up-shifting with my heel I do it all the time no matter what shoes I am wearing.

So far the Bates Boots have held up real well and are proving themselves to be extremely durable. Not only that, they are real comfortable as well. Torch gives them a M.M.M. rating of 9 out of 10.

Ride on,
Torch

A little trip.

I recently went on a road trip to Indiana to drop my daughter off at a camp she wanted to go to.

I'm not going into details about the trip, because that is irrelevant, but my wife and I were traveling home through some pretty backwoods areas, and I saw a couple of motorcycles for sale. As we drove by, I slowed WAY down and looked as we passed.

Thus, this brings the topic of a new motorcycle purchase.

My wife: "You are NOT going to buy a motorcycle in Indiana!"

Of course my response was: "Does that mean I get to buy a new motorcycle in Minnesota?"

The answer: "Why, are you selling the one you got?"

PHOOEY!

She doesn't play this game very well does she.

Now if I can just convince her that I NEED an '09 Street Glide IN ADDITION TO the bike I have, then I'm golden.

Let me leave you with a little funny quote that I saw on a key chain at a gas station from our trip. This made me chuckle.

24 hours in a day.

24 beers in a case.

Coincidence?

I think not.

.

.

Cheers.

Checking in.

Hey all. I've gotten some e-mails, and even a phone call from some concerned friends wanting to know where I'm at, and if I'm still out there, and O.K.

I am and thank you!

One of my co-workers at the insurance company I work for has been on storm duty for the last month, which meant 50-60 hour work weeks for me. To top off the extra volume of work, due to being short handed, the time frame for coverage on a couple of storm losses we had here are now expired. Just prior to the time frame expiring for allowing insured's to have coverage for these older storms, the contractors around here were acting on these claims like vultures, trying to get every last one in under the wire for coverage. This was compounding the work volume into a much smaller time frame than we are used too, making the work loads even worse. What little personal free time I had was concentrated on my family, and on riding to get my head where it needed to be. Anyway, that time frame expiration thing is now past, and my co-worker is now back. Hopefully things will slow down to a more normal pace, allowing me some free personal time to do more of the things I love. One being blogging. I will do my best to check out as many as I can, but there is no way I'll get caught up with them all.

To those who contacted me with concern for my whereabouts, and well being,

Thank you.

Friendship Blogger Award

Friendship Bloggers Award

A few days ago, the Baron himself, of Baron’s Life and Baron’s Photos, selected me as one of the eight bloggers to receive his Friendship Bloggers Award.

These blogs are exceedingly charming.
These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends.
They are not interested in self-aggrandizement.
Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated.
Please give more attention to these writers.

Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.

Drum roll please, and without further ado, are the eight bloggers that I have chosen to bestow this award upon, not in any particular order:

Dan’s Low Rider in the Wind

Doug’s Tilted Horizons

Bam’s Bam Ridez

John’s friar’s ride

Mimi’s Mimi’s Motorcycle Journal

Becky’s Biker Chickz Blog

Smooth’s Easy Rider

Daniel Meyer’s C U Again