JVB is a Wild Hog (light) now.

[Apotheman]

Looks great!

It looks like a 2004 Heritage Softail. Although my primary love and ride is my RT, I do have a 2001 Road King Tourer with 33k in immaculate shape that I ride with the combat vet motorcycle group I belong to. I really detest custom Harleys (as do a lot of old timers) so a classic older stock Harley was the only Harley I would ever get.

Two totally different bikes for two totally separate purposes. Nothing will beat the Beemer for the long trips and good two-up rides with the significant other. Hands down the Beemer is the much better bike to me and my wife totally agrees. But the fun of short solo touring trips and cruising on a Harley and the classic old school ride is very nostalgic to me and at times is a good stress reliever from the combat stuff that creeps up from time to time.

Not to start a flame here (probably should move this to another thread), but in the Harley world (as you are probably aware) the Pan American has made a huge splash. The biggest positives were the increased horsepower from the V Rod twin with chain drive vs the horsepower reduction from the driveshaft and final drive from the GS and the large dealership network vs The sparse availability of BMW dealerships.

Just some observations from me. But keep going with thst bike and can’t wait to see the final product!!

[JimVonBaden]

Thanks, it has been a fun project. I can't wait to ride it and see how it does.

[JimVonBaden]

Essentially I am done. Changed the oil, ran it for 20 minutes and reassembled the bike fully. Not really much to do but ride it.

[Apotheman]

Great job!

Can’t wait for your report after your first test ride!

[JimVonBaden]

Great job!

Can’t wait for your report after your first test ride!

Thanks! I hope to make the February Bikes and Breakfast on it.

[JimVonBaden]

Added some bolt cover bling, painted the backside of the windscreen and fixed the tail light wires to work right. Nothing left to do until I ride it.

[JimVonBaden]

Off the lift and riding. Just a very short run today, longer tomorrow. Looks different on the ground.

[bdimon]

That is a tall windshield! Many of my Gold Wing friends wanted a windshield this tall for less buffeting on their heads. I think it odd to look through a windshield on a bike. What do you think, Jim?

[JimVonBaden]

That is a tall windshield! Many of my Gold Wing friends wanted a windshield this tall for less buffeting on their heads. I think it odd to look through a windshield on a bike. What do you think, Jim?

Typically I do not like looking through a windscreen. That said, I took a ride on it yesterday, and it is the Cone of Silence. Not bad for winter, will be hot in summer. I will need a short screen then.

[JimVonBaden]

Got the tank and carb off, disassembled the carb and cleaned it in anticipation of the carb kit tomorrow. The manifold to carb seal is pretty loose, so likely the candidate.









Cleaned and ready:


Trimmed Vetter:

[JimVonBaden]

All back together awaiting a check ride.

[jcabiles]

Bring it to NoVA Cone Camp, Sunday 20 Feb, 11 am - 1 pm, Fairfax County Gov’t Center parking lot.

The H-D crowd would love to see it.

[JimVonBaden]

Got around to the front brakes today. I have previously bled them, but the pads were nearly gone, and the disc grooved. I replaced the pads and sanded the discs. I'll give it a ride this weekend.

[Rick F.]

Jim,

Great job! I'm impressed that you were able to apply your years of experience with BMWs to a very non-BMW motorcycle.

So what's next on the JVB Project List?

Rick

[JimVonBaden]

Jim,

Great job! I'm impressed that you were able to apply your years of experience with BMWs to a very non-BMW motorcycle.

So what's next on the JVB Project List?

Rick

Thanks Rick,

Not sure what's next, but it should be fun whatever it is!