2 STROKE WORLD .net

I have an older version...

Only two-stroke Harleys in our barn, a 90 and a 125. Can't wait to source parts for them when their turn comes around...
Wade

Mine is a 95 FLHR.

Pretty bikes. It's funny I never check out the four stroke section of this forum. Been seeing a lot of great deals on used Harley's on my local craigslist.

they are the BEST value for the money used if you are looking for a cruiser, thats for damn sure.

As the mileage climbs it's loosening up well. The suspension is far better than anything they've installed in the past. It was very harsh on the small stuff however that is changing. The engine is a great lump,very flexible and well suited to the job it was designed for. Very pleased with it so far.

Approaching 10K miles. Finally found a seat that works. It took 4 tries for that. Harley's seats are just too damn soft. Switched over to Mobil1 15w50 at 5K service from Harley Syn3. Rear tire lasted 8600 miles before I decided it was done. I replace tires early unlike many others. The damn thing weighs 800 pounds and fixing a flat roadside just isn't something I feel like doing.

Your bike is looking good.  8) I'm jealous you have put over 10k miles on your new bike, I think I maybe working too much. LOL. Good on you to be observant of your back tire replacements, so what if it maybe too soon for some. After 8600 miles it's possible that a tire may not even have the same handling qualities as they do tend to change shape with wear, just my opinion.

That is one thing that impressed me. The profile doesn't get that squared off feeling as it ages. It flat spots the most used section but the original profile mimics that somewhat. It's a big fat meaty thing too.

Hmmm, interesting to hear that but my experience is limited to mostly michelin pilot powers and dunlop sport max's on the back of my old zx10r as well as my currently owned gsxr1000. Those tires are lucky to see much more than 5k miles without being squared and a two inch section in the middle, yeah squared and worn down to the wear bars. Well those are sport bikes with grippy rubber and now chucked out for the Continental Conti motion which I am liking but don't have enough miles on to judge long term wear and how it affects handling.

Anyway what do you think of tire plugs and CO2 cartridges? Seems like these kits are good enough to make it home but I guess it really depends on the variables such as getting a flat at night or during the day or a piece of metal/glass making an irregular piercing vs. a nail. I once got a nail in my tire and found it mid ride home. What a treat riding about 30 miles back home and knowing it's there but not dare to take it out. Lucky it was the back tire. Yeah I guess I was bit  :busey:

13K miles so far so good. Loosening up well. Fuel mileage in the mid-upper 40's.

Will cross 20K miles tomorrow. Replaced the rear wheel bearings yesterday. Found them crunchy when replacing tire. 11K from that tire. Found running a few PSI over recommended makes a big difference. Disappointing that I'll be considering bearings part of 20K services now.    :taz:     

Other than that no issues and saw 50.19 MPG a couple tanks ago. There is value in keeping it stock.

It's a year old and 25K miles. And due to current situation I didn't actually go anywhere. Just commuting to work and a few joyrides.

Quote from: thatguy on September 20, 2020, 10:42:03 AM
Will cross 20K miles tomorrow. Replaced the rear wheel bearings yesterday. Found them crunchy when replacing tire. 11K from that tire. Found running a few PSI over recommended makes a big difference. Disappointing that I'll be considering bearings part of 20K services now.    :taz:     

Other than that no issues and saw 50.19 MPG a couple tanks ago. There is value in keeping it stock.

Brand new bearings often come with almost no grease.
Quite common for guys buying new dirt bikes to pull them apart and re grease everything

25,000 miles on a motorcycle in a year? That alone is quite a recommendation!

That a lot of miles in a year. Impressive :clap: Congrats
I put twice as many miles on my bike last year (all pleasure miles) as all my cars combined but it's nowhere close to that.
Your MPG is nearly identical to my FZ6

Been riding dirt bikes since 6" wheel travel was a big deal. They're sealed and one is an ABS tone ring bearing. I don't wanna mess with that and it's still a warranty item for awhile.

50 MPG is great. My 95 FLHR gets 38 at 80 MPH on the interstate. I think the early ones got in the 40s stock. Mine has Andrews EV-27 camshaft as well. I hear ya on the seats. I don't know why but I am way more comfortable with the aftermarket Corbin solo seat than the plush two up factory model. Beautiful Bike. Mine is black and shows everything. If I ever paint it, it will be white.

is there a heavier duty wheel bearing available? just curious.

   On a big heavy bike like that 20K on a set of wheel bearings seems 'ok'.  I do agree that figuring out a way to add more/better grease to the replacements is a good idea. And torque the axle to factory spec.
    And not to hijak this thread, but just pure happenstance, I happen to be doing some work on my BMW Airhead wheels, and was seeking information on the wheel bearings.  Timken (the bearing mfg) lists the service life of the BMW wheel bearings as...........2.6 BILLION miles  :eek: when properly adjusted; and still over one billion miles when either too loose or too tight. How the hell do you test for that?????  :umm:  FWIW they are tapered roller bearings and run as a pre-adjusted 'stack' inside the hub, so axle nut torque has zero effect on bearing adjustment or tension.

Yeah I wish they were tapered roller. And Mark the problem with better bearings is the tone ring for ABS in the right side bearing. Proprietary of course.

ah. of course. bummer

Quote from: DesmoDrew on January 30, 2021, 07:43:56 AM
   On a big heavy bike like that 20K on a set of wheel bearings seems 'ok'.  I do agree that figuring out a way to add more/better grease to the replacements is a good idea. And torque the axle to factory spec.
    And not to hijak this thread, but just pure happenstance, I happen to be doing some work on my BMW Airhead wheels, and was seeking information on the wheel bearings.  Timken (the bearing mfg) lists the service life of the BMW wheel bearings as...........2.6 BILLION miles  :eek: when properly adjusted; and still over one billion miles when either too loose or too tight. How the hell do you test for that?????  :umm:  FWIW they are tapered roller bearings and run as a pre-adjusted 'stack' inside the hub, so axle nut torque has zero effect on bearing adjustment or tension.

I have over 120k miles on the original rear (in the drive hub) bearings on my '06 GL1800, and 80k (replaced when I had the wheels powder coated) on the front, and they are still silky smooth and tight. They are sealed bearings.

Quote from: pidjones on February 08, 2021, 11:26:24 AM
I have over 120k miles on the original rear (in the drive hub) bearings on my '06 GL1800, and 80k (replaced when I had the wheels powder coated) on the front, and they are still silky smooth and tight. They are sealed bearings.

   However your Wing and my BMW are both horses of a different color compared to the HD.  Most notably, they are shaft drive and will not be susceptible to minor rear axle alignment issues and varying side loads that a chain or belt drive system produces. Also, big twins (my 'maybe' 50hp BMW doesn't qualify) are notoriously hard on drive train parts.