A Lesson in Brillo

Well surprise surprise surprise... If you leave anything sit long enough it starts to rust. Rust is an awful kin of thing, think of it in a very real sense as the metal burning slowly away beneath you. You wouldn't ride a bike made of flaming timbers (at least not more than a mile or two) - so why should you ride a pile of smouldering pig iron? And chrome! You though chrome would protect you! and zoom - through that plating the rust did go, and pitted now the metal is so - what to do?? I didn't know. Then I discovered BRILLO! Yep - those pre-soaped steel wool pads your wife uses in the kitchen to fix the pot you scorched burning water. Those pads are the stuff when it comes to making your bike look new - they strip oxidation, grime, old fuel, and RUST right away! I haven't had them scratch my chrome - and I doubt if your chrome is in bad enough shape to resort to this that you really would be picky about a scratch among the pits. Though it won't suffer microscopic inspection - it will suffer that usual look over at the bar or rally. It even takes that bluing off the pipes! I bought the "el-cheapo" brand at Winn-Dixie and saved myself a ton of money with a lot of elbow grease. Now, after the rust is gone you need to keep the fire from starting back up - S-100 makes some kick-butt corrosion preventative spray, it smells of ass as it burns off your pipes but ensures that you aren't making whoopee with Brillo pads after every summer shower, or muddy puddle. And none of this is any excuse for not hardly ever washing my bike... Just a way to make it look like the diaper people's rides at first glance - which is as long as they'll see me if I'm moving anyway ;)

27mm Stem Nut Clock

I'm tired of getting in trouble for loosing the time while riding. Some of you may have noticed that I don't wear a watch when I think I can get away from it. I think it adds to the feeling I get while riding to wonder whether one perfect moment has passed or hundreds? BUT- My significant others get very frustrated at my lack of timekeeping and will surely be overjoyed when this beautiful black-faced stem nut clock is installed which will ensure that I always know the time. Waterproof, Shock-Proof, and Vibration-Proof... It was not cheap, and thus I have high expectations. The beveling on the billet is just one of the signs of quality here - as are the luminous dial and hands. The analog movement appeals to the Luddite in all of us, and it should complement the existing black-faced decor on the Tachometer and Speedometer wonderfully. Once it's installed I'll post some more pictures and let you all know how it went. Grab yours on eBay for about $50.00

SuperBrace Fork Stabilizers

This is the latest addition to my motorcycle. I ordered them yesterday from Cruiser Customizing. This fork brace should really improve my handling. My wife already has one on her Yamaha Virago 535 and I suspect it has been the secret to it's nible and responsive, yet sure-footed handling. In any case, it makes me smile just to know they are on their way and will be here soon to grace the bike. I also got the "HIGHLY RECOMMENDED" Fork Seal Protectors... I want to do this bike perfectly.

SuperBrace is the leading motorcycle fork stabilizer. This patented brace provides better stability, superior aerodynamics and a more streamlined look than other multi-piece braces on the market.

• Reduces low and high speed wobbles.
• Improves stability in tight cornering.
• Improves tire life and reduces cupping.
• Decreases sensitivity to rough road surfaces and rain grooves
• Each SuperBrace is designed and manufactured for each specific motorcycle.
• Every SuperBrace is made of 6061-T6 aircraft aluminum and machined to a tolerance of + or - .002 of an inch, with a polished finish.
• Ten minute easy installation.
• Competition proven by world class racers.