Recent content by Chromeheadman

I put a wind deflector I picked up from eBay on top of my PUIG windshield to help with the turbulence. Windshield was less than $300 and the deflector was about $25. Windshield is Smoke and looks good on the R18 FE. Mounts are better than the ones that attach to the handlebars, which should...

I sometimes I hear ABS noises, but they are ever so slight. The other noise I notice sounds like a servo when I shift 1st & 2nd gear. I took it to the dealer, and they agreed with what I was hearing and said they also noticed the sound going into third gear. The valves sound much like an...

On my FE I keep the 10 mm x 13mm open end wrench in my pocket. It's good for the mirrors and turn signals as well as the rear shock. In my saddle bag, I carry a small TORX bit rachet set (about the size of a small cell phone), TORX foldable (pocket-knife), Stop & Go Tire plug kit, Ryobi Power...

I ride with the flow of the traffic on my FE. No cruise control and I probably wouldn't use it if I had it. I'm mostly concerned with tank range with that small tank and have had a range of 112-132 miles before the reserve indicator came on. Tank is rated for 4.2 gallons and reserve comes...

My FE came with Michelin Commander III that I changed out with the spoke wheels to cast wheels at 3,500 miles. I didn't care for the lack of grooves in the rear tire's main contact area for wet riding. On the new cast wheels, I installed Bridgestones, as they were cheaper than Metzlers and...

Handy is pretty much the industry standard lift, with several to choose from and quite a few accessories. Here are just the scissor jacks for the minimalist: Handy Industries | Motorcycle & Shop Accessories | Made in USA

I use a front wheel chock that locks, once you drive onto it. Good for everything except changing tires.

I was having cold start issues, where I would have to crank the engine a few times to start. Seems the issue went away on the 6,000 mile service. Air filter was dirty. Air filter is at the front of the engine, with the front engine cover providing the vents to it. Have to remove the R18...

For Accessories: (Ordered in September ) Saddlebags bags & Mounts - Installed Touring saddle - Installed Valve Cover Trim - Waiting to arrive Crash bar - Waiting to arrive Cast wheels - Pending install Tires for cast wheels- Bridgestone ($250 set vs $450 for Michelin or Metzler) Windshield...

What are the OEM tires? Mine are Michelin.

I'd suggest a good Airhead to get your riding legs first. Give it a year and revisit. It (R18) is a big, heavy bike, with a lot of torque. You should be comfortable in doing a U turn on the bike as a way to test your confidence.

I like the fact that you don't melt your boot heels on them. Also, you have to remove them when you pull the rear wheel off.