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I for one like saddlebag guards on my motorcycle. I recently got a 2022 Harley Ultra Limited and it did not have side guards on the bags as standard equipment.

 I decided to rectify that by installing Harley’s kit Part Number 90201902.

https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/en/shop/saddlebag-guard-rails/p/90201902

 These Guards surround and protect the lower portion while providing a traditional look for Touring Motorcycles.

 They are made of thick wall tubing and include cast mount clamps that secure the front part to the original saddlebag guards. They come pre-assembled so installing them is very easy.

My kit is Black to match my motorcycle. They are also available in Chrome.

The kit does come with instructions and I always suggest reading them even for a job this simple.

There is a right and left side rail, which is very obvious. The clamps also are designated right and left.

TOOLS NEEDED

INSTALLATION

Do One Side At A Time

 

Using the T-40 Torx and the ½ deep socket remove the inside bolt that secures the bottom rail to the motorcycle. It is a lock nut and will be tight coming off. Discard bolt and nut.

 

Using the T-47 Torx and 9/16 deep socket remove the nut on the outer bolt and discard the nut. It will also be hard coming off.

Install the new guard rail on the saddlebag support using new hardware. DO NOT FULLY TIGHTEN.

The front of the side rail will now be in place against the front saddle bag support.

Torque outside rear bolt to 30-37 Foot-Pounds.

Torque inside rear bolt to 15-20 Foot-Pounds.

Repeat the operation on the other side of the motorcycle.

 

 

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE ANNOUNCES 2023 MODEL YEAR LINEUP;
REVISES FTR LINEUP & DEBUTS INDIAN CHALLENGER ELITE

• FTR Lineup Adds Fresh, Vibrant Colors, While New FTR Sport & FTR R Carbon Upgrade to Four-Inch Round Touchscreen Display with Navigation
• Indian Challenger Elite Delivers the Ultimate in Style & Exclusivity;
• New Sapphire Blue Smoke Paint with Black Smoke & Titanium Metallic Smoke Combine Premium Quality with Head-Turning Style
• From Scout to Indian Pursuit, the 2023 Lineup Offers Models & Styles for Any Rider;
• New Indian Motorcycle Accessories Further Expand Personalization Options

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – November 8, 2022 – Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, today announced its 2023 model year lineup, featuring the new FTR Sport and Indian Challenger Elite, along with various model updates and new accessories across the line. In addition, the 2023 lineup features a variety of new color options, highlighted by vibrant color schemes for FTR and FTR Sport on newly designed tank covers.

“Fully loaded with models and styles for the widest range of riders, the 2023 lineup is a powerful testament to our team’s relentless effort to build and refine a truly comprehensive product offering over the past nine years,” said Mike Dougherty, President for Indian Motorcycle. “This effort has been focused across the line and within each model lineup, as evidenced by the introduction of the FTR Sport – the addition of which creates four unique FTR offerings, each with its own style and personality.”

FTR: An American Original
Headlining the 2023 model year news is the introduction of a new FTR mid-range trim, the FTR Sport. Replacing FTR S, the FTR Sport sits just below the premium FTR R Carbon, but above of the FTR and FTR Rally – creating four distinct trim models for riders to choose from.

Designed for riders to cut loose and enjoy the pure sport of motorcycling, the FTR Sport’s bold aesthetics and sporty componentry, including a number plate, chin fairing and seat cowl, take the FTR’s energetic attitude to another level. A totally unique take on American V-twin performance with an unmistakable, muscular style, the FTR truly is an American original.

New for 2023, the FTR Sport and FTR R Carbon are upgraded with a four-inch round touchscreen display powered by RIDE COMMAND, featuring navigation. Three ride modes (Sport, Standard, Rain) provide unique performance experiences for varying preferences and riding conditions, while Lean Angle Sensitive Stability Control and ABS provide confident, predictable handling in all conditions. The FTR R Carbon separates itself as the premium offering with carbon fiber components, premium seat, fully adjustable Öhlins gold front forks and a gold piggyback shock. The FTR Sport touts a new tank panel design and is available in Black Metallic with Indy Red accents and White Lightning with Indy Red and Black Metallic accents. The iconic Indian Script logo tank panels are exclusive to the FTR R Carbon, which is finished with a classy Cloud Silver and Championship Gold pinstriping.

While primary componentry carry-over for FTR and FTR Rally models, all four FTR models now offer a new sport exhaust muffler, and a retuned front braking system, which provides a firmer feel. Indian Motorcycle also moved the speedometer up for easier viewing and added a new clutch for improved feel and performance. With the new tank panel design, as seen on FTR Sport, and the addition of bold, vibrant colors, the refreshed FTR further broadens the appeal of the FTR lineup to more riders. The FTR is available in Metallic Black, contrasted by Lifted Lime branding with matching rear shock, and Stealth Gray, featuring Orange Burst branding, rear shock and wheels. Finally, the FTR Rally features 19- and 18-inch cast wheels wrapped with knobby tires. The FTR Rally is available in new Black Smoke paint, Desert Earth frame, and the iconic Indian Motorcycle Headdress logo emblazed across the tank. Pricing for the FTR lineup begins at $13,499.

For added personalization, Indian Motorcycle is launching nine new FTR accessories. Through a brand partnership with Gilles Tooling, Indian Motorcycle is offering co-branded pieces, including Performance Adjustable Rearsets, and three Billet components: Bar End Weights, an Oil Cap and a Radiator Cap. Performance Adjustable Levers will also be available in spring 2023. In addition, Indian Motorcycle has expanded its carbon fiber offering with three new pieces, including an Exhaust Heat Shield, Frame Guard and a Sprocket Cover. To enhance comfort, Indian Motorcycle has introduced a durable and weather-resistant Comfort+ Seat, which combines comfortable ergonomics with additional padding where needed most.

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Indian Challenger Elite: Ultimate in Style & Exclusivity
For riders looking for something more exclusive and elevated from the rest, Indian Motorcycle is offering the 2023 Indian Challenger Elite. With only 150 available around the world, the limited-edition bagger makes a bold statement with its premium Sapphire Blue Smoke Paint with Black Smoke and Titanium Metallic Smoke Accents.

The perfect blend of style, performance and comfort, the Indian Challenger Elite is sure to turn heads on streets and crush miles on open highways. The PowerPlus engine touts a best-in-class 122 horsepower and 128 ft-lbs of torque, and its premium amenities and advanced ride-enhancing technology deliver a ride experience that’s second-to-none. Indian Challenger Elite’s long list of premium features include the following: three selectable ride modes, electronically adjustable rear suspension preload from Fox®, Smart Lean Technology, an adaptive LED Headlight, LED driving lights, an adjustable flare windscreen, Select floorboards, heated grips, 6.5” Powerband Audio with Saddlebag Speakers, and a new Precision Cut five-spoke wheel. All-in, whether riding two-up for a weekend adventure or commuting solo, the Indian Challenger Elite delivers the ultimate in style and exclusivity.

2023 LINEUP: A Diverse Range for Any Rider
Touting a wider range of models and options than ever before, the 2023 Indian Motorcycle line offers a model suited for any rider and a host of new upgrades, including:

• All Thunderstroke and PowerPlus models receive a new clutch – improving the overall feel and forgiveness. This new slipper clutch reduces engine drag which provides a smoother down shifting experience and comfortable ride while improving your ability to maintain traction when facing poor road conditions. Lastly, the larger friction zone and decreased lever effort reduces your clutch fatigue, which can be beneficial in urban areas or when riding in traffic.
• Indian Springfield, Chieftain, Indian Challenger, Roadmaster and Indian Pursuit models feature a redesigned LED headlight, which improves reach and spread of light — helping the rider see what lies ahead, while also improving their visibility to other motorists on the road.
• Integrated buttons on the Heated Seats and Heated and Cooled Seats for PowerPlus and heavyweight Thunderstroke models now feature haptics, which allow riders to feel the button’s responsive when wearing gloves.
  Indian Pursuit with Premium Package models now offer Lower Fairing Storage compartments as standard.
• Models with the four-inch round touchscreen display can now tie their RIDE COMMAND account from the Indian Motorcycle app or website to their bike, allowing app and web-accessible features like vehicle health, vehicle locator and ride tracking.

Across the line, Indian Motorcycle has introduced an array of new paint colors, including Sagebrush Smoke on Chief Dark Horse and Stryker Red Metallic on Scout Bobber Sixty, Chief Bobber and Roadmaster Limited models. Spirit Blue Metallic is a new color option on Chieftain Limited and Indian Pursuit models, while Titanium Smoke is introduced to Indian Challenger Dark Horse models. For a comprehensive view of the lineup’s new paint colors, please visit IndianMotorcycle.com.

For 2023, Indian Motorcycle is introducing an array of functional accessories. First, in partnership with CruzTOOLS®, Indian Motorcycle is launching three accessories, including two tool kits compatible with all models and an axle adapter for FTR models. To add storage to most models, a new All-Weather Vinyl Tailbag attaches to select passenger seats or luggage racks. In addition, a new Syndicate Heated Seat is available for Indian Challenger models, while a Reduced Reach Kickstand is now available for all Indian Challenger and Indian Pursuit models.

For the Chief line, Indian Motorcycle is launching two new bag options. The Chief Fork Bag attaches securely to the front of the handlebars and is perfect for storing smaller items like gloves, glasses, cell phones or water bottles. The new Chief Bobber Saddlebags are water-resistant and add convenient storage without sacrificing style.

For added comfort, Indian Motorcycle is offering Chief riders an upgraded Comfort+ Solo Seat and a two-up Syndicate Seat. The Comfort+ Solo Seat pulls design inspiration from old-school muscle car interiors. The top is more plush than the stock seat and contours to hold the rider securely and comfortably. The new Chief Syndicate Seat complements the bike’s distinct design, while adding comfort and support for both rider and passenger. The Syndicate Seat is made with a durable, weather-resistant black vinyl that won’t fade.

For Chief passengers, Indian Motorcycle is introducing the Low Profile Passenger Backrest, which complements the bike’s style and adds cushioned support to the passenger’s posterior.

Lastly, the new Quick Release Low Profile Trunk for bagger and touring models is expanding its colorway options. The streamlined Low Profile Trunk will now be available in 58 factory colors.

Initial model year 2023 shipping will vary by model. In the coming weeks, new 2023 bagger and touring models will begin shipping to dealers. New 2023 Scout models will start shipping in December. Riders can learn more or test ride by visiting a local Indian Motorcycle dealership. For more information on Indian Motorcycle, or to find a dealer, visit IndianMotorcycle.com and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

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ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE® Indian Motorcycle is America’s First Motorcycle Company®. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America’s most legendary and iconic brands through unrivaled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations and industry firsts. Today that heritage and passion is reignited under new brand stewardship. To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.com.

CRUZTOOLS® is a registered trademark of CYCOACTIVE, INC; FOX® is a registered trademark of Fox Factory Inc.; Unless noted, trademarks are the property of Indian Motorcycle International, LLC.

This valve is what controls the oil pressure to your engine, and protects the engine from too much pressure. Over a period of time it is known to either leak and or pop off at lower than the desired pressures. This is easily checked and repaired while the Camplate is off the engine. Feuling recommends testing the relief valve anytime the cam plate is out of the engine, and always testing the valve before it’s removed from the plate. The Feuling tool is an ideal workstation for servicing camplates.

The Feuling Cam Plate Tester comes unassembled but is easy to put together using the included instructions. Basically you insert a nipple in the tester and then screw the regulator to it and finish off with an air hose nipple.

Install the Camplate to the tester and clamp the tool in a vise. Add the air hose and open the regulator to test for leaks and pop off pressure. According to the Feuling staff: We like to see the camplate pressure relief valve seated and sealed from 0 to 30 psi with a full pop off pressure of 50 to 60 psi. It’s also important that the valve again seals at 30 psi after having opened. These recommended settings will ensure the engine is protected and receives the most oil pressure available which is especially important on those hot days, which can generate extremely high oil temperatures and low oil pressure.

If adjustments are needed use the Feuling tool #9000 to hold the spring down to remove the roll pin, spring and plunger.

Depending on what you found, you can clean the seat of the original valve or replace it with one that has a better contact surface. There are springs with more tension available and also shims that can be added to the original spring to increase the pop off pressure. Inspect and clean the camplate bore and plunger valve. Use very fine 400-600 wet-and-dry sand paper or an abrasive pad to remove any debris or burrs, then clean and reassemble the plunger valve using a spray lubricant on the bore and valve.

To re-seat the plunger valve, hold it down with a punch, turn up the air on the tool regulator while holding down and centering the plunger with the punch, then give it a goo whack with a hammer. This process will create a new seat and may need to be performed multiple times in order to obtain the desired results.

Next re-install the spring, inspect for leakage and check the pop off pressure. You may want to use a 1/8-inch pin punch to hold the spring in place for ease of testing and spring adjustments, thus eliminating the need to re-install and remove the roll pin each time.

If your existing spring is not reaching the desired pop off pressure of 50-60 psi, Feuling recommends replacing the spring (see Feuling part #8018). You can also adjust the existing spring, but if you stretch the factory spring, it may collapse and lose pressure after multiple cycles. Feuling recommends cycling the completed assembly numerous times to ensure proper operation.

When you have reached your desired pop-off pressure re-install the roll pin and proceed to install the camshafts.

 

by Jeff Kraus

“Hey, We survived our first hurricane”

The damn thing lasted nine hours! It just hovered and stalled over the region for nine hours. Floridian’s have said there were 200 mph “gusts.”

But hey, we have the best Governor and we’re impressed with how quickly ‘Humpty’s restoration is being addressed. There’s also been wonderful disaster relief response from well funded Christian organizations such as “Just the Crumbs” out of Mississippi and “God’s Pit Crew” out of Danville VA.

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Ride Out in Style, pick your choice of Vests, Leathers, Hal Robinson Tee-shirts, Bandit’s Bedrolll & more. Click to visit 5-Ball Racing Shop.

I have a buddy who sold Porsche cars to the “who’s who” down here for thirty years. Before ‘Ian hit around 4:00 p.m., as a precaution, he moved his twenty year old Corrolla (typical car sales pro transportation) across the street to his neighbor’s driveway on higher ground.

Shining the light across the street he saw his car, but then his light caught a seven foot python gliding through the water in his path. As he entered the street in thigh high water, he shined his flashlight up and down the street when about twenty yards away, he saw what we Floridian’s know well.

My pal said he hurriedly crossed the street as stealthily as possible. When he reached his car, he opened the door not realizing there was water up to the dashboard. Once the water drained, he tried to start the car and in his words, the motor turned over but it sounded like a motorboat, “glub, glub, glub…”

Then, it died.

Next thing their living room wall exploded as storm surge from Charlotte Harbor a couple miles away came down their street.

They’re slugging it out with their insurance company and FEMA since their home needs extensive repairs, including mold remediation.

 

+

Back to us. Debbie sold the massive motor-coach on the first phone call back in April and the bike and car trailer went bye-bye a month later. Perfect timing considering the price of fuel and RV part supply chain problems.

I don’t miss the maintenance but we miss traveling this way. Debbie is urging me to get a B+ van so we can resume summer/fall travels. They’re more nimble and the Mercedes powertrain has plenty of torque and fuel economy is pretty good, so we’ll see.

Our new community a few miles east was not badly affected by the storm and we’re hoping to move in to our new home on a lake this spring.

You and Allison, Debbie and I, couldn’t be in better States at this time in our nation’s history. Healthcare in Florida is terrific. I whip out my Medicare card at doctors offices and it is like the American Express Black card. Ha!

All for now,

Your Help Needed to Protect the Second Amendment

Dear NRA Affiliate,

Election Day is Tuesday, November 8, and the outcome of this election is crucial to the future of the Second Amendment and the ability of all Americans to keep and bear arms. NRA-ILA asks you to take action by urging your members and patrons to get to the polls and vote for pro-gun candidates in this election.*

The stakes could not be higher. If gun control candidates win this election, we will see more attempts to ban ”assault weapons,” criminalize private firearm transfers, implement ”red flag” confiscation laws, and bankrupt the firearms industry, just to name a few.

The choice could not be clearer. We need your help getting out the vote. If we lose this election, we may very well lose our fundamental right to protect ourselves, our families, and each other with the firearm of our choice.

For more information on the candidates, please visit www.nrapvf.org and encourage your members, affiliates, and friends and family to do the same.

Yours in Freedom,
Jason Ouimet
Executive Director, NRA-ILA

*Please be aware of relevant legal restrictions. Some organizations’ tax statuses don’t allow participation in get-out-the-vote activities. If you have questions about these restrictions, or about reporting or other requirements related to political activity, please contact your organization’s attorney or tax advisor.

IS THIS THE REVIVAL OF BRITISH MOTORCYCLE RACING LEGACY ?

by Troy Siahaan from https://www.motorcycle.com

Limited Edition Street Triple Moto2 Edition Headlines The Show

Triumph has announced a shakeup to its ever-popular Street Triple range today, introducing not one, but three evolutions to the family, creating what it says is “the most powerful Street Triple range ever.” Building off the success it has forged by being the sole engine supplier for the Moto2 racing category, Triumph now introduces the Street Triple R, Street Triple RS, and the Street Triple 765 Moto2 Edition – the latter of which will be relegated to just 765 units worldwide.

Unlike Honda, whose CBR600RR engine was the basis of the Moto2 category during its birth, Triumph has used the racing category to advance the 765cc three-cylinder engine shared between the race bikes and production bikes. The latest Street Triple range is the beneficiary of those advancements.

All three models will get the updated 765cc Triple, which features new pistons, connecting rods, and wrist pins (aka gudgeon pins if you’re British) on the bottom end. The combustion chambers are revised for increased cylinder pressure limits, since the compression ratio has now gone up 4.7%, from 12.65:1 to 13.25:1. New valves and higher lift camshafts round out the top end changes. The R, which is now the base model, peaks at a claimed 118 hp at 11,500 rpm, while the RS and Moto2 top out at a claimed 128 hp at 12,000 rpm. Peak torque is 59 lb-ft at 9,500 rpm, with a notable increase starting at 7,500 rpm compared to the previous model.

Triumph says all six internal gear ratios, as well as the final drive ratio, have been changed compared to the outgoing model for shorter overall gearing. What you should feel from the saddle is faster acceleration (likely at the expense of top speed) in every gear, aided by an up-and-down quickshifter on all three models.

From a tech standpoint, a Continental IMU is fitted to all three models, allowing for optimized cornering ABS and a more refined traction control system (which can also be turned off). As part of the update, the riding modes (four on the R, five on the RS and Moto2) have been refined as well with what Triumph calls, “more dynamic throttle maps.” As part of these new maps, the ABS thresholds are tailored to each mode, giving the rider more or less sensitivity depending on the mode. For the RS and Moto2, the Track riding mode is equipped with a minimally invasive ABS setting.

Visually, the Street Triple range gets a new look that’s sharper and more aggressive, but still very familiar to the original Street Triple from 2007. The new 3.96-gallon fuel tank is smaller than the previous 4.6-gallon tank, but has integrated side panels with an angular design that integrates with the radiator cowls. This flow is continued with the headlight surround that also incorporates the air intake. There’s also a new color-matched bellypan for RS models (available as an option on the R).

At the back, the upswept design gives the Street Triples a nose-down, aggressive attitude which complements well with the new, freer-flowing exhaust, which itself is redesigned.

All three models have a 6,000-mile (10,000 km) service interval, two years unlimited mileage warranty, and two years of Roadside Assistance. For the US and Canada, bikes will be available starting in Spring 2023, making these technically model year 2024 motorcycles. Semantics, we know, but a point worth mentioning.

by Bandit with photos by the Magnificent Markus Cuff

In this first chapter we delved into very nature of the gas tank, construction, shapes, sizes, manufacturing processes, mounting and materials.

“As tank shapes slipped from utilitarian to lifestyle driven components, they became the “Cherry on top of the magnificent V-twin engine configuration,” says Brad, Vice President of Design and Creative Director of Motorcycles at Harley-Davidson Motor Company.

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