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Yeah I've been looking at the smaller windshields like you have on yours. I'm biding my time for now, probably won't be seeing the highway for a few months anyways. I was really trying to avoid getting a manual, they're around $50 which if I'd buy it, I'd immediately feel like I've been ripped off, as most Hayes manuals are like $20 new, and these are worn out and some are even held together with duct tape.

I gotta say that's a really great picture of your little ones, that'll be a pic that will last for generations I think. I've been dabbling semi-pro in photography for about a year now. Well done.

If you get a genuine Kawasaki manual for your specific bike for $60, you won't regret it.
As for the pics, Bernd wouldn't think so. I worked for his studio company for 14 years building props, setting up back drops and maintaining their properties in California. That man had an eye for color and shades that would have me pulling my hair out. I wouldn't notice the difference but HE DID. DO IT AGAIN. Gotta admit, he was one of the best.
Steve

Beautiful bike! Looks like you are going about it the right way and sounds like you have a healthy respect for this bikes power. The only thing that concerns me (probably unjustified) is those leather braids coming off the hand grips. Not sure if they could be a safety concern. Even if they simply cause you a distraction at a critical moment. Maybe someone who has used them on their bike can offer some insight.

+1 Not only a distraction - they look like crap on an otherwise beautiful bike. Ed

KZJOE900 wrote: Beautiful bike! Looks like you are going about it the right way and sounds like you have a healthy respect for this bikes power. The only thing that concerns me (probably unjustified) is those leather braids coming off the hand grips. Not sure if they could be a safety concern. Even if they simply cause you a distraction at a critical moment. Maybe someone who has used them on their bike can offer some insight.

From what I can tell the previous owner added the braids on the handlebars, and the owner before that added the ones on the levers. I'll probably get rid the braids on the levers as all the color is washed out of them. I kinda like the extra cushion the braids give on the handlebars though. I don't notice them at all when riding, as I've got bigger things to worry about. It's not like they're swatting me in the face or anything.

I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so if you like them leave them on there. To me, they remind me of this bike with braids.

+2 yes, I know windblast is tiring on a long fast run, but I'd probably have a Goldwing if that was what I used bikes for regularly.

The whole point of these is how good they look and sound imo, all other deficiencies of these ancient designs compared to a modern touring bike tolerated.

650ed wrote: I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so if you like them leave them on there. To me, they remind me of this bike with braids.

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Ready to go SPLAT.
Steve

650ed wrote: I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so if you like them leave them on there. To me, they remind me of this bike with braids.

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Whoa. That's ridiculous. Can't imagine riding like that. I love the look of the ape hangers, but I just can't see riding a bike with them. I mean you lose feeling after a few minutes, and it looks like they make it more difficult to steer. So if your on the highway you can't feel your hands, and if your in town you can't steer. But I still like the looks of them and it grabs other drivers' attention more, which in theory makes it a bit safer to drive, but I think that bit of safety is overshadowed by it's functionality.

This reminds me of something the guys at my dad's clubhouse were talking about a couple years back. They were complaining about mid-size ape hangers that came up by the head/neck of the rider. Two of them said they get awful pain in their upper back from riding just 10-15 minutes and swore the handlebars off. I was wondering if there are other people who have the same issue and how common this issue was.

It makes a statement. What I don't know . Surely it's not for handling. Reminds my of a gorilla when I see them on the road. My daughter thinks they're stupid.
Steve

SmokyOwl wrote: Yeah I've been looking at the smaller windshields like you have on yours. I'm biding my time for now, probably won't be seeing the highway for a few months anyways. I was really trying to avoid getting a manual, they're around $50 which if I'd buy it, I'd immediately feel like I've been ripped off, as most Hayes manuals are like $20 new, and these are worn out and some are even held together with duct tape..

I have a PDF copy of the fsm, though it does not have the shaft drive supplement . If you are interested, pm me your email address and I'll send it to you.

Good man.
Steve