so the grips came in from avon on july 19th, but arrived with the stock rounded end caps installed instead of the chrome spike ends that we had ordered. no worries, though - the spiked ends were included! just had to change them up, which i did on july 20th.
time: 2 minutes
tools needed: #2 phillips screwdriver, loctite
instructions: insert the screwdriver into the grip, and seat the tip in the head of the screw that holds the end cap on. thread it out until the stock cap lets go, then put loctite on the threads, but leave it in the grip. then thread the cone end cap on, tighten, and you're done!
(apologies for somewhat poor picture clarity - trying different things so you could see the grip without it being just a mess of flash).
now the grips are ready to be installed, but we plan to have a shop do that.
we did put some chrome badges, purchased from talisman leathers of london, ontario, onto his biker's friend bag end pockets on july 20th. here's the bag before:
and here's the chicago-screw back of one of the badges:
time: 10 minutes
tools needed: flat bladed screwdriver, leather punch, loctite
instructions: punch holes in pocket top flap with the leather punch. remove the screw from the back of the badge, and push the internally threaded post through the hole you punched. put loctite on the threads of the screw, then thread in and tighten using the screwdriver. voila!
then on july 29th, we took his bike up to zdeno cycle in kitchener, and had his grips installed for the whopping sum of $15. i would have done it myself, but the easiest way to get an old grip off is to fire compressed air between the grip and the bar, and i don't have a compressor! we also need to re-use the throttle sleeve, so i didn't want to risk damaging it.
they look really sharp on the bike, though, and are really very comfortable. much better than the disintegrating foam on his old ones!
we also got him a tank panel that looks really slick, but i need to get a good photo of it. will try to do so soon!
here's the tank pad - pretty sweet, no?
mostly doing maintenance stuff now in preparation for our holidays - motor oil changed on monday, august 14th, 2006 - will post more as things develop!
