Well, whether by moderation or software, my previous couple of attempts to update my progress toward the purchase of a new VTX have disappeared into the ether, without posting.
So, finally, I'll just say, the third time is charming, because it's now home.
I finally settled on, configured, and purchased a new-in-the-box(crate?), zero-miles, '09 VTX 1300T (for 'Tourer'), which includes stock the windshield, leather saddle bags, and passenger backrest. I added (myself, after arriving home) a highway bar and luggage rack:
View attachment 20331 View attachment 20332
I think that's it for me. I'm not much into chrome and customizing -- just riding. I can see maybe changing out the seat(s) down the road, or turning the bags into hard-sided ones -- but spending money on 'purties' just doesn't interest me. Means I've got to keep it clean and shiny. I just want to ride.
So, yesterday, I did just that -- 158 miles home. Added 100 or so -- encircling a 232-mile oil change (I'll change it again at c. 832, then every 1,500 miles or so; some call that overkill, but it makes me feel better) -- today. The weather forecast looks spotty the rest of the year, but I'll get on it when I can tolerate the elements.
I plan to add modulating elements to the headlight and brake light (I'm no electrician!) when I ask a local 'cyclesmith' to check/replace the steering-head bearing as part of the c. 600-mile maintenance, which otherwise I'll perform myself.
Otherwise, this bike and I are destined to live with each other through several years of payments, at least. If I want to keep it beyond that, it's a good thing.
So, finally, I'll just say, the third time is charming, because it's now home.
I finally settled on, configured, and purchased a new-in-the-box(crate?), zero-miles, '09 VTX 1300T (for 'Tourer'), which includes stock the windshield, leather saddle bags, and passenger backrest. I added (myself, after arriving home) a highway bar and luggage rack:
View attachment 20331 View attachment 20332
I think that's it for me. I'm not much into chrome and customizing -- just riding. I can see maybe changing out the seat(s) down the road, or turning the bags into hard-sided ones -- but spending money on 'purties' just doesn't interest me. Means I've got to keep it clean and shiny. I just want to ride.
So, yesterday, I did just that -- 158 miles home. Added 100 or so -- encircling a 232-mile oil change (I'll change it again at c. 832, then every 1,500 miles or so; some call that overkill, but it makes me feel better) -- today. The weather forecast looks spotty the rest of the year, but I'll get on it when I can tolerate the elements.
I plan to add modulating elements to the headlight and brake light (I'm no electrician!) when I ask a local 'cyclesmith' to check/replace the steering-head bearing as part of the c. 600-mile maintenance, which otherwise I'll perform myself.
Otherwise, this bike and I are destined to live with each other through several years of payments, at least. If I want to keep it beyond that, it's a good thing.