In the July Hog Helpline, Dave Harris asked if a swingarm, rear wheel, and 200mm tire, from a standard Softail or a Springer would fit on his Deuce. If he wants to make changes just to run a 200mm tire on his Deuce, he may not have to.
I have a 2003 Deuce and have just installed an Xtreme Machine pulley, wheels, and rotors. I also installed an Avon 200mm tire on the rear with a 5.50-18" Xtreme wheel. I didn’t use any aftermarket kits, everything is stock: fender, belt, belt guards, swingarm, brake caliper, etc. I used a different Harley axle that was a little longer. I have no alignment or clearance problems, no rubbing, etc. The Deuce rides and handles as good as always, if not better. I spent less than $150, not including the price of the tire and wheel, and a few hours in the evening after work installing this setup.
Randy Johnson
Orange, Texas
Bikes As Transportation
Genevieve, I am writing to take issue with your stance on motorcycles being used for daily transportation. I respect your right to choose your transportation, and agree that we Americans are a bit spoiled in our collective need for a certain level of luxury (my interpretation of the thrust of the article printed in the Sept. issue). On the other hand, I was very disappointed that you said nothing to promote the idea, other than the obvious gas savings.
Other benefits include keeping your skills sharp, I for one am just as competent at the end of riding season as I am at the beginning of it, since the only time my bike is out of service is when snow and ice are predicted, or heavy rains. I also find I’m more refreshed, alert, and ready to take on the world when I ride my bike to work. Many companies in my area recognize motorcycles’ smaller profile and dedicate prime parking areas for motorcyclists. (I mean closest to the door parking that even the handicapped parkers must walk past.) I guess my complaint is that you did not promote the idea as much as I thought you should have.
Keith Skaggs
Via Internet
I appreciate your opinion of what you think I should have done with my column, but my first person column (i.e. opinion piece) was not meant to promote the idea, rather it was to express my opinion of the idea. Just because I ride a motorcycle and work in the motorcycle industry full time doesn't mean I have to support the idea of all of us giving up our cars and using our motorcycles as full time transportation. -- Genevieve Caption Conscious
Hi, all. I really enjoy your magazine, especially since it promotes so many fine shops and products here in the Northeast, unlike many West Coast-centered publications. The editorials are brightly written and timely, and the many technical stories and features are fascinating and informative to old hands and newbies alike. My request is that you include more in the way of captions for your great photos.
Many folks may be new to the H-D lifestyle and events, not to mention the super reader-submitted articles on rides and tours. A huge number of otherwise picture-worth-a-thousand-words photos cause more confusion and what/who/why questions for folks who may not have the experience, friendships, or technical qualifications. Many of the rally photos in particular are in this category, especially if the reason for the picture is not clear (shots of a stage with people standing around it with no particular activity involved: what is the point of the image? etc). Besides, it would give Joe and Chris an opportunity to take more cheap shots at each other! I am not being critical only of your magazine, the other three H-D-specific magazines I subscribe to seem to follow this trend also.
Steve Levine
Via Internet
Steve, we have, in response to reader’s requests, started captioning more of the photos, especially the tour stories. But we’re not going to do so in the event coverage since we’re looking to give you more of a overview, in imagery, of what went on rather than a play-by-play. And though we’re passing up a good opportunity to drag Sam, Chris, or Joe over the coals again, I’m sure we’ll find other way to shank each other. Tuning In
Some time ago there was an article about a company that remanufactures Harley-Davidson radios. I can’t find the article, can you forward or publish the information on that company?
Todd R. Smith
Woodstock, Connecticut
It was a reply to a letter in the Nov. ‘07 issue: “In regards to Steve Schieffel’s letter in the August issue’s Letters section about his radio/CB, he can contact Radio Sound Inc. in Louisville, Kentucky (800/367-4506, RadioSound - Home). This company manufactured the unit and will either rebuild his or exchange it for a rebuilt one for about $135, plus shipping and insurance.” Hope this helps. No Tuner Needed
Chris, I have 2008 883C with 1,200 miles on it. The stock Harley pipes suck, so I bought Rinehart pipes, an SE air kit, and a fuel adjuster. I installed it all, and it ran like crap on low end. I went back to fuel adjuster manufacturer and got a new map setting, which I haven’t tried. I’ve heard that Harley says you can install an air cleaner and exhaust without changing your fuel settings. Is that correct? I’m not keen on the fuel adjuster idea, especially when I don’t understand it. My last bike was a ‘69 Sporty and I could do all the work myself.
Bill Keefer
Via Internet
Bill, I’m glad to hear H-D is agreeing with us. Usually, we’re the ones saying you can do that, not the dealership.
Yes, you should be able to remove the fuel adjuster and just ride the bike. After about 10 or 15 minutes, the stock ECM should be able to readjust and accept the new air cleaner and pipes. At least, that’s what we’ve been seeing. However, t4he ECM will set the fuel to air ratio at the stock setting of about 14.5:1, which is great for gas mileage but not power. A fuel adjuster is needed to get the maximum power out of the engine. -- Chris Yes, Tuner Needed
The RideMaxx seemed interesting, but also looked like a lot of trouble to go to for an increase of 1 hp, as stated in the article. Did the article really mean that there was an increase in horsepower/torque from the addition of the pipes and air cleaner, and the RideMaxx simply added another 1 hp on top of that increase? For example, can I add an S&S Quick setup kit to my 2006 Softail, get the extra 10 hp that S&S promises, and use the RideMaxx to avoid having the new setup tuned on a dyno?
Tim McCarthy.
Via Internet
The RideMaxx added 1 hp more to the power output because it enrichened the fuel-to-air ratio. Since you do not have a 2007 or later bike, the stock ECM will not automatically adjust to the new pipes and air cleaner, so you must use some sort of fuel tuner to get the bike to run correctly.
To answer your other question, RideMaxx probably has a map that you can download into the RideMaxx unit and then just ride away. No dyno time needed. At least, that’s what we’ve been seeing. -- Chris Cam Chain Tensioners
Chris, any chance of getting a do-it-yourself on those dang cam chain tensioners? I got the how-to in my shop manual, but you guys always lend the mechanic’s experience to the project. Thank you and good luck to you and your fine mag. I can’t think of a guy who deserves the success more than you, Chris. Just a damn nice, regular guy.
Tom Quinn
Springfield, Massachusetts
Many thanks for the compliments, Tom! As for the story, that’s a good idea. As you can see, we were already at work on the Dec. issue when your letter arrived, so it may be awhile before your idea ends up in print. Thanks for the suggestion! -- Chris 100 Years of Police Hawgs
First off, I want to thank everyone at AIM for the great job you folks do each month. Some other magazines have turned entirely to the Pro-Street stuff; You guys still mainly focus on rides that real people can afford. The columns are fantastic and the tech tips are detailed enough to be useful, without being so technical I can’t understand them. I love it all!
My main reason for this letter, though, is to thank you for the article 100 Years of Police Hawgs. I’ve been a Harley nut since I was about 8 years old, and I spent 10 years as a cop -- albeit, a military cop, but a cop nonetheless. I never rode a bike on duty in the Air Force, but I still love to see cops out there on American-made bikes. It’s always interesting to me to see all the history that exists between Harley (and some of the other American manufacturers that have come and gone over the years) and the police/military.
Mike
Spokane, Washington
Still No Adjustments Required
I just purchased my first copy of AIM. My first Harley purchase was this year, and I just found your magazine and will be subscribing. In the Sept. issue Letters section you printed a letter from someone referencing a recent article, but did not print the article title and magazine issue. I would really like to read this article and hope that you can direct me to it, or at least which issue it was in, and I will order a copy of that issue. The letter was titled No Adjustments Required and reads “Chris, just to let you know, your advice and article on intake and exhaust mods not needing a recalibration on the 2007-2008 models was right on the money.” It was sent by Jim Black via Internet
Jerry Scott
Via Internet
Jerry, that was in the April issue, page 186. And thanks for joining the family! Oil Filter Fitment
In AIM’s Aug. issue, K&N Performance Filters had an advertisement that pictured two oil filters. The picture’s caption states “Performance oil filters also available.” In the picture, both filters have a prominence built onto them to allow a wrench to be attached, allowing the mechanic to screw the filter on or off with ease. In fact, the chrome filter actually has a wrench applied.
Will this filter fit a 2003 Softail Standard with Harley’s oil cooler mounted between the frame’s front downtubes? Is it too long to fit between the oil filter attachment and the crank piston sensor? Is it compatible to Harley’s oil filter and to the engine that is stock except for Screamin’ Eagles air filter with a rejetted carburetor and slip-on mufflers?
I ask these questions because changing my oil is the only maintenance that I am confident doing. Yet, since attaching the oil cooler at its location between the downtubes, it’s impossible to get any type of wrench handle between the tubes. Also, I have tried several other types of filter wrenches with little success. It’s also impossible to place every wrench I have tried over the filter, either because the space between the filter and the engine is so narrow, or (mainly) because the space between the filter and the crank piston sensor is too narrow. I had to remove this sensor once, as a last resort, but I don’t have the confidence to do this again.
Phil Parks,
Flint, Texas
Phil, according to my contact at K&N, the K&N filter has the same dimensions as the stock filter, except for the prominence on the end for a socket, so it should fit. Any questions about fitment can be answered by going to the K&N website (K&N High Performance Air Filters, Oil Filters, & Air Intakes - Official K&N Engineering Site) and checking with a K&N part number under Product Search or look for your bike under Vehicle Search. As for your other questions, the answer is yes to all. The K&N is good to go on your bike, or any other H-D, as long as you use the proper one. Reader’s Ride
Hi. My name is Kim Green, and you guys displayed my bike in your September issue. I have to tell ya, I’m so thrilled to see my beautiful ride on the pages of your magazine. Thank you so much for finding interest in it. Please let Buzz know for me that the pictures were awesome, and Charlie -- great story -- I’m very impressed.
I’m sure you don’t remember me and my husband, but we will always remember you and Buzz. You both have definitely affected our lives in a great way. If either of you are ever in Ontario, look us up, we would love to show you around our beautiful province.
Kim Green
Ontario, Canada
Glad to hear you liked the feature, Kim. And I may take you up on your offer the next time I ride up your way. Thanks! 
December 2008 Letters 
Linear Mode
