Cavman's gettin' started

[Cavman]

Spyderpops cover plate...couldn't remember the correct name. I have CRS you know?
Most people remove the bottom plastic cover thing and discard. When I did this, a connector dropped out. It was the electrical connector for the radiator fan. Don't know where it lives and don't need it falling out again to get snagged on something?
Thus the hardware cloth screen incorporated with the plastic bottom cover.

 

[ARtraveler]

Envy! Envy! Envy! :2thumbs::2thumbs::2thumbs:

 

[Cavman]

I have a small utility trailer that I modified some years ago in the last century the platform is 40" x 48". The fenders sick out another 6" on each side. The tires are about 15" in diameter. The box that I build is about three feet tall. On the right side, one of the boards swings down to the outside for easy loading. It also has at top hinged at the front and locks at the back with two hasps and padlocks. The tongue adds another three feet to the length.

I originally built it for toting scuba tanks, scuba gear, camping gear, coolers and such to free up the back of my older pickup for sleeping in. The stuff put in the trailer, it didn't matter if it got wet. I haven't used the trailer in years for what it was designed for, so why not convert it to something and I can make use of?

I have been thinking of taking the wood sides off and maybe bolting some sort of container on to the bed and towing that behind my Spyder? I don't want to go to the expense of purchasing another trailer since I own this one. I think it takes a 1-7/8" ball hitch?

Any thoughts on this idea? Good, bad or ugly?
I will take a photo of what I have and post it here.

 

[Cavman]

At the Spyder Ryder of America ride to ISCI a month or so ago, I saw an interesting Ram mount on someone's bike. So, upon some research I found the mount. It's a unit that will attach to our handle bars. I've been wanting a better mount that I wouldn't worry about falling off the big with one of my mapping GPS units.

So, I ordered one from GPS City and had it shipped to my friend in Texas since I was stopping to visit them on my way to Durango.

I mounted it on the left side handle bar and used it while out at the BRP event. Works great!

 

[Cavman]

Well, here are the new panels that got replaced to make it easier to change your oil and filters.
The web looking panel just puts two round pegs into the holes in the nylon/plastic frame. The other panel is the lower black
panel that no longer is held on by the screws to the aluminum panel below it. The body panel has two clips that clip into
the top edge of this new panel.

Now these panels weren't a problem for me, as I just removed them. The new replacements will still need to be removed to access the filter covers. There is a bottom panel that can be partially removed to access the drain plugs. Slightly bend it out of the way.

Now this is the part (see finger) that needs to be moved out of the way to access the lower allen screw on the filter cover.
It takes a 5mm ball head allen wrench to get at it properly. Break the retainer screws loose with the Spyder kit wrench, then use an allen wrench to remove and replace the cover screws.
On the SE5, the transmission filter cover is down and to the right of this cover tucked in there.

This part is a pain in the butt to move out of the way, and even harder to get back in place! :banghead:

 

[Cavman]

My new license plate arrived today and it only took 2-1/2 hours to get it back on. That included some new wiring modifications for the tag lights and scrolling message tag holder.
Now I can park in the blue spots if I choose to do so....like when it's raining.

 

[Cavman]

I got the ReflectGard installed on the back of the Spyder on the black areas on the rear. The sheeting is black but reflects white when headlights hit it.

 

[Cavman]

The first photo shows the bike in normal light. The product is slightly shiny but not too bad. It's still black.
Second with light on it and third from the side showing more visual for other drivers as well.
The section I cut out of the bottom middle application, I added to the trunk and saddle bag handles for a bit more visual effect.

I didn't have any lights on to show how the bike would be visible when parked.

 

[smoky]

I have a small utility trailer that I modified some years ago in the last century the platform is 40" x 48". The fenders sick out another 6" on each side. The tires are about 15" in diameter. The box that I build is about three feet tall. On the right side, one of the boards swings down to the outside for easy loading. It also has at top hinged at the front and locks at the back with two hasps and padlocks. The tongue adds another three feet to the length.

I originally built it for toting scuba tanks, scuba gear, camping gear, coolers and such to free up the back of my older pickup for sleeping in. The stuff put in the trailer, it didn't matter if it got wet. I haven't used the trailer in years for what it was designed for, so why not convert it to something and I can make use of?

I have been thinking of taking the wood sides off and maybe bolting some sort of container on to the bed and towing that behind my Spyder? I don't want to go to the expense of purchasing another trailer since I own this one. I think it takes a 1-7/8" ball hitch?

Any thoughts on this idea? Good, bad or ugly?
I will take a photo of what I have and post it here.

If you haven't already, get a car rooftop carrier (sears has some) and bolt it to your frame. Used to pull one years ago behind a Yamaha Virago.

 

[Cavman]

I decided to hard wire a power cord into my Spyder for the optional Garmin GPSMAP 76 units that I own. So, using a coupon from West Marine that I got from shopping there, I purchased a data power cord. It's wired into the same place as the cord form my Garmin 550.
You can see in the photos where the cord comes out and is zip tied to the left handle bar to keep it safe.
The connector is always on so I don't have to turn on the key to power the cord.

 

[Bob Denman]

That ReflectGard stuff looks pretty interesting... :2thumbs:

 

[Cavman]

It IS amazing. I was the second person to purchase the kit for a RT. At $39 it's a great safety item for our RT's. :thumbup:
Contact Morgan Holt www.jmhmotorsport.com. 205-752-4009 for more info.

Also, think of the visibility of the bike when I'm trailering it. :shocked:

I've been behind a couple of people who had it installed on their Spyders at Venom in Vandiver and it really stands out when it's dark.

 

[Cavman]

Possible next project?

I have this trailer that I would like to convert to possibly tow with my Spyder?
I use to use it to carry scuba tanks, diving gear and camping gear. On the right side,
the top board would fold down for easy loading and unloading. The whole top hinged
forward also.

I would like to remove the 'wood box' and replace the plywood with a piece that is longer....
around six feet tapering at the front. I would like to make the body of the trailer for both storage and with the possibility of being able to use as a mini camper. I think Tarpology would be involved for a camper?

Being concerned with weight, it would be ideal to fabricate it out of aluminum sheeting.
At this point, I would be concerned about the cost of the aluminum? I would also want it rivet it together.....not talking pop rivets here kids!
I don't have a sheet metal bending machine, shear or an air compressor. All the other required items I have.
I would use aircraft sealant when putting it together so it would be weather resistant.

It's just in the thinking about it stage and figuring out the design?

 

[Chupaca]

Ohh my..!!

You sure have been busy. Done some great work. It is shaping up nicely. Thanks for all the pic's..:2thumbs:

 

[shrubs]

Awesome mods!

It IS amazing. I was the second person to purchase the kit for a RT. At $39 it's a great safety item for our RT's. :thumbup:
Contact Morgan Holt www.jmhmotorsport.com. 205-752-4009 for more info.

Also, think of the visibility of the bike when I'm trailering it. :shocked:

I've been behind a couple of people who had it installed on their Spyders at Venom in Vandiver and it really stands out when it's dark.

I will definitely look into this.

 

[Cavman]

I've sent a note twice and am hoping they will come with some kits for the RT's.
He was at Venom in Vandiver last September and did a jam up job.

 

[Cavman]

AUX Thermometer

I got tired of the Spyder temp gauge reading higher than the real outside temperature. So I bought a couple of these digital waterproof thermometers at Harbour Freight or about five bucks each.
Fabricated an aluminum bracket with my Swiss Army knife drilling the hole with the awl.
Mounted under the card.
I drilled a bunch of holes in the end of the protective tube for better air circulation. It's also under the dash to keep it out of direct sunlight.

I have moved the unit to the top of the dash to see how it works there?

 

[Cavman]

Snyder Trailer

This is a work in progress. Took off what was on the frame including the rotten decking. Extended the decking from 48" to 72". Enough room for my marine cooler up front.
Got rid of the old tail lights and put on new LED units and wiring. Coated the decking.
There is more work to do on it.

 

[Cavman]

Got the X-Cargo box bolted on. Trimmed of the corners so there wouldn't be turning issues. The harness wiring is finished. Put some support under the front of the decking to help support the cooler.

 

[Cavman]

I have fixed the problem that occurred with the listening of the XM radio. I think NPR has a new frequency here in Atlanta that was over powering the transmitter I was using for my Delphi Roady to listen to my XM channels on 88.1 FM.

I installed the CableJive dockBoss connector between my Roady's stereo jack and the BRP iPod cable. This set up now works great. This is what the new cable looks like:

I've seen that BRP offers a cable that plugs in the trunk with a 3.5mm jack on the other end. It costs more than the CableJive unit.