2008 Winter Projects are completed

Just finished the winter projects for this year. I installed some running lights on the back of the bike to increase visibility. Took two forms. There are some marker lights on the sides of the luggage rack. Beautiful, chrome LED running lights that are yellow/orange. In addition, I added some green accent lights (remember, the bike is green) that shine on the chrome of the backrest. In addition, I added some green LED accent lights in the engine compartment and also on the underside of the bike shining on the road (no, the bike is NOT leaking...that is supposed to be green light under the bike).



It's difficult to make out the bike, but here is a picture with just the accessory lights on. Its pitch dark, but you can make out the ground lights and chrome engine components. Remember to click on the picture for a full size image which will be a lot clearer.



In many states, it is illegal to run the accessory lights while driving, but are so cool for bike nights. They also do increase visibility at night. So I put the accessory LEDs on a switch so I could turn them on or off whenever I wanted. The switch is now in the switch pod.

I did a lot of small details on the handlebars. I replaced the cheapie "P" clamps I used last year, and got a couple Kuryakyn chrome P-Clamps for the volt meter and the switchpod. Provides a nice and solid mount. In addition, Chuckster cut me a polished aluminum plate for the switchpod, and it looks so much nicer than the piece I made last year. I also stripped out a lot of the wiring I did last year, and simplified it DRASTICALLY. I also wired the voltmeter (almost) directly to the battery. Where I had the wiring last year gave me false readings. And finally on the handlebar, I installed a RAM Mount for a Garmin 200W I got for Christmas.

The wire simplification was due in large part to an accessory block I installed in the compartment on the left hand side, just under the seat. The tools remain in the same place, but I put the accessory block, relay (power is only supplied when the bike is turned on), and the alarm system in this area. Not pictured, i also installed a battery charger plug on the bike so that I could put on the trickle charger on the battery, but not have to remove the seats.

I also installed a Custom World International Driver's backrest. For the longer rides, and riding two up, my back would start hurting. This should help that out a LOT. I also added Kewl Metal Helmet locks at the end of the Isogrips. That will allow me to hang my helmet directly from the handlebars instead of the stock locks which are right over the exhaust pipes. Kawasaki...what were you thinking!!!



And finally, I got a Vanity Plate for my bike. I spent a lot of time thinking about this, but finally came to the decision below. Kermit would be so proud!!!

So that's it for this winter. There will be little trinkets here and there, and some retro-fitting things that I found that I did wrong. But all-in-all, the 2006 Nomad is becoming more and more unique and functional each year! So when does this snow and ice melt, and the salt is washed away? I am getting stir crazy waiting...