Another FNG from Blighty.

[trickytree]

Just registered and saying hello from Lincolnshire, UK. Picked up a 04 Rockster on Saturday, had a great 120 mile ride home, first few mile on a dirt track according to the guy we spoke too.....yeah, dirt track alright, it was only the Pennine Way ...... but even with panniers and top box the old gal did good.
Not my first BM, had a R80ST many years ago. Other bikes a Harley FXR that's took root in the garage, been 18 months in kit form and won't see the road for a few more so bought the Rockster so as I can get some riding in and catch some rays.
Just going through the little jobs that always crop up with a new (SH) bike....she's a bit buzzy and sounds like we've got a loose tappet so I'll have to try and find some metric spanners and check her out.

Just a couple of phone pics for now. Didn't want one with a fairing but right bike at the right time, almost certain I'll remove it sooner rather than later but unfortunately I'd didn't come with the original headlight and brackets....Bit I do have the rad covers though.

[riceburner]

I think that's the Gimbel fairing?

Nice find.

First job is to unclip the cable ties around the headstock.

If you're going to do a valve check - i'd do a full service - oils etc.

[kirby]

Nice looking fairing.
BTW the original headlights are pretty bad IMO.

[peels]

BEAUTY..


but....

they're called WRENCHES, not spanners. kidding.

welcome.

you know...that reminded me of a good memory. My very first big mechanical job with dad. 1979 ford fiesta(my first car). Repairing a worn bushing in the shift linkage after a new transmission was put in. The manual we had was quite obviously European. I remember being 13 dad being under the car.. saying "read me whats next" and seeing "use 10mm spanner" in the instructions and thinking WTF is that!?

cheers.

[riceburner]

BEAUTY..


but....

they're called WRENCHES, not spanners. kidding.

welcome.

you know...that reminded me of a good memory. My very first big mechanical job with dad. 1979 ford fiesta(my first car). Repairing a worn bushing in the shift linkage after a new transmission was put in. The manual we had was quite obviously European. I remember being 13 dad being under the car.. saying "read me whats next" and seeing "use 10mm spanner" in the instructions and thinking WTF is that!?

cheers.

wrench
rɛn(t)ʃ/Submit
noun
1.
a sudden violent twist or pull.
"with a wrench Tony wriggled free"
synonyms: tug, pull, jerk, jolt, wrest, heave, twist; informalyank
"she felt a terrific wrench on her shoulders as he tried to haul her back"
2.
a feeling of sadness or distress caused by one's own or another's departure.
"it will be a real wrench to leave after eight years"
synonyms: painful parting, distressing separation, traumatic event; More

[trickytree]

Aye, two countries separated by a common language!!
I write up about my FXR on English and American forums....just copy and paste the same article.....the ribbing I get regarding mudguard/fender....petrol/gas.....good job I can't actually spell most of the time

[peels]

haha thanks Riceburner.

But I like how you rather conveniently omitted the last two important entries.

3. a tool used for gripping and turning nuts, bolts, pipes, etc.

synonyms: monkey wrench

"hold the piston with a wrench"
4. MECHANICS a combination of a couple with a force along its axis.

LOL


I once wasted a whole afternoon, in an argument with a Kiwi-friend, about how to correctly pronounce the word "aluminum"

I lost(disrespectfully conceded). It still hurts.

[riceburner]

haha thanks Riceburner.

But I like how you rather conveniently omitted the last two important entries.

3. a tool used for gripping and turning nuts, bolts, pipes, etc.

synonyms: monkey wrench

"hold the piston with a wrench"
4. MECHANICS a combination of a couple with a force along its axis.

LOL


I once wasted a whole afternoon, in an argument with a Kiwi-friend, about how to correctly pronounce the word "aluminum"

I lost(disrespectfully conceded). It still hurts.

you mean aluminium?

[peels]

yep, you got it.

[sjbmw]

They are spanners! dadgummit!

Wheeler Dealers says so!
That is a clean beautiful bike, what a fairing. Congrats.

[stu22]

Same colour scheme as I've just purchased, nice....

Is it a US spec bike? Only asking as reflectors on front mudguard....

[trickytree]

Fairing is indeed a Gimbel.....got the original instructions and sales receipt.....€1800!!! Sure I'll be removing it sooner rather than later, just not my thing, prefer the (respectable) urban hooligan look of the original
Engine seems to have quietened down now....it has been layed up for a few months so perhaps she just needed to get the blood circulating and settle down. Had a full service very recently, engine oil is still clear...all levels are fine so I'll just ride her and keep a check on things.

[trickytree]

Same colour scheme as I've just purchased, nice....

Is it a US spec bike? Only asking as reflectors on front mudguard....

Don't think it's US Spec....first registered in Ireland. Front mudguard has been re sprayed at some point....it's either carbon fibre or c/f lookalike....not sure if they came as standard??....so perhaps the reflectors have just been added, dunno.
Suspect the bike has had a low speed spill at some point....signs of slight grazing on the right side...front mudguard and pannier rail....very light scuffing on the head guard as well....don't think it's gravel rash, looks more like she's had a trip into a hedge!

Colours great I reckon, my fave of the lot.

Do you ever get to Krazy Horse at Bury St. Edmunds? Good breakfasts if you ever fancy a ride out/meet sometime.

[stu22]

Same colour scheme as I've just purchased, nice....

Is it a US spec bike? Only asking as reflectors on front mudguard....

Don't think it's US Spec....first registered in Ireland. Front mudguard has been re sprayed at some point....it's either carbon fibre or c/f lookalike....not sure if they came as standard??....so perhaps the reflectors have just been added, dunno.
Suspect the bike has had a low speed spill at some point....signs of slight grazing on the right side...front mudguard and pannier rail....very light scuffing on the head guard as well....don't think it's gravel rash, looks more like she's had a trip into a hedge!

Colours great I reckon, my fave of the lot.

Do you ever get to Krazy Horse at Bury St. Edmunds? Good breakfasts if you ever fancy a ride out/meet sometime.

You get a few US spec bikes in East Anglia due to the US servicemen at the air bases bringing them over, wondered if maybe it came over that way.
My front muguard is CF/ CF look so am guessing standard.

Never been to Krazy Horse but do go Finchingfield occassionally during the summer or Great Bentley as its local to where I live

[peels]

spanners it is.