Side Mount Number Plate Project Part 2

The finished article! Looks good even if I do say so myself. Had a bit of trouble getting the number plate to fit because it was too large for the kit - so I discarded the plate frame and used some number plate fixing pads to secure the number plate to the base plate.

Another problem was that the electrical connectors under the seat of this 2014 model do not fit the electrical connectors (even with the adaptors) fitted to the new unit. I had to remove the connector on the new kit and splice the old number plate electrical connector onto it. If you get round it that way everything is peachy.

Side Mount Number Plate Project Part 1

Time to kit out the 883 with an American side mounted number plate - it will look much cooler than the current UK issue Whale Tail which clutters up the rear view of the machine. I thought this would be a fun DIY project - supposed to require an intermediate level of skill and take an hour or two.

Half-way through the fitting - machine made ready for the side mount number plate still to arrive in the post...

Narrow vertical plate arrived from Jap Graphics on Ebay - £6.99 inc P+P and arrived within 24 hours of ordering. Sorted!

First 1000 Mile Service - BnH Motorcycles Whitemoor

Haward Boswell, Proprietor of BnH Motorcycles at work on the 883

First 1000 mile service - didn't like the idea of trekking all the way to Plymouth to the nearest main dealer and parting with £240 for what is basically an oil change and a series of checks. I went to BnH Motorcycles of Whitemoor instead who did the business and cast an experienced eye over everything to make sure all is well for the far more reasonable sum of £100. BnH are reputedly the best Independant Harley-Davidson Specialist in Cornwall - whether its servicing, repairs or a complete one-off Chopper build they are the people to talk to. They are a family affair and Mid-Cornwall's answer to Orange County Choppers...

For more information visit their website: www.bnh-motorcycles.fsnet.co.uk/

Castle-an-Dinas

Castle-an-Dinas just outside St Columb Major is a prehistoric hill fort. It is one of the best vantage points in North Cornwall - a stategic site close to ancient mines and trade routes. Its a peaceful place - good for getting away from it all and collecting your thoughts. Not hard to imagine what life was like up here all those years ago. It is considered one of the most important hill forts in Britain.

Hayle Bike Night

Hayle Bike Night is an informal affair - every Tuesday night at Macdonalds. Decent array of interesting motorcycles - mostly Japanese but a few American, Italian and British bikes were on show as well. Probably about 50 bikes were there most of the time with people coming and going all the time. People are friendly as always with the bulk of them being from West Cornwall - although the location is ideal to get to from all over the county via a quick blast down the A30.

Trispen Bike Night

Tonight I went to the first Trispen bike night of the year - organised by the Royal British Legion Kernow squadron. There was a good attendance with a lot of different motorcycles to have a look at, as well as a few Trikes. Minimum entry fee was £1 with proceeds going to the poppy appeal. People were very friendly and a fair few of the local motorcycle clubs were in attendance. Most people seemed to be from the Mid-Cornwall area and I got to get some advice on exhaust modifications from some members of the Harley-Davidson Riders Club of Great Britain. Caterers were on hand providing food and drinks and there was even a decent Elvis impersonator act as well - all in all a good way to spend a Thursday evening. The event is held every Thursday Evening from 6.30 pm from now until September, at Trispen & St Erme Sports Community Centre, Castle Field, Trispen.

Took a ride down to Lizard point in West Cornwall. the most westerly point in England - not Lands End as is commonly thought. This is an excellent trip on a nice day. There are some incredible motorcycling roads here in Cornwall, not least the A3083 from Helston to the Lizard itself but it wont be long before I run out of road and need to journey further afield.

First Post ...

Harley-Davidson are probably the most loved ........ and most hated motorcycle out there. These machines are legendary .... and they are also the most criticised. Seriously, take a look on the web and you will find thousands upon thousands of comments knocking them - saying they are overpriced, unreliable, overhyped and outdated. Nevertheless how many manufacturers can boast 110 years of history and continuity?

The truth? Well I decided there was only one way to find out. After a long break from motorcycling, and after a youth filled with Japanese two strokes - at the age of 36 I decided to take the very, very long overdue plunge, take my big bike test and find out for myself  what the reality of Harley-Davidson ownership is with a 2014 883cc Sportster Iron of my own.