Ryan Urlacher, Author at Law Abiding Biker Podcast

Harley Walk Around-CIRO 3D LED Lighting Extravaganza-Plus a Giveaway!

March 29, 2020 By Ryan Urlacher 2 Comments

We've done many Ciro 3D lighting reviews and install videos on your YouTube Channel but I had been asked by many to put one video together and show each component I currently have on my 2014 Harley Street Glide Special. So, I listened to the community and did a live YouTube broadcast showing and discussing the awesome Ciro 3D products that I have on my bike.

I love Ciro 3D LED lighting! It's super high quality and the people and bikers behind the company are super down to earth and we've gotten to know them over the years. They really take pride in serving the biker community.

Don't forget that Ciro 3D has a full line of products for all you Goldwingers out there and the product line is called “Goldstrike”.

Ciro/Goldstrike are the motorcycle LED lighting innovators for Can-Bus plug & Play system compatibility.

If you appreciate all that we do to help, educate, and entertain the biker community then consider purchasing any of these awesome Ciro 3D products right in the Law Abiding Biker Store!

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LAB-234-Harley Reflex Defensive Rider System (RDRS)-Worth the Upgrade?

March 25, 2020 By Ryan Urlacher 5 Comments

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In this podcast, we explain the Harley-Davidson Reflex Defensive Rider System or “RDRS”. This RDRS upgrade is a $995 option for the Harley touring line-up except for the Electra Glide Standard.

Within this RDRS system are 6 components. Understand, that Harley has had a reflex linked braking system and anti-lock brakes on many touring models since the Rushmore bikes were released in 2014. The Harley linked braking system basically links the brakes so if a rider applies too much rear or front brake in an emergency the system takes over and applies the proper braking amounts to each wheel.

See my YouTube video where I explain Harley RDRS!

#1-Cornering Enhanced Electronic Linked Braking (C-ELB)

This system is just like the reflex linked braking system but activates in an emergency situation in a corner. The front and rear brake systems apply the correct amount of braking for each wheel and take into account the lean angle of the motorcycle or the lateral acceleration of a trike.

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#2-Cornering Enhanced Antilock Braking System (C-ABS)

This system takes into account the lean angle of a motorcycle or the lateral acceleration of a trike during a corner and applies the proper amount of anti-lock braking to the front and rear wheel. This keeps the wheels rolling and prevents an uncontrolled wheel lock during a corner.

#3-Cornering Enhanced Traction Control System (C-TCS)

This is designed to prevent the rear wheel from excessive spinning under acceleration when going straight or cornering. This can be great for wet weather or a sudden change of the riding surface. The rider can choose between two modes: Standard mode is for dry surfaces. Rain mode is for wet surfaces. And the C-TCS mode can be turned off if desired. This mode is tailored when cornering based on lean angle.

#4-Drag-Torque Slip Control System (DSCS) and Cornering Enhanced Drag-Torque Slip Control System (C-DSCS)

This is designed to reduce excessive rear-wheel slip under deceleration. Rear-wheel slip can happen during a quick downshift or decelerating on wet or slick roads. The system will adjust engine torque delivery to better match rear-wheel speed to road speed. This mode is tailored when cornering based on lean angle or trike lateral acceleration.

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#5-Vehicle Hold Control (VHC)

This mode applies and holds brake pressure when activated. This will prevent the motorcycle from rolling after the brake controls have been released. This mode is for a situation such as being stopped on a hill and it will keep the bike from rolling.

This system applies brake pressure until the rider turns the throttle and releases the clutch to pull away. The system may also be engaged when the motorcycle is stopped on a flat surface if the rider wants to maintain position without applying pressure to a front or rear brake.

The system is activated when the rider momentarily applies extra pressure to either the front-brake hand lever or the rear-brake foot control after the motorcycle has come to a complete stop. An indicator light will illuminate when the system is activated.

The VHC system is disengaged automatically as the rider begins to pull away from a stop, or if the rider applies and releases either brake control.

#6-Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

This system simply alerts the rider to low tire air pressure. TPMS displays current front and rear tire pressure on the Boom! Box GTS screen or on the odometer on Road King models.

This system is also available as a stand-alone accessory for 2020 Touring models equipped with original equipment or accessory wheels that accept a sensor.

Ciro 3D Passenger Drink Holder Install & Review on a Harley + Rider Drink Holder Options! (DOES SIZE MATTER?)

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Install a Doohickey & Torsion Spring on a Kawasaki KLR650

March 23, 2020 By Ryan Urlacher 4 Comments

Both generations of the Kawasaki KLR 650 have had a serious issue with the counter-balancing chain adjustment mechanism, or as most call it, a “doohickey”. Basically the doohickey tensions the counter-balancing chain and this helps neutralize engine shake and vibration, which makes for a smoother running engine.

If this mechanism goes bad it can cause engine failure. This stock mechanism has failed at varying times for many riders and it’s very unpredictable as to when or if it will happen.

Due to the unpredictability, I strongly suggest you just replace the stock mechanism on your KLR 650 with a replacement Doohickey right away, regardless of the mileage. It’s not that expensive to do and it can save you a lot of money and headaches in the future. Plus, with our tutorial video, you can do this yourself right in your own shop or garage. There’s no need to pay a mechanic to do this.

Eagle Mfg. makes a Doohickey, which replaces the weak stock piece with a stronger design. The basic kit comes with a couple of stretch springs similar looking to the stock spring and you choose a size to use. But, I’d suggest going all in and getting the additional and more robust torsion spring upgrade to the kit for a few bucks more. This is your best option and only requires you to drill a single hole with the included drill bit. Don’t worry, we show you how in this video.

Items Needed for the Doohickey Install:

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Eagle Mfg. Doohickey – Balancer Idle Lever & Spring Upgrade
Eagle Mfg. Doohickey Torsion Spring
Tusk Generator Cover Gasket
Tusk Generator Case Gasket
Replacement Rotor Bolt for Kawasaki KLR650 (optional)
- The manual recommends a one time use. Many don't replace it and re-use the bolt.
Eagle Mfg. Rotor Holder Wrench
Tusk Flywheel Puller 22mm
Tusk 3-Piece Gasket Scraper Kit
Gasket Maker
Oil-10w-40 (2.1 quarts)

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Harley Boom Box GTS Will Have Android Auto in 2020 & System Upgrades!

March 15, 2020 By Ryan Urlacher 4 Comments

When the new GTS version of the Harley-Davidson Boom!™ Box Infotainment System was released on 2019 and newer touring models, many riders were frustrated as it only came with Apple Car Play abilities and did not account for all the Android users.

Well, the frustrations may be over as Harley-Davidson has been collaborating with Google. Harley-Davidson plans to make Android Auto available through a software update in the early summer of 2020. This will not replace Apple Car Play, but users will now have a choice between the two when using the Boom Box.

Just like Apple Car Play, you'll need to have a wired connection to the Boom Box via the USB connection in the jukebox compartment for Android Auto to fully function. With the wired connection, you'll get access to some of your Android apps and it basically mirrors your Android smartphone.

Android Auto for the Harley Boom Box GTS allows for a better experience so you can use your favorite media, communication and navigation apps, such as Google Maps. And you can give voice commands using Google Assistant if you have a wired or wireless Bluetooth headset and have the additional Harley Wireless Headset Interface Module (WHIM) installed. Currently, 36 countries have Android Auto services available.

Check out all of our very helpful Boom Box Tutorial Videos for 2014 to present units!

We sell a ton of these tutorial videos and are praised by bikers worldwide. Learn everything you need to know to get the most out of the Harley Boom Box system and how to integrate and use Harley Ride Planner!

It's important to note that neither Apple Car Play nor Android Auto will be available via the software update for the older GT 6.5 version of the Harley Boom Box Infotainment System that the 2014-2018 touring models were equipped with. However, Harley now allows for the older Boom Box 6.5 touchscreen and 4.3 non-touchscreen systems to be retrofitted to the new 2019 Boom Box GTS but at a cost of course.

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It will be interesting to see how Android Auto for the Harley Boom Box GTS will work overall. The Boom Box GTS system and the older system have been plagued with bugs and issues, many of which have never been fully resolved. Pair that with the well-known issues with Android devices having malware and viruses, users could have ongoing issues. I certainly hope that is not the case.

The Harley-Davidson Boom! Box Infotainment System is not the most intuitive user interface and has frustrated users over the years when trying to figure out how to operate and access all its menus and functions. Since 2014, we here at Law Abiding Biker Media have been helping bikers worldwide learn and use all models of the Harley Boom Box system. We flatten the learning curve and show you the easiest way to use the system and how to get the most out of it. It's actually a powerful system if you know all the tricks and hidden menus.

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LAB-233-My First Adventure Motorcycle Purchase & Ride

March 15, 2020 By Ryan Urlacher Leave a Comment

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I have ridden street bikes and Harley-Davidson motorcycles for many years now. I still love street riding and cross country riding. However, I love all motorcycles and am also getting into adventure and/or dual-sport motorcycle riding in addition to street.

I bought a Kawasaki KLR 650 for my first adventure motorcycle. I also took the KLR 650 out for the first time off-road for an afternoon and I tell you all about it and my experience.

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Big Daddy is also on a microphone for this episode. He's been in the dual-sport/adventure motorcycle game much longer than I and brings some great knowledge to the table. He has had several dual-sport motorcycles. He has had a Kawasaki KLR 650 and now has a KTM, which he talks about.

There are many things to consider upfront if you're thinking about getting into adventure motorcycle riding. It is really a booming sport right now and it seems the motorcycle manufacturers are battling it out to try and make the perfect bike. It's going to be exciting to see what they'll come out with over the next 5 years. Heck, even Harley-Davidson sees the writing on the wall and is trying to get in the game with their Pan America adventure motorcycle, which is rumored to be released to the public in 2020.

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Big Daddy gives some great information on some of the more popular well known dual-sport motorcycles on the market and some of their specs. He also goes over the pros and cons of some of them.

I researched for a long time before buying the Kawasaki KLR 650 for my first adventure bike. It really comes down to choosing what kind of riding you're planning on doing and then choosing a motorcycle that will best fit your needs. Of course, the price of an adventure motorcycle has much to do with it too. And you'll certainly want to consider what type of aftermarket parts are available for your motorcycle to make it your own and to fit your needs.

That's just some of what we talk about in this episode and you'll need to listen in to get all the information.

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Grand Canyon & Zion National Park Motorcycle Documentary

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Harley-Davidson End Times! CEO Matthew Levatich Quits

March 9, 2020 By Ryan Urlacher 31 Comments

Matthew Levatich, the CEO of Harley-Davidson since 2015, stepped down recently. As he left, Levatich said, “I am proud of what we have achieved during my time as CEO, in one of the most challenging periods in our history.” (see video below)

It's well known that Harley has been struggling for some time and sales have been declining steadily year to year. There’s just not a big demand for the bigger expensive touring bikes that make up the core of its model line. The company’s loyal base of older customers, who drove a Harley revival during the 1980s and 1990s, is aging and purchasing fewer new motorcycles.

Because the company needed to do something quickly, they selected Levatich as CEO back in 2015 to try to save the company. Levatich joined the company back in 1994 and served as a chief operating officer from 2009 through 2015 prior to becoming CEO. So, he had a good background and knowledge within the company.

What former Harley CEO Levatich did in 5 years

Levatich authorized dozens of new models for both the U.S. and foreign markets. Harley certainly sees growth opportunities in the foreign markets and has clearly been targeting them. But that’s been tough because of competition from existing brands that are solid in those markets.

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Levatich expanded the output of motorcycles overseas, looking for more customers, especially in Asia. But, the smaller motorcycles aimed at those markets are less expensive than the bigger touring Harley models that they rely on in the U.S. and that has hurt the company's overall sales revenue.

He also tried to get the company into different markets such as the Adventure Riding with the Pan America, which is supposed to be released in 2020. And they created the Street Fighter to get into the sports bike market, but there’s no timeline on the release of that bike.

And of course, Harley created their first-ever electric motorcycle named “LiveWire.” However, it had some major issues after launch and a recall on it’s charging system that didn't help its reputation.

Additionally, Levatich attempted to offset declining sales with cost reductions. The company closed its Kansas City, Mo., assembly plant in 2019, Conducted several rounds of layoffs, and voluntary buyouts for employees. The company also shifted some of its productions overseas as well to avoid tarriff’s. And they took some consumer and political heat for doing such.

Levatich had a mission to attract new riders with their ridership classes, which are basically a driver’s ed class for new riders. These classes were not necessarily new, as these classes pre-dated Levatich, but the company just renewed its focus on promoting the classes.

Measuring progress toward the ridership goal created tension between Harley managers and its dealers and investors and this festered over time. Dealerships complained the learn-to-ride classes were expensive and didn’t bring enough new motorcycle buyers.

Tensions between dealerships and Levatich rose even more as he brought many new models, engines and made other attempts to revive sales, but they all failed. Harley also created a fleet of smaller, cheaper bikes such as the street series to attract new riders.

However, none of these things seem to have really moved the needle in attracting the younger generation.

Who is filling Levatich's position?

Harley’s board said that director Jochen Zeitz would serve as acting CEO and board chairman as it looks for a new permanent CEO. Zeitz’s background is in sporting goods and lifestyle products. He served as CEO of Puma SE from 1993 to 2011, where he led a turnaround of the company when it was near bankruptcy.

Areas where I believe Harley failed under CEO Levatich

First, customers are tired of paying the Harley tax on anything with a Harley logo as it's marked up excessively. I believe buyers are smarter these days and are not buying more expensive Harley stamped items such as coats, pants, shirts, gloves, helmets etc. They are buying aftermarket merchandise that is cheaper and better quality. I'm certain this has cut into Harley's overall profits.

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Second, the long time Boom Box Infotainment System debacle and all its problems that continue to this day and the lack of support customers have received has really hurt the company's reputation. This has been going on since 2014 now. Harley's silence about these well-known Boom Box issues has hurt them badly.

Third, the implementation of the new overly strict warranty voiding issues on the newer Milwaukee-Eight models. The company has forced the dealerships to void long time loyal customer's warranties for trivial items.

The biggest failure is their long time failure in proper up to date marketing. In the company's passion to attract new younger riders, they've left their current core customers (the ones with the money) behind. Many, once brand-loyal customers, are leaving because of it.

Instead of connecting with current core customers, Harley went after Hollywood actors and extreme sports athletes that don't even ride or live the biker lifestyle. That sort of outdated marketing continues to hurt Harley.

Harley has forgotten how they originally built their brand. It was more than just about a motorcycle, it was about a lifestyle and everything that surrounded it. It seems Harley has just abandoned its original brand values. It's now only about trying to attract a younger generation of riders. Yes, that's important, but they must not forget about their current customers.

Unlike other companies and industries, the Harley marketing team has not yet awoken to new-age techniques and practices where they could intimately connect with their core customers and even that younger generation they're after. Harley has failed to leverage current online influencer platforms to connect. These influencer platforms include YouTube, podcasts, online communities, and social media groups just to name a few.

These well-established platforms are where their largest customer base is hanging out and it's a very targeted audience. They could easily connect with these very large online communities, but they seem to be completely blind to it and are falling further behind every day. The days of Harley remaining silent and not talking directly to their customers are over and they better get on board quickly.

Harley owners and riders could care less about over-privileged Hollywood actors or athletes riding or being given free Harley's. This does not speak to current Harley owners or future owners in this day and age. Those are old outdated marketing techniques for the motorcycle industry.

Harley's current core customer and new younger future customers are watching more online videos than watching traditional TV and they are not listening to traditional radio that is dying. They are not reading or buying outdated magazines and print media. Instead, they are hanging out in large targeted online communities and Harley has done nothing to get involved in these places.

Most importantly, Harley needs to keep their current customers happy, because after all, they are the ones that will be introducing that younger generation of riders they're targeting, to motorcycling and Harley ownership in the future.

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LAB-232-Transitioning From 2 Wheels to 3 Wheels on a Harley Trike

March 3, 2020 By Ryan Urlacher 2 Comments

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Big Daddy Kane recently transitioned to a Harley trike after many years of riding on two wheels. Due to some back issues, it was becoming just too cumbersome lifting and moving a two-wheel Harley off the kickstand for him.

This was not an easy transition for Big Daddy mentally as he did not see himself getting a trike at his current age. He thought, like many, that the switch may happen when he was a bit older. It was also quite a learning curve for him to learn to ride the trike after riding two wheels for so many years. He talks about his experience and what he's learned riding the trike.

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There are many things to consider for a rider considering moving to a trike. There are many aftermarket trike conversation kits for Harley. Or, you can just buy a Harley trike all setup already. There are pros and cons to many of these decisions of course. Big Daddy made some modifications right away that you'll want to know about.

Harley trikes have become much more popular over the years and many are riding them even if they don't have a medical condition requiring it. Some riders just prefer the trike and there are some benefits to it over a two-wheel motorcycle. Big Daddy decided on a 2020 Harley Tri-Glide Ultra.