12 Volt Power Outlets – Odd Pair

If one has a dual 12 volt socket outlet on top the coild cover, why not convert one to a standard automotive size? It will cost half of an adpater or Euro-plug to be able to use it. Obiviously most 12 volt acessory devices come with this larger size anyways.

Auxilary Dashboard Mount

Need a place to mount an adroid phone as a digital speddomtere, GPS, & a garage door openeer? Look inside the green box and one can see a piece of Zinc-Plated Steel Perforated-Round Angle metal bar attached. Using the bolts that adjust the windscreen flap attaches securely. Of course it’ll take a bit of Slavic engineering but having certain items in plain view and reach is a big plus in my book (or my bike’s webpage).

ESK Valve Cover Protectors

I am not a big fan of crash bars so I opted for these on both sides of my engine. No longer available at EuroMotoElectric in the States, KpartsHolland still offers them. Having the misfortune back in 1998 of sliding out on a turn at night on diesel fuel in the pouring rain in Bavaria, I can only request everyone remembers to install the fuel caps after a fill up. One broken finger, a hole in my left valve cover, and a bunch of adrenline were the consequences. To return to my campsite, I stuffed a bandana in the hole and drove until the oil pressure light came on. Once it lit, I pulled in the clutch, killed the engine, and coasted. Bike almost to a stopped, I retstarted it got up to speed until the oil pressure warning light flashed, then repeated the process. Luckily being in Munich the valve cover was only US$65.00 (now there over $200 in the USA). May I recommend getting a pair before the become unobtanium.

H4 Xenon Depot Xtreme LED

Check Sparksmith for specifications. My decision based on the folding heatsink fins as opposed to having a fan (or a super cheap Chicomm bulb). No tmuch clearance for a fan. Sold as single units instead of an automotive pair, I carry a regular Halogen as a back up incase the buld or driver fails. Good light pattern in a square K headlamp and extremely visible light improvement. 25 watts of power used which is half that of standard halogen H4. Legal in the USA? Times are changing…

One can view a YouTube video showing more details.

Port Vacuum Block Intake Manifold Kit

Easy to do with nylon tees but for the price and durability of this set up I went for it. So goodbye to rotted and missing vacuum caps. The 5/16′ vacuum hoses did no fit on the throttle body port nipples tight, so I put shrink tubing the exact size of the hose but did not heat it. Before slipping the shrink tubing over I strecthed it a smidgeon with needle nose pliers. Once slipped on the port nipples it was a snug and secure fit.

For the Month for March 2025 – Amazon Alexa Echo

I set one up in my workshop and it’s a great tool for calculting conversations and leaving notes on parts and repairs. Turning on the lights, knowing the weather, and setting alarms are benefits I really dig. Everyone loves listening to music while wrenching! I have is set up with a British accent and it’s a hoot.

Always shying away from Google Assistant, I took a chance on the Amazon version.

I like technology but as a junior hacker always searching for older proven devices to fix or hack with Linux. Alas at the local 2nd hand shop a score of three Amazon Echoes for only US$19.00- Yippe and wow! As a professional audio technician and computer enthusiast I am super impressed with the sound and different “skills” one can access. Now I just have to get my mom hip to using more often. One might not find them at the sensational price I did but if you have been thinking about a massive life style upgrade, this is it. A lil’ AI won’t hurt.