A nice note from Fred…

TK just forwarded this nice note from Fred, and I thought I’d share it with you… 

Hi T.K.: 

Haven’t written in a long time but I’m still here and riding with a smile on my face. Still read Joe’s blog daily and want to keep up with all the happenings at the scooter factory. 

Fred's Red Classic and Sheepskin Seat!

Now have 220 miles on it, made my first oil change and got the windshield installed. I was taken aback by how easy the windshield installed…..and can be taken off easily when I put it on the pickup rear carrier. Noticed immediately how much effect it had on the bike….I never thought is would make a lot of difference….but it does! I noticed I got “butt burn” from the seat (and I always do from any seat) and so I sent the seat to Hartco International and they made me a sheepskin cover. I had one of these on my 1990 Honda Pacific Coast and for 13 of the 14 years I road it…..and, it made the ride so much easier and I could last longer in the saddle. I chose the natural color as opposed to black as the lighter color is cooler and fades less. Got it back today and went for a 20 mile ride and it was wonderful. All the special Harley stuff you guys have been building all these years has really paid dividends in the super chrome parts that fit properly and the small things that make production easy…..not to mention ease of removal and reinstallation when things need adjustments. 

The bike was very stiff when I first got it and I felt like I only had about 6 hp. Now at 220 miles, I feel like I have nearly 11 hp and I’m sure at 600 miles I will have the full 13.3. I just can’t tell you how happy I am with my Red Classic California Scooter! Looking forward to joining you guys and gals for a scooter trip one of these days. 

Know you folks are getting busier now with summer approaching and lot of new dealers coming on line. Just wanted to say hi again T.K. and I’ll keep in touch from time to time. Say hi to Steve, Joe and Tony for me.  

Fred 

Thanks for taking the time to write to us, Fred.  Your sheepskin seat is cool.  I have a sheepskin cover on my KLR 650 seat and I know how much they can help.  On the long Baja trip, we left the seats stock…after about an hour in the saddle on the first day they were uncomfortable, but after that I guess I just got used to it because it didn’t bother me anymore.  Yours is very cool, though, and it may be a good idea for another CSC accessory.  

The bikes do get smoother and more powerful as they break in.  When you hit 1000 miles, you might use Mobil 4T synthetic oil instead of dino oil (you can buy it at any Triumph dealer).  It’s pricey at about $10 per quart (the good news is you only need one quart).   When I put Mobil 4T oil in my red Classic, the difference was very noticeable…more power, a smoother idle, and easier shifting.  Make sure you use the Mobil 4T motorcycle oil; Mobil 1 synthetic oil for cars won’t work in our motorcycles. 

Glad you are having fun, and again, thanks for writing, Fred!