Reviews | 45dgree

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Cycle Electric 50 amp charging system install – on a 1986 FXR

Installed back in 1994, the 22amp Cycle Electric charging system on my 1986 FXR had finally given up the ghost by the end of the 2010 riding season. The packing in the regulator had started to melt and drip from the housing (but the unit continued to work!). I couldn’t complain, I’d gotten my moneys worth. For a part that lives in such a severe environment the 18 years of service is a testament to the quality and durability of Cycle Electric products. Continue Reading →

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West Coast Pride

BillB, Prideful West Coast Operative writes in and shares…..

Just spreadin’ a little west coast pride. Yeah, I know the article says that the #1 pizza comes from Staten Island BUT – the second best is about 4 miles from my house. Damn good eats. You visit – I buy.

http://www.sbsun.com/ci_20396091/j-bariles-chicago-pizza-cooks-up-winner-one

Cheers!
Bill Continue Reading →

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Fujifilm X-Pro 1 Digital Camera… initial product use report

Background: I didn’t like always having to take my DSLR out if I wanted decent quality images. I always walk around with a camera and was looking for an alternative to my DSLR or having to resort to using my “not so good” iPhone. I tried just using a small DSLR body (D90) with a small fast 50mm, but even that was just to big. I thought why bother… I may as well just bring the big gun. – stephen berner Continue Reading →

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Montana Pitch-Blend: used & approved, made in the USA

Because of the many unique and powerful benefits of Pine Pitch, Montana Pitch-Blend has been the professional’s choice in premium leather care for nearly 30 years now…. so says the Montana Pitch-Blend Company Continue Reading →

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BAKER Drivetrain: DD7 Transmission Use & Review Follow-up Report

Manufacturer’s are learning that when a product is submitted to 45dgree for use & review – it gets used & reviewed. We are not going to simply tell our viewers that the part/product was installed with “no problem ” and worked “great” (and what does that really mean?) unless it did.

Nope, 45dgree ain’t playing that lame game…… Manufacturer’s deserve more thoughtfulness applied to these editorial communications and we feel our viewers absolutely deserve more truthfulness and information than what is served up by those on a never ending swag hunt.

Yea, we are changing it up, and it’s about time, ya think?

So, with all that said and out of the way, I’d like to report on how the BAKER Drivetrain DD7 has worked for me over the year since it was installed at Rosa’s Cycles by the man himself, Bert Baker (with some help from Professor Kenny). Continue Reading →

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He Said/She Said: Progressive Suspension’s Touring Link

Progressive says: Finally an inexpensive and easy to install solution to the handling challenges faced by most touring models. Does not hang below the frame or impede ground clearance. Keeps motor/swingarm assembly aligned with chassis without introducing unnecessary vibration to the rider. Fits 1993-2008 Harley Davidson Touring Models.

He/ Fred Mathews & She/ Cindy Knower Continue Reading →

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Hoppe Industries XLS Fairing: install & review

If you’ve got a bike with a 39mm Narrow Glide front end (Dyna or Sportster) and want to have a proportionate fairing that has the capability of providing musical entertainment and protection from the elements, Hoppe Industries has just what you’re looking for. John Hoppe has come up with an awesome fairing that is a simple “plug ‘n play” item once installed. You can simply plug in any device with a 3.5mm mini jack (like an iPod ‘Shuffle’) and you’re set for miles of polka music, self-improvement recordings (that’s what I need!) maybe even a little rock ‘n roll! Continue Reading →

FXR Suspension by Race Tech

A check of the paperwork revealed that a few weeks ago, literally 13 years to the day that I first got the front end for my FXR back from Race Tech, I ‘d sent it in again – for the same thing – a soup to nuts rebuild. The truth is, if you keep a machine long enough, you will wind up going back over your original work, refreshing some of your modifications… because most everything on an older machine is a ‘wear” item and in time will require replacement. Continue Reading →

A must have accessory @ The Daily Grind

Whats the best accessory you’ve gotten for your shop this winter?
Did you buy it direct from the manufacturer, did you buy it online?
How did you hear about it?

Continue Reading →

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Revision Eyewear: serious business, protecting peepers

Crossing from Long Beach to Las Vegas on a hot dusty, dry day in August- by the time I got to Barstow I felt I was going blind. My eyes had dried out, something fierce and I couldn’t seem to get them rehydrated with water and a visit to the local pharmacy netted me some hydrating eye drops, but it was too late for that day, I was shot. Continue Reading →

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Race Tech, G3-S Custom Series Shocks

Not that I needed to upgrade Project FLHX’s rear suspension bits mind you. I had installed a fine set of shock absorbers on the Shiny Penny earlier in the year courtesy of Suspension Technologies. They worked well, looked outstanding in their bright billet-y chrome and I’d worn the initial stiffness off of them, they were comfy and ready to roll. Continue Reading →

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Arai XD3: 45dgree product use & review

A crossover helmet for street…….

A student of human habits and behavior, I’ve noticed full-face helmets are increasingly the choice of protection many riders choose when riding an unfaired bike. Continue Reading →

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Lehman Trikes Renegade: ridden & reviewed

As time has gone on, I think we’d all agree – Trikes have become more numerous on the road for a whole host of reasons both demographic and engineering based. There are both a lot more people considering trikes as an option when two-wheels are not, for a whole host of reasons – and there are a lot more (and better) options now in terms of the types of trikes that there have been in the past. H-D adopting the three-wheeler as a product speaks volumes to the interest and future in trikes. Continue Reading →

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Harley-Davidson Road Glide Ultra FLTRU/ 2011: Ridden & Reviewed

I said, “Yes, please, I’d like a big bike, with a tourpak and hard bags.” To which Jen Gruber, Harley-Davidson’s Product Communications Manager, responded, “Not a problem. We can do that.” Continue Reading →

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Zumo 660 GPS – install, use & review

I had my first GPS experience this past Spring, and I have to admit that it was a positive one. Having to navigate around Northern California for a week is a daunting task for an East Coaster without GPS. Having been through the special hell of getting sketchy directions, not being able to turn around for miles and hunting for gas stations on prior trips, I really appreciated the “directorial” help that GPS offers. Continue Reading →

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Windvest: product use & review

We know two riders, friends, who both travel long distances, both of whom had never expressed any interest in windshields. When Windvest came out with these low key affairs, I was intrigued and asked them if they’d pick out units for testing, install them themselves and get back to me with a review. without further ado, meet Wendi (Fat Boy Lo) & Bonnie (Nightster), two owners, riders and friends. Continue Reading →

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Reviving a dead helmet with Hell Mutts & Iron Thread

I like my old comfortable junk. There are some things that just kind of mold themselves to your person after years of contact and develop the patina that can only be achieved through use, abuse and time. You can’t buy this in a boutique, you can only earn it. Continue Reading →

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VIO POV Camera – pretty darn cool!

Recording the activities we pursue has never been more popular. Cell phones that shoot both stills and video (the iPhone for example) are pretty commonplace and many of us who are digitally oriented support our own “content streams”: blogs, web sites, flickr accounts, etc - keep them fueled with the things that we point our digital gadgets at: everything from the food we eat to the friends we hang out with to the things that interest us most and that we want to share Continue Reading →

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RIVCO: delivering a horn that honks

My Street Glide’s stock OEM horn had finally given up the ghost for good. What had at least passed for a lame flock of ducks had deteriorated into the bleating of a lone ewe then finally a frog and then nothing. I yelled and screamed at foolish motorists wanting to knock me from my bike and as satisfying as that was on a visceral level, I got some strange glances from those around me. Make no mistake, my voice was heard, but it really isn’t the right way to go about things in a traffic situation, know what I mean? I was decidedly not representing, as a brand ambassador of the marque should! Continue Reading →

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Cycle Electric 50 amp charging system install – on a 1986 FXR

West Coast Pride

Fujifilm X-Pro 1 Digital Camera… initial product use report

Montana Pitch-Blend: used & approved, made in the USA

BAKER Drivetrain: DD7 Transmission Use & Review Follow-up Report

He Said/She Said: Progressive Suspension’s Touring Link

Hoppe Industries XLS Fairing: install & review

FXR Suspension by Race Tech

A must have accessory @ The Daily Grind

Revision Eyewear: serious business, protecting peepers

Race Tech, G3-S Custom Series Shocks

Arai XD3: 45dgree product use & review

Lehman Trikes Renegade: ridden & reviewed

Harley-Davidson Road Glide Ultra FLTRU/ 2011: Ridden & Reviewed

Zumo 660 GPS – install, use & review

Windvest: product use & review

Reviving a dead helmet with Hell Mutts & Iron Thread

VIO POV Camera – pretty darn cool!

RIVCO: delivering a horn that honks