Minor upgrades

Recently went to Sheng Fatt (SF) to install the crash bar and angle valve. Crash bar for the Vulcan and the angle valve for both bikes. This was actually the second time and I am overall satisfied with their service. They have an excellent after sales service and they get back to you fast and friendly. The first time was about a month ago when I had to replace the rear tyre of the Vulcan. The tyre patch was not sealing properly so I had it replaced with the Bridgestone Battlax T31. I also recently found out that they are not only the official service center for Ducati and Kawasaki but also for Harley and Moto Guzzi. They have showrooms for Kawasaki and Moto Guzzi on the first floor.

Back to the original post, the original plan was to install the angle valve for both the Vulcan and the Demak. This would make filling up and checking the tyre pressure a lot easier. In order to install the angle valve, both bikes will require their tyres to be removed and the original stem valve will be removed to be replaced with the angle valve.

Set off early on Saturday so there would not be a lot of traffic. Left the bikes there and went on our merry way until I got a text from SF that the angle valve cannot be fitted on the Demak as this process requires a tubeless tyre.

Inner tube found on the Demak

This means the angle valve is to be installed on the Vulcan until I replace to tubeless tyres for the Demak. The entire process took about 7 hours to complete including the installation of the crash bars. Reached SF at 0930 hrs and got a call at about 1630 hrs informing that the bikes are ready for pick-up.

Proformance crash bars:

 

Proformance crash bars on the Vulcan

 

I expected the crash bar to be wider and would need some time getting used to the additional width but that was not the case. From the pilot seat, the width of the crash bars is less than the foot pegs. I have to admit, it does look nice with the crash bars installed. Now I have new installation options for the fog lights.

Angle valve:

 

Angle valves installed on the front and rear tyre

This is one upgrade which is highly recommended for all motorcycles. This little upgrade saves you the frustration when you are either filling up or checking the tyre pressure. There are 2 types of angle valves in the market. The first is where you attach the valve directly to the existing valve. This could be dangerous as the valve might get loose and just flings away into traffic. The second type is the one I got. It installs directly to the rim. This is a permanent solution and if I were to sell the bike, the angle valve will have to go as well.

Remember to ride safe, be vigilant and keep the rubber side down