T-Rex Sliders - Tankbag - Small Tail Bag

The T-Rex sliders were a quick and easy install. Spending some time with the company owner I learned a lot about the reasons for the design and the experiences of those who needed the sliders.









Also installed the Antigravity 16 cell lithium battery. Took a little bending of the main terminals though. Now the Strada starts with enthusiasm, hot cold and in between.

The key is to check your output voltage across the RPMs to make sure it never reached 12.5v. At 12.5, or above, it will destroy a lithium battery. I found a 21.1v to 12.2v voltage.



You might note the new bracket for my Clearwater Darla LED lights above the front fender. That install will have to await my next ride.

Cortech Dryver Tail Bag is the right size to hold my tool kit, tire repair kit and air compressor, with a little room to spare.

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/cortech-dryver-tail-bag

As you can see, I removed the connectors and added flat aluminum stock to the passenger grab rails. Then, with big fender washers, bolted the tail bag to the bike. The seat is easily removed with the Cortech remaining in place.





For longer rides I can easily change to the Nelson Rigg CL-1060-S Sport Tail Bag. This allows me to carry a heated vest and rain jacket too. With or without side cases. Great for changing mountain weather conditions. The Nelson Rigg must be removed to remove the seat.





In reality the bag isn't as big as it looks, just a little taller than the Cortech. The size is longer and wider, yet quickly bolts to the grab rails all the same.

All cases, tank bag and tail bags were treated with NeverWet Fabric waterproofing spray. Completely invisible, this stuff works well.

Each Darla is brighter than the headlight, yet very small. 48 watt requirement total at 100% brightness.



Clearwater LED lights are the premium option with quality and performance. Lots of cheap Chinese made options, but for me getting American made is worth a premium.

I added a switched relay to the battery to power electric accessories. So far, only the Clearwater LED lights are attached. I added an inline delay to the relay and timed it for 35 seconds. Allows the bike to turn-on, start, charging voltage to normalize, then the LEDs come on.

The front bracket took some effort, the low power relay switch connection to the yellow tag light, both took the most time.

http://clearwaterlights.com/infopg_darla.html





I also installed a H4 LED headlight bulb. this required removal of the headlight to force fit all the extra wiring, ballast and connectors into the headlight shell. This saves 35 watts for my GPS, entertainment system and radar detector.

Maybe it is a German thing, but I find BMW service manuals to be more accurate than the Ducati Service Manual.

The real magnetic oil plug location is shown. Removed with a 5mm Allen it offers the right place to drain the oil and check for metal filings.



I refilled with 3 quarts of 5w-50 full synthetic oil.



No way will I ever ride 9,000 miles between oil changes. The original Ducati Break-In oil was very dirty when changed at 700 miles.

Looks like I'm in good shape because of so little metal on the magnet.



I'm making a switch which will require changing my oil again quickly.

To protect from metal bits the 5mm Allen drain plug will be replaced with the Dimple Magnetic Plug.


http://www.drainplugmagnets.com/ducatimotorcycles.php

Because of the numerous informative and authoritative threads and posts from George Morrison, prior to his passing, on lubrication for motorcycles and especially Ducatis, I will be using an Amsoil EaOM 138 oil filter. George's testing it flowed twice the oil volume and cleaned the oil cleaner than the brand new Mobil 1 oil he put in his bike. http://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-produ...otorcycle/amsoil-eaom-motorcycle-oil-filters/



I'll pass on my oil selection because of how these sorts of discussions upset so many people.

When traveling I always keep the bike covered overnight. Out of sight out of mind. My Aerostich cover has worked well for about a decade, but is way too large for the Hyperstrada.



Packs small too.



I think it is time to order a new one, in the small size.

Offer T-Rex your bike, with side cases, as a pattern bike, and you will get free side case protectors.

T-Rex are the easiest install, and best priced, serious protection.

I purchased one of these 20w low/40w high H4 Cree bulbs. Plenty of suppliers. Very tight fit but all the parts fit with a bit of pushing.



They key is to snap on the H4 alignment ring into the proper position on the LED light as they use different rings for different bulb housing bases. Push, twist and snap. Then this LED light fits into the lens housing holding the LED light oriented correctly.

The tight confines makes for little room for the heat sink. The 20w low beam must not create a lot of excess heat as after a 600 mile ride, in near 100 degree temperatures, the LED continues to function properly.