In the last couple of issues, we added a backrest kit, which really lets you extend your range, as well as H-D's Harman/ Kardon sound system. Both items work like a charm on the open road, extending your range hugely by both occupying your time and giving your back a break. If you lean back while going over a bump, the backrest will even act as your personal chiropractor! The radio is a natural upgrade (unless you're not into that sort of thing), integrating perfectly to the existing electronics, unlike some aftermarket units.
So after 15 months on the bike, we're at a crossroads. I know what I'd do to it going forward. My wife went for a ride with me. I had forgotten to pump up the shocks for the additional weight, and that plus the minimalist seat made for one unhappy camper. She was starting to second-guess whether she was into riding bikes anymore. So if it was my bike, I'd go back to the more forgiving stock shocks and get a bigger (yet still stylish) seat.
But now it's Courtney's project, and he'll ride it a bit like it sits, then decide which way to take it from here. We do have some more stuff planned right now, however. For one, the paint swap we've already discussed is on the way, and for another, we're going big in the motor department.
The next thing that'll happen to the Whale is H-D's 103-inch big-bore kit. In theory, it's mostly a bolt-on kit with no grinding or modifying the cases, just bigger barrels. There's no debate, more displacement is always a good thing. The other thing that we've already started on but got derailed after the crash is adding a Detachables Tour-Pak. Not only will it keep those unsightly piles of crap you see in all of these pictures off of the back, it also gives a place to mount up a second pair of speakers for the stereo.