How'd it go today?

[Kaveman]

Do either of you have access to a portable winch?

Yes, and a massdam, and block and tackle, etc. Still not fun when the angles are off. The bike bottomed out while loading initially. Loading or unloading here at Rob's is a non issue, we have a dock for that, the ramp is all but flat. Everywhere else, problems can arise. Should probably invest in a trailer, considering that Levi and his friend Troy both ride too.

 

[Burnham]

Dadgumit! Wish I had the bike on the road, I'd come up later this week and lend a hand!

Speaking of, it seems a single part is keeping me from firing the bike up. The dang fuel petcock is clogged. I thought I had it flowing properly before I started cleaning the tank, but I could be mistaken. It's clogged completely right now. I dug as much crap out with picks as I could, but it's not a serviceable valve, the faceplate is riveted. I may have to replace it before I can start the engine. So I settled for replacing the lower fuel line and filter, flushing and bleeding the clutch, changing the oil and filter, and installing the new AGM battery. I also did a good deal of poking and prodding at every hose on the bike. They're stiff, but there's no signs of cracking or other deterioration. Wiring is tidy, and in great condition. Tires are so hard that I could probably do a burn out on Jell-O. @SkwerI is dead right that I shouldn't risk riding on them, but I probably will, for about 12 miles, when I take it to the local motorcycle shop and have new skins mounted. 550lbs is a lot of bike to wrestle into the back of a truck.

That's nice of you to think about it...but I dunno . A 750 mile (each way!) trip this time of year on a motorcycle is no joke.

We will just take it a bite at a time, like the old story about "how do you eat an elephant" .

 

[Kaveman]

That's the exact quote I use for all big projects that seem daunting at first, "How do you eat an elephant?"

"SMALL BITES!"

Burnham, it's 800 to go see my kids, and that's the whole reason for the bike...

750 miles is just ten hours at 75mph...

I'm all reality I'll be far more available to help any member once I've got Erika squared away for the interstate.

Speaking of, the petcock is cleared out, and soaking in Diesel, maybe first start tomorrow evening!

 

[Burnham]

75mph on a nice warm and dry sunny day is fine, though 10 hours of it is tough duty no matter which way you slice it. But now you won't have that, not for 5 or 6 months. The passes north of Redding all the way to Roseburg or so are just as likely to have snow as not, and some rain is just about a given.

You are young enough, smart, and as strong as any man, but you have to clear-eyed about stuff like this .

 

[davidwyby]

I vote west coast GTG at @Burnham ‘s

 

[davidwyby]

 

[davidwyby]

Don’t put holes in cabinets next to a field of rodents