Wilsons Sandbox

Posted: **Wed Sep 24, 2008 10:13 am**

List, Arrived home last night at 930pm CDST from the GDR--5593 miles. Yes the GDR; or was it the GBD (great bike drop) or the GRT (great rain tour). Yes Virginia, there were bike drops, and rain. cough. and other things to challenge the most hearty of souls. Some on this list and other places--describe the GDR as a ride you could do on a Gold Wing, or in your mother's Buick. Perhaps. Depends on the conditions. and the wx. For our little trip, Gold Wings and Buick's need not apply. On some days, during this trip, the KLR should not 'apply' either. Rain, sleet, snow, lightning, mud. Sand, rocks, more mud, and grasshoppers. and more rain. Emergency rooms, emergency maintenance, failed GPS and a GPS compass that nearly 'killed us dead' when it gave a false bearing/compass heading of 180 degrees off. Yikes! And we followed that improper compass heading for a while. Until John's clutch blew up. And then we re-evaluated, and could have drop kicked the GPS after we pulled out a wet-compass and got a proper compass reading. sigh. Rick, the cowboy (who rescued John's bike)said, "You came across the Atlantic City to Rollins road?!?!?!? After all the rain we had?!?!?!?" It rains on the prairie different amounts, in different places--and it rained a lot in the middle of the Great Basin. He was reluctant to drive his 4x4 truck to where I described John's bike was sitting with a blown clutch--some 23 miles from Sweetwater Station where I caught up with him changing the tires on his horse trailer. Fortunately, the wind had been blowing steady for the past 24 hours and the conditions improved enough that one intrepid cowboy with a pickup truck could rescue one broken-down KLR. Yes unfortunately, we did cross the great Basin after the big rains. shrug. We were following (blithly) two other riders-tracks, how bad could it be? It looked pretty good the first 20-30 miles and then it all went badly. But we survived, and continued on. But at great pain to pocket book and body.... In our group of 'four', we encountered a few items of interest--not normally encountered in either your mother's Buick or your Gold wing: A fractured ankle A broken foot A sprained ankle (self diagnosis: I have yet to go to the Dr.) A blood clot in the lung; Chuck had this problem after abandoning the ride near Pinedale, WY with a broken foot; and then a heart that required 'cauterization' to slow the heart beat the evening he got home to PA. A blown clutch--Replaced in Riverton, WY A nearly blown clutch Two head light failures. Two bikes with completely blown fork seals. Personally, I limped into Jeff Salines on Sunday evening (9/23)on a battle worn KLR, and a bodily-beaten rev--but still smiling. I thought my bike went largely unscathed until we did a good wash and unpacked all the gear. There can be a lot of damage hiding under all that dirt and grime. After seeing John S's blown clutch in Riverton, WY, (a two day maintenance trip after a lost battle to the gumbo mud of the Great Basin, WY) I had great concern for my own clutch and ordered OEM clutch replacement to be waiting for me in Rapid City upon my return trip. The last half of the GDR Rollins, WY southward--was 'modified' to more secondary roads and less gravel (if it were wet or sticky, or described as deep sand, etc) as John and I both had damaged left feet and low energy reserves after fighting some arduous conditions near Helena, MT, and in the great basin of Wyoming. The mud was horrific-- and once into it, there seemed no escape. But we did escape, with help, and continued on. We did make it to Antelope Wells, NM, and did see some incredible country--inspite of ourselves! It is just unbelievable what you will see. Did I mention that a straight truck tried to smoosh me between himself and a semi while he was entering I-40 at Grants, NM? He was determined to get onto the freeway, regardless of other traffic--and then he nearly ran over John S. who was riding in trail some 50 yards behind me. Never a dull moment. It is also absolutely essential that you have a well prepared bike (think USMC scout bike) and that you carry essential survival gear. We had two trail side overnight experiences that were not in the plan- -and had we not have had the tents and sleeping bags--it would have been a really, bad experience. John used HT-PD nerf bars (my original KLR has those installed as well) and I used a "C" shaped radiator protector on this KLR that came on the bike when I bought it last May. I wish I had taken the time and moved the PD-Nerf bars from my one KLR and added it to this one. It would have saved me a lot of damage. shrug. who can know how many times you are going to fall down. again, and again. Yes, you will fall down. To not have an adequately armored/prepared bike is just nutz. The "C" shaped radiator protection is adequate: IMO the PD Nerfbars are 'more-adequate'. IMO and validated through this GDR experience: It is absolutely essential you have a thoroughly prepared bike that must include these items as minimum equipment: metal skid plate, barkbusters, metal- serrated-footpegs, armored rearbrake reservoir, rear-brake billet, some form of radiator protection, quality tires, HD tubes, A extensive tool kit with quality tools, some form of tire repair. Plus: (did I mention) essential survival gear of a quality tent and sleeping bag(s). After the GDR ride: I made a two day journey from Antelope Wells, to Rapid City, SD to fellow lister and riding companions home of Jeff Saline. I did replace the clutch/clutch cable and fork seals at Jeff Saline's that he previously ordered up for me. The clutch pack was largely 'intact' but did have one discolored steel disc; the clutch friction plates we mic'ed were with in tolerance. Even the discolored clutch disk showed no warp-age when placed on a granite inspection plate. The new clutch is great--much better than the old, and gives the 31,400 mile KLR new zing. The blown fork seals were probably the biggest disappointment on the entire maintenance agenda. The previous owner had replace the OEM seals with an aftermarket seal and they lasted less than 5,000 miles. Most of which I put on the bike, and it was not 'abused' during those miles buy jumping/flying the bike and such. The blown aftermarket seals were replaced with OEM seals--as often discussed here on the list--as the most appropriate seals if you have blown fork seals. While the bike was stripped down and cleaned at Jeff's, I/we discovered a few other items: 'fragged' radiator fan; stripped out the plastic retainer, --repaired with JB weld some light damage to the radiator where the fan pressed against the fins while tearing itself from the man mount bent radiator--the "C" protector worked on the front of the radiator but the damage was in the aft edge, pinching the radiator slightly bent radiator fan shroud, bent left saddle bag mount, broke both tank forward-fairings; failed to support the weight of the bike while resting on the tank panniers, two torn tank panniers, bent right forward tank-wing, forks out of alignment, two tires completely toast, lost the forward screw to the header pipe heat shield, inop tac light bent front wheel mangled skid plates screws much grit/metal/stuff in the oil screen lost water pump drain plug gasket I am sure there were other things as well. Much of the 'extra' mud I was carrying washed off in the rains I drove through--though a pressure wash was still necessary before I was able to do much maintenance. The ride is not over until you are safely home: 1) I dropped the bike in a rest area North of Albuquerque when the sidestand folded up on me. 2)The bike ran 15 sec after refueling in Midland, SD ( 120 miles from home) and then refused to start. Drained the carb bowl twice--then it restarted. Ankle still hurts where your bike took a nap on my leg nearly two weeks ago. sigh. Onward. Yes, Virgina, we had fun. If you go, you will also, if you are physically, and mentally well prepared--as it might not be just a drive down a gravel road. For this trip, Buick's and Goldwings need not apply. More later. revmaaatin.

Posted: **Wed Sep 24, 2008 12:23 pm**

Rev, Sounds like quite the "adventure"... I'm getting' to old too read your account without feeling pain in places I didn't know I even had. Glad you made it home "safe and sound". Hope you recover quicker than I would... $bob$ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Posted: **Wed Sep 24, 2008 12:48 pm**

Rev - Bravo! Here we all had the impression you were just out sipping pina coladas in the bush. Excellent. This experience will remain etched in your memory cells forever. Despite the hardships and expense, it's what doesn't kill you that makes you stronger [and smarter]. Now where do I sign-up? Your trip is representative of an epic adventure, and listers can sure gain some useful beta and insight from what you've shared. As a medic/first responder, I can tell you the blood clot in the lung is probably the most serious matter of the trip. It's worthy of medivac in my opinion as it's a swift, irreversible killer. I hope this individual is under good care and monitoring and recovers in time. All your points and noted vulnerabilities should be taken seriously. It sounds like you guys had a blast despite the smell of trouble in the air. I think you reiterate the importance of a not only a well maintained machine but a properly outfitted one. For an adventure like this you start with fresh rubber, clutch, and cables. A smart investment of $500 in parts PRIOR to departing (you can carry your used parts as emergency spares) can dramatically improve chances of a successful mission. The key is to maximize riding time, enjoyment and safety. I think you hit home the need for PD bars, solid lever guards, proper tools, and survival gear. Just when you don't think you'll need something on the trip, you will. It's probably good you all traveled as a group, but sometimes group think can cause critical mis-decisions. I've dealt with GPS problems (eh...on the Russian border). I always use waterproof maps and plot my course. Relying solely on GPS is bad juju for several reasons. Of course, you should periodically ALWAYS recalibrate your device every few days (daily if it involves the difference between friend/foe...and AK-47s!). If a dedicated navigator is plotting your course via coordinates, you never whiff. Two, if you need extraction and you somehow can't get to the GPS or it fails, you have the LVP (last verifiable position). I always carry a compass and backup GPS, but adequate survival training trumps all this. I've been in some gnarly $hit with next to nothing and always return. In fact, 90-lbs of crap on your back can be the kiss of death...think sweltering jungles. At some point fast and light...and being smart is all the matters. Take confidence in your abilities and preparedness, and you'll live to play another day in almost all circumstances. Of course riding a KLR in America you should give thanks to being able to skip the chapter on concealment.

Anyway, great read and glad you're back. My guess is your ankle isn't broken and simple RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation) will have you back in the game in no time. Soft tissue damage of the ankle is a bugger to heal and usually leaves things weaker, so take good care and make sure you doo strength training regardless. Lastly, if you're not riding with moto boots (something simple like Gaerne Explorers), consider indulging. Brian - who believes it's wise to choose to live to ride again then blow on dice ps - Hat's off to Jeff Saline for keeping you moving.

Posted: **Wed Sep 24, 2008 2:43 pm**

Rev, Sounds like a great adventure... Glad to hear you made it home in one piece, bruised, but not broken. albatross who is envious of your ride...someday.....

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "revmaaatin" wrote: > > List, > > Arrived home last night at 930pm CDST from the GDR--5593 miles. Yes > the GDR; or was it the GBD (great bike drop) or the GRT (great rain > tour). Yes Virginia, there were bike drops, and rain. cough. and > other things to challenge the most hearty of souls. > > Some on this list and other places--describe the GDR as a ride you > could do on a Gold Wing, or in your mother's Buick. > > Perhaps. > > Depends on the conditions. and the wx. For our little trip, Gold > Wings and Buick's need not apply. On some days, during this trip, > the KLR should not 'apply' either. Rain, sleet, snow, lightning, > mud. Sand, rocks, more mud, and grasshoppers. and more rain. > Emergency rooms, emergency maintenance, failed GPS and a GPS compass > that nearly 'killed us dead' when it gave a false bearing/compass > heading of 180 degrees off. Yikes! And we followed that improper > compass heading for a while. Until John's clutch blew up. And then > we re-evaluated, and could have drop kicked the GPS after we pulled > out a wet-compass and got a proper compass reading. sigh. > > Rick, the cowboy (who rescued John's bike)said, "You came across the > Atlantic City to Rollins road?!?!?!? After all the rain we > had?!?!?!?" It rains on the prairie different amounts, in different > places--and it rained a lot in the middle of the Great Basin. He > was reluctant to drive his 4x4 truck to where I described John's bike > was sitting with a blown clutch--some 23 miles from Sweetwater > Station where I caught up with him changing the tires on his horse > trailer. Fortunately, the wind had been blowing steady for the past > 24 hours and the conditions improved enough that one intrepid cowboy > with a pickup truck could rescue one broken-down KLR. > > Yes unfortunately, we did cross the great Basin after the big rains. > shrug. We were following (blithly) two other riders-tracks, how bad > could it be? It looked pretty good the first 20-30 miles and then > it all went badly. But we survived, and continued on. But at great > pain to pocket book and body.... > > In our group of 'four', we encountered a few items of interest--not > normally encountered in either your mother's Buick or your Gold wing: > > A fractured ankle > A broken foot > A sprained ankle (self diagnosis: I have yet to go to the Dr.) > A blood clot in the lung; Chuck had this problem after abandoning the > ride near Pinedale, WY with a broken foot; and then a heart that > required 'cauterization' to slow the heart beat the evening he got > home to PA. > A blown clutch--Replaced in Riverton, WY > A nearly blown clutch > Two head light failures. > Two bikes with completely blown fork seals. > > Personally, I limped into Jeff Salines on Sunday evening (9/23)on a > battle worn KLR, and a bodily-beaten rev--but still smiling. I > thought my bike went largely unscathed until we did a good wash and > unpacked all the gear. There can be a lot of damage hiding under all > that dirt and grime. > > After seeing John S's blown clutch in Riverton, WY, (a two day > maintenance trip after a lost battle to the gumbo mud of the Great > Basin, WY) I had great concern for my own clutch and ordered OEM > clutch replacement to be waiting for me in Rapid City upon my return > trip. The last half of the GDR Rollins, WY southward--was 'modified' > to more secondary roads and less gravel (if it were wet or sticky, or > described as deep sand, etc) as John and I both had damaged left feet > and low energy reserves after fighting some arduous conditions near > Helena, MT, and in the great basin of Wyoming. The mud was horrific-- > and once into it, there seemed no escape. But we did escape, with > help, and continued on. > > We did make it to Antelope Wells, NM, and did see some incredible > country--inspite of ourselves! It is just unbelievable what you will > see. Did I mention that a straight truck tried to smoosh me between > himself and a semi while he was entering I-40 at Grants, NM? He was > determined to get onto the freeway, regardless of other traffic--and > then he nearly ran over John S. who was riding in trail some 50 yards > behind me. Never a dull moment. > > It is also absolutely essential that you have a well prepared bike > (think USMC scout bike) and that you carry essential survival gear. > We had two trail side overnight experiences that were not in the plan- > -and had we not have had the tents and sleeping bags--it would have > been a really, bad experience. > > John used HT-PD nerf bars (my original KLR has those installed as > well) and I used a "C" shaped radiator protector on this KLR that > came on the bike when I bought it last May. I wish I had taken the > time and moved the PD-Nerf bars from my one KLR and added it to this > one. It would have saved me a lot of damage. shrug. who can know how > many times you are going to fall down. again, and again. Yes, you > will fall down. To not have an adequately armored/prepared bike is > just nutz. The "C" shaped radiator protection is adequate: IMO the > PD Nerfbars are 'more-adequate'. > > IMO and validated through this GDR experience: It is absolutely > essential you have a thoroughly prepared bike that must include these > items as minimum equipment: metal skid plate, barkbusters, metal- > serrated-footpegs, armored rearbrake reservoir, rear-brake billet, > some form of radiator protection, quality tires, HD tubes, A > extensive tool kit with quality tools, some form of tire repair. > Plus: (did I mention) essential survival gear of a quality tent and > sleeping bag(s). > > After the GDR ride: I made a two day journey from Antelope Wells, > to Rapid City, SD to fellow lister and riding companions home of Jeff > Saline. > > I did replace the clutch/clutch cable and fork seals at Jeff Saline's > that he previously ordered up for me. The clutch pack was > largely 'intact' but did have one discolored steel disc; the clutch > friction plates we mic'ed were with in tolerance. Even the > discolored clutch disk showed no warp-age when placed on a granite > inspection plate. The new clutch is great--much better than the old, > and gives the 31,400 mile KLR new zing. > > The blown fork seals were probably the biggest disappointment on the > entire maintenance agenda. The previous owner had replace the OEM > seals with an aftermarket seal and they lasted less than 5,000 > miles. Most of which I put on the bike, and it was not 'abused' > during those miles buy jumping/flying the bike and such. The blown > aftermarket seals were replaced with OEM seals--as often discussed > here on the list--as the most appropriate seals if you have blown > fork seals. > > While the bike was stripped down and cleaned at Jeff's, I/we > discovered a few other items: > > 'fragged' radiator fan; stripped out the plastic retainer, -- repaired > with JB weld > some light damage to the radiator where the fan pressed against the > fins while tearing itself from the man mount > bent radiator--the "C" protector worked on the front of the radiator > but the damage was in the aft edge, pinching the radiator slightly > bent radiator fan shroud, > bent left saddle bag mount, > broke both tank forward-fairings; failed to support the weight of the > bike while resting on the tank panniers, > two torn tank panniers, > bent right forward tank-wing, > forks out of alignment, > two tires completely toast, > lost the forward screw to the header pipe heat shield, > inop tac light > bent front wheel > mangled skid plates screws > much grit/metal/stuff in the oil screen > lost water pump drain plug gasket > > I am sure there were other things as well. > > Much of the 'extra' mud I was carrying washed off in the rains I > drove through--though a pressure wash was still necessary before I > was able to do much maintenance. > > The ride is not over until you are safely home: > 1) I dropped the bike in a rest area North of Albuquerque when the > sidestand folded up on me. > 2)The bike ran 15 sec after refueling in Midland, SD ( 120 miles from > home) and then refused to start. Drained the carb bowl twice--then > it restarted. > > Ankle still hurts where your bike took a nap on my leg nearly two > weeks ago. sigh. > > Onward. > > Yes, Virgina, we had fun. If you go, you will also, if you are > physically, and mentally well prepared--as it might not be just a > drive down a gravel road. For this trip, Buick's and Goldwings need > not apply. > > More later. > > revmaaatin. >

Posted: **Wed Sep 24, 2008 5:01 pm**

I have a couple of cheap and easy ways to check balance and alignment on bikes (this assumes that you have a stand or lift to get it off the ground): Balance: With the chain and brakes disconnected, gently spin the tire around with your hand. With well greased bearings, the wheels should spin freely. Watch where it stops. If it consistently stops at the same point, the area at the bottom of the arc is the heaviest. If your tire is really out of balance, the wheel will reverse direction before it stops. Add weights to the opposite side and repeat until it stops at random places. Checking trueness: With a straightedge (even a screwdriver will do), hold the tool firmly against something - I use a milk crate - so that the tip is ALMOST touching the rim. Spin the tire again and watch the gap between the tool and rim. If it varies, your wheel is not true. You can also do the same thing with the tire. A broken bead can be detected this way - the tire will bulge outwards at the break. Alignment: Best described on these sites: http://www.ibmwr.org/otech/whelalin.html http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/howto/string_align_motorcycle_wheels/index.html Paul, your description sounds like Alignment to me. Mike Paul Christopherson wrote:

> > I got my tires seated properly, inflated properly, everything looks > good. Get on and ride and it still is uneasy. If I let go of the > bars the bike pulls hard left. It almost feels like your riding on > two flat tires. Any more ideas? I'm takin it in to the place that > mounted the tires tomorrow to see if they see anything. Worked fine > before they put on the new tires. > Paul Christopherson > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > >

Wilsons Sandbox

still having tire issues!

honey! i'm home!

honey! i'm home!

honey! i'm home!

honey! i'm home!

still having tire issues!