Coast to coast in the U.S.

[mr west]

Worst mechanic in NYC... Owner went on and on... "Qualified honda mechanic since 30 years, his father is mechanic, his racing scooters!" ...and I was like... Yeah, but still cannot assemble a wheel!

[mr west]

start

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After getting back to the apartment I notice the first place, that changed the front tire, didnt seat it properly against the rim!

Still we decide to try to get to New Jersey, after being on the phone with a mechanic who seemed to know what a mc return hole is.. But they would close early due to heat.. We had to make it time! Otherwise it would be sunday and everything closed...

We started in the afternoon. Getting out of NYC was pure hell.
I had to wear my leather jacket in the traffic jam out of the city because there was just no other room for it..
Avoiding to use the front brake the whole way...
Sweating like a pig..
Getting bruises on my shin bones from crash bars running behind the cylinders...
Wobbly front wheel...

After we reach NJ, the mechanic clears the return hole in 5 mins, seats the tire in another 5 mins and our problems are over!

Chinese food and we decide to ho to Syracuse to spend the night with amandas friend mum and her guy... They have a pool and that sounds like a dream!

On the way we hit storms and lightning lits up the sky... We get soaked in rain but dried up in 20 mins from the warm winds.., around 1:30 am we are reaching Syracuse and are treated excellent hospiltality... Beers of course!

[Whiskerfish]

Where to from Syracuse??

[roncar]

... The front axle clamps he put on backwards... Then using wrong tightening sequence. So i told him to redo it explaining about it..... Still wrong sequence.. Gap should be visible to the back..then the disk was hitting the caliper! I ended up doing it myself! 30 year experience qualified Honda mechanic 100 bucks an hour??!!

The manual clearly states the sequence and a 30 yr Honda veteran should have known that.

...Install the axle holders with the "F" arrow forward...

Tighten the forward axle nuts to the specified torque and then torque the rear nuts...

I have always accepted that as the way to do it, but recently I ran across WHY!

[brokentoe]

I hate it that you had people problems in the US. There are some bad eggs anywhere but most Americans are a virtuous people. Recently my wife and I were traveling (in a rental car) in northern California. We had a small mechanical problem and met a string of helpful, kind, and generous people. The remarkable thing is that we have had a lot of experiences like that.
Have a great trip and who knows, maybe I'll meet you on the road somewhere. This week my brother and I will be in Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota.

[mr west]

Well I have to say that whenever I stopped with brake issues anywhere in Brooklyn or Green Point so many people came up and offered tools, water, or just to help or bring friends... Wouldnt happen like that in Sweden...

[mr west]

Anyway -after waking up in Syracuse we were offered american pancake breakfast which was awesome! My only regret was I couldnt eat more!

After saying goodbye to our hosts we set sail for Niagara Falls! Reached in the afternoon.. Had indian buffet, saw the falls and crossed the bridge to Canada while the sunset turned the sky pink. Half hour drive later we arrived at the "Three Diamond Inn" 30 dollar room, right out of a movie!

[mr west]

Have a great trip and who knows, maybe I'll meet you on the road somewhere. This week my brother and I will be in Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota.

My travel partner has a plan that we go through the glove of michigan, wisconsin to duluth for the tall ship festival that starts on the 18th! Let us know if youre around!

[mr west]

Today we set out for Detroit!

Stop for poutine on the way.... Heavy stuff!

[Whiskerfish]

Outstanding!! Sounds like things are going very well so far!!

[TNTbefree]

I think I saw that motel in a horror movie. Ever see Hotel Hell? No. Maybe not. I think it was a red brick hotel. Anyhow, looks to be a nice trip so far. Sorry mechanic forgotten and great memories ahead. Thanks for keeping us posted and along for the ride.

Any chance you could post a video of ya'll playing those things? Thanks.

[Lucien Harpress]

Have fun in Detroit! I'm only about an hour away, so that's pretty much my backyard. Quite a nice city. Definitely has some sketchy parts, but what city doesn't? Despite what you may hear, you aren't going to get shot just riding through.

Probably.

Fun stuff so far, though. Thanks for taking us along for the ride!

[Sugs]

Glad you got the brakes sorted, now have fun and ride safe!

[mr west]

Brakes sorted, but had some worries about the brake lights! Turns out the mastercylinder "Motorgrrl" in NYC provided not only was clogged, but the brake light switch wasnt working... Thanks for that! ...And doing away with the top trunk somehow all got disconnected under the seat too, but now at least rear one lights the light. I just gotta use it all the time!

Bike is doing fine though. Oil consumption: zero.

[mr west]

So we reach Detroit where an old friend of Amanda just bought a big house 2 years ago and just now getting it sorted with her boyfriend and another guy that is helping out. They bought it on a tax auction, turns out the old doctor and wife passed away leaving up to the roof with stuff. Loads of things dating back to 50s almost.. Cool place! Were are treated a great veg barbeque and party is going on with the girls cathing up and doing more or less coordinated dance routines up to 5 am...