(don't) Flip This Bike!

[gllimb]

sound great!!

[Roady]

Ever the cheap sumbeeech, I just couldn't see how I'd fit a $75 to $125 tankbag into the budget before the Randakk's trip.

I tried the kid's old backpacks but they were too big and blocked access to the fuel door and tool cubby.

Then, suddenly in the ad inserts in today's paper I run across this! It seemed like it just might fit the bill.

tankbag1.jpg

Read about it in the full thread, $9 Tankbag from Walmart.

[Roady]

What a gorgeous day we had today. Mid 70's and sunny. My lovely bride drove me over to the old house to clean out the shed this afternoon. I was worried because Winnie hadn't been sparked up since mid November so I took along tools, an extension cord and the charger.

First thing I did was flip the gas on, pull out the choke, turn the key and thumb the starter. She turned over once ... maybe twice ... and fired right up. What a lovely sound, I've missed you baby.

Here she sits in her spacious new abode. Doesn't she look happy?

winniehome.JPG

Man, it was nice to get back on two wheels again!

[Cookie]

Wow, I always have to do a couple of grinding sessions.

[sunnbobb]

Yeah baby, the fever has begun.

[Oldboy]

You lucky dog, we still have at least a month to go...

Cheers...

[Neil]

It's good you have her home and in the new digs, how's she getting along with the sister?
We had 2 days this week that were in the 60's ... she purred and then she growled. After a winter with over 60 inches of snow the rides were exhilarating.

[ritalz]

Fresh gas and a little clean up and you will be ready for Tuesday.

[Roady]

I am soooo ready for Tuesday's ride. Rain or shine, I'm going to Columbia ... errrr .... Jefferson City.

Looks like it's gonna be me and POStrucks. Everyone else is chicken'in out. Bwaaak bwaakkk squwaaak!

[Roady]

She's back on the road. I parked it after the run for hamburgers ... when was that, a month ago? 6 weeks?

Anyway, finally got the tires in and mounted. I went with Shinko 230's this time. The Kendas only gave me about 8500 miles so they were out of the running. Bridgestones were too pricey. The Shinkos were only about $110 from BikeBandit so they won out. Good looking tires. The local Kawi shop in Vandalia mounted them for 25 bones a piece.

While the wheels were off I attacked the front calipers. Just a rehab, no new parts. Kinda crossed my fingers and dove in. The left one has been sticking occasionally and they always felt kind of brickish and did a lot of squeaking. I cleaned them thoroughly and found quite a lot of junk in the o-ring channel. Some day I'll spring for kits since the left one doesn't have any dust seals

Mounted the wheels and reluctantly got into flushing and bleeding. Luckily, I don't think it could have been any easier. The bubbles flushed out easily, probably because the upper line and T did not leak out. Ran about a half quart through the system. The lever feels very nice, smooth, like butta.

Rode to work last Thursday. Really impressed with the feel of the tires, they really like to take me into the corners. Tomorrow I'm headed out to some more technical twisties (in honor of Mr. Hopper, RIP ) to do a little ringing out. Front brake feels much better and does not squeak unless I really bear down on them.

The ride home at 2 am was nothing short of magical. About 55 degrees. Full(ish) moon. Cruising by the semis on I-70 at 75-80. I felt like I was on a cloud. Nothing on my mind except the ride. 3 miles to my exit ... fresh killed deer in the right lane ... now I'm nervous. The 3 miles from the exit to home is two lane blacktop without stripes. I don't think I'll be riding to work very often because I see way too many dead critters in that last 10 miles.

Though the brakes have a very smooth feel, they do need a bit more bleeding. I put her in the "side-stand left-turn bungied-lever" position and will tune them up in the morning.

[/ramble]

[sunnbobb]

I know how you feel. Those perfect night rides are the best. Thought about adding a weed burning driving light? I really like the Marchal on Vyper.

[Neil]

Hey that's great, she's out and running ... they don't feel right just sitting.
Envy ... can't ride at night anymore, have night blindness and it sucks. Still have plenty of daylight though

[Roady]

Winnie came home today. Or rather, Shupnfish hauled her over on his trailer.

Took some pics and hung around talking motor sikkles and other man stuff with Matt. Nice visit. I really can't thank you enough for taking care of her for me, man. Proper props to you, brother. There when I was in trouble and needed help.

It's so nice to have a bike back in the shop .... I may have to make it a habit

Regular updates to follow (and I'll post the pics as soon as I remember to upload them from the camera )

[Rat]

Glad she's home.

What's she getting for Christmas?

Gord

[Roady]

Well, professionally polished (by Bradshaw's) covers, fork lowers, carb caps and intakes for one.

And a thorough once over for rust and wiring. Shine up the tupperware and touch up as needed.

Gaters and new grips are also in order.