Maintenance Day Planning

[V7Goose]

This is probably a bit early, since maintenance day is still so many months off, but maybe we can start the discussions now and just bump the thread later as the date gets closer?

 

I do not want to over-complicate things, but it seemed to me that we could have gotten a lot more done last year with just a little more organization - we spent half the day just milling around before we even started work! Of course, not everyone was there to work on bikes. I think that, at most, 1/3 of the attendees actually wanted to do that - the rest were just there to meet and socialize. Nothing wrong with that, but if we missed out on some who really needed something done, I'm sorry.

 

I'd like to start collecting a wish-list of what folks would like to do this year. Just post away here. Maybe we can group them into three or four main tracks for us to organize around on THE day. For example, one item I KNOW will be a main track is carb syncing; always lots of interest in having that done.

 

I am not sure what other subjects will be of primary interest this year. Another item I can suggest might be tires - I know Don has a tire changer, and I am happy to change or balance tires. If you think you need new skins around that time, either bring 'em or drop-ship them to Don's and we can get 'er done at no cost to you.

 

So that's a start - let's hear what else you might be thinking about for maintenance day.

Goose

[ctraylor]

Carb sync for me if I come. I have never had it done and I have about 50,000 miles now. I am sure it needs it.

[Dano]

I've got a Motion Pro-SynchPro I can bring with me and help on carb synch's, but I'd really like to get a carb-tune done on mine. I'm gonna rebuild them this year and it'll need to be done. Maybe we can get a line going just for that? Might speed things up a little.

 

Oh yeah, about the first third of the day---All work and no Play makes Don have a dull day!

 

Dan

[pegscraper]

I don't need anything done to my bike.

 

However, I'd like to know if Don would like me to bring my tuning hammer for his piano.

[waterbug]

I just want to drift around and watch and learn some things and meet new people and have fun. I hope I dont need anything but with my luck who knows.

[nkbjones]

I have several things I would like to do, but not necessarily in this order of importance:

 

1. New spark plugs

2. colortune

3. If I can scrape the $ together, v-max gear swap (this is gonna be a big if)

4. now that I know about the option of tire changing, new rear tire.

5. ignition by-pass

6. driving/spot/passing lights (not the factory accessory, but 1 of the more creative and less expensive options that other members have done)

 

 

This is a dream list and I realize that they all won't get done.

[stardbog]

I Can offer help for electrical wiring. Installing AUX plugs for MP3 / GPS. Back-Off brake modulators, DC outlets in trunk, Or Whatever electric needs are. And Yeah I Work for Heineken.:rotfl:

[Mariner Fan]

I plan to bum a beer off of stardbog if it's as hot as it was last year!

[jonesy]

I'm planning on learning as much as I can. I'll help when I can but as far as doing work on my bike I'll wait till I get home. It seems when I try to do things in a hurry things don't go right. Sitting around chatting works for me, used to throw down a couple in the old days but now root beer goes down better then beer. Really looking forward to meeting everyone more than anything.

[Midnight Rider]

Would like to change all the fluids. I can help with changing tires.

Dale

[V7Goose]

This is a great start on a list of things to do. Carb sync can be done anywhere, so we'll set up an area to line up outside the garage for that. Last year I spent hours just being grabbed and taken from one bike to the next to sync 'em up. That worked, but it was almost impossible to keep track of everyone tugging on my sleeve asking to be next! That's why I'd like to set up a focal pointng for that specific task. And a carb sync doesn't require any prep other than having the engine warm, so we can get started as soon as folks start lining up.

 

Tire changes and a few other things require a bike lift on concrete, so we can have two lines going for those (assuming we have two lifts again). Some other things, like plug and fluid changes and electrical work can be done anywhere, but being in a garage and near tools is nice, so we'll play that by ear depending on how many workers we have and how many things are on the list as time gets closer.

Goose

[saddlebum]

Carb sync would be good even if i only get to see it done do to time and then i can do my own when i get home again .

also non drinking volunteers to walk behind me and carry extra beer since I can only hold 2

[nance56]

I would like to jump in and suggest that we give the fearless leader a less busy afternoon. You guys work yourselves silly. Sillier in some cases. I know alot of people just enjoy seeing everyones bike and swapping stories. A short ride in the afternoon would be great. This is just my thoughts on this. Do a couple of major things for people to learn from so they can try on their own. Knowledge is a great thing. Okay I am done now. So continue on guys.

[RoadKill]

I would like to jump in and suggest that we give the fearless leader a less busy afternoon. You guys work yourselves silly. Sillier in some cases. I know alot of people just enjoy seeing everyones bike and swapping stories. A short ride in the afternoon would be great. This is just my thoughts on this. Do a couple of major things for people to learn from so they can try on their own. Knowledge is a great thing. Okay I am done now. So continue on guys.

 

I like that idea. I know nothing and really don't have much of a desire to learn. I just enjoy meeting folks. It would be nice if there was a little more time to ride and visit.

[V7Goose]

I like that idea. I know nothing and really don't have much of a desire to learn. I just enjoy meeting folks. It would be nice if there was a little more time to ride and visit.

Like I said in the first post, nothing wrong with those that just show up to meet and visit (or even to go ride). Last year the majority of folks who came were not there to work on bikes. But some are.

 

I am not sure how to give anyone "a little more time to ride and visit." There are just 24 hours in a day, and you are free to use all 24 hours to ride and visit with anyone else who wants to do the same. This isn't supposed to be a rally, so we are not trying to plan for rally type activities. For those of you who want more time to visit, why don't you just plan on showing up a day early or staying another day? That's the only way I know to add time. And feel free to make your own plans for rides and whatever else you want.

 

But for those that actually want a little help on some maintenance tasks on maintenance day (NOT major mechanical work!), I'd like to help as many as we can. That's why I wanted to get a handle on the various desires and expectations.

 

I look forward to seeing y'all there,

Goose

[ibents]

I was thinking of a carb sync.

Also the ign bypass. (would we need to bring wire and switch, or can it be bought down there?)

And I don't know whats involved with tightening the steering head.

 

Ian

[RoadKill]

Like I said in the first post, nothing wrong with those that just show up to meet and visit (or even to go ride). Last year the majority of folks who came were not there to work on bikes. But some are.

 

I am not sure how to give anyone "a little more time to ride and visit." There are just 24 hours in a day, and you are free to use all 24 hours to ride and visit with anyone else who wants to do the same. This isn't supposed to be a rally, so we are not trying to plan for rally type activities. For those of you who want more time to visit, why don't you just plan on showing up a day early or staying another day? That's the only way I know to add time. And feel free to make your own plans for rides and whatever else you want.

 

But for those that actually want a little help on some maintenance tasks on maintenance day (NOT major mechanical work!), I'd like to help as many as we can. That's why I wanted to get a handle on the various desires and expectations.

 

I look forward to seeing y'all there,

Goose

 

Since we have grown considerably from the 1st MD I thought some might be open to change. Guess that's what I get for thinking

 

Just seems the few that work are busy all day. Might be nice to talk with the workers too, like FREEBIRD! It would go along way if a Carb Balance Clinic for example was provided, rather than trying to do everyone's work for them that show up, folks could walk away knowing how. It could even be video taped and linked through the site. Same for some of the other tasks.

 

Of course that's just my opinion and as we know means nothing.

[cecdoo]

Since we have grown considerably from the 1st MD I thought some might be open to change. Guess that's what I get for thinking

 

Just seems the few that work are busy all day. Might be nice to talk with the workers too, like FREEBIRD! It would go along way if a Carb Balance Clinic for example was provided, rather than trying to do everyone's work for them that show up, folks could walk away knowing how. It could even be video taped and linked through the site. Same for some of the other tasks.

 

Of course that's just my opinion and as we know means nothing.

 

Well I gotta say I feel the same way you do, I watched a few guys work their tails off from morning till nite in some pretty nasty heat the last 2 years. It seems to get bigger every year with more folks wanting more work done. I havent felt it was my place to say anything since I wasnt doing the work. I know Don and his wife probably spend the week before just getting ready for this event, and then a few days after cleaning up, would be nice if everyone could relax alittle and BS. Just my 2cents:think: Craig

[mini-muffin]

Just thinking out loud but maybe if you all would be willing we could set up a container to collect like $5 per person getting work done. The money could go into our fund for St. Judes. It's just a thought and you know there's nowhere you'll get any of this work done for $5. Plus it would add a nice amount of money to the final tally for St. Judes.

 

Margaret

[IH Truck Guy]

I hope to have everything done on my bike,but I will help anybody else work on their bike.

I usually only end up with a small box of leftover parts...:crackup:

 

Other then that,I plan to visit with everyone,work on my tan,and try to harpoon the pond monster..... :D

 

And this year,I'm going to use Heineken for bait.......

[Snarley Bill]

Just thinking out loud but maybe if you all would be willing we could set up a container to collect like $5 per person getting work done. The money could go into our fund for St. Judes. It's just a thought and you know there's nowhere you'll get any of this work done for $5. Plus it would add a nice amount of money to the final tally for St. Judes.

 

Margaret

mini, thats a great idea. guess since it's dons meet all the planning is pretty much up to him. i'm just coming to socialize and see my good friends. really looking forward to the trip there and the socializing. don't have any repair work to be done but i am more than willing to help with anything. really looking forward to it. bill

[Freebird]

OK...I have to be careful how I say this or it's going to sound really bad. I have no problem setting up a can for St. Judes. BUT...I think we have to be careful because I worry sometimes that we ask our members too often to donate. We have some very generous folks here and I fear that some just don't know how to say "sorry, I would love to but money is a bit tight right now". I was talked last year..may have been the year before...into putting out a donation can to help with the food and etc. That has been a life saver for me as the cost of this little one day (yea right) gathering has grown to well over a thousand bucks by the time it's all done. With your generous donations, I have managed to pretty much break even on expenses and I sincerely appreciate that. So I'm a bit leary of putting out yet another donation can. Not saying we can't do it but if so, I want people to PLEASE understand that NOBODY IS WATCHING...it's up to YOU!

[stardbog]

I would like to jump in and suggest that we give the fearless leader a less busy afternoon. You guys work yourselves silly. Sillier in some cases. I know alot of people just enjoy seeing everyones bike and swapping stories. A short ride in the afternoon would be great. This is just my thoughts on this. Do a couple of major things for people to learn from so they can try on their own. Knowledge is a great thing. Okay I am done now. So continue on guys.

 

Cool Beans, Agree 110% With You , Finish All work by 3-4 PM and take sunset ride in area.

O Yeah And no lawn mowers race either Please :bowdown:

[mini-muffin]

I totally understand that Don. It would absolutely be optional if we set it up. I was just thinking out loud with my fingers. Didn't want to upset you or worry you.

 

Margaret

[nance56]

But Dan, you looked so good on that mower with Eileen. Are you sure you don't want to do this again?