Miles
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Everything posted by Miles
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Yes...of course...GeorgeS is correct. The Seattle/Puget Sound area and all of Western Washington has had only 3/100ths of an inch of rain in the past 80 days. That is SO rare for us that it is now an official record...since the time they started keeping records, back in the caveman days. A lot of people like the sunshine, and love the extra days of riding. But for me, I want and need some rain. I have many acres that need to be watered. I have livestock (Llamas, Alpacas, miniature Goats, etc.) that need to have fresh vegetation to eat. Most of my old growth cedar trees are going brown, for the first time in their lives. And...I personally like rain. It keeps my freckles fresh. Seriously, the long range forecast for the nation (and folks, this is serious) is that the far Northeast will experience heavier than normal snow...the Rockies region will also experience heavier than normal snow...and the Great Pacific Northwest will continue this dry spell for most of the Winter. That does not mean that we will not get any rain, but we should get much less rain than we are used to. How does this affect you? The next time you go to the grocery store and have to pay more for apples, cherries, apricots, wine, etc., know that the lack of rain in the Great Pacific Northwest just cost you money. And...it makes GeorgeS and I more grumpy. That should be reason enough to ask for more rain.
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Jeff, still not happening until this Winter. I still have some rides to do, and my plan is to have the rear wheel sent off for mods while I am riding the Super Tenere' down to Bolivia in January. As it progresses, I will keep you informed.
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SteveD, your suggestion that a rider put 30k miles on the tires in the first "week" may seem a bit difficult to do, but...putting 30k miles on in the first month is not that far of a stretch. I know...ask me how. Miles...30,681 miles in 30 days...as per the IBA website.
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No, the michelin Commander 2, that fits the rear of any modern Venture/Royal Star is a Bias Belted tire...not a radial. The only Radial tire that Michelin makes in the Commander 2 series for the rear...is a very wide tire that is also a 17". Sorry to have to tell you that, but the Michelin Commander 2 that is 150/90B-15...is a bias belt tire.
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SteveD, Avon has a very long history of having cracks on the sidewalls of their tires. It is well documented, and Avon lost a lot of riders due to this issue. I know that I switched brands. However, I have never heard of a structural blowout or tire failure due to the sidewall cracking. If it were as severe as...being able to put a coin head in it...then the tire must be replaced immediately...and I would question the rider that allowed a tire to be on their bike that long, that someone could come along and insert a coin head into a sidewall crack. Avon has done a lot to overcome that issue, but...they never regarded it as a "problem", other than losing customers over it. You may want to try Dunlop, as there has not been a history of any kind of sidewall cracking on the E 3's. BTW, you reference that you run the air pressure that Avon reps say you should. What is the tire pressure that they "say" you should run???? Miles
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I agree that it is a surprise to most that the S10 would be better offroad than the GS. The one advantage that the GS has is the best suspension system in the world. The GS suspension is very comfy offroad...to a point. But when riding at speed, and a bit agressively, the S10 does better offroad...in my opinion. I know of a 100 BMW riders that would disagree with my opinion, and that is why my heasd is not buried up BMW's rearend. I like most all brands of bikes, and am not relegated to having a tatoo of only one brand on my butt. Hey, I loved the R12GS. Very good bike, but I got tired of the weight when offroad. The S10 just feels lighter. As for alternatives, the Triumph Explorer is getting great reviews, and I have looked at them, but...personally...and maybe it is only me...but I will not own an offorad or dualsport bike again that is more than 2 cylinders. Having three or more cyclinders offroad is too whiny for me, and not enough bottomend torque. But given your height, you may love the Triumph...or the S10...or the GS. Miles
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Here is an alternate idea: Having been around shops most of my life, and dealing with epoxyed floors...versus painted floors...I decided to use a concrete STAIN on my motorcycle garage. This is not my shop, as my shop has a normal, only sealed, concrete floor. But in a separate building, my motorcycle garage has a stained floor. I used the Behr concrete stain, in battleship grey of course, and it came out very nice. The advantage of using a concrwete stain is that it penetrates the concrete moreso than a paint or epoxy will, and it is easy to go back and do spot touch up, which blends in with the rest of the floor, rather than having to repaint or re-epoxy the entire floor a second or third time. I have not had to re-stain my concrete floor at all, and this was first done 3 years ago. But...everyone one of my bike has its' own carpet/floor mat under the bike, so that side stands or center stands are punishing the carpet, and not the stained floor. It is easier to apply than paint, and I believe it is less cost than a concrete paint or epoxy. If you realy want a showroom quality look, then epoxy is the way to go, but it did not sound like that was what you wanted. Look into the Behr brand concrete stain. You can get it in many different colors, or...colours (for our northern neighbors). Miles
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Okay, I can accept that as a possibility. I like the S10, and it is better off road than the R12GS, but...having experienced smaller engines in dualsport bikes, I think I will go with either a Vstrom 650, or a BMW F800GS. I have already been through all of Honda's dualsport lineup from Europe, such as the Africa Twin 750, and the Varadero 1000. I even tried the newest Transalp 700. Selling this S10 next year will have given me a full year on the bike, and about 35,000 miles on it by then, and...after having already had the R12GS, my experience has taught me that one does not need a big cc engine for doing serious offroad riding. It is nice to have the dualsport bigger engine for getting from point A to point B, meaning, from home to where the asphalt ends, but getting from point B to point C, from where the asphalt ends to around the top of the world and back to where the asphalt starts again, I prefer to use a 650cc to 800cc engine. They are much more utilitarian on the dirt/gravel, than a big cc engine is. I am leaning very strong toward the Vstrom 650, and I love all the aftermarket accessories available, and that I can run it on tiger piss, rather than having to use premium fuel. Parts are available all over the world, the bike is light, ergonomically perfect for me, and cheap to operate compared to the F800GS. I know dealers in my area would trade me straight across for my used S10, with 35K on it, for a new Vstrom 650...if I wanted to do that, but I usually have a rider waiting in the wings that wants one of my bikes, so I feel somewhat obligated to sell it to them, rather than trade it in. I did trade one in last year, and felt like *&^%^& when I found out that some wannabe poopy-head bought my former bike, and he had no idea of all the things done to it that made that bike special. I even offered to buy the bike back from the guy, after the dealer got me in touch with him, as I didn't want the bike treated like a piece of *&%&*. He would not sell it to me. My fault. I will try to not let that happen again. Miles
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If you are really interested in one...mine will be available for sale after I return from Bolivia. That will be the first week of February. It will be well broken in, but...extremely well maintained, and well accessorized. As for luggage...almost everything on this bike is from Touratech. Since I am only 70 miles from their headquaters, it is easy to go...buy...and ride home. Yes, the bike does have ABS, and it is excellent. Fuel mileage is always dependent on many factors, but...having said that, I averaged 42 mpg on this last trip. Farkels...I do not add as much *&%&&* as most IBA riders do, but I always use my trusty Garmin Zumo 550, my Valentine One, and my Roady2 Satellite radio. I have no need for multiple GPS units, or multiple detectors and scanners, or multiple radios. If you buy the best quality the first time, and install it correctly, it will last as long as the bike. Pictures, yes they are coming. Give me a little time to download, and I will send you some. I will be selling this bike (in case you wanted to ask) to make room for a different adventure bike next Spring. Smaller engine, more versatile. Miles
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MAINEAC, since I was born in the great state of Maine (Limestone, ME.), then I have no cause to argue with a fellow maniac (sp). Please, tell me more about the specifics of the Kumho tire you are using. I would like to know the exact size and model number, if you can supply me with that. Thank you, Miles
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I have returned...or so the saying goes. The guy I was riding with, and I...returned home last night, after 15 days and 14 nights on the road, from Western Washington State to Goose Bay/Happy Valley, Newfoundland. The round trip was slightly under 10,000 miles. I rode my 2012 Yamaha Super Tenere', and he rode my old...his new...2005 BMW R1200GS. No problems were had by anyone, and we had decent weather, no accidents, no tickets, and very few bed bugs at all the motels. All in all, it was a good trip. Next trip, down to Bolivia, to ride the Death Highway. We are leaving on January 2nd, 2013. Anyone want to join us ???? Miles
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Will someone PLEASE PM me, with all the details and info needed, regarding the 3rd annual LeaF Lookers Ride, in the Wisconsin Dells, on October 5th, and 6th. I have searched and searched this forum website, and I cannot find the detailed specifics of the ride, exact location, motels, etc. When I go to the VR Rallies page, it lists the ride, but there is no link for further info. What I would like, in my weird mind...is a good old-fashioned rally flyer kid of info. I see where a lot of people chat about the ride, but...that is not helpful to someone riding 2000 miles to get to the ride. I may...in fact...try attending this ride on my way back home from Happy Valley/Goose Bay. Or...may ride all the way home to Washington State, leave my Super Tenere' in the garage, and jump on the RSMTD, and ride back out to Wisconsin. So, if you have the detailed info of this event, PLEASE...PM me. Thanks, Miles
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I will be gone for a couple weeks. Okay, many of you are thinking...whew...it will finally be quieter around here with me gone riding. I and a riding friend are taking off this afternoon for...Goose bay/Happy Valley, Labrador, Canada. We are leaving from Western Washington/Seattle area. The ride should be about 10,000 miles round trip. We will see. I will be riding my 2012 Yamaha Super Tenere' 1200, and the riding partner will be riding my old bike that I sold to him, a 2005 BMW R1200GS. If any of you have ever been to Goose Bay/Happy Valley, Labrador, then...you already know what we are getting ourselves into. Gulp! See ya'all down the road.
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Doug, there is no doubt in my mind that in the choice betqween a KLR650 and a Vstrom 650...the Vstrom 650 wins out 100% of the time. If you compare those two bikes side by side, there is no comparison. The Vstrom 650...or WeeStrom...is fuel injected...V-Twin...Dual headlamps...Tubeless tires...and there are 1,314,650 aftermarket accessories made for the 650 Vstrom today. While the KLR650 has a decent history, and is a overall good bike, it also has engine issues that has plagued the KLR community for many years. As a World Traveler bike, it is very good. But for commuting around this country, the Vstrom 650 kicks the KLR650 butt, all over hill and dale. Ultimately, it is your decision, and it has to be the bike that fits you best. But...(pssst) I would buy the Vstrom 650 in a heart beat.
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Dave, congrats, and excellent pictures. I have been through there many, many times, but never took any pictures, because...in the old days that would have meant having to...actually stop. Now-a-days a rider can shoot the pics while in motion. I applaud both of you on the 33rd anniversary. I hope you have many more years, and miles in your future together.
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Joe, I run Mobil 1 full synthetic 10w-30 in my '06 RSMTD. I slowly changed my engine over from dino oil (regular petroleum oil) to the Mobil 1, by fractioning the amount of dino oil and Mobil 1...as a mix. Increasing the quantity of Mobil 1, over the quantity of the dino oil, until now it is pure...unadulterated...Mobil 1, and I am quite happy. It does not bother my recently replaced Barnett Clutch at all. I am currently going 5000 miles between oil changes, but slightly more if I am on a road trip at the time. The beauty of Mobil 1 is...it can be bought just about anywhere, including Walmart, when on the road.
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Brian, if your question was directed to "me", then the answer is...Hawaii is not colored in, and...in the IBA we have a ride called (by many names) the 10/48, or 10/49, or 7/48...etc. The ride is to ride in all 48 states of the contiguous states, in less than 10 days. Or...if you want to include Alaska, then you ride in the 49 states of the continental states. So, yes, the map is all filled in, except Hawaii. It also includes all the Canadian Provinces and Territories. If your question was not directed to me...then forget the above posted info.
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The secret...if you want to call it that, is to make your motorcycle as ergonomically perfect for your body as possible, and...to buy a custom made seat that fits your butt to perfection, and allows you to ride all day long. Whether that is 10 hour days, or 24 hours a day, that is your choice. Personally, I will only use a Russell Day-Long Saddle. I am on my 10th seat from them, and this one is the best one they have ever made for me. And it is on my RSMTD. There are other good seat makers out there, and people that can modify your current seat to make it work better for you. Other riders swear by the seat they have, just as I smile by the seats I have. Bottom line to seats is...if the seat you are using is "perfect" in every way for you, and your body, then great ! You have a seat that works for you. If your seat does NOT work for you, make the change now...and you will be a happier rider. More miles = More smiles
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That is very cool. Congrats on doing a great amount of riding, and fulfilling part of your bucket list. Excellent idea, we all should do this.
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Brian, I sorta hate to say it, but...the name Ritchie comes up in my family geneology. My step-grandfather had a last name Ritchie. I will ask my Dad about this, and get back to you.
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Bill, it sounds like you and the bride had a fun time on the bike. 365 miles is a good ride...but...what did you do after breakfast? There must have been more riding after breakfast, right? Just saying...
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BigLenny, congrats on a successful ride. It sounds like the two of you had a great time. You are right that the scenary in the areas you went to is out of this world. Also happy to hear that the RSTD performed flawlessly. If you ever get a chance to ride up to the Northwest corner of these United States, let me know in advance. I would be happy to host both of you at our ranch for several days, and show you some of the beautiful sights, and riding roads, of the Great Pacific Northwest.
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Chief Joe, that is good info. Thanks. I think I will do that, unless I hear from someone else in BEAUTIFUL Western Washington. Thanks, Miles
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My Insurance Co and & I have come to an Agreement
Miles replied to GolfVenture's topic in Watering Hole
Brian, given the condition of your left hand...and the condition of my right hand (we do make one whole person), it might be wise to take some of that insurance money, and have a good mechanic transfer the engine/carbs complete from the '91 bike to the '89 bike. Stop picking away at it, and have someone that has Gen 1 experience do a real good job at it, and get that '89 bike completely fixed up, and done. That way, whwen you are ready to ride again, your wife can't complain about the expense of a new or newer bike. -
If any of the riders in Western Washington have the Valve Shim Kit, and Tool for the Second Generation bikes, and are willing to allow me to borrow it for a couple days, please let me know. If no one does have the Valve Shim Kit and Tool in our area, then let's make certain of that, and I will go ahead and buy a new Kit and Tool, and have it available for use of all forum members in Western Washington. We might even let those rainy day people down in Oregon use our stuff . So, if you have the shim kit and tool, please contact me. Thanks,