Kansas Sky December 23, 2006

Picture: This is usually what the sky looks like by afternoon on a clear day.

It appears that the Photos section is working again. There are lots of changes that I am trying to figure out. They can't seem to keep it simple.

Two kids got home last night, it's 9:30am and they are still in bed, I think they revert to teenagers the minute they walk in the door. We got to Wichita this evening to retrieve the last daughter and her family, maybe then Sue can relax and enjoy the season (like me).

Beautiful day in mid-American this morning, no wind, not a cloud in sight. The only problem is the 25 degree temperature. If it warms up some this afternoon I may take Dubya out for a spin.

Entry for December 20, 2006

Rain!!! At last some moisture in the form of rain. It is around 40 degrees so hopefully we will be spared the ice this time around. Just 100 miles West they are getting snow.

Good thing I got a little riding in last Monday. Adjusted the valves on the REB and it sounds and runs great but something isn't right if it will only hold adjustment for 500 miles. I guess I just need to fire up the stove in the garage and pull the head off the thing to see if I can tell what is going on.

Riding prospects look grim for the next couple of weeks because of the weather. The Kids start arriving tomorrow with the grandson and his parents coming on Saturday. It will be great having everyone home for a few days. Maybe the weather will warm up enough that Pam and I can ride together.

Victory Motorsports December 16, 2006

Picture: Open House at Victory Motorsports in Moundridge, KS
Victory Motorsports is a small independent shop in the equally small Kansas town of Moundridge. They haven't been in business too long and today they had an open house. Louie, Neil, Paul and I rode down there to see what was going and do a little meet and greet. They had the usual free hotdogs and pop, door prizes and sold tickets for a raffle to win a scooter. They are selling the new Diamo scooter. It is owned by Yamaha and built in China. Most of the ones they had were 50cc but they were showing a 300cc that was a good looking scoot.

I rode the REB today, I like to show up at things like this with something different. The owner had actually heard of Royal Enfields, maybe I'll throw a little business there way should the occasion arise.

Pretty profitable day, Louie won a pair of goggles and I won a helmet in the door prize drawings. The scooter won't go until spring. The helmet is one of those shorty kind, all black and small size, just fits Sue, now she doesn't have any excuse not to ride with me, ha ha.

After stopping in Lindsborg for a cuppa, Louie and I traded bikes. He had been wanting to ride the REB and I have always liked the Suzuki S40 (650cc single) but had never ridden one. The S40 is smooth and quiet, I had to look down to find the well forward foot pegs but once I got rolling it was a nice ride. Eighteen miles on the REB probably cured Louie of any Brit bike like fantasies he had and frankly I was glad to climb back on the REB. I am convinced that I must have a ride that I can move around on in order to ease my back pains. Most of today's bikes have easy chair like seating but once you in the saddle you can't change positions.

I had to adjust the valves when I got home, they were getting a little loose. Adjustment should last more than the 600 miles, but loose is better than they way they were getting tight with the stock pushrods. Believe the head will be coming off soon to see what is going on.

Something is screwed up with Yahoo Photos and I can't get into it to share my albums. Maybe it will get fixed later.

Entry for December 15, 2006

Picture: Me and the bar maid, nice friendly little beer joint with good hamburgers.

I'm falling behind on my blogging. Last Wednesday, the 13th, six of us ROMEOs went on a short lunch ride to Tescott, KS. While the "official" ride had been canceled due to a lousy weather forecast, by the time Wednesday rolled around the forecast had improved considerably. In fact it turned out to be a gorgeous day. After lunch at the Somewhere Bar and Grill returned to Salina for a tour of the motorcycle dealerships, all three of them. It's fun to BS with the salesmen and look at the bikes. They don't even mind if you sit on them but no one offered any test rides.

Entry for December 11, 2006

Picture: Alexander reaches for Santa (Dad).

The weather lately hasn't been conducive to motorcycling. I did manage to get the fluids changed in the REB last Tuesday. I changed the engine oil to 10-40 for the winter. Richard popped by on his scooter as I was doing all this high tech Enfield fluid changing. It was nice to have another hand when I drained the primary so I didn't get ATF all over the driveway. Everything looked bright and shinny in there BTW. The magnetic drain plugs collected a fair about of slug but I didn't see any thing that looked like metal. Maybe it was ground up too fine to recognize.

No new motorcycle pictures so here is another Christmas picture of Alexander. The girls will be home in less than too weeks and we are really looking forward to their visit.

Entry for December 05, 2006

Picture: The latest cover of Riding South magazine

Yesterday was one of those rare Kansas days..... no wind. I could hardly believe it but by the time I got back from running a few errands (in the truck) my coat was off and the temperature was pushing 50 degrees.

What to do, what to do? Oh yeah, the Dubya is sitting in the garage still filthy from last weeks early morning ride in the slop. First order of business is to clean the Dubya. Not clean, clean, mind you but riding clean, there is a difference. As it turned out the ride was OK but still a little cool so I just did a 20 mile lap of the city and called it a day. Today is calling for 55 degrees by mid-afternoon and it is the REB's turn to be ridden. If things work out I'll get it warmed up good and change the oil when I get home.

My Riding South magazine was in the mail yesterday and it was a particularly interesting issue. One column I liked was written by a 79 year old motorcyclist that lives in Arkansas. It is reprinted by permission of the author and publisher.

Riding South is a neat little newspaper magazine that focuses on The South but has general interest articles as well. It is distributed free of charge through motorcycle shops in it's area or is only $12 a year by mail. The publisher/editor/paperboy, Robert Shearon, is a real biker in that he hardly ever drives but relies on two wheels.

Contact Robert at: 1220 Jameson Ave

Benton, AR 72015

Ph: 501-860-8884

E-mail: robertshearon@sbcglobalnospam.net (leave out the nospam)

 

Why I Ride By Ralph Landon
My friends often ask why I ride a motorcycle at my age. some are genuinely curious but most are somehow offended at what I am doing.
The say things like do you want flowers or should we just contribute to your favorite charity?
In dark moments I could smell the flowers and cars would suddenly appear in my path.
But life is not to explain after all, at least the important parts. You enter it alone, leave it alone, and people just make foggy guesses about your purpose.
Yet after years of riding I know some of its purposes - for me.
The first purpose is to have something waiting for me, one of those things men need in some other part of the house, yard or town that they can escape to. I have tried many things! Cars, guns, cameras, and even airplanes, but none have been so satisfying as my motorcycle.
Cars tend to bore me with their commonness, and the problem with cameras is that they depend on the whims of the spirits - you have to need to take a picture to want to take it. Guns have a nasty side to them, and once you lose the urge or even the capacity to kill things they sit in cabinets emasculated of their essential purpose.
Airplanes are fine for certain times in life but you buy imperatives with airplanes - you have to stay sharp and remain current to maintain your license. Airplanes remind me of my limitations.
The nice thing about having a motorcycle waiting for you is that it does not require you to do anything with it. Sometimes it is enough just to check the battery or ponder the likelihood that you could overhaul the engine if you really applied yourself. A motorcycle represents endless possibilities, among them just sitting with a can of chrome polish in your hands looking for rust. Sometimes my wife would say, I thought you were going for a ride, is something wrong? and I would say, No, I'm looking for rust.  A person can always depend on rust.
The second purpose relates to that intangible thing we call freedom. When I first learned that motorcycles are called freedom machines I thought that had something to do with speed, far places and raunchy company - beer, broads, and a cloud of smoke.
That is not what freedom means to me! What happens with age is that you are expected to grow predictable, and once you do, more and more people step forth to manage your life. It becomes known that you are around weekends, so you get invited to places you don't want to go. And you're around to fix faucets, faucets that you would just as soon let drip. The freedom my machine gives me is very easy to describe: It is the license to be accountable to no one.
The third purpose concerns place. For me there is a dramatic difference between being away and being gone. I love to be away, but am gone only when I have to be. The motorcycle better than anything else has taught me to understand where my psychological borders are - the Greenbriar River in West Virginia, a little country store, a diner in a small town.
For me the beauty of a motorcycle is not in the going, but in the stopping. The most important device on my bike is the kick stand and I use it with abandon. There is no sound like the silence of a killed engine when geese are flying overhead. The roar of the engine is music to the ears of some riders - I prefer the cooling tick of a resting bike. I have gotten somewhere - away, not gone, and for the first time I have truly been there. I have discovered a few new places on my motorcycle but they are of small significance compared to what I have discovered about familiar places. It's not that you uncover a lot of surprises in the hills of West Virginia, it's just that you meet yourself going back and back again.
Motorcycling has given me a new respect for inconclusiveness, cameras end up in photographs, guns in trophies and airplanes in personal achievements. I don't know where I'll be going with my machine when I next decide to ride. Maybe I'll go somewhere tomorrow and maybe I'll wait til next week. It will be there waiting for me whatever I decide, picking up rust along the way and I will be free to decide when I want to get unpredictable again. Then the word will be out that I'm gone again, but I'll know I'm merely away, visiting places I have been before and thinking it's not all that bad being a senior citizen.
Editor's Note: Landon, of Hot Springs Village, is 80.

 

Entry for November 29, 2006

Picture:  In the absence recent motorcycle related pictures you are invited to enjoy this fantastic photograph of my incredibly adorable grandson.  Photo Taken March '08.

The forecast for a cold front came in on schedule.  Thirty degrees and windy, no ROMEO lunch ride today.  A bit too nasty for even the most hardened old man.

  It's a good thing I got my riding fix yesterday when the temperature was in the 60's.

Entry for November 25, 2006

I had an interesting motorcycling experience this afternoon. An acquaintance of mine owns a 1973 Triumph 750 (One carb, what does that make it?). I see the Steve at church and we had talked about it several times but I had never seen it. He told me last week that he was putting it on Ebay because it is too difficult for him to start since his knee replacement. I volunteered to start it for him once he got his newly painted tank back on. Today was the day so I rode the REB over to his house.

Nice looking bike, just 15k on the clock, nothing dinged or anything. Just a good looking original bike. Now I have never started a 750 Triumph but how hard could it be? Turned on the petcocks (why do you need two petcocks for one carb?) tickled the Amal until gas ran out, kicked it over three times with the key off then key on and bingo. Well not quite, I kicked it about four time and got no joy so I had him pull a plug out to see if there was spark and there was. Steve suggested dropping a little gas into the cylinder to prime a bit. It fired up first kick after priming, died once, started back up and ran fine. Sounded sweet. I rode it around the block just for the experience. Only tried to stop with the gear shift once.

We decided to take a little ride so off we went on a circuit around Salina and the old girl never missed a beat. We stopped by home so I could show him Dubya and he was rightly impressed. As he rode away it occurred to me that I should have taken a picture. Sure hope he gets a good price on Ebay, it will make someone a nice ride or would be a great restoration.

Entry for November 22, 2006

                                                        A Rant

  In a never ending quest to find comfort while riding I ordered some handlebar mitts from Cabela's http://tinyurl.com/yz6xtz.  The cost was $20, shipping $6, pretty good deal.  The mitts were exactly as pictured and had I paid more attention I could saved myself some money.  These things are huge, they go from elbow to head light.  Problem is there is no provision for mirrors.  Apparently ATVs don't have mirrors.  No sweat, I'll just use the handy return label and return them to Cabela's. 

  It's a nice 40 degree morning so I pack everything on the REB and figure I'll drop off the package at the UPS store on my way to the YMCA.  This is when things get interesting.  I guess the clerk was new cause there was a manager type telling her everything to do and I don't have a problem with that, everyone has to learn.  I have to sign stuff, give out my e-mail address, phone number, paid with a credit card, more signing, etc.  Cost me $10 to mail the dang things back.  Now I've spent $16 to look at a $20 item.  All my fault, just ranting here.  I sure wish things like were carried locally.  Seems everything you need you have to mail order it and it isn't always as cheap or handly as it appears.  END OF RANT

Toy Run Salina, KS November 19, 2006

Picture:  That's me and the REB with our toy.

Louie and I were going to meet at the toy run this afternoon but by the time I arrived there were so many bikes already that we had no chance of riding together.  I was lucky to find him in the sea of black leather that made up the mostly Harley riding participants. 

  This was my first Toy Run and there were at least 200 (307 according to Salina Journal article, see below) bikes, trikes and a few scoots and I saw at least one sportie, and Big Goldwings with trailers loaded with gifts, choppers, you name it but mostly H-Ds and one lonely Royal Enfield.

  Quite a few stopped to look at the REB but no one said anything, probably too awe struck.  Most likely they couldn't pick the owner out.  Too many gray heads with black leather jackets I guess.

  We were escorted by the SPD and lead by flag bearing HOGs, quite spectacle with lots of people watching from the safety of the curb.  I managed to get to the destination with running up the back of a $30,000 Harley with my slow stopping Enfield.  Having never ridden with so many other bikes around me, outside of a track, I had difficulty at first because I couldn't hear the poor little single amongst all the fire belching V-Twins.  Then I was hearing clanking and rattling that took me a few minutes to realize that it was them not us.

  Upon arrival at the church that was sponsoring the run we deposited our toys and enjoyed some cookies and coffee before calling it a day and heading home for an afternoon nap.  Have to get rested up for our church's annual Thanksgiving dinner this evening. 

Salina Journal Article:                November 20, 2006

Bikers make a run for children More motorcycle riders turn out for this year's toy run

David Clouston Salina Journal

They weren't sure of the reason -- the sunny, calm weather Sunday helped, certainly -- but more motorcycle riders than last year turned out for the 20th annual Salina Toy Run. A column of 307 riders, led by Salina Police vehicles clearing traffic, roared away about 1 p.m. from the Mid-State Plaza parking lot, toys strapped to their bikes. The riders and their passengers made about a half-hour circuit through town, down Ninth, Crawford, Ohio and Cloud streets, before spilling into the parking lot of Emmanuel Christian Center, 1325 E. Cloud. Each year, the event gives riders a reason for some fellowship as a group, and local charities that receive the toys get a boost. "What I like is it doesn't just bring out the Harleys; it brings out everybody," said Tammy Trepoy, wife of one of the event organizers, Jim Trepoy. She said about 245 riders participated last year. Indeed, the lead rider, Salinan Andy Stierwalt, was straddling a 1500 cc Kawasaki Nomad decked out patriotically with three large United States flags flying from the rear and two smaller flags attached to the handlebars. There was a set of real deer antlers adorning the front of the bike. Stierwalt, like most of the other riders, was decked out in a black leather riding outfit, topped off with a set of cartoon holiday reindeer antlers. He paused to show off an earring attached to one side of the antlers -- it read "Jesus is the Reason for the Season." "(That) is what does it for me," Stierwalt said, smiling at the message. He said he rode his bike in the downtown Parade of Lights Saturday night with a Nativity scene replacing the antlers. Stierwalt on Sunday was representing a Masonic-affiliated motorcycle riding club, Widows Sons of Salina. He said he usually rides in three or four toy runs throughout the region during the holidays. The events give riders a reason to gather and the riders bring toys that are donated to local charities. "I ride my motorcycle all the time," he said. But participating in events to benefit children is special. "That's a blessing for me," he said. It's not uncommon for riders to come to the Salina Toy Run from as far away as Hays and Wichita, said Brenda Henderson, one of the riders with the local Harley-Davidson motorcycle owners association. She and her husband, Joker, a representative of the Christian Motorcycle Association, helped with the preparations at Emmanuel before the riders arrived. Many towns around Salina have their own toy runs, such as McPherson, Hays, Junction City, Hutchinson and Wichita, Jim Trepoy said. Joker Henderson said one year that Wichita drew as many as 2,100 riders. The hundreds of toys collected from this year's event were donated to Ashby House and the Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas. The small mountain of toys donated Sunday included stuffed animals, toy cars, dolls, blocks, balls and games. "If we didn't have these gifts, most of the families we work with wouldn't have a Christmas," Camey Presler, a DVACK representative, said.

Entry for November 18, 2006

I wasn't able to get all of these posted in yesterday's entry.  These are the shots I intend to submit to the contest thingie.  I don't know how Suzuki could not declare us the winners.........unless they aren't after the ROMEO market.........now what's the address of that Harley dealership?

Ride of a Lifetime

Picture:  The three amigos ham it up for the camera

What have I gotten myself into now?  Last week after the ROMEOs arctic lunch ride Richard and Louie stopped off at the local Suzuki dealership kick some tires and Richard came across a flyer for Suzuki's 'Ride of a Lifetime' promotion.  What it boils down to is three friends submit information about themselves and some pictures and if they are selected Suzuki will outfit them with motorcycles and gear for a 1100 mile, 5 day ride.  Of course they tag along shooting for commercials, etc.  The dealer convinced Richard and Louie that they would be good candidates, all they had to do was come up with a third rider..........me.  And since I have such "technical expertise" and a camera I got tapped to put the package together.  http://castingcall.suzukicycles.com/ if you are interested.  So that is what we did today.  After lunch at Taco Bueno we rode to Coronado Heights http://www.naturalkansas.org/coronado.htm and I snapped a few shots.  Then it was off to Marquette, via the twisty Falun road, for ice cream and to go over the entry form.  Of course you can't go to Marquette without making a call on Stan the Man at the Kansas Motorcycle museum http://www.ksmm.us/.  They had some new bikes and are in the process of building on so they can add more. 

  By now we have rode the afternoon away and it's time to head home.  I told Richard that if he wanted to go for a ride all he had to do was say so, no need to enter some contest as an excuse.  Winning would be fun though.

Entry for November 15, 2006

 

Picture:  Abilene, KS boyhood home of Dwight D. Eisenhower, 34th President of the USA.

Abilene is about 25 miles from Salina and most of it due East.  The temperature was 40 degrees at 10:45 when five of us meet at Wendy's for the ride to lunch at Mr K's Farmhouse.  Richard said, "let's meet on the South side of Wendy's so the building will block the wind.  That was a good plan as the wind was steady out of the North at 30mph.  Twenty plus miles on a beam reach with the bikes leaning (make that heeling) at what felt 30 degrees brought us to Mr K's.  One other ROMEO was there, John only lived two blocks away but, bless his heart, he rode his scoot to lunch.  That made Six total and another that had driven and was having lunch with his wife but stopped by to visit.  It was a day for smaller bikes, I was on the REB, Neil had his KLR, Louie on the DR200 , Richard on the scoot (no wife this ride) and Evan on the only big ride his V-Star.

  Mr K's has been around for years and is much more fancy than most of the places we eat.  I had the Orange Chicken and it was top notch.  Thanks to Evan for

entertaining us with wind chill data during lunch.  It seems that going 55 into a 30 mph wind at 40 degrees is a chill factor on 3 degrees.  Well that made the ride home much more enjoyable.

  It hadn't warmed up any as we cast off for the starboard reach back to Salina.  Since we came into town on the North end of town we made a stop at the H-D store to ogle all the shinny new bikes and drink their free coffee.  Nice folks there but they thought we were nuts riding in such conditions and I agreed.

  About 45 minutes and I was warm enough to take my reward for all the riding in the cross winds and run the 10 miles or so with the wind to get home.  ".  A friend of mine publishes a motorcycle magazine entitled "Riding South".  Today gave new meaning to term.

  Very invigorating day. 

Entry for November 11, 2006

Picture:  I used the Auto Zone brand.

I think I have solved the howling front brake problem on Dubya.  After much research on the W650 Yahoo group I came across a reference to some "brake pad isolation shims".  Little thin stick on metal coated shims that attach to the back of the pad and are supposed to prevent the vibration that causes the howl/squeak.  BUT, I also sanded the heck out of the pads with a sanding screen, now I'm not 100% sure which fix worked.  If the howl comes back I'm guessing the pads are the cause and I will look for a replacement.  I also greased and cleaned everything and bled the brakes all for the third time.  After an eight mile stop and go town ride this afternoon there was still no noise so I've got my fingers crossed (hard to type that way).

  It was a might nippy at 8am this morning when I rode the REB to the YMCA.  The thermometer outside the kitchen window said 32 degrees and there was frost on the car windows as I left the neighborhood.  I stayed on the back streets so I didn't have to go over 30mph.  It was a little warmer on the ride home.  A very invigorateing start to the day.

  The REB has sort of turned into my town bike.  With the saddle bags and luggage rack it is very handy for running errands and shopping.  Next Wednesday's ROMEO lunch is only 30 miles away in Abilene so I am planning on taking the REB.  Can't show any favoritism yer know.   

Entry for November 10, 2006

Picture:  A little too windy to ride.

 I took my wife to the airport in Wichita this morning so she could fly to Atlanta to meet daughter #3.  They will then drive to Virginia to #2's home where they will attend grandson #1's first birthday party on Saturday.  No, I didn't stay home just so I could go riding.  In fact it is darn lousy riding weather here is Mid-America, USA today.  One of those 40/40 days, 40 degrees and 40 mph wind.  Maybe I'll get out for a bit this evening if it stops blowing.

Entry for November 10, 2006

 Sweet Jesus in Heaven, I know there are folks working at Walmart that really need a job and most of them do a good job, but please Lord if I ever set foot in that place again could you have someone shoot me!

Entry for November 08, 2006

Pictue:  What the hell is Paul doing?

 Seven of us meet at Taco Bueno for the 120 mile ride to Hanover, KS and lunch at Ricky's Cafe.  Three scooters, four bikes and eight people including a first timer. Although a long way from retirement, my brother-in-law, Bob, took his first ROMEO (Retired Old Motorcyclist Eating Out) ride.  I think he had a good time because I could see his grin in my rear view all the way there.

  It was what they call unseasonably warm today, it got up to 89 and leather jacket was getting uncomfortable by days end.  There were 41 bikes/scoots but Ricky's took care of us like it was an everyday occurrence.  I the special, a huge slab of roast beef, homemade bread and drink for $6.  Hard to beat.  Turns out Bob knew a few of the guys that were there today.  I hope he doesn't have to wait until he retires to come again.

  The back roads to Longford for ice cream were fun even if we did have to stop and check the map a few times.  Pat was bringing up the rear on his scoot and several times looked like he was the hood ornament for trucks that wanted to go faster but didn't seem to want to pass.

  About the picture......Paul calims he was trying to improve the reception on his cell phone but it look pretty suspicious.

Beaver, KS November 01, 2006

Picture:  Taking home some of Mo's brew

This couple from California decided a couple of years to dump the corporate rate race and open a brewpub in the unlikely town of Beaver, KS.  You really have to search this place out cause it is pretty small.  Not a bad place for food, the service was pretty slow but we are accustomed to that.  I only had a 4oz sampler of some oatmeal stout.  Didn't want to imbibe too much you know.  I didn't think the stout was all that stout so decided to take home a jug of their porter and hope for the best.  Thank goodness for scooter riders cause Dubya is lacking any storage capacity.  My friend Pat hauled my brew home for me.

  Didn't make the ice cream stop with the main group but took a more direct route back home.  Pat and I stopped in Ellsworth at the Dairy Queen and I gassed up.  Still not too sure of Dubya's range but it is looking like 55-60 mpg.

  The temperature was up to a balmy 49 degrees when we hit Salina and I think we had both had enough riding for one day.

Fall in Salina, KS October 31, 2006

Picture:  Dubya in front of cottonwood trees

 

  OK, it's not New England color but we take what we can get in Kansas.  Some years the leaves go from green to on the ground so any color we get is appreciated.

  You can see that the center stand has been installed. Brother-in-law, Bob, and I did that job last Sunday afternoon.  We also got the larger windshield that came with the bike installed.  It had some bent brackets but we managed to straighten them out enough to make it work.  The shield is scratched up pretty good but I don't look through it anyway so it doesn't matter.  Sure knocks off the wind better than REB's that I had been using. 

  Tomorrow should be a good test, temperature is only going to be in the 40's as we ride to Beaver, KS for lunch.  There is supposed to be a good micro brewery there and I'm hoping to bring home some brew.

Entry for October 25, 2006

About 25 miles into the ROMEO lunch ride today I began to think maybe we were going to luck out and not get rained on.  Oh Well.  The drizzle stared just south of Canton and there was still about 40 miles to our destination in Walton.  As the four of us pulled up to the Whistle Stop Cafe there was only two other bikes there.  It was evident that the rain was going to hold down the numbers.  A total of 10 bikes and 11 people braved the elements for a good lunch in a neat small town cafe.  We hadn't been there too long when I figured out why the place was called The Whistle Stop.  A train came rattling by on the tracks that were just across the road from the place.  Before we left there must have been four trains that went by and they all blew their horns/whistles.

  Four of us started working our way back home by stopping in Hesston at Scoops, a excellent 50's styled rock 'n' roll hamburger and ice cream joint.  I ordered a small malt and as the girl took my money she told me that they only have one size.  Turns out that it was plenty large.  One more stop in Moundridge at Victory motorcycle shop and we were in the home stretch. 

  Richard's wife rode with him on his scooter today and as near as I could tell she wasn't carrying any unnecessary gear.  She was a big help to me though cause she pulled on my right rain glove cause I couldn't get hold of it.

  A quick stop at Richard's for an O'douls and I got home before the sky opened up for a big downpour.  140 miles on the first ROMEO run for Dubya and it was so wet and crappy that I never pulled out the camera so you will just have to imagine a dirty W650

Entry for October 24, 2006

Picture:  Richard and Joyce leave the scoot in the parking lot and take a break.

 

The following funny story is from my friend Richard.  Richard was on his 500cc Aprilia Scarabeo scooter for this 350 mile ride a couple of weeks ago.  He and his wife recently sold their motel and retired.  He obviously is having a problem handling his new found freedom.

 

 

Guys - The temperature for this Wednesday ride was 48 degrees when I rolled the bike out of the garage. No big deal for me but the wife had indicated an interest in going with me on this lunch ride. This is the first one we have been able to take together and she, like my friend Paul, doesn't take to cold weather. I finally convinced her that this here bike, unlike the car, doesn't have a heater, radio, adjustable seat or most of the other conveniences she is so dependent upon.

I finally got her layered up with her ski outfit on top and we took off. Gary and Evan wanting to get there on time, had left already but informed me of their route should we ever actually get ready to head out.

The temperature while brisk gradually warmed up a degree or two every thirty minutes or so and it became quite comfortable the further south we rode. I had chosen the scoot  today because it had a tail trunk which has a backrest built right into it and saddlebags which allowed for the extraneous gear she thought might be needed during the day on a trip such as this. Let me see.......do we really need this hair dryer? and why, pray tell would you  even be thinking of taking a curling iron and......come on woman, get real here, were just going on a lunch ride not a weekend jaunt anywhere......and extra shoes and .....why  all the make-up stuff..

Fortunately, I have no electronic rider/passenger intercom gizmo stuff. I ride with my own thoughts and tunes and enjoy it that way. Always have......

Tap, tap, tap.........What!      "I'm thirsty".......AARRRGH!

We had left early enough to allow for a relaxed ride since this was Joyce's first trip of any distance on this bike and all was going well until we hit a bridge out ahead sign and had to detour. Of course this meant we no longer knew which way Gary and Evan had turned to bypass the situation. I selected east since that was the general direction we needed to go and began meandering in a southeasterly direction at every paved corner. Before long I had no clue where we were, but the roads were paved, wind was from the north, it was warm and we were adding miles so we had to be making headway of some sort I reasoned. Nearly two hours of this and many a tap, tap, tap on the shoulder asking where are we now that I couldn't answer, brought us to a sign reading old hwy 81.  I was back in real time with an idea.

Wellington wasn't far off and I remembered a neat little diner that beckoned with hot chocolate. A perfect stop since nature was calling. I take that back........nature was screaming ....at both of us!

As we were finishing our hot chocolate, who should go by but Gary and Evan. They must have gone west at the detour.

We  picked up the pace a bit and were right behind them by the time they got to Oxford. We arrived at Geuda Springs straight up noon and on time. Every one was already inside and some had their meals by then so a exact count was easy to make. A turnout of 12 bikes and fourteen people. Not a giant turnout but it was good considering the forecast late the nite before.

A couple new first time Romeos were there from over the border down in Ponca City, our hometown. Someone forwards our notices to them but this was the closest ride yet and they thought they would try us out. Wonder of wonders, one of the guys was in my wife's class at Ponca City high school and it quickly turned into old home week catching up  on who's  who and who we had met just the past weekend at my 45th class reunion.

This continued  on for quite some time till someone mentioned we should to go see the local cycle repair shop just a block up the street and around the corner.

F.O.S.H. Motorcycle Company is the name of the place and I didn't even have a clue it was there but when I first entered their shop space and smelled the wonderful aroma of freshly burned castor oil, I knew it was an all right spot. Don't ask me what the letters F.O.S.H. stand for 'cause I don't know but if you ever happen to be in the area and need some work done, the smell of the place alone exudes an element of trust and confidence in their  work. They're open Tues. thru fir 11 - 7 and on Saturday from 10 - 2.

As we were leaving, Joyce says......"Rusty said Oklahoma is just 11 miles south. We could go get mom's suitcase she left in Ponca last weekend. I reminded her we're not in the car but she thinks its small and since we're so close......  

Bad ideas never seem to get better. I think it's one of those Murphy's law kind of things. When we arrived in Ponca, a quick trip to her aunts house found it......empty.

Her cousin, she said, was home and had a key so off we went in the other direction. Nothing do'in, we had to stay for a while to visit and I admit the cake and pop hit the spot but the wind was picking up and it seemed the clouds were moving in so we said our good byes and followed her cousin over to unlock the house and retrieve the 'red samsonite'. Now it may not have been the largest one they ever sold, but it looked huge to me. I got aboard and Joyce climbed on and her cousin shoved 'big red' vertically down between the two of us and we were off...... (In the head I thought at the time). By the time we were out of town and on the highway I was thankful for full face helmets so normal folks couldn't recognize us. They would zip by, slow down and stare with their mouths open in amazement at the rednecks going on vacation with their big red samsonite tucked upright between the two of us. I took as many backroads as I dared in case things really turned south. By the time we got to Udall, she had had enough of the vertical arrangement although as a backrest, 'ol red wern't  half bad, it was just my knees were jammed into the dash making steering somewhat difficult. She said the buffeting coming off the top was giving her a headache and needed to try laying it sideways. I was just thankful she didn't mean flat. Horizontal seemed to work better for her but added a bit of wind drift for me.

By Derby, it was getting colder and hungrier. We stopped at the Dairy Queen, through 'big red' off and went in to eat hoping someone would steal it before we returned. No such luck. Loading up, we could have sold  tickets. Everyone there waved as we left. We told them we were just married and were going on our honeymoon.  Bet they're still talking about it!

The front by now had moved in and the temperature was dropping by one degree every fifteen minutes. I hated to do it but I asked how she was getting along. I'm OK says she. It must have been the size of 'ol red' acting like a fairing keeping the cold off of her. Now me, I'm freez'in my knees off  what with my legs splayed wide apart like they were just to scrunch forward enough to allow room for 'ol red'.

Well sir, we made it back home and none too soon I can tell 'ya. The weather had turned a cold 46 degrees, and momma now knows better than to ever forget 'ol red' on any trip with us again! You can bank on it!

 

Entry for October 23, 2006

Picture:  My grandson had his first encounter with a cow at the petting zoo.  No, doesn't have a dang thing to do with motorcycles.

 Thirty four degrees and It really wasn't all that bad riding to the YMCA this morning.  I did have a little problem with my glasses fogging up every time I had to stop and that first few feet without being able to see is exciting but they cleared right up and I motored on.  The REB runs great in cold weather but I wonder if I should change to 20W40 at the next oil change.  It has been much colder so far this Fall so maybe the 20W50 I ran all last Winter isn't that great of an idea.

  Yesterday I rode Dubya to McPherson for a birthday open house for one of the ROMEOs.  Bill was celebrating his 70th.  They had a screen set up with some pictures playing, one of them was Bill on a Triumph Bonnie back in his skinny youth.  The W650 bears a strong resemblance, it isn't so much the engine as the headlight, tank and side panels. 

  While shooting the breeze with fellow ROMEOs Louie and Richard I mentioned Dubya's moaning brake problem.  Louie said to bled the brakes and it would go away.  Seems when air in the line hits the calipers it causes a vibration.  Sounded good to me and Richard had a nifty little brake bleeding hose with a one way valve that he lent me.  Got the job done this afternoon and it seems to have taken care of the problem.  I'll see what happens after it sits overnight.

Entry for October 19, 2006

Picture:  Dubya's engine

  Damn, that's a good looking bike!  Even took it out for a little ride this afternoon on a beautiful fall day.  About 46 degrees makes it just a little uncomfortable to ride at 55 mph without a windshield.  I need to get that thing on if I plan on riding much this winter.  Had the REB out for a little early morning work, 36 degrees and my hands were cold before I made it to the YMCA for a work out.  Took it over to Walmart early this afternoon to do a little shopping.  I was probably quite the sight with my paper towels and TP lashed to the rear rack but I don't give a hoot I'm getting 65 mpg.

  I put some pics of Dubya in the photo album if anyone is interested.

Entry for October 18, 2006

Well I'm getting a little behind on my blogging.  A little rant here..........yesterday I had to ride a bike to my dentist appointment because the truck was dead.  I choose W650 because I was in a hurry.  It was foggy, damp and cold with about a quarter mile visibility.  You would be shocked, shocked, I say, at the number of 4-wheel drivers that didn't have their lights on.  Enough of that crap.  I found a guy in Maryland that has a center stand for Dubya.  I have sent him money now if he sends me the center stand I will be happy.

  Yesterday I was poking around on Wikipedia and ran across the web site for an old Navy buddy of mine.  I Emailed him and he responded.  Nice to hear from old friends.  The web site is www.dennyseiwell.com.

Entry for October 13, 2006

 

I took the REB out for a 30 mile run this morning to check out the new push rods.  The bike ran great and my confidence in it increased with each passing mile.  I checked the adjustment when I got home and it was comfortably loose, just making a little ticking noise.  I think I am calling it fixed and will ride it at will.

 

 I've only had my W650 for two weeks but by golly I also have a Royal Enfield so I am used to a people looking and asking questions about the REB, but nothing prepared me for the reaction I got when I rode the W650 into the local Kawasaki dealership this afternoon.  First off I had to convince the parts guy that Kawasaki made a W650 and that yes, it was a motorcycle.  He went to the parking lot to make sure then told everyone in the place to go look.  I was encouraged that one of the mechanics knew what it was.  As I got ready to leave there were four people from the dealership and one customer standing around admiring my ride.

  To top off the day, on the way home my friend Richard, from Lindsborg, pulled his V-Strom along side me at a stop light and offered to buy me a chocolate malt at McDonald's.

 

It was a good motorcycle day,

It was a good motorcycle day,

Entry for October 12, 2006

Picture:  New garage door

I guess if I had an artistic bone in my body I would have taken a picture of the bikes outside, in front of the new garage door. That way you couldn't see what a crappy garage I have. Yep, got the door done yesterday, it goes up and down just perfect, didn't even have to move the opener.

  I unleashed both bikes today.  It was about 45 degrees when I fired up the REB to run a few errands.  It sure likes cool weather and it was running great.  Tomorrow I plan to take it for a real ride to see if the exhaust push rod is indeed fixed.  This afternoon was Dubya's turn and took a short jaunt around the West side of Salina,  Still cool and a strong wind made riding less than fun so we packed it in early.

  Pardon me now while I philosophize a bit.....What more could a man ask for than to have a loving family and two motorcycles?  Ah yes, life is good.

Entry for October 11, 2006

  Another Wednesday and I am missing the lunch ride with the ROMEOs.  This time it isn't a bike problem.  My garage door broke it's spring over last weekend and I decided to replace the door.  Projects of this type usually end up being more work than anticipated.  Such is my case  Two bikes in the garage and I can't open the door yet.

Dubya and The REB 10/03/06

 

Pictures: 2004 Royal Enfield Bullet Sixty-5 (the REB) and 2001 Kawasaki W650 (Dubya)

 

  Together for the their first picture, and a handsome looking brace of motorbikes if I do say so myself.  I repaired the stripped exhaust mounting bolt on the REB and took it out for about a 5 mile run this afternoon.  It ran OK but when I checked the exhaust pushrod while hot it was very tight.  I could turn it with a 13mm but just too damn tight.  So, it is looking like the dealer was correct that the adjuster was the problem and he seems to think that it is OK to run the exhaust valve tight. 

I haven't asked him if he would stand by that if the valve burns up.  What I think I will do is install the new pushrods that I have on the shelf and see if they will hold a normal adjustment.  Probably won't get to that for a few days cause I'll be busy with the grandson and daughter.

  Dubya?  Just thumb it and go.  The front brake squeaks and groans though so I will have to check that out. 

Entry for October 02, 2006

  The REB is home.  I walked into Broadway Street Bikes and the REB was on the show room floor beside a new Electra.  Don't know why because it was pretty dirty but I guess it still looked pretty good.  It started right up but the muffler was rattleing so I looked down and found a nut off the rear header mounting bolt.  Not only was it off but it looked stripped.  They offered to fix it but it would mean another 180 mile round trip so I declined.  That nut had fell off when the bike was new and I replaced it with one that didn't fit all that well so figured I had gotten my mileage out of it.  I'll pull the bolt out and re-thread it before riding.  There in lies the problem, I won't have time to work on it for a few days as daughter #2 and grandson #only arrive tomorrow.  The rest of today and tomorrow are filled with important honeydos.  I won't know if it is fixed until I can ride it a few miles.  One thing for sure BSBs didn't ride for more than 3 miles.  They told me the mech took it out for a ten mile run.  I don't who is lying to whom but I'm betting their fix is crap and I have learned an expensive lesson.  Should I ever mention taking this thing to a dealer again would someone please shoot me!

  I should mention that Dubya and the REB look really, really cool together.

   

Entry for September 29, 2006

 Well, I did it.  I bought the 2001 Kawasaki W650 that was on Ebay.  Pat and I went up to St. Mary's this afternoon to take a look and it looked about as good up close as the pictures.  I rode it a bit and it seemed pretty smooth for not being ridden for two years. 

I just don't understand how someone can have a bike like this (or any kind) and not ride it.  After I got it home I took it out for a little spin up to about 50mph.  Nothing wrong so far.

  To back up just a bit.  I knew, I just knew that the dealer would call today and tell me the REB was ready to pick up.  One day too late to make the rally in MO and honestly had I gotten it earlier I might have held off on the W.  Oh well, one can't have too many motorcycles.  It sounds like the dealer did a lot of messing around and checking stuff, polished the rockers, looked measured, checked, etc. and finally came to the conclusion that the lock nut on the pushrod adjuster was getting loose causing the pushrod to turn out making it too tight.  Sounds reasonable to me but I wish to hell I had just replaced the pushrods when the notion first occurred to me.

  My friend Don was an electrical contractor for many years and now he sells buffalo meat to the government and makes doggie treats for Purina (www.ozmeats.com).  Anyway he doesn't know much about motorcycles but has had some experience with pushrod engines.  He told me three weeks ago that the problem was the adjuster nut getting loose.  I hope that takes care of the problem, I'll ride it for a while to make sure then I'll put in the new pushrods I got while the REB was in the shop.

  I can't believe I have two bikes....... I hope nothing goes wrong with the W cause I don't think it will be as easy to work on as the REB.

 

Entry for September 28, 2006

 

Picture: Kawasaki W650

Another week without the REB and no word from the dealer.  I am now getting hard headed and thinking that he can just keep it in his shop until he gets tired of tripping over it cause I'm NOT calling him again.  Looks like the trip to the Enfield rally in MO is offically a bust unless by some stroke of luck the REB would be ready to pick up today.

  Now that attitude does nothing to get me riding again so tomorrow I am going to look at a 2001 Kawasaki W650 that is on Ebay.  It only has 1700 miles and looks real sharp in pictures.  I would have bought one of these instead of the REB if I could have found the right one.  No, I'm not planning on selling the REB, I love that bike and I have come to realize that everyone needs at least two motorcycles.

REBless Entry for September 22, 2006

Picture:  Playing in the dirt, 238cc Kawasaki, Kami Seya, Japan, 1969

I talked with the dealer that is holding the REB  He still hasn't done anything with it as he is negotiating on my behalf with CMW for a three week extension on the warranty.  I guess he wants to get the warranty thing nailed down before he starts replacing parts.  He thinks the lifters are the problem, general consensious on the Yahoo groups is that it is a valve seat problem.  I would just as soon not have to pay for his education so I'm not getting nasty with him about getting it fixed.  Who knows maybe he is right on, I looked at the lifters and they look fine to me, but what the hell do I know?

  As I am prone to do when REBless I look at old pictures and play with the computer.  The above picture was taken in 1969 when I was stationed at the US Naval Security Group Activity in Kami Seya, Japan.  The bike is a 238cc Kawasaki F21M, one of the first Japanese motocrossers.  I bought it used, I think it was a '67 or '68.  It had Ceriani forks, and I later put on a hotter rotary valve, larger carb and a different pipe.  On tight tracks it was competitive but the Yamahas could out run it on the longer tracks.  I had a novice class racing license and competed in many races while in Japan.  Races were also regularly hosted at Atsugi NAS.  Once in awhile we would hold "All American" meets with just Americans, I was much more successful in those than the ones with the Japanese.

  I shipped the bike to Hawaii when I left Japan and it was stolen from my driveway.  Never got it back, damn that was a fun bike.  Anyway, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

  P.S.  That "thing" in the background is a Wullenweber Circular Disposed Antenna Array, also know as an elephant cage.

 

Entry for September 15, 2006

Picture:  Me on the V-Strom with Neil making my ears look even bigger. 

Last Wednesday I rode 330 miles on my friend Richard's 650cc Suzuki V-Strom, to have lunch with the ROMEOs in Howard, KS.  You can't really compare the V-S with the REB but I will anyway.

  I guess power is biggest thing, my gawd this thing has power, way more than any same person needs, and it is a small bike compared to what most people ride.  With a 10,500 rpm red line and a six speed transmission it is totally different than the slow revving thump of the REB.  I never had it over 6 grand and just once in 6th and that was about 80mph.  Sorry Richard, just couldn't resist one little burst up to that speed.  The rear suspension on the V-S works as opposed to the REB's which doesn't unless you are carrying a passenger.  The seat on the V-S is more comfortable and my butt and back didn't start hurting bad until the return trip. The V-S sits high enough that I could just get my feet on the ground but the foot rests are so high that I felt a little scrunched up.  Handling is great as is the REB but with the extra power it was easy to get sideways when powering around corners (just a little joke Richard, I wouldn't do that).

  Riding at 65-70 is not nearly as enjoyable as 55, things happen much quicker but I found myself become more comfortable with the speed the longer I rode.  I still don't understand what people get out of riding on the Intestates unless they are in a hurry. 

  Dual disk brakes vs. drum, now that is a now brainer.  The V-S stops as well as it goes.  So does the REB I guess.

  Anyway since the REB is still in the shop I had seriously been thinking about another bike, the V-S is #1 on my list but I'm still thinking.

  Lunch.......it was OK.

Thanks for the ride Richard.

Yesterday, Sept 10, 2006

Picture:  This is what the TS-185 looks like new 

My brother-in-law and personal welder, Bob, bought a used 750 Vulcan a few weeks ago.  It didn't take long for his wife, Kayrene, climb on the back and ride with him.  She isn't the type to stay in the back but she was a little short in the leg for the Vulcan.  She got the idea that Bob and I could get her old 1973 Suzuki TS-185 running and she would have something to putt around on.  One day Bob came home from work to find this beat up dirty hulk of a 2-stroke sitting in his shop where she had put it after digging it out from under a 25 year accumulation of "stuff" in a shed.  See if you can get it going were the orders.

  This machine obviously needs tires, chain, headlight, fork seals, brake light, turn signals and the list goes on.  Since the engine turned over and had compression Bob's first thought was to see if it would make a spark.  No Joy.  A little investigation showed a coil with a big crack so we tracked down a coil on Ebay.  Still no Joy.  Bob calls in an expert (me) with a VOM.  We set to tracking the flow of electrons from the Mag/stator/alternator what ever the hell this thing has.  The 6V battery died years ago but Bob remembered that you didn't need a battery to start it.  It also has an electronic ignition (no points) which is a step up from what I'm used to. 

  He had wisely cleaned up the mag/alternator thing and it was putting out fire when kicked over.  I might add here that the head or barrel have not been removed.  Bob did look at the top of the piston through the exhaust port when he thought he had dropped a little washer into the spark plug hole.  Oh yes, the crank case had some oil added to it and he removed the rag stuffed in the tank and added some 2-stroke juice.

  It didn't take too long to locate the blockage to a corroded connection and we got spark on the plug after which the following conversation took place:

 

Bob:  Let's put the gas tank on and see if we can start it.

Me:    Have you cleaned out the carb?

Bob:  Naw, but look the throttle works just fine, you think it needs it?

Me:    Idunno

Bob:  We'll give it a try (replaces gas tank, puts in gas, breaks 33 year old gas line, puts on new gas line, sees gas dripping out the end, hooks gasoline to carb, installs new spark plug)

Bob:  Think I need to choke it?

Me:    Wouldn't hurt.

Bob:  gruntkick, gruntkick, gruntkick

Bike:  ringadingy, ringading, smoke

Me:    Damn, it's running!!

 

  I couldn't believe it, after 25 years of neglect the thing starts on the 3rd kick.  There is still a long way to go before it is on the road but there is nothing like getting something in that condition fired up again.  I must say it took my mind off the Royal Enfield's troubles for awhile.

 

Back in the Day

Picture:  125cc Honda

   You can tell I don't have a bike to ride, I've been going through old pictures and reminiscing about motorcycling days gone by.  This one was taken in front of the Kanpai Saki bar in Kadena, Okinawa in June 1963.  I don't remember the year of the bike, just that it replaced my 125cc Yamaguci two stroke.  This was a real step in terms of power and reliability. 

  I think maybe this was the night that I became a believer in helmets, don't ask.

Entry for September 04, 2006

Here I sit, bikeless, with some of the best riding weather of the year just passing me by. This is the time of the year in Kansas that makes up for the 100+ heat and 40mph winds. The sun is shinning, 78 degrees, light winds and low humidity. Maybe I'll get the sailboat out, oh yeah I forgot all the boat ramps dried up this summer. Oh crap, might as well mow the &%^$##ing lawn.

Entry for September 01, 2006

Picture:  Timing chest

 

The saga continues.  I picked up the REB on Wednesday (Aug 30th).  David said he couldn't find anything wrong with it and that is was running fine.  Foolishly, I loaded up and headed home without riding it at the dealership.  Two hours later as sat in dirt readjusting the exhaust push rod I vowed never to do that again.  The bike ran great at first then a couple of miles down the road it lost power and died and would not restart.  A check of the push rod confirmed my suspicions.  After I loosened up the valve a bit it started right up and I made it home just as it was dying again.

  A little side note here......as I sat by the road working on the bike several cars and trucks passed by without stopping.  No problem, I knew what I was doing and had my cell phone but I was really surprised when I heard the rumble of a big twin coming down the road and the rider didn't even look my way.  No, disappointed is more like it.  Things like didn't used to happen and can't believe that any of the ROMEOs would fail to stop and offer assistance to a fellow biker.  A nice young lady in a beat up old car finally stopped and asked if I needed help.  I assured her I was OK and even got the bike going while she was there.  I really appreciated her stopping and let her know it.

  Well the REB is sitting at the dealers again.  I hauled it down there today.  He seems real anxious to get it repaired so I will stick with him for now.  For sure the problem lies in the exhaust valve.  Last night I took off the timing chest cover just to satisfy myself that the tappets were OK.  They looked like new as did all the timing gears (see picture).

Entry for August 25, 2006

Picture:  The REB at rest.  Sure hope the sleeve of my jacket didn't get melted.

  After consulting with Classic Motorworks and Broadway Street Bikes in Wichita I have decided to haul the REB to Wichita (Haysville actually) and let them take a crack at the ailing engine.

   Yesterday, Thursday, I readjusted the exhaust valve and it seemed to be running OK so I went for a seven mile ride to warm things up.  After shuting it down for a few minutes and then restarting it didn't sound right.  Checked the push rod and damned if it wasn't tight.  To compound things there is now no compression, a first for the REB.  Hey, no problem, the valve is too tight so it isn't closing all the way, just loosen the push rod and problem solved.  Not happening today.  Still no compression.  It starts and runs, how I don't know, a tribute to the toughness of this little thumper I guess.  Anyway Pat is coming over this morning and we are going to load up the REB in my truck and haul it to the new dealer in Wichita.  I hope they are as good as they look.

  Here is my diagnosis:  as to the push rod adjustment problem I think the tappet is worn down.  CMW said 5/16 lift was withing spec but I think that is the problem.  No compression, I hope it is just a carboned up valve.  When I rode it and the push rod tightened up not allowing the valve to close completely carbon must have gotten in there (at least I hope that is the case).  This bike has always used more oil than I thought normal so I suppose rings can't be ruled out, although it is odd that it would show up so suddenly.

  I have no clue how long it will take for David at Broadway SB to get things sorted out, just hope I have it back for the RE Rally on the River the first of October.

Entry for August 24, 2006

Picture:  Louie's DR200, a bit firmer ride than his Harley (Max and Pat contributed to the photos in the album)

                                     The REB is Down

 Pat and I were joined by a new ROMEO yesterday.  Randy with his cherry 2001 Suzuki Savage 650cc thumper made the 125 mile ride with us to Puffy's Ice & Steak House in Maple Hill, KS.  The ride was uneventful except for a rock road detour to get around a bridge east of White City on KS4.  I guess "uneventful" isn't a good way to describe a ride through the Flint Hills, although they were a bit hazy it is always spectacular.

  We were the last to arrive as we had miscalculated our travel time.  Puffy's is a nice place that would be worth a second visit sometime.

  Seven of us, including Louie on his brand new Suzuki DR200, rode back through Council Grove for a stop at the DQ.  When getting ready to leave DQ the city mayor walked up and introduced himself and visited with us for a few minutes.  He owned the DQ and had been in the back washing his new Goldwing when he saw us.

   When I pulled in the driveway at 5:30pm I killed the engine so I could move Sue's car and when I started it back up there was this awful tinny, clanking noise coming from the bottom of the engine.  The first thing I checked was the oil but it was fine.  Then off came the pushrod adjuster plate and there I found the problem.  The exhaust pushrod was just flopping around, loose as a goose.  Upon further examination I found the adjuster to be tight on the pushrod leaving only the tappet as the culprit.  I have to get into the timing chest to look at the tappet and there I'm treading into unknown territory.  After I talk to Classic Motorworks, www.enfiendmotorcycles.com, this morning I will decide what to do..........stay tuned.

Entry for August 21, 2006

Picture:  Two choices of pillion seat

  I have spent this rare rainy Kansas day building a pillion seat to mount on the luggage rack.  Classic Motorworks wants $60 for this seat and I just can't see spending that much.  I used some 5/16" plywood that I had on hand and found a 1/2" sleeping bag pad at Walmart to use for the cushion.  I cut three pieces of the pad to fit the plywood and spray glued it all together.  Also drilled holes in the pads to relieve some of the density.  Don't know if it helped but those pads are pretty hard.  The vinyl came from a sewing place (now that is a topic for another blog).  My upholstery job shows a lack of skill but I don't plan on using it that much.  Total investment, including brackets, was about $25 and I still have half a can of glue.

  The Wildcat stadium seat was sort of a joke but I think Sue would have been happy with it if I could have figured out how to mount it.

Whitewater, KS August 16, 2006

Picture:  Richard's newest ride?

 The sky had dark and ominous appearance when I left the house at 9:20am.  A half mile and ten minutes later when Neil pulled up on his bright yellow 1000cc V-Strom to join Pat and I, the sky was clearing and the sun shinning.  So goes the weather in Kansas.

  A pleasant ride down old 81 to Lindsborg brought us to the Viking motel where we joined Richard and Gary for the ride to Whitewater.  After a quick stop in McPherson for Richard's glasses we set out for Moundridge to met Paul with his "78 CB750.  The Kansas weather struck again with light rain between Mac and Moridge.  It was the kind of rain that wasn't heavy enough to make you stop and pull on the rain gear but light enough to make you stick it out and get wet. 

  As we pulled in the Victory motorsports  we could see two riders leaving in the distance.  Sure enough Paul had gotten antsy and left with someone else.  We finally caught up with Paul before turning South onto hwy 15.  He and Dale had happened onto each other at the shop.

  The seven of us must have made quite a sight, 2 V-Stroms, 2 scooters, 1 V-twin cruiser, an antique Honda and an antique looking thumper.  Thankfully they held the speed to 55-60 so I could keep up on the REB.

  We were some of the last to arrive but before I went I visited with the Whitewater fire chief who had been checking out the REB.  He told me he had visited India 3 years ago and was familiar with Royal Enfields.  India, he said was overrun with small displacement bikes made in China and the Bullet was the king of the road there.  The "Harley of India" he called them.  He also told me he had a Norton 850 Commando and a healthy appreciation for Birt iron.

  The Whitewater cafe is a nice little place with a friendly staff and varied menu.  Of course the 32 ROMEOs packed the place much to the consternation of some of the locals who turned away after seeing the crowd.  The service was quick though and I got the pan fried chicken dinner ($5.95) quickly.  And no, I didn't leave room for dessert.

  On the way home Neil, Pat and I stopped at Dan's cycle in Hesston.  I'd heard a lot about the place and wasn't disappointed.  I even bought their last flat, snap-on face shield but I passed on the free kittens.

  You might have noticed that the REB was dressed for travel.  I was testing out my packing skill in preparation for the Royal Enfield "Rally on the River" in Steelville, MO the first weekend in October.  This will be my first camping experience in years so I need the practice.  I'm sure this topic will come up in future blogs.

  Another 180 carefree REB miles.

 

A little funny:  H-D rider- "This beer is flat, let's wreck the joint."

                       BMW rider- "This cappuccino is cold, let's only tip 10%."

Cambridge, KS August 9, 2006

Picture:  We left pretty damn early

    As you can see by the picture Neil and I left pretty early in the morning.  All these guys I ride with are pretty patient with me and my slow REB but it does make for some long rides.  It was 160 miles to Cambridge and the last 25 or so miles was some of the best riding I have seen in Kansas.  Actual curves in the road, not just those mile corner turns although were plenty of those too.

  About 16 ROMEOs turned out in the heat at a neat little cafe.  Unfortunately I ordered a pork tender and it was one of those frozen, throw it in the fryer kind.  The fries were great though and the two girls running the place were great.

  We had gotten there early enough that tire kicking wasn't a priority out in the 100 plus heat so after hanging around in the cool as long as we could we headed off to Haysville so I could stop by the new Royal Enfield dealership.  Richard joined us on his new used V-Strom 650.  What a nice bike, I just hope his wife doesn't run over it when she finds out he has bought another motorcycle.  Some guys have all the luck, I have to get by one just one.

  The Enfield dealer didn't have one on display, he said he had sold the two he had and they are getting so popular that he has to wait for another shipment to come in before he can get more.  He did let us go in the back and look at a military he was working on.

  The shortest way home was right up old 81 through the middle of Wichita.  Very interesting ride, saw several old style motels, some of Wichita's oldest restaurants and possibly a hooker or two.  By the time we got through Newton I had seen enough traffic and the wide open road was welcome.

  When I finally got home I heard that it was 108 degrees today (106.9 to 111 depending on the report).  I had been drinking water but evidently got a little dehydrated cause I got some leg craps later in the evening.  The new mesh jacket (Joe Rocket Phoenix 4.0) worked great and was actually cool if I poured some water on my t-shirt occasionally.  I even put my gloves back on cause it was better than having the sun beat on my hands.

  The REB just seems to run better and better (knock on wood).  Last year at this time I was having lots of problems with it dying at stop signs and the clutch would get awful sticky.  Now about the only problem I have is getting the side stand up when I take off.

  At 333 miles this was one of my longest rides (maybe the longest).  It has convinced me to make the planned ride to the REunion in MO a two day trip.

Entry for August 01, 2006

  Here I am in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and the REB is back in Kansas.  Ah well, I will just appreciate her all the more when I get back home.

  The new coil and spark plub (BR8EIX) came in last Friday afternoon but not in time to install so that job is waiting for me next week.  Even though I have a brand new Joe Rocket mesh jacket I hope the weather cools off just a little bit.

Entry for July 25, 2006

Picture:  Hole rubbed in the coil

I have been pretty lucky with the REB.  It has never given me any problems on the road that I couldn't deal with and I have always ridden it home.  Some of this has to do with my superior mechanical skills of course, but mostly it is because I have been fortunate enough to discover problems before they become ride enders.  First came the broken throttle cable two days before I planned to haul the bike to Kansas City and do some riding in Missouri.  Next was spotting a frayed clutch cable before it snapped.  I replaced that one with the factory supplied spare.

  Today I finally got around to pulling the coil with the intention of taking it to Auto Zone to be checked because the spark seemed weak.  Once I removed it I noticed the hole in the above picture.  It had been rubbing on the bracket that holds the chrome air box.  Oil was leaking out and it was apparent that failure was imminent.  Another long walk home adverted.  Superior mechanical skills or dumb luck, you decide.

Breakfast in Marquette July 19, 2006

Picture:  Eric, Stan the Man Engdahl , and Pam at the Kansas Motorcycle Museum.  Some of his 600+ racing trophies line the wall.

Today was the day we were supposed to have lunch with the ROMEOs but predicted 110 degrees temperatures made us whimp out and opt for a early morning run for breakfast in Marquette, KS.  Pam and I rode on the REB and Eric followed in my truck.  The plan was to eat breakfast then go next door to visit the Kansas Motorcycle Museum, www.ksmm.us, so we were disappointed to see that it didn't open until 10am. 

  After a leisurely breakfast we were heading back to the vehicles when we met Mr. and Mrs. Engdahl who were coming in to eat.  After introductions, Stan insisted that he open up the Museum and show us around before he had his breakfast.  It was quite a treat to get a guided tour by "the Man" himself.  He also told me that the web site was in for a major overhaul in the near future so you might want to check back sometime.

  We returned through Lindsborg a got home about 10:30.  The thermometer was showing 90.

Brother-in-Law Bike July 14, 2006

Picture:  Brother-in Law looking cool on his new 1993 Kawasaki Vulcan 750cc

  A very interesting motorcycle day.  It all started with a phone call from my brother-in-law, Bob, yesterday afternoon.  He started off by saying he had just put $65 ...&^%**#darn dollars worth of dadgum%^#@* gas in his truck and he asked if there were any motorcycles for sale in Salina.  Unable to talk him into buying a 50cc scooter I looked in the paper and picked out a couple of likely prospects, cheap with low mileage.  He and his wifely ended up coming up to look at one about 7:15pm so Sue and I went with them to take a peak.  The end result was he cut a deal on the bike in the picture.  Just over 10K miles and it ran like a top.  Now things got interesting.......

  The seller was going to be leaving for the weekend early this afternoon so if they wanted the bike for the weekend it would have to be picked up before he left town.  Retired brother-in-law to the rescue.  See if you can keep up:  1) Since the seller would only take cash Bob had to write me a check, move money from his savings to checking to cover the check.  I had to take the check to my bank, who of course wouldn't cash it without a 10 day hold, so I deposited it to savings and withdrew the necessary cash.  Now 2) I ride the REB over to the seller's place to get the title and give him the cash.  Why am I riding the bike you ask?  Cause daughter #3 has my truck in Kansas City.  With title in hand and arrangements made to pick up the bike in a little while I ride over to Sue's work.  3) Sue hauls me to Bob's new bike.  4) I ride the bike home with Sue following.  5) Sue takes me back to her work where I mount the REB.  5) I ride to Mcpherson and give the title to sister-in-law so she can go to the court house and register the Vulcan.  6) Sister-in-law suggests that since brother-in-law is now off work maybe I could just pack him the 35 miles to Salina and he could ride the bike home saving them a trip up there in their gas guzzler.  7) Sounds like a plan sez I and we do just that.  Two old men packing double on a old looking bike and loving it.  Everything went according to plan and Bob is now home with his new wheels.

  I got to say I was impressed at how the REB handled the extra weight and how smooth the ride was with that weight.  Acceleration was understandably a little slower but it cruised at 55 with no sign of protest.  Braking took a little more planing but since I adjusted to double leading link front brake it wasn't too bad. 

  Just one other thing, the guy selling the Vulcan had a new Triumph Rocket III setting in his garage, 2300cc, a beautiful bike.  It was A good motorcycle day.

 

Seat preference July 07, 2006

I realize that the REB isn't the most comfortable ride out there but I now know without a doubt that the solo seat is more comfortable than the stock long seat.  I recently put the long seat back on because my daughter is coming for a visit and we plan to do some two-up riding.

  The stock seat has more padding but you can feel every bump, thump, buzz and jolt because it is connected hard to the frame.  On the solo you just gently bounce up and down and the springs isolate you from much of the vibration and jolts.

  This is just my preference others may feel differently but the next time the solo seat stays on and a pad will be put on the luggage rack for the passenger.

Entry for July 05, 2006

  No motorcycle stuff today, I blew off the ROMEOs in favor of another group of old guys at the U.S. Senior Open http://www.ussenioropen.com/ at Prairie Dunes Country Club in Hutchinson, KS.

  Let me tell you for a bunch of senior these old farts can flat hit the golf ball.  And what a beautiful course, laid out in the middle of the sand hills.  Since I don't play golf anymore I can say this without any guilt.........."I sure would like to get out there with a good dirt bike!"

Galva, KS June 28, 2006

Picture:  1999 Ural sidecar outfit from Kansas City.

   Lunch today in Galva, my hometown, KS.  The Front Porch is a nice little place that Sue and I have eaten in a few times.  I guess I had written it off as a ROMEO site because of all the artsy-craftsy foo foo stuff they have for sale but the guys (and two wives) seemed right at home.  The food was good and the service great and now that I think about it I wished I had left more of a tip.  Oh well, I'll make up for it the next time we go there.

  There was quite the variety of motorbikes today, including a Ural sidecar rig.  The couple with the sidecar came from the Kansas City area.  There was also two old BMWs that drew a lot of attention.  The REB and I have been to so many of these lunches we hardly get a second glance.  The most unusually machine, however, was a 1965 Yahama 2-stroke of around 90cc.  I got to talking with the rider, who was from McPherson, and it turns out I had met him years ago when he brought a mutual friend to Salina to visit  The friends were Ken and Beth Bassett, our minister and his wife, from Panama.  Howard had worked in the CZ for a couple of years and he and his family attended the same church that we did when I was stationed there.  Small world.

 

  Pat finally got his scooter out of the shop and made his first lunch in awhile.  Neil rode his new V-Strom so three of us made the short ride from Salina.  We came back through McPherson, so I could get some Java John's coffee, then took the long way back to Salina via Burma road.  Just over 90 miles for the round trip and the temperature never got over 94

 

Entry for June 26, 2006

Picture:  Left side:  You wouldn't think it would take all this mess just to change a tire.  Right side:  No lift? No problem!

About half way through changing the front tire on the REB I almost decide that the tires that were on there could probably last another 1000 miles or so.  What a PITA.  The last time I did this job was the rear knobby on my 238 Kawasaki in Japan in 1969.  I think I must have been stronger then.  The REB is up in the bed of the truck cause you have to either tilt the bike or lift it to get the rear wheel off.  Tilting by myself wasn't an option so I came up with this bright idea, worked OK.  So anyway the REB has new rubber, we will see how the made in Taiwan Cheng Shin tires hold up.  It was apparent that they were not has heavy as the Avon's but they cost a third the price.

  Last Saturday, on our way to the cousin's wedding in Oklahoma City, we stopped in at a new Royal Enfield dealer in Haysville, KS.  Broadway Street Bikes is a small independent shop that looks they work on most anything.  The lady that owns the place seemed pleased that we stopped by just to check them out.  Her parents were there too, just hanging out.  They took Sue and I in the back and showed us the brand new Electra that had just been set up.  Her husband/mechanic wasn't there and she didn't know much about the bike but we visited with the parent for awhile.  Up in the little showroom they showed us pictures of themselves on big Indians taken back in the 40s.  They don't ride up front anymore but help out around the shop to stay involved.  I am always amazed at how motorcycles lower the age barrier. 

 

  Speaking of being amazed..........just south of Haysville on I-35 we got passed by a guy on a Big Dog.  This ole boy had a arse about three foot wide and must have been showing six inches of butt crack.  What a sight, ride on brother....