Gloss Mountain State Park, Oklahoma

Today I clocked 430 miles on the bike, round trip from Norman to Gloss Mountain State park and Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge.  Gloss Mountain was awesome to behold, and today was a perfect day.  Crosswinds near the salt plains were horrible, and the salt flats were uninspiring to me.

I met a few very nice people.  A lady named Suzy who owns a pharmacy in Fairview who would not let me pay for a soda and stayed late talking to me.  Three separate times, while I was looking at my phone or map guys stopped to ask if I needed directions or help.  One guy pulled up in an old Land Rover to compliment my bike, and he was a R1150GS owner.  Another guy gave me directions and he has a couple old Hondas (cb550 and cl360).

I got stuck and had to remove my panniers to lighten up and pull the bike out by hand.

I dropped it three times while trying to pull it backwards

Finally, I did get the bike un-stuck and turned around.

Too bad, I would have loved to get a some salt flat pictures of the bike.

Fort Reno

My plan for tomorrow is to ride to Glass Mountains State Park.  Today I rode about half way there and turned around at Fort Reno.   Fort Reno was used as a POW camp during WWII, according to the lady in the visitor center.  Looks like a very interesting place to visit but i have no time right now.

First ride in Oklahoma

I have six weeks to explore Oklahoma.  Yes, it is tornado season. 

Back in Black

I realized soon after painting the plastics army green, that I preferred black.  I used Krylon Fusion satin black, after scuffing the green paint with 400 grit sandpaper and cleaning with Prepsol.

Rattle-can paint job in my backyard

The Fairing looks very 'Darth Vader' in black

Installed new chain and sprockets

Today I installed the new chain and sprocket set that I had purchased in the Fall of last year.  The chain was at its limits and the sprockets were worn a bit.  I upgraded to a 16 tooth front sprocket, hoping to keep the revs lower at highway speeds.

new o-ring chain and 16 tooth front sprocket

the master link wouldn't budge, so I had to dig out my Dremmel rotary tool

I should have removed the countershaft nut before the rear tire, so I had to clamp it with the old chain

the nut spun right off with the transmission in neutral and the old chain clamped as pictured above

the larger sprocket and new chain cleared the stator wiring fine

now we have some adjustment room

Rode to Utica, IL

Today I rolled the bike out from the storage unit, installed the battery, inflated the tires, topped-off the oil and took it for a 70 mile ride to Utica.  Right now, I'm at Duffy's Tavern waiting for my Ruben sandwich.  I had to use hand warmers on the way out.  I am very happy with the new Seat Concepts saddle, so far.

Installed pannier boxes

Finally, after waiting 3 months for these boxes to arrive and another week of procrastination, my panniers are mounted.  I really would not have chosen these because they are way too big to look cool, but the price was right.

Without a center stand, the swing arm stand was essential for the installation

That's my '82 KZ550A in the background

Ready for adventure, or grocery-getting

The paint on the boxes is of poor quality, but then so is the paint on my plastics!

There was not enough flatwashers to use some as spacers (as instructed) so I used 3/8" lockwashers and no threadlock

I was too lazy to remove the side covers, so a sharp nail and locking pliers did the trick

The total width is over 36" and it looks stupid.

Damn, I just added about 25 pounds to my bike.  Its a good thing they are easily removable.

Installed Eagle Mike's rear brake pedal mount

Another quality product from the famous KLR650 guru.  Installed in 10 minutes, and worth every penny!  I think it looks nice next to the Happy Trails master cylinder guard.

Went back to the trails in Montgomery

The trails were still wet, but not as muddy as last time.  I was able to have more fun this time, standing on the pegs and even getting out of 1st gear a few times.  I need to get a dirt bike for the kids!

Installed handlebar risers

I purchased these at RockyMountainAtvMc.com just a couple of days ago, and they arrived today.  I installed them after getting home from work and have not ridden the bike with them yet.  Standing on the pegs (on the side-stand) felt good, and I will find out tomorrow morning for sure.  I did use the spacers under the bolt heads, because it seemed like the bolts were close to bottoming-out.

Obviously, black would have looked better but these will do the job

Upgraded my tail light to LED

This just came in the mail today, I found it "hardly used" on eBay for a good price.  It is the 'WOW' LED tail light kit from Happy Trail and found on KLR650.net.  Money well spent!!

Re-wired the rear turn signals

I think the turn signals look ridiculous mounted that far back and at that height, but they're functional for now.