Tach / speed data before sprocket change

Damn school buses kept slowing traffic this morning, so I never made it to my target speed.  See pics.

45 MPH = 2600 RPM

50 MPH = 3000 RPM

62 MPH = 3600 RPM

66 MPH = 4000 RPM

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.

Seat upgrade

After some research on DIY seat mods, and hours online looking at available aftermarket seats, I decided to get the Seat Concepts kit.  I couldn't find any negative opinions about it, and it looks like an easy install.

Unfortunately, the electric stapler that I had was not up to the task.  I found a local upholster who was willing to do a small job, and I'm glad.  It turned out really, really nice.  Looking forward to getting it mounted and taking a trip!

Just prior to removing the old cover and foam

I paid extra for a 'tailbone cutout'

Frank let me snap a couple pics of him working

He was very kind to do the job while I waited.  I watched and learned.

A short nap in the mud

Today, I dropped the bike for the first time.  The trails were in perfect condition, except for a few spots.

With my appetite for dirt wetted, I just found this 50 mile ride in Wisconsin:

http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?14771-Pictorial-of-The-30th-State/page23

It is a shared-use trail called Cheese Country Monroe to Mineral Point Trail.

I found it here:  http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=134301

Direct link to this and other area trails:  http://www.tricountytrails.com/

07777.7

I took a nice ride this morning, following the Fox river south on Route 31 from Wayne to Oswego and returning on the other side via Route 25.  Later, on the way to work I noticed that the odometer was going to roll through a cool number and pulled over to take a picture.

Yes, its a useless blog post and I am a nerd.  I have been busy with other things lately and figured that I should update this blog to keep it flowing...

Milwaukee day trip

A friend was traveling through Milwaukee, which is around 100 miles from my home.  I wanted to take the bike on a short trip, so I met him and we had lunch.  I put fresh oil in the KLR's engine before the ride.  The bike proved itself on the highway, cruising at 80mph and around 5500 RPM without any problems.  I lost about ten miles of range at highway speeds, switching to reserve at 190 miles instead of 200.

Backstage (kinda) at the Warped Tour in, Introducing my bike to Jason's '65 CB77

Stopped by Great Lakes Distillery to get some absinthe for a couple of friends

R/R front brake pads and rotor

Since I have owned the bike, the front rotor has had a rusty ring on one side, obviously indicating a problem and reduced brake grab.  Stupidly, I have been putting the brake job off- even though there have been a couple of times when I could have used a bit more stopping power (cars turning left in front of me mostly).  I had sold the bent front wheel off of the parts bike, but kept the rotor for this reason.

There is a directional arrow on the rotor, which faces left

The pads and caliper pins seemed to move freely, but for some reason the inboard pad wasn't fully seating on the rotor

I found the speedo washer badly bent

A vise and a ball peen hammer took care of that

I added some grease after this pic was taken

The hub and bearings were in good shape

I didn't have any "non-permanent" thread locker (or couldn't find it) so I put liquid paper on the bolts

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.

No crank at McD's, voltmeter flakey?

Painted the plastics (minus the tail)

Today, before priming the new drywall in the bathroom, I removed most of the plastic pieces.  I scuff-sanded them with 220 grit sandpaper, cleaned them with Prepsol solvent and painted them with Krylon Camouflage "Woodland Light Green" paint.  The tail will have to wait until another day...