| Author | Message | ||
     Crusty |
In two weeks, My wife and I are heading out on a ride from Atlantic to Pacific. (I'm assuming that the chicken s**t problems at work will be resolved in time) With the various stops along the way, I figure we'll put on between 7 and 8,000 miles. Yesterday, I put new Dunlop RoadSmart tires on both bikes, lubed and adjusted cables and levers, and put a new drive belt and a voltage monitor on Terri's Lightning. I'll change oil in both bikes just before we set out. A couple of observations that I made during the procedure: The Norge rear wheel is the easiest motorcycle wheel I've ever had to remove and reinstall. Even though it's the first time I've had it off, it went incredibly smoothly. A 1-3/16" socket fits the front axle nut on the Norge perfectly. The Buell (and Harley-Davidson) Service Manuals are an order of magnitude better than the Moto Guzzi Service Manual. Finding the information I was looking for was challenging. The info is in there; figuring out where it is is the challenge. I'd better get a copy of Guzziology Trying to convert Newton-Meters to Foot Pounds in the garage with sweat running in your eyes is a bit irritating. I'll never be as slick as the guy in the NoMar instructional video. I like the changer, but I'd have to change a lot of tires before I ever got even close to as smooth as he is. We've been planning this trip since last winter. Originally, it was just a ride to the Buell Homecoming. Then I realized that the M.G.N.O.C. National in John Day, OR was a week later, and things just escalated from there. Figuring out how we could afford it, what sights to see along the way, and Terri saying, "I've never been to the Pacific, and we're going to be that close..." ; all these things are coming together. To say that we're excited would really be inadequate. | ||
| Pso |
Crusty have a great trip. My next cross country is going to be east to west. Last one was west to east, so spent a great deal of time running from storms, so east to west just punch through them. Keep us posted. Side note -How do you like the Norge? | ||
| Johnnylunchbox |
Pack some rear wheel bearings for the Buell. Lost mine last weekend on a trip to PA. | ||
| Sifo |
I see a guy on a Norge on my way to work all the time. Looks like a very cool bike. Have a safe trip! | ||
| Iamike |
Don't your torque wrenches have both scales, mine do? The VFR with the single-sided swing arm has 4 bolts and the wheel is off. The chain, brake and stuff stays on so there is no battle or adjustment needed. Have a good trip, I'm still looking at possibilities for this Fall. | ||
| Doerman |
Crusty and wife. Have a great trip! I hope you'll save some time for cruising down HWY 1 along the coast before you turn your wheels east again. | ||
| Xl1200r |
Same deal, here, Crusty. Started with a trip to Homecoming from Albany, NY. Decided I was only a day and half away from the Badlands and Black Hills in South Dakota. At that point, I was closer to Los Angeles than I was to home, so that's where I'm headed. I'm figuring something around 4,000 miles all said and done. BTW - I just took the rear tire off my S3T while preparing for the trip, and I'm the same as you. My dismount procedure is more like me jumping on the tire like a gorilla - one of these days I'll build and actual bead breaker. See you at Homecoming and maybe points west (Message edited by xl1200r on May 31, 2010) | ||
| Greg_e |
Bring the old belt for a spare! | ||
| Crusty |
Mark; I hope that 4,000 miles that you're figuring is each way. We're headed to Newport, OR, and it's going to be 3400 miles + each way without the extra riding around during the rallies. Your ride will be longer; unless you're not coming back. | ||
| Ulywife |
Crusty - if you want a personalized BRAN, let me know which states you'd like and I can send it to you in an Excel spreadsheet format. Have fun, be safe and take tons of pictures! | ||
| Xl1200r |
One way - I get home via United Airlines, bike comes back on some yet-to-be-determined truck. This was the only way I could get a x-country trip in with the time I had. | ||
| Rich |
I'm jealous, John. Have fun! |
