G oog le BadWeB | Login/out | Topics | Search | Custodians | Register | Edit Profile

Buell Forum » Quick Board » Archive through March 10, 2020 » Crusty's Travels » Archive 2016 - 2018 » Archive through July 20, 2016 « Previous Next »

Author Message
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Nittanyxt
Posted on Sunday, July 17, 2016 - 12:26 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

That's one happy camper! Damn, that looks tasty!
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Greg_e
Posted on Sunday, July 17, 2016 - 12:48 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

That's a lot of food!

You have to fix it, you just got it how you want it. Will you really be happy on anything else? How bad can it really be inside?

I'd start with draining the oil through a filter to look for metal, maybe draw a sample of unfiltered oil and send it for analysis Think I have some extra prepaid test containers I could send to you, I'll check later today when I'm out working.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Pwnzor
Posted on Sunday, July 17, 2016 - 06:49 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

The smile on Crusty's face sums up the whole adventure.

Absolutely wonderful to see.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Zac4mac
Posted on Sunday, July 17, 2016 - 08:17 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Epic, guys.
Frank and Court are a little chubbier than I remember but good to see all these BadWeBbers again.

Homecomings may get smaller in the future but I think they will continue... I hope.
I took the Westwind for a 20 mile ride yesterday, all good.

She's ready for plates.

Z
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Crusty
Posted on Sunday, July 17, 2016 - 08:24 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I predict that Homecomings are about to start getting larger. The future looks so bright we'll all be needing shades.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Pwnzor
Posted on Sunday, July 17, 2016 - 08:58 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Maybe one day I'll make it to Homecoming. Been a while since I owned a Buell, but if Buellish ever puts his S3 up for sale I would jump on it pretty quick.

Ahh, memories.

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Buellish
Posted on Sunday, July 17, 2016 - 09:19 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

That's one good looking XB!
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Two_seasons
Posted on Sunday, July 17, 2016 - 09:20 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

That's a purty bike there Matt. Must have given you the freedom that only biking does.

No wonder you get grumpy sometimes
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Greg_e
Posted on Sunday, July 17, 2016 - 10:18 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

AMA flat track August 20 in Central NY. Not sure if Crusty will be interested or even mobile, but thought I would post this since I saw it a few days ago. Was supposed to be at the new race park, but they decided to move it due to construction delays. Rolling Wheels is a decent little dirt track with a great view of the whole track from the grandstand.

http://media.wix.com/ugd/adf5cf_c153cc6f6b994bb182 e8dd24fcf702f3.pdf
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Crusty
Posted on Sunday, July 17, 2016 - 10:48 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I plan to be there. I've been planning it since the AMA first put it up on their web site.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Crusty
Posted on Monday, July 18, 2016 - 09:43 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

The Concours


Today, I bought a 2002 Kawasaki ZG 1000 Concours. It’s a bit of a rag, but it starts and runs OK. I can go over it and spiff it up a bit. The bike has all the personality of a 30 year old Frigidaire. It will do the job, I think, but I really don’t see me ever getting emotionally attached to it. It’s an interim bike. It will hopefully last until I can get an EBR.

There’s a lot to be said about reliability, but what I want is reliability that has personality. My Buells, my Norge and even my Roadster all had me going out to the garage just to admire them. This Kaw will never have that effect on me. However, it should be there and available when I need to go somewhere.

As I said, it’s a bit of a rag. The temp gauge isn’t working and I think one of the turn signal bulbs is out. I’ve found a couple of places where there are missing screws. There’s no toolkit and no manual (either owners or shop). I bought it for short money ‘cause it’s all I can afford. I’ll fix it up and clean it up and make it look a good bit better. That’s something I do well.

I got soaked on the way home from buying the bike. A passing thunderstorm decided to mess with the Evening Commute. Traffic slowed to a crawl for a while. The fairing did a very good job of keeping my legs dry, but my upper torso was drenched. The saddlebags proved themselves to be watertight.

I bought an owner’s manual off FleaBay and hopefully, it will arrive soon. I need to know the basic stuff like how much oil does it take and where’s the flipping’ oil filter? How much air should I put in the tires? Stuff like that. I found the sight window to check the oil, but I’m just guessing about things at the moment.

Tomorrow, I’ll call Liberty Mutual and buy insurance, then go to the Registry of Motor Vehicles or D.O.T. or whatever they’re calling themselves these days (how about Legalized Theft Department?) and pay my fees and whatever they determine sales tax should be (they have their own Blue Book, and you pay your Sales Tax based on that value, not what your Bill of Sale says. Unless you paid more than that value; then you pay tax based on whichever value is higher).

I’m hoping that Guido will come pick up the Roadster soon and haul it to the Shop. I called the Shop this morning, but they never got back to me. Maybe I’ll be able to rebuild the motor relatively cheaply. If I can, you can bet the farm that I’ll be putting in a Bronze oil pump gear along with whatever else needs replacing.

Anyhow, I took a couple of pictures of the Kaw. It was after dark, so they don’t show a lot.



Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Pwnzor
Posted on Monday, July 18, 2016 - 09:47 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

OK... I'm a big fan of Kawasaki, so you've got my interest. I'll be watching as you clean this baby up.

That's going to be a very reliable bike, and after you're done with it you might even make a profit.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Court
Posted on Monday, July 18, 2016 - 10:00 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

The Concours is about the dullest bike ever made.

But . . . I have never seen one that was not ridden exquisitely.

I think it's the PERFECT bike for what you need at this time.

Well done.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Greg_e
Posted on Monday, July 18, 2016 - 10:56 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

It has about as much personality as a BMW K bike, hopefully it will run as good as one.

I hope the Sporty motor isn't too bad, you've put a lot into it and it would be a shame to scrap it now.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Ourdee
Posted on Monday, July 18, 2016 - 11:15 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Looks like you may have a 4th state bike there.

I'm still in Indianapolis. On my third day of cleaning out my mother N laws garage.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Natexlh1000
Posted on Tuesday, July 19, 2016 - 07:17 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Now that the dust is clearing, any idea of how bad the sportster is F'ed up?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Wolfridgerider
Posted on Tuesday, July 19, 2016 - 07:47 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

you knew this was coming....



Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Reepicheep
Posted on Tuesday, July 19, 2016 - 08:13 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

+1 on the Kawasaki, good choice. I had a buddy with one. It's never really exciting, and will have a lot of minor stuff broken, but it's always a predictable and reliable ride.

I believe the plastic on those fairings is ABS, which is pretty easy to repair even when badly broken. Let me know if you want more detail, I became an unwitting expert in repairing it after borrowing a motorhome and being a victim of the Georgia Department of Transportation sadistic cone placers.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

86129squids
Posted on Tuesday, July 19, 2016 - 01:36 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Good catch, CrustiKaw! IIRC the Connies have the 2nd largest Internet owner's group out there, after the Goldwing folks. Good power, motor based on a de-tuned Ninja lump. Not bad at all. Like the KLR, they've been around for decades, lots of folks are into them. BTW, those look like Krauser bags, commonly found on older BMW's- awesome hard bags, pretty much set the standard!
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Pwnzor
Posted on Tuesday, July 19, 2016 - 02:22 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I think anybody who speaks ill of that motorcycle probably has never owned one.

Maybe it's not exciting, but damn if it ain't a good bike.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Crusty
Posted on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 - 06:03 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Music And Madness

I’ve mentioned in my Snippets that I sing to myself as I ride along and that songs get stuck in my head for thousands of miles. Last year, I made a list of songs and artists and asked my brother if he could make up a CD for me.

Well, not only did he put the songs on a disc, but there was a lot of room left over, so he interspersed commercial jingles between songs. Speedy Alka- Seltzer, Dinah Shore singing, “See the USA in your Chevrolet”, Meow Mix and lots more. There’s a certain madness to listening to Emmy Lou Harris’ “Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight” followed by the old Noxema Medicated Shaving Cream ad with a sexy voiced honey enticing me to, “Take it off. Take it all off.”

I’m having a night of madness. I think it’s a reaction to the events of the past couple of weeks, and some of the decisions I’ve made. The Roadster dying, the relay home, buying a Concours; it’s all been a whirlwind through my mind and I’m really set back by it all.

One thing that’s certain is that the Concours is a mistake. I bought the wrong bike. I’m addicted to twin cylinder motorcycles, and the 4 cylinder Kaw just ain’t right. It’s like offering a mild tablet of Valium to a Heroin addict as a substitute. It has many virtues, but it’s the wrong bike for me. I bought it as a reaction to the Roadster dying and needing a means of transportation. I wasn’t thinking clearly. Also, I’m finding lots of things about the bike that show it’s had a hard life and hasn’t been maintained properly.

So, what am I going to do about it? Well; nothing, for the moment. I’m going to take a few deep breaths and wait for my head to slow down. I have a few options and I need to stop and think things through before I act.

I talked with Guido at the Shop. They’re jammed with work, and they’re running behind schedule. He’s going to come pick up the Roadster tonight. He’ll put it in the back his truck for the night, then unload it at the Shop tomorrow. But he won’t be able to do anything until next week at the earliest. And that’s just to open it up and see just how bad it is. Whether it would be better to buy a used engine from Pinwall or repair what’s inside will be determined then.

There’s one other option that’s been sitting on my mind tonight and that’s to just bite the bullet take out a loan and buy a new bike. The beauty of that is that I’d have a warranty, and I wouldn’t have to worry about it for a year to two. Of course, the negative part of that is that I’d be making payments for a few years. Still, there’s a real appeal to that.

Well, like I said, I’m not going to just react. I’m going to slow down and wait to see what looks like the best thing to do. This is one of those instances where “When you don’t know what to do, do nothing until it becomes clear” applies. I hope things become clear soon.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Pwnzor
Posted on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 - 08:24 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

How much did you pay for the Kawi, what's wrong with it, and how much do you want for it?

I might be able to convince the wife... big maybe... but you never know.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Crusty
Posted on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 - 08:43 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Matt; I would not sell the Kaw as viable transportation. It would be as a parts bike only. It seems to be running OK, but there are a lot of things that aren't right. A lot of screws are missing, the rear brake light doesn't work, the temp gauge doesn't work. The fairing on the bike is not stock, although it seems to fit OK. It's pretty much a toilet. When I sell it, it'll be for a song. I have too much of a conscience to do otherwise.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Pwnzor
Posted on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 - 09:14 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Let me know when you're ready to sing that song.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Macbuell
Posted on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 - 09:20 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

What about an old school BMW. That's a twin, they have plenty of character and are pretty reliable. I have no idea on affordability though.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Buellish
Posted on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 - 09:45 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I bought an '01 Concours while I was working at the Buell dealership.It was a minty trade in with 4000 miles on the clock.Like you John,I'd heard so many good things about Connies that I thought I had to try one,also like you I realized pretty quickly that it was the wrong bike for me.It's got to be a twin,although I've been lured lately by the song of the Street Triple.
I'm with Mark,an old Airhead can be a good choice.Lots of character and dead simple to work on,kind of like a Buell,just with valve adjustments.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

86129squids
Posted on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 - 11:56 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

+1000 on finding an old Airhead Beemer! Now that Vern has done his magic on mine, I've really fallen in love with it all over again. And, with new tires and a tuneup, I'd be fine to roll transcontinental, just like the Crusticle. If you can find a clean one, lots of folks also love the old K75 bikes with the triple motor. BMW has made several nice models besides the old Airheads, but Airheads are the tops in my book.

Good luck in finding (a) a good fix for the old steed or (b) a new 2 wheeled love to roll with...
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

86129squids
Posted on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 - 12:48 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

John, here's another thought: I once worked as a buying agent for a MC wholesaler, so I've handled and ridden all kinds of bikes. One that really stood out for me was the older, original model Suzuki Intruder 1400. IIRC they debuted that model in 1988, and until about 1995 they ran with 4-speed transmissions, which I really came to enjoy. Something about that massively torquey motor and not really having to shift gears much was just super cool, to me.

These bikes are bulletproof- shaft drive, air/oil cooled, pretty cool for styling, and surely can be found for cheap $$$. They made a 750/800cc version, also bulletproof, but IMHO not nearly as cool as the 4-speed 1400's.

Just something to think about, friend!
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Pwnzor
Posted on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 - 12:55 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

+1 on the big Intruder. Nice bikes.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Greg_e
Posted on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 - 02:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Intruders seem to have really picky electrical systems. I've recently worked on a 700cc version and it's a nightmare as far as service manuals and logic go. I wouldn't recommend one now.

What you might do is see what kind of trade you could make on the sporty and the kawi towards what you want. But that's the other question... What would you want for a new motorcycle? Harley, EBR, Victory, something Japanese?

I think I would put the money into the sporty and finish making it into the bike you really wanted. From what you've written, it is really close now and you seem happy riding it.

Personally, with the way you are riding, I think I would only be happy on a road sofa of some kind, like the Ultra Classic I bought. Kind of heavy, but it has the type of character that fits me. Might have something to do with the V-Twin and maybe that's why I bought it and didn't buy the K1200 that I looked it before it. Cost more than double the K bike and certain had a difficult life before me.
« Previous Next »

Topics | Last Day | Tree View | Search | User List | Help/Instructions | Rules | Program Credits Administration