So, it finally came time to head up north to my camp in the Adirondacks last week. After going back and forth in my mind about which bike to ride I decided it was time to test the BMW once again on a road trip.This would be the third road trip for this bike and I needed to have it so it is reliable if I am to keep it.
Back in June I bought a new fuel pump,filter,battery,and front and rear brake pads . I did the installations ,changed the engine oil and filter,transmission oil , and rear drive oil.I also improved the routing of the clutch cable and secured it to the frame in such a way that it doesn't kink when I turn the bars to the right hard. Took her out for a good long 100+ mile test ride and upon my return from a flawless test as I put the side stand down it fell off ! The bolt had worked lose. I decided I'd make a new bolt and secure it better.Got a longer bolt and turned down the end in my lathe to make the pin that is on the original bolt. Made it with slightly more thread length so I could fit lock washers under the head and end up at the right place then cut the pin at the end to the correct length .Took about an hour to make and I also put thread lock on the threads to ad more staying power.I was lucky this happened in my driveway ! Rode the bike the next day and everything stayed tight so I decided to take it.
The trip up went well. My leg injury bothered me a bit but I was able to ride the 400 miles up to my camp with no problems.The bike performed as it should for the entire six day trip and I am now confidant in it .Seems the more I work on it the better I get at dealing with this new tech stuff that this bike is all about.
My time up in the Adirondacks was short but very good. There were no problems at the camp.Everything was just as I left it back in October and I had a great four days there riding and relaxing. Cooked a real nice Sunday diner for myself and made enough for Monday so I wouldn't have to cook again before heading home on Tuesday.
Rode all over the place everyday on all my favorite roads .Saw some wildlife. Encountered a snapping turtle in the road sunning himself on Sunday afternoon over by Lake Ozonia , Spent most of Monday packing up and closing up the camp so I could just get up Tuesday morning ,have breakfast and leave.Got on the road at 7 AM and got to the ferry at Bridgeport , CT in time for the 3:30 boat with an hour to spare.It was a really good week out on my motorcycle.The weather was kind to me,I ate well,rode lots,talked to some nice people and just relaxed.It was a good vacation and now I'm ready to do the final bits of work on Steve's kitchen job and Donna's shed so I can be free until the end of October and ride and kayak up north at my little piece of paradise in the Northern Adirondacks .
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