Doc Update

[doc47]

\Chris Kinney and Randy Etheridge have finally gotten that Dakar running! I heard it over the phone.

 

It's been nearly a month -- wait, maybe more -- since they got the rebuilt motor back from Terry's Two Wheels in Pelham, AL. It took a couple of weeks to get the motor reinstalled in the frame then....the thing wouldn't start! It turned over jes' fine but there was no spark.

 

Theories were sought and bandied about. Exhortations to the Almighty and even a burnt offering.

 

Finally, Chris traced down the wiring from the timing sensor on the flywheel and found a loose connection. Connection fixed. Contact. Chocks away!

 

There are a few things to put to rights and the bike should be ready to fly.

 

Question now is: ship it, or fly to Georgia and ride it back?

Option number 2 is definitely more fun but motel and food could kick the cost up above that of shipping.

 

But the bike runs, cherry trees are finally blooming here in the Pacific Northwet and it actually felt like Spring over the weekend.

 

Again (and again!) thanks to all of you who helped get the bike - and me -- back on the road.

 

[JR356]

As long as you have a couple days to fix the minor issues and put a few miles on the bike as a shake down,then take advantage of spring weather and ride!

 

Consider riding 50-100 miles local to where the bike is now,get the valves checked/adjusted again,oil and filter changed,carbs adjusted,then leave.

 

Don't know if you camp,but bringing a tent and sleeping gear and using campgrounds/KOA's will significantly reduce travel costs.

Motel it every every second/third nite to get a good shower/shave,wash underclothes.

 

JR356

[johnlt]

Motel it every every second/third nite to get a good shower/shave,wash underclothes.

 

Should be only a 2 1/2 to 3 day ride. You'll enjoy the trip.

 

 

[Kathy R]

That is terrific news, Doc.

 

BRAVO Chris and Randy A Big Thank You to your families and work for sharing you. You guys are awesome.

[doc47]

That is terrific news, Doc.

 

BRAVO Chris and Randy A Big Thank You to your families and work for sharing you. You guys are awesome.

 

THAT is certainly the truth. Those guys have been THE BOMB!

[doc47]

 

Should be only a 2 1/2 to 3 day ride. You'll enjoy the trip.

 

2800 miles....5 days.

 

Who do you think I am, Marty Hill?

[Kathy R]

What route will you take? Map it for us?

[hopz]

I think it might have been the burnt offerings that did the trick.

 

Congrats to all.

[Paul Mihalka]

Great news! If you can time it so you hang out a bit with friends. Torrey?

[Bernie]

Great news! If you can time it so you hang out a bit with friends. Torrey?

 

Or HeleN Back?

 

[outpost22]

Make sure that thing has plenty of "shake down" before you set off if you decide to ride it home. Just sayin'.

 

I will be the naysayer and say "ship it". You can go over the bikes fasteners, mounts, etc in your own time in your own space before leaving on any long trip.

[randy]

doc I am guessing there might be some "available beds" on your trip route. I for one can offer

good home cooked dinner

hot shower

bed to sleep in

good breakfast

full tank of gas

 

if we can get you 4 other nights stay with the same offer, then your cost of travel will just be gas during the day and lunch.

 

shoot I can even send you out with some snacks and couple PB&J sandwiches. We can basically make this fuel only trip.

 

Post your basic route, does not have to be exact and I bet we can arrange 4 nights stay at various homes along the way.

[Chris K]

Doc - Take up randy's offer at your own risk. That list of bike's in his sig line:

2004FJR - Some guy from TN.

2005 R1200ST - some guy visiting from AL, still missing

2009 BMW 450x - "come stay at my house and we'll go dirt bike riding in the morning."

He has been drooling over that F650 Dakar while working on it. Just say'in!

 

 

 

 

 

Oh, Happy Birthday Randy!

[doc47]

I'm not worried 'bout no Randy! Got my black cat bone. Got my mojo hand. Got my John the Conqueror root.

What I DON'T have is a new chain for the bike yet! Got to get one. And maybe some new sprockets.

 

Maybe I'll just knock around that Georgia place, put some miles on the machine. Do a 600 mile oil change and check those bucket-and-shim valves. Maybe hang around for the gathering there in Helen, GA.

 

Maybe, maybe...

 

Kath, Mr. Google Map Directions routes me from Atlanta to Chattanooga. I ride beside the choo-choo to Clarkesville, TN, then Belleville, IL. I get to meet Louie in St. Louie before rolling on to Columbia, the Gem of the....Missouri? Thence to KC and St. Joe, the jumping-off place for all the westward wagon trains.

Nebraska is the only state in the Lower 48 I haven't ever been to (probably for good reason) and the route takes me the length and almost the breadth of the state before I plunge into the windy wilds of Wyoming. Casper is the only "major" city I pass through in Wild WY. Continuing the climb up the map I will ride as quickly as possible through Billings, then westward ho for Bozeman, Butte, and go visit some dear friends a bit north of Missoula. From Missoula it is a long day's ride back to these haunts. If I'm too tired to make it all the way I can prolly stop over with Pilgrim in Yakima.

 

If the road looks right and I'm up for it, I might just detour through Cody and ride up the Chief Joseph.

 

If there's anyone en route who'd like to host the Docster, he'd be most obliged.

 

The doc abides.

[randy]

Doc Chris is correct that GS 650 would look good in my sig line. shame on Chris for giving me away, especially on my 39th birthday :-)

 

and yes ideally new sprocket adn chain is 100% necessary. As I looked over the bike during reconstruction that was the only item needed immediately. If you decide ride the bike back, buy the chain and sprocket and have it droped shipped to my house, and I will install the front sprocket, rear sprocket and chain and have it ready for you.

 

If you do end up shipping then doing it at your home would be better. just let me know.

 

[philbytx]

Don't talk about my wifes cooking like that!!!

[Chris K]

Well, I gave the Dakar it's first road test this morning. That bike is a hoot to ride. I even found some gravel road to check out. Lots of torque but you need to rev it in first as is a long spread to second. It even turns in well on the pavement for a bike with a 21" front tire. My only complaint is the Two Bros. exhaust. Man, that bike is loud under power.

Take your time getting here doc, I'll break in the new rings for you.

[Kathy R]

Take your time getting here doc, I'll break in the new rings for you.

 

What a pal!

[doc47]

Chris, Yer all heart!

[Bernie]

Well, I gave the Dakar it's first road test this morning. That bike is a hoot to ride. I even found some gravel road to check out. Lots of torque but you need to rev it in first as is a long spread to second. It even turns in well on the pavement for a bike with a 21" front tire. My only complaint is the Two Bros. exhaust. Man, that bike is loud under power.

Take your time getting here doc, I'll break in the new rings for you.

 

Bring it to HeleN Back and we can help you break it "IN". Maybe roadscholar wants to take it for a test ride (to the west coast).

[roadscholar]

Well, I gave the Dakar it's first road test this morning. That bike is a hoot to ride. I even found some gravel road to check out. Lots of torque but you need to rev it in first as is a long spread to second. It even turns in well on the pavement for a bike with a 21" front tire. My only complaint is the Two Bros. exhaust. Man, that bike is loud under power.

Take your time getting here doc, I'll break in the new rings for you.

 

Bring it to HeleN Back and we can help you break it "IN". Maybe roadscholar wants to take it for a test ride (to the west coast).

 

She ran great Doc, the whole trip.

 

Georgia.

 

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And finally the Pacific Northwest (you know, green and wet).

 

 

 

 

[Selden]

If you haven't done anything about the chain and sprockets, we can probably take care of it at Black Mountain Cycles while you're in the area.

 

Doc Chris is correct that GS 650 would look good in my sig line. shame on Chris for giving me away, especially on my 39th birthday :-)

 

and yes ideally new sprocket adn chain is 100% necessary. As I looked over the bike during reconstruction that was the only item needed immediately. If you decide ride the bike back, buy the chain and sprocket and have it droped shipped to my house, and I will install the front sprocket, rear sprocket and chain and have it ready for you.

 

If you do end up shipping then doing it at your home would be better. just let me know.

[Chris K]

I put 50 miles on doc's bike on Monday getting it into Atlanta from my work. It ran great at 75 on the interstate and at 25 on the surface streets. I hope doc has good ear plugs as the Two Bros. exhaust is loud!

I have now handed the bike off to Randy who is taking care of the chain and sprockets and picking doc up at the airport next week as I am leaving early and taking 3 days to get from Atlanta to Helen next week.

[Selden]

I have now handed the bike off to Randy who is taking care of the chain and sprockets and picking doc up at the airport next week as I am leaving early and taking 3 days to get from Atlanta to Helen next week.

Are you travelling to Helen by way of Texas?

[Chris K]

No, Michigan!

 

Actually Nancy and I are spend a couple of days in Blowing Rock before HeleN' Back. I know she is looking forward to catching up with Pam next weeknd.