I borrowed Alexis’ pickup again and drove down to White Center to retrieve my motorcycle. It is now living in Peter Z.’s garage, so he can tinker with it if he pleases. When I talked about giving up on the bike project, the universal response was, “well, have you talked to Sandy yet?” I don’t really know Sandy but all my friends apparently do, so I got in touch with her, and she’ll come by some time this week to have a look. Maybe the story isn’t over yet.
It was a really hot day. I spent most of the afternoon laying around, doing little or nothing. A dozen or so people came over to hang out before going off to watch a roller derby, and we all sprawled out on blankets in the back yard.
After a nice satisfying sushi dinner I went over to Grrrattitude house for Maegan’s 30th birthday party. It was full of smart people, friendly conversation, goofy party games, and even some arts-n-crafts. We all made custom wine charms from a coffee table overflowing with beads, wire, and other supplies. Paper airplanes, sidecars, duck-duck-goose, psytrance, and costume changes – it was a great night.
What is the problem with the bike? No start? No stop? Bad ride?
Comment by Lewis Gardner — May 22, 2008 @ 8:08 am
The bike doesn’t start but I think the battery just needs to be charged. The real problems are that the taillights are not connected, there’s a leak in the valve cover gasket, and the front brake does not release all the way.
Comment by Mars Saxman — May 22, 2008 @ 8:40 am
> The bike doesn’t start but I think the battery just needs to be charged.
Even fairly dinky jumper cables to a car battery should give you plenty of cranking power. Get some starting fluid and fresh gas and see if you can get it started.
> The real problems are that the taillights are not connected
The public library should have a Chiltons with the wiring diagram. Not too difficult for a LASER man like yourself…
> there’s a leak in the valve cover gasket
RTV silicone gasket sealer should take care of that. BTW starting fluid makes a GREAT parts cleaner. Careful with strating fluid since it is ether and quite flammable. Use it outside.
> and the front brake does not release all the way.
Most rice grinders use a single piston sliding type caliper. You don’t have to break into the hydraulics to fix these, simply clean and lube (using waterproof grease) the bolts where the assembly slides. If that does not do it a complete hydraulic rebuild is in order due to the age of the bike. Since your front brake is the key to safe quick stops don’t skimp here!
If you decide to give up on this one you are tall enough that a BMW would be a good fit or my fav, Moto Guzzi which can’t be beat for two up touring.
Comment by Lewis Gardner — May 22, 2008 @ 10:46 am