I finally got all the necessary bits to finish the luggage system on the GS, and it is now what I think is the most bad ass, versatile and practical luggage system on the planet. I mixed components from three different manufacturers to come up with this arrangement:


Can you find the 4th pelican case in these photos? The fourth on is an add-on, and fits
just enough tools/first aid/spare parts to be useful..


I really just posted this one because Missy happens to be peeing in the background!





Remember that plastic tool tube I tried to fashion?.. here's the real one:

Pretty sweet setup, eh? I'm quite happy with it so far,, add in a big roll-top dry bag across the passenger seat with tent/bag/ etc.. and you're ready to....

Here's a shot of me at the MSF dirt riding course.. pretty sweet spot to hold a class, huh? Sure beats the Polaris parking lot where I learned to ride street bikes with the MSF!



Enough of this, I'm going for a ride!

The odometer just keeps rolling away, and now it's time for the bike's 30,000 mile scheduled maintenance. It also marks about 10,000 that I've riddem this machine as I bought it in Tucson with about 20k on it.

So, I started gathering all of the necessary information and tools to complete this service myself. I had the 24k done at the dealer and it set me back almost a grand! This time, I invested a couple hundred bucks in TwinMax, four quarts of oil, some feeler gauges, & a big three ring binder for all of my instructions!

This isn't actually part of the scheduled service, but setting the Throttle Position Sensor to factory spec. is a good idea. The factory gets it "within range", which isn't always good enough for you and me. As it turned out, mine was pretty close at .346 volts. .360 is correct.


I didn't get photos of the rest of it, it all took me the better part of two days, so, as you can imagine, I was looking forward to being finished! Synchronized the throttle bodies, change oil & filter, check brake pads, discs, fluid, etc etc.. and, of course, the valve clearances! Setting valve clearances is probably the single most scary event in motorcycle maintenance.. it just plain freaks me out & I'm not quite sure why... But I took my sweet time, made them match, got them within tolerance, and all in all, I think the bike is noticeably smoother! Of course, a correct TPS and synchronized throttle bodies help, too!


OK, on to the fun stuff! I switched luggage systems! check this out..



This guy in Colorado started making a system using the Pelican cases! I've been wanting someone to do this for years. It's pretty bad ass. That's the "Rear Compartment" (creative name, eh?) from Jesse Luggage, in the back. That little thing holds a lot of crap!


Fresh maintenance, new luggage, and a dying summer.. sounds like the perfect motivation to get out of town! .. hmm.. where too...

Fall Down, The Movie!

Once again ladies and gentlemen, prepare yourselves for for the ultimate experience in motion picture technology! I hope you all are remembering to turn up the audio for these movies.. It's not just motor and wind noise anymore!

The Fall Down

This weekend was Wayne's (of South Sound BMW) "Whiskey Fall Down" across the sound in Paulsbo, Wa..
So I hooked up with Pawel (who I met a few weeks ago at the GS rally) to head over there for a trail ride before the party. Great ride and a great party.. It was like Wayne's own private little GS rally.

Here's a couple of photos, and the film is coming soon!....



There's Pawel marking the spot on the GPS.. he's got a RhinoLining-covered gas tank!



A little example of some of the sweet stretches of "road" that most people don't get to see..



OK, it's the same photo, but it sure is purdy aint it?



... speakin of purdy... how about that R12S?!



Headed back to Seattle on the ferry this afternoon, and a crystal clear, gorgeous day.


..>Stay tuned for the film!

Sometimes

Many times I'm dumbfounded by the marvels of modern machinery. Other times I'm compelled by the convenience of technology. Sometimes I'm enthralled by maps, stories and dreams of adventure & outfitting myself with all the right gear. Sometimes I'm impressed by my own skill, passionate about the wonders of human nature and still others I'm disgusted and depressed by the current state of the modern world, capitalism, and indulgent consumerism.
Sometimes, time just stands still for a minute and Mother Nature reminds me that none of it really matters much.. And more often than not, when that feelings strikes, it's as a result of my purposeful positioning within the excitement and unfamiliarity of adventure. But sometimes it happens in the front yard, and whatever the circumstances, it's always welcome.