Taking a bike trip isn't like taking a car trip. We are sorting through what to take and what bags to take as well as making sure the bikes are ready for the journey. In the case of my '86 Honda GL1200 Goldwing Interstate, that is easier said than done.
I bought the bike cheaply two and a half years ago. The owner had spent painstaking hours cleaning it up, so it looked immaculate. I knew it didn't run, but my friend, a mechanic, thought it wouldn't take that much to get it going. Some of you may remember the fiasco that followed with the Bike shop that kept the bike seven months longer than they said they would to "fix it," broke my left side mirror and then charged me to replace it, and did shoddy work. Finally, the bike was returned to me, but soon I discovered that I still had electrical problems that needed to be fixed. Enter my brother-in-law, Scott, an electrical wizard. He installed what Goldwing owners call a "Poor boy" charging system. We purchased a kit, and he installed it. My bike went from using its stator to charge to charging itself from a Geo Metro alternator. This fixed most but not all of the problem, because when the bike is parked there is still a drain on the battery, and if the bike sits for more than 24 hours it drains the battery too far, and it won't start.
So today, I rode down to McMinnville and Scott installed a battery disconnect for me. This meant cutting a hole in one of my side panels. The battery cutoff has a key that has to be inserted for power to get to the bike, so it is also a pretty fantastic theft deterrent. Also, we installed a new energy source to keep my phone charged and a solar battery tender to keep the battery charging even when it is sitting. I can't tell you how much more confidence I have making the trip because of Scott's skill and generosity.
Meanwhile, Paula has changed bikes. She has gone to a 2010 Honda NT700A. She says, "I needed to get a bike that has hips like mine." I think she looks better on it and it does provide her more stability.
I call it a "mini-Goldwing." She sold her old bike and bought this one essentially so we could take trips like this, but she also made money on the deal, That was a nice bonus. Insurance is also less expensive since moving away from a naked sportbike.
Today, she installed a new power source so she can also plug her phone in and keep it charged, and adjusted her clutch so that she has more play in it and it is more comfortable for her. Bikes require us to be much more in tune with our world and our bodies, We adjust them to fit our size and our tendencies. She needed more play when she squeezed because she has small hands and she wanted the lever closer to the handlebar when it was engaging. She accomplished that and is much happier now.
Power for our phones is important because they are an integral part of our Cardo Scala GX9 Communication system that allows us to talk while we ride. Buying the Cardos has made a huge difference to us. We love them. If she wants, Paula can hear the crazy stream of consciousness that flies around in my cranial cavity when I ride. Or I can hear things I never thought I'd hear her say. More importantly, we can let one another know that we need to take a break, to look out for a road hazard, or talk about getting around or through traffic.
This trip, we are each carrying two extra sets of gloves, one of which can be worn as an underlayer, and I am packing several extra large bandanas to help keep my unruly hair in line and to cover up my face if we get caught in any rain storms. I chose my half shell rather than full face helmet for this ride. Paula always rides in a modular. Both of us are also carrying waterproof jackets, pants, and boot covers. We have created a make-shift tool-kit that we carry in a Redkin canvas toiletry bag. In the kit, we have an assortment of open-ended and box wrenches, as well as sockets and an adjustable. We are also carrying a Philips and flat head screwdriver, a leatherman, and a couple of sets of pliers and a box cutter. I've learned to always carry jumper cables, and we are taking additional power sources for our phones.
Paula always rides with full armor and Harley Davison MC boots because they are solid and cute. I am always in jeans, boots, and leather gloves, but rarely armor up unless it is cold-weather riding. I am undoubtedly foolish in this choice. Yet, it is a conscious choice, and I am cognizant of the risks I take, and chose to take them anyway. If some day I lay in a hospital with large sections of skin missing, I will have done it to myself and you need not feel sorry for me.
We are taking a camera and so will try to post pictures from the road starting tomorrow.
Steve&Paula, have a safe journey and enjoy the adventure God has set before you 😀look forward to getting updates, kind Regards, Rob
Posted by: Rob Husel | 11 July 2016 at 06:21 AM