BigLenny

Well, we did it! We made it back last night on our 11 day western bike trip. We left 2 Saturday's ago and headed west. Here is a quick recap of the route we took: Sat - Little Rock to Amarillo via I-40. (Hotter than blue blazes across Oklahoma, 103-104 degrees). Sun - Amarillo to Taos NM via Dumas Tx, Clayton NM, Cimarron NM, and Eagle Nest NM. Beautiful ride! Cimarron Canyon is a neat ride, and Taos is an interesting place to visit. Very old, and you better like adobe structures. Mon - Toas to Pagosa Springs, Co. First time on the trip to go up to 10000+ altitude. Northern NM is beautiful, and southern Colorado heading into Pagosa gave us a glimpse of the beauty that lied ahead. Tues - Pagosa Springs to Gunnison Co via Wolf Creek Pass and the Continental Divide, Salida Co.(Cool looking old town with the Arkansas River rapidly flowing through it. We wanted to see the headwaters of the Arkansas because we live in a town where the Arkansas river is a half mile wide with barges going up and down), Hwy 50 over Monarch Pass (11300 and Cont Divide again). Wed - Gunnison to Durango via Hwy 50 to Black Canyon of the Gunnison, to Montrose, then MILLION DOLLAR HWY to Ouray, Silverton, Durango. Hwy 50 was stunning! Black Canyon was unbelievable. Million Dollar Hwy was CRAAAAZZZZYYYY!!!! Thursday - Durango to Page, Az via Four Corners and Monument Valley. This route and the sites we stopped at was riding on another planet, or shall I say a number of different planets. Seemed like every time we went around a corner the terrain and scenery changed to some other worldly site. Gorgeous area. Really got a feeling of being WAY out in the middle of nowhere. Fri - Page to Sedona Az via Grand Canyon, Az. No words to describe! Went in the East Gate and worked our way around all the viewing points to the South Rim. Had to stop in the middle of the Hwy to wait for a HUGE elk to saunter across the road. Rode through light rain from Grand Canyon to Flagstaff. Made it into Sedona right before sunset. Sat - Sedona area. Spent all day in and around this area. Unique and very relaxing place. Rode up the mountain to Jerome, Az. Very cool old mining town with a great biker/artsy feeling. Great food and shops, and the view back to Cottonwood and Sedona is wonderful. Sun - Sedona to Tucumcari, NM via 89A and I-40. Perfect temperature, and the scenery was great considering it was an interstate highway. Had a great BBQ lunch in Albuquerque at Rudy's. Mon - Tucumcari to Ok City via I-40. Two words, BORING and WINDY! Fought the wind so much, by the time we got to Ok City I was ready to fall off the bike. LOL. Tues - Ok City to Home via I-40. Three words, GREEN, GREEN, GREEN! It had been so long since we had seen green grass and huge green trees, it made us realize how beautiful it is. Overall an unbelievable ride! My honey took 1197 pictures with the new camera I bought her for the trip. Not to mention we took several with our iPhones. I will post some of them whenever we get them loaded on the iMac. Red (my RSTD) was perfect. Never a glitch of an issue. Talked to hundreds of bikers and everyone was super nice and complementary of each others bikes. Had numerous people ask about what brand my bike is, and several wanted to know where I got the passenger armrests my wife enjoyed using. Boat loads of Harleys out there. I would say that a very close percentage estimate of brand of bikes we saw was 80% Harley, 15% Goldwing and BMW, and the other 5% was the rest us in the bike world. I know a lot of people buy Harley's because thats the dominate brand name and the image is what a lot of people go for, but after seeing SO MANY Harley's on this trip, I realize that these bikes can't just be about looks and image. They must be pretty good quality too for so many of them to be on these longe range rides fully packed and performing great. I think pretty much everybody makes a quality bike nowadays. I'm gonna figure out a way to have me a summer home in Colorado. LOL. BTW, the Helicoil job I did on my front fork held perfectly. P.S. I was so sad to read that Warrior passed away. I had never personally met him, but I had posted back and forth with him a couple times on the site. From what everyone that knew him has posted, he must've been an awesome guy, and what a great loss. My prayers are with his family.

Maybe I'm wierd, and please tell if you think I am (LOL), but I have never been real comfortable bashing or talking down about what other people choose to ride. I think the motorcycle world as a whole is filled with cool bikes from every end of the spectrum. Heck, I love going into dealerships and looking at everything from crotch rockets (even though my big a$$ could never fit on one), to trikes and everything in between. I am not a member of a motorcycle group, but I do have a pack of 6-7 that I regularly ride with on day long and weekend trips. When we ride together, we are on the following bikes; my RSTD, a BMW R1200RT, a BMW K1600GTL, a Goldwing, a Suzuki V-Strom 1000, an HD Roadglide Ultra, a Honda 919 naked bike, and a Suzuki C90T trike. When we ride, it's interesting to say the least. We look like a hodge podge mix of missfits, but we love it that way. None of us care what the other rides, we just want to enjoy being motorcyclist. Thats one thing I like about this site, its that a large number of you own multiple brands of bikes. I'm not looking for a clone group where everybody rides the same brand of bike and wear cute vests that have the name of their clone group on it proclaiming to the world that they all think alike and want everyone to know it. LOL. This certainly doesn't mean that I don't have preferences, and there are plenty of bikes that I wouldn't consider for one reason or the other (my biggest hang up is it's gotta be water cooled). Yes, I poke fun at my buddies that i ride with about their bikes, and they do me too. I've told my BMW buddies that they are supporting the Nazi's, and I've poked fun at my cousin for riding a V-Strom adventure bike but not being very adventurous by staying on pavement all the time. I might've mentioned a time or two to my naked bike rider buddy that he is such a slow rider that he can't hang with his sport bike buddies, so he has to come ride with us. Stuff like that. But, having a true look down your nose attitude toward a bike brand or group of people and attacking the quality of a brand, well, I don't get it. But, like I said, I'm kinda wierd. I can't change it.

A buddy of mine told me if we decide to head west this week to be sure and ride the Million Dollar Hwy. I looked at pics of it on the net and........WHAT THE?!?! Is this road as edgy as it looks in the pics? Looks like I better get my britches sinched up for that one.

Mark, If we go west we will certainly be going to Colorado, however, the farthest north we will be going is to Salida, or the Royal Gorge area. Then we will head west on Hwy 50 to Montrose, then down the Million Dollar Hwy to Durango. Not sure how close that would be to you.

Thanks so much for the input. Taking an average of everyones responses, it sounds like it's something I shouldn't be worrying about. And yes, Sarges46, you're right. I'm sure my big a** will be puffing way harder than my bike in those altitudes.

We're watching this closely. We are having more and more serious discussions about heading west and not worrying about having to dodge anything. The only hanging issue is, we're southerners who are used to and enjoy warmth this time of year, and my wife really has been looking forward to going to the Outer Banks. Also, we love how much history there is to stop and experience out east. When you go out west, which we've done several times in cages, it's the earth and nature that truly steal the show. It's awe inspiring. But when you go out east, not only is there natural beauty to experience, but theres so much of the nations early history to learn about. We both like that. I'm still saying we won't make the final decision until tomorrow when I can get a good forecast of whats going to happen with the weather in the east for the next 10 days.

Mini, I can't leave until tomorrow afternoon at the earliest. Still have client appointments to take care of tomorrow before leaving for vacation.

Miles, Thanks for the info. I had it in my mind that even though I haven't ridden at the 7000+ altitudes that are out in the west, I was sure that I would experience a power loss when I got out there. However, some that responded to my question said that I shouldn't feel a difference at all. It looks like for right now, we are gonna head west tomorrow afternoon, and forget the idea of an eastern vacation. That would only change if Isaac gets a more promising forecast of staying north-northeast once it comes up through Ar, Mo, Il.

Looks like we're gonna have to head west Thursday instead of our eastern trip we had planned due to hurricane Isaac. The question I have is, how much performance decrease should I expect once we get into the mountains in Colorado, NM, Ut, and Ariz? We have been all over the Smoky's and Blue Ridges with the 6000ft peaks, and really didn't notice a decrease, however, I hear out west with the additional altitudes, and dryer air, there might be an issue. Like to know what to expect so I won't think there is something wrong with my ride. Thanks

Frankd, Great questions. There is a high possibility my wife and I are about to change our eastern trip to a western trip Thursday due to hurricane Isaac. I'm interested in seeing what people suggest.

Mark, There is a strong possibility of that happening. I'll let you know if we head that way. It would be real cool to meet y'all too.

Mini-Muffin, Thanks for the offer. We'll holler at ya if we make it there. Believe me, trying to convince my lovely beach and sun loving wife that going west where the lows are in the high 40's, low 50's is a good idea, well, lets just say it's kinda going over like a lead balloon. LOL. However, the one thing we are both together on, is we don't wanna spend the first 3-4 days of our vacation dodging storms. We'll make the final decision Wednesday evening. I'm seeing that this storm that is in the middle of the gulf is slinging pretty serious rain and wind 400 miles to its east all the way to the east side of Florida. If it continues doing that when it makes landfall, thats gonna be a bear to make it completely around before it gets to us. We'll see.

Pmelah, I feel for you folks down that way. When Katrina came, the rest of the world heard mostly about New Orleans, but we who live in and around the south know that Pass Christian, Gulf Port, Biloxi, and that area got the *$#@ knocked of you. I know the flooding that happened in N.O. was certainly bad, but what happened to you folks in that area was total devastation. Hope you don't experience anywhere near that this time.

The last time I was on vacation was May of last year. I need a break. So, I spent the last 2 months planning a wonderful 2 week 4000 mile ride for my wife and I to begin this coming Friday, but, guess who's coming to dinner? ISAAC! We were going to ride through Tennessee, ride The Dragon, and several other fabulous roads in the Smokey Mtn's, then ride all the way to the Outer Banks and spend a few days. Then, head up to Gettysburg, back through WV, Kentucky, and home. I've been glued to the Weather Channel trying to get a read as to where Mr. Isaac is headed. Is it going more east, or more west? Well, I did a check while on my lunch today, and the freakin thing is now predicted after battering our friends to the south in La, and Ms, to head STRAIGHT AT US, dropping boat loads of rain and t-storms Thursday night, Friday, and Saturday. I've been mulling around the idea of leaving after work Thursday afternoon and ride as far as we can get going northeast toward Evansville In. to try and go around the top of it before it gets up that way. Not sure that's a good idea. the dang storm is so big it looks like it's going to sling t-storms full of rain all the way to NC for days. Also have serious thought's of changing everything and leaving Thursday afternoon and heading west to Okla, Tx, NM, Co, Ut, and Ariz. Hmmmm, what must I do.........

Swifty, Swifty, Swifty, Sounds like you hadn't had your morning coffee yet. See there, That's exactly why I don't drink coffee. You're not gonna get me to go into an establishment early in the morning where most people are grumpy, and NEEDING a caffein fix! It's a clear case of her not having enough caffein in her system yet to think clearly, and you not having enough in your system yet to not be on edge and agitated. LOL. Why else would she have put up with someone calling her a b-tch? I do love when people lose their cool and go all postal like you did. It makes for awesome office water cooler talk when I get to work. LOL.

Yeah, my cousin brought aluminum cutting oil with him. The Dude knew what he was doing. Sounds like you and him are on the same page.

Yep, you , my friend, experienced THE HOLY GRAIL! I only wish I could've been there trailing you to witness it. LOL. (I could've ran over the phone for ya)

Flyin, Your point is spot on. After a couple discussions with some aircraft mechanics I know, I now believe that what actually happened was the steel threads from the axle melded with the aluminum threads from the fork. Of course, this could've been prevented with some anti seize. Now that we have installed the Helicoils, I don't have to worry about that happening again. LOL. I'm not accusing the bike shop anymore of Loctiting my axle. Now I can get refocussed on finalizing my plans for our bike trip. Thanks for your help.

Squidley, Thanks so much for suggesting this. It was your suggestion that caused me to calm down and start the conversation about Helicoils with my machinist cousin. We finished the job yesterday, and everything is right in my world again. LOL.

Thanks to everyone for all the advice and suggestions. Installed the Helicoil yesterday afternoon, and it worked perfectly. I solicited the help of my cousin who, as I stated before, is a veteran machinist who has installed hundreds, possibly thousands of these in his 35 year career. He is also a BMW motorcyclist, and understands the importance of it being done right. My kit didn't come with a drill bit, however, he insured me that in this case he felt like the tapered tap would cut perfectly clean threads. I let him do the work, while I basically became his nurse handing him tools and such. He was correct about the threads. They were perfectly cut, and the spring installed beautifully. Actually, since the springs were only 1/2 inch long, he installed two of them to fill the whole thread space. After letting the Loctite set overnight, I will remount the wheel this afternoon. Thanks again so much for all of your help. Because of your calm advice, I went from scatterbrain panic to quiet confidence in completing this challenge.

It doesnt have the drill bit. What do I need it for since the fork already has a hole in it?

Got a call from O'Reilly's after I posted this morning and they said they had misquoted me. The kit is $105.00 instead of $220.00. It still has 24 springs with it though, 23 of which I'll never use. I stopped by and looked at it. I think I'm gonna go ahead and buy it and do the job tonight. I don't really want to wait until Tuesday of next week to have the machine shop do it. I want the bike for this weekend to test ride and get it ready for our trip. Flyin, I knew that MSC had the kit, but I just couldn't entertain the thought of ordering something from a company that is hands down one of my company's top arch rivals. No matter how bad I need it. LOL. Grainger, MSC, Fastenal, McMaster Carr.....it's a vicious competitive world between us, and being a sales rep for Grainger, I can't really cross that line. Don't think I didn't think about it. LOL. My first thought is to use the kit, then sell it on EBay, but I'm not going to do that. I'll just keep it in case someone else on this site needs to borrow it in the future.

Jeff, You're right, it does sound a lot easier. However, heres the scenario I'm facing. I looked all over this city yesterday, and all over the internet for a kit, I've been to numbers of auto parts stores, motorcycle shops, hardware stores, and machine shops, and while I've found plenty of Helicoil kits, nobody has the kit that fits the threads on the axle (M18 x 1.50). The company I work for (Grainger) sells every Helicoil kit you can imagine, except the size I need is a special order, and would not get to me until Monday or Tuesday of next week. NAPA sells them, but it's the same special order situation, Autozone doesn't sell them, and O'Reilly's has a kit for $200.00 that has 24 inserts in it. I don't need 23 extra coils. Late yesterday, I found a reputable machine shop that has the kit, and they will install it for $50.00 if I just bring them the fork tube. So.......That's where I'm at. We are leaving the end of next week on a 4000 mile, 12 day ride, and I am wanting to get this installed quick, so I can put some miles on it before I leave, just to test it. Thanks, Lynn

Okay, After looking at the schematic on BikeBandit, I see that there are a couple bolts that I have to take out on the middle tree, however, I can't figure out how to get to them.

How do I get the left fork tube off my 2007 RSTD? I took the 2 pinch bolts out of the top, and removed 2 allen bolts at the middle that looked like they were holding the middle cover on, but no budging. Is there something else? Seems like there should be more to it than that, but the aluminum covers/protectors don't allow me to see anything else. Thanks