Jackson Browne had it right. Runnin' on empty, and boy, is that bike heavy. I added some seafoam to the tank, as well as a new fuel filter today, then let her rip. I knew I was low on gas but thought, yes, thought I could make it to the gas station before I ran out.
Wrong.
I ended up stalling out at the end of an exit ramp on the highway and pushed the bike about a half mile to a station. Embarrassing? You bet. Especially the weiners on the road who honked at me in frustration and swerved around me. Like they've never run out of gas. I made it to the gas station and filled it up, the bike started almost immediately. Funny thing about that reserve tank. It didn't help me at all. I switched over and tried to start the bike before reaching the station (truth be told at the exit ramp) but nothing happened.
Ah well, live and learn. 2.86gallons later, and I had a full tank. I get about 103 miles to the tank, divided by app. 2.86 and that equals about 36.01 miles to the gallon. I know it can do better, and if things work out this fall, I am taking a trip up to the great white north (hopefully not white by the time I get there...) to meet with Hap, a great guy who has headed me in the right direction with this bike more than once.
On a positive note, my horns still work! I mentioned to Hap that my horns were defunct, and he told me to try tightening a little screw on the back of each one. I did it and ViOlA! Working horns! I quickly ditched the aftermarket model and reinstalled the stock horns. Unfortunately, I think the wiring is shot on the right side; I was able to hook the horn up to the left to verify it works, but can't get anything on the right. Not sure what that's going to entail, but I've added it to the Xmas list.
In case you forgot, the Xmas list is a list of parts, tools, goodies for the bike that I plan to buy as soon as I am able, or hope against all hope that Santa will come through and hook me up. I'm betting on the list. :)
I am going to run one more treatment through the carbs, maybe 2, before I head out on the roadtrip. I have this next weekend off, so maybe I can get it done then.
I received 2 compliments on the bike today, 3 nods from passing moto-cyclists and a once over by a county mountie. Those guys take speeding very seriously. I rarely speed, only when absolutely necessary (once in a blue moon it actually IS necessary) but keep the speeds at or under the limit. I don't want any tickets.
I drove out to Mason today, a small burg on the outskirts of Lansing. I had planned to make my way to Detroit, but I'll save that for another day. Smooth sailing over the roads though. I start to wonder what an 1800cc would get me, besides windburn. Trailing behind Bill the other day, I thought, great bike, but way too much for me. Maybe someday... It's the take offs from stop lights that gets me. Maybe it's driving skill.
Everything seemed very smooth today. Okay ramblers, that's enough rambling for me.
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Another long day...
Trying to keep up with the XJ list is difficult what with all the messages, but the most fun I have had in some time. I received a rather indepth email from Hap about the bike, and learned some distressing news. My carb covers are after-market!! Looks like I'm going to be doing some shopping soon, or at the very least, get to work polishing the ones I have. Part of it is the fear that I will screw something up royally, especially when it comes to the carbs. I'll see what the list and Hap have to say about it.
All I know is, I am going to need another job just to maintain my fix on getting this bike to look purty again.
But, like all things worth doing, if it was easy, what would be the point? I kind of like the challenge this bike is presenting me. The carbtune stuff alone is going to be pricey, but how important is getting the bike running to near perfect? Pretty damn...
Rode the bike to work tonight, but was able to make it home before the rain started coming down. Of course, it's supposed to rain tomorrow as well, but that will give me some time to get things done on the bike. Namely, a fuel filter and some seafoam. Gotta get those carbs cleaned. I really think that is a large part of the problem. I'm also going to adjust the idle (now that I know where the adjustment screw is) thanks to the knowhow of Hap. So much for listening to friends about the throttle cable. While it did adjust the throttle, I think that was because it pulled mightily on the throttle cable, thereby increasing the revs. 1100rpms is what I was instructed to set the engine at. I'll post the results tomorrow.
Something I did notice: My rpm's used to run at about 4500 in 5th gear, now, they run at about 4000 after the throttle cable adjust. I don't know if this is an improvement or a step backwards. It's probably all moot because until I get the carbs in pristine working condition, none of it matters. I'll have to ask what rpm's I should be running at while moving at 70mph.
Bit by bit I am picking up information heretofore I thought uninteresting or boring. While I doubt I'll ever know everything there is to know about the bike, a lot of the info is coming together now, and I feel more comfortable than I did the day before.
All I know is, I am going to need another job just to maintain my fix on getting this bike to look purty again.
But, like all things worth doing, if it was easy, what would be the point? I kind of like the challenge this bike is presenting me. The carbtune stuff alone is going to be pricey, but how important is getting the bike running to near perfect? Pretty damn...
Rode the bike to work tonight, but was able to make it home before the rain started coming down. Of course, it's supposed to rain tomorrow as well, but that will give me some time to get things done on the bike. Namely, a fuel filter and some seafoam. Gotta get those carbs cleaned. I really think that is a large part of the problem. I'm also going to adjust the idle (now that I know where the adjustment screw is) thanks to the knowhow of Hap. So much for listening to friends about the throttle cable. While it did adjust the throttle, I think that was because it pulled mightily on the throttle cable, thereby increasing the revs. 1100rpms is what I was instructed to set the engine at. I'll post the results tomorrow.
Something I did notice: My rpm's used to run at about 4500 in 5th gear, now, they run at about 4000 after the throttle cable adjust. I don't know if this is an improvement or a step backwards. It's probably all moot because until I get the carbs in pristine working condition, none of it matters. I'll have to ask what rpm's I should be running at while moving at 70mph.
Bit by bit I am picking up information heretofore I thought uninteresting or boring. While I doubt I'll ever know everything there is to know about the bike, a lot of the info is coming together now, and I feel more comfortable than I did the day before.
Friday, August 25, 2006
Great group of folks...
I recently joined the XJ owners group, a listserv that offers owners of the Maxim X to correspond with one another. What a fantastic group of people! Very friendly, helpful, knowledgeable folks who know their stuff, what not to do, what to do, and where to get the stuff that you need. I have been in touch with a number of them and they all have the same advice:
DO NOT TAKE YOUR BIKE TO A BIKE SHOP OR WE'LL KILL YA...
Okay, they aren't that strict, but everyone voices the same opinion on the idea of bike shops and whether or not they have your best interests at heart. So, I am going to do what must be done all by myself. Well, that and with the help of people on the list as well as the XJCD that I am ordering. It sounds like a wealth of information, with step by steps on how to do just about everything.
Bike is running great (knock on wood) took it out for a spin today (lousy weather is limiting my ride time... yay Michigan!) Whatever it was I did to the throttle must have worked because I am now able to stay running at red lights, no crazy hitches in acceleration and no delay.
I waxed the bike AGAIN. Hey, it was looking a little dull. Needed to be done. I also waxed my helmet. Is that weird? I don't know, I am thinking of getting a new one. This one, while in decent shape, is scratched up from being dropped many, many times.
I bought all the stuff needed to repair the dent in the tank and to paint it. I found a great website that shows a guy who has a bike similar to mine, and details his experiences with tearing it down and building it up again. I emailed him and he said he'd be willing to answer any questions I might have concerning the tear down or build up.
It's amazing the people you meet, that you never knew existed once you start a new... something... in your life. One fellow said he might stop by on his way to Jackson, just to see how I (and the bike) are doing. That's really cool.
I'm considering using that por-15 I have (semi gloss black) on the engine. There are some areas that need a serious repaint, and I think that, if applied correctly, it could look really sharp, what with all that surrounding chrome.
Off to work I go. Rain is expected later tonight, but I am riding the bike anyway. I have a feeling that it will pass through before I get out of work. Funny... I used to check the weather to see what the day was going to be like. Now I check it to make sure I can squeeze in some moto-time. :)
DO NOT TAKE YOUR BIKE TO A BIKE SHOP OR WE'LL KILL YA...
Okay, they aren't that strict, but everyone voices the same opinion on the idea of bike shops and whether or not they have your best interests at heart. So, I am going to do what must be done all by myself. Well, that and with the help of people on the list as well as the XJCD that I am ordering. It sounds like a wealth of information, with step by steps on how to do just about everything.
Bike is running great (knock on wood) took it out for a spin today (lousy weather is limiting my ride time... yay Michigan!) Whatever it was I did to the throttle must have worked because I am now able to stay running at red lights, no crazy hitches in acceleration and no delay.
I waxed the bike AGAIN. Hey, it was looking a little dull. Needed to be done. I also waxed my helmet. Is that weird? I don't know, I am thinking of getting a new one. This one, while in decent shape, is scratched up from being dropped many, many times.
I bought all the stuff needed to repair the dent in the tank and to paint it. I found a great website that shows a guy who has a bike similar to mine, and details his experiences with tearing it down and building it up again. I emailed him and he said he'd be willing to answer any questions I might have concerning the tear down or build up.
It's amazing the people you meet, that you never knew existed once you start a new... something... in your life. One fellow said he might stop by on his way to Jackson, just to see how I (and the bike) are doing. That's really cool.
I'm considering using that por-15 I have (semi gloss black) on the engine. There are some areas that need a serious repaint, and I think that, if applied correctly, it could look really sharp, what with all that surrounding chrome.
Off to work I go. Rain is expected later tonight, but I am riding the bike anyway. I have a feeling that it will pass through before I get out of work. Funny... I used to check the weather to see what the day was going to be like. Now I check it to make sure I can squeeze in some moto-time. :)
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Another oil change...
Okay, so call me paranoid. I did another oil change on the bike, mainly because I wanted to add some Lucas to the mix, and get rid of the black sludge that was visible in the crankcase window. I just changed the oil the other day, but there I was again, making sure it has the best of the best. The Lucas (an oil stabilizer that helps the oil cling to the moving parts) was a bit pricey, but I am hoping it will help with that mild tapping noise I keep hearing. Friend BIll says it might be the lifters... I don't know.
I bought a cable luber today (since the bike shop doesn't carry the cable I need) and lubed up the throttle. Fairly simple procedure, getting the pieces off... getting them back on took a bit of doing. I finally reattached everything and started her up... I didn't notice any big changes, and frankly, I don't know enough about the fuel/air mixture in the carbs to do much adjusting to that cable. I will probably end up taking it in and having a professional look at it. I'm sure they will be able to get it set just right.
I also bought some bondo and some top coat for the tank this winter. Man, I so wanted to get started on that today. I could see myself with a new tank by this week end... unliely though, and I would hate not being able to ride it for the next week or so.
I found some links to painting that will help me out immensely. I am going to use the aircraft stripper to get the paint off, sand it down, bondo up the dents, sand it smooth, prime it, paint it and top coat it.
Sounds so easy, doesn't it? We'll see.
I also bought a horn for the bike, so at least now I can honk at someone if they pull out in front of me. Easy to install, though I had to fashion a bit of a brace for it so that it would fit correctly. It works! :)
I plan on riding again tomorrow if the weather stays nice. It rained cats and dogs today, but I was still able to sneak in a short ride.
I bought a cable luber today (since the bike shop doesn't carry the cable I need) and lubed up the throttle. Fairly simple procedure, getting the pieces off... getting them back on took a bit of doing. I finally reattached everything and started her up... I didn't notice any big changes, and frankly, I don't know enough about the fuel/air mixture in the carbs to do much adjusting to that cable. I will probably end up taking it in and having a professional look at it. I'm sure they will be able to get it set just right.
I also bought some bondo and some top coat for the tank this winter. Man, I so wanted to get started on that today. I could see myself with a new tank by this week end... unliely though, and I would hate not being able to ride it for the next week or so.
I found some links to painting that will help me out immensely. I am going to use the aircraft stripper to get the paint off, sand it down, bondo up the dents, sand it smooth, prime it, paint it and top coat it.
Sounds so easy, doesn't it? We'll see.
I also bought a horn for the bike, so at least now I can honk at someone if they pull out in front of me. Easy to install, though I had to fashion a bit of a brace for it so that it would fit correctly. It works! :)
I plan on riding again tomorrow if the weather stays nice. It rained cats and dogs today, but I was still able to sneak in a short ride.
Things and more things...
Having some issues with the throttle cable. I'm going to oil it and see if that doesn't fix the sticking. Actually, other than running at low idle, and stalling at stop signs, it was running ok. Yesterday, Bill and I replaced the spark plugs and attempted to adjust the throttle cable. There is an adjuster just behind the throttle itself that allows for minor manipulation of the cable; alas, I think our manipulationg may have made things worse. I am going to play with it today. If I can't get it up to snuff, I'll take it down to College BS and let them fix it. Yeah, more money, I know. Try shifting from 1st gear when the engine is revving at 2500rpms. It eventually decelerates, but it can be a bit nerve wracking. I am also going to see if there is a cable luber up at Autozone. That should make things slide a bit more easily.
The plugs were not in horrible shape, but they definitely needed changing. No oil on them, so that's a good sign. I've noticed a minor tapping noise coming from the engine, hoping this will not get worse over time. So, as of this point, other than adding some coolant, the bike is fully tuned up. Taking it out on the highway did show some improvement, so I'm happy with that.
I did learn how to remove the seat, so now I can access the air filter relatively easily. It actually looked like it was in pretty good shape. The front forks will eventually need to be resealed. They aren't leaking yet, but I can see where the gasket is degrading. ..sigh.. No one said it would be easy or cheap. I am hoping to do as much of the work that needs to be done myself to save some money. I've already overspent on tools and oil and plugs and sprays and.... the list goes on.
School starts today. I have a gym class to go to, so I will probably head up there at some point. No need to take the bike since you have to pay for parking and I am only about a mile or so from the college. I guess I'll rely on my old reliable standby.
Riding with a license sure beats riding without one. I find it incredibly liberating to be flying down the highway, wind whipping and buffeting me, trying its best to knock me from my perch, while cruising at a comfortable 70mph. Nothing quite like it.
The plugs were not in horrible shape, but they definitely needed changing. No oil on them, so that's a good sign. I've noticed a minor tapping noise coming from the engine, hoping this will not get worse over time. So, as of this point, other than adding some coolant, the bike is fully tuned up. Taking it out on the highway did show some improvement, so I'm happy with that.
I did learn how to remove the seat, so now I can access the air filter relatively easily. It actually looked like it was in pretty good shape. The front forks will eventually need to be resealed. They aren't leaking yet, but I can see where the gasket is degrading. ..sigh.. No one said it would be easy or cheap. I am hoping to do as much of the work that needs to be done myself to save some money. I've already overspent on tools and oil and plugs and sprays and.... the list goes on.
School starts today. I have a gym class to go to, so I will probably head up there at some point. No need to take the bike since you have to pay for parking and I am only about a mile or so from the college. I guess I'll rely on my old reliable standby.
Riding with a license sure beats riding without one. I find it incredibly liberating to be flying down the highway, wind whipping and buffeting me, trying its best to knock me from my perch, while cruising at a comfortable 70mph. Nothing quite like it.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Short Trip
Just like a car, I'm finding that any kind of motor vehicle costs money. Just when you think you have everything you need, WHaM! Something else pops up. Case in point. I just spent about $30.00 for stripper, paint and primer for the tank. Far cheaper than it would be if I were to get it done professionally, but still, that's cash money out the door for a project I won't work on til this winter.
I passed my motorcycle written test today. Not sure what was wrong with me yesterday, but maybe I was too excited. $22.50 later, I am the proud owner of a piece of paper that says I can drive a motorcycle legally on the road.
I drove for quite a while today, filled up the tank, then drove some more. Almost made it to Caledonia again, but knew I had to work tonight so decided to come on back. Going out there was nice and peaceful, took a country road almost all the way, the occasional smell of cow dung hanging in my helmet long after I passed the field. The view of the lake I passed (Lake Odessa) was very nice. I am going to start remembering to bring my camera with me when I go for a cruise, just for a memento. I think I put on about 100 miles total.
Bill confirmed for tomorrow. I am running back up to Autozone to return a socket wrench I bought from them that doesn't fit. Those spark plugs sure aren't easy to get out. :)
Oddly enough, you apparently have to buy a special wrench for the spark plugs. The original bike came with a socket wrench, but that's long gone now. You can't buy them anywhere, and the lady at the autoparts store said I could buy one through a bike shop. She said to be prepared to spend major moola on it.
Yeah... lady in a auto parts store. Crazy, isn't it? Almost as crazy as a gay man in his late 30's riding a motorcycle. :)
I passed my motorcycle written test today. Not sure what was wrong with me yesterday, but maybe I was too excited. $22.50 later, I am the proud owner of a piece of paper that says I can drive a motorcycle legally on the road.
I drove for quite a while today, filled up the tank, then drove some more. Almost made it to Caledonia again, but knew I had to work tonight so decided to come on back. Going out there was nice and peaceful, took a country road almost all the way, the occasional smell of cow dung hanging in my helmet long after I passed the field. The view of the lake I passed (Lake Odessa) was very nice. I am going to start remembering to bring my camera with me when I go for a cruise, just for a memento. I think I put on about 100 miles total.
Bill confirmed for tomorrow. I am running back up to Autozone to return a socket wrench I bought from them that doesn't fit. Those spark plugs sure aren't easy to get out. :)
Oddly enough, you apparently have to buy a special wrench for the spark plugs. The original bike came with a socket wrench, but that's long gone now. You can't buy them anywhere, and the lady at the autoparts store said I could buy one through a bike shop. She said to be prepared to spend major moola on it.
Yeah... lady in a auto parts store. Crazy, isn't it? Almost as crazy as a gay man in his late 30's riding a motorcycle. :)
Success!
Yay! Passed the MSF riding course! That U turn test was tough...
The girl that dropped her bike several times didn't show up the second day, so I figured she must have been really embarrassed or scared. It's a shame becauce she really seemed to be getting it at the end of the first day.
Class started out innocently enough, just simply circles around and around the lot. Then, adding a bit of swerving and cone slalom. Obstacles in the road, handling a curve and SURPRISE! The first test of the day was done.
We practiced a bit more. Those little 250's had some serious get up and go (much to my dismay at the jerky starts) but I could tell they wouldn't suit me out on the open road. Eventually, we got to practice the damnable U turn portion, and I don't know why I was having such a hard time with it. I understood the concept, and it was only after the fact did I understand why I did so poorly. A fact they neglected to mention was the lean necessary at low speeds. Thus, my foot kept up ending on the ground. Needless to say, I made it through that test scoring a 5 point penalty (for going outside the blue line and putting my foot on the ground). I wasn't the only on that was having problems, so I felt a little bit better. We were instructed to take off, shift into second and swerve around an imaginary vehicle, which I did easily. Test #3 complete. The final test was the braking test. I was a bit apprehensive about this particular test since they had made such a big deal out of it, laying on the tension with a knife. 15 point penalty for doing this wrong, 10 point penalty for that. By the time we all got in line, we were all very nervous. My turn finally came and I took off. My foot slipped on the shifter (big boots, little bike, you figure it out) but I managed to hit second gear doing about 16mph. I zipped past the cone markers and swiftly applied my brakes. I'd done it! Success! I drove over and parked the bike next to the others and breathed a sigh of relief.
The final few riders all did well, although one fellow was having trouble with his bike and at take off, popped a wheelie on his way to the marker cones. I thought for sure he would be disqualified for that, but they must have not seen it. He missed the mark and stopped way too late. He lined up for another go and we all held our breath as we watched him zip to the markers. He braked early, but passed the test.
The MSF course is an excellent way to hone and polish your riding skills. While we never got over 20mph, nor entered traffic, the course is designed to help you ride safer. I applaud the rider coaches for their perseverance in teaching me the intricacies of riding.
I took the written test and failed it. I tooka similar test and failed it. This morning I am going to take it again, and plan to pass it. Made up of 20 questions ( some directly contradicting what was taught in class) I thought it would be an easy in and out. Just goes to show that you need to study and pay attention to the nuances of comments made in the study guide, and not base your answers on common sense. For example, one question asked: Michigan law requires shatterproof face shields at which speed?: a) 15mph b) 25mph c) 35mph.
The answer? 35mph. But don't expect that answer to be in the book, cuz it isn't. I read the book from cover to cover looking for the words 35mph, and found nothing. It irks me that I was able to pass the rider course but am having difficulty passing the written portion.
I'll get it.
It still hasn't stopped me from riding my bike around town. Of course, I don't speed, always drive slightly under the posted speed limit and use my turning signal with flair. Every driveway is a potential hazard, every bump in the road a danger. But I wouldn't change a thing. I rode my bike to work yesterday. As I walked into the building, I kept turning around and staring at it, watching the sun glint off the freshly waxed gas tank, the shiny chrome and the clean engine. A feeling of pride crept over me, and as I talked later with a co-worker (who incidentally also owns a bike) he made mention of how good the bike looked. My chest swelled with pride.
Wish me luck. I am off to the SoS to take that damned test.
The girl that dropped her bike several times didn't show up the second day, so I figured she must have been really embarrassed or scared. It's a shame becauce she really seemed to be getting it at the end of the first day.
Class started out innocently enough, just simply circles around and around the lot. Then, adding a bit of swerving and cone slalom. Obstacles in the road, handling a curve and SURPRISE! The first test of the day was done.
We practiced a bit more. Those little 250's had some serious get up and go (much to my dismay at the jerky starts) but I could tell they wouldn't suit me out on the open road. Eventually, we got to practice the damnable U turn portion, and I don't know why I was having such a hard time with it. I understood the concept, and it was only after the fact did I understand why I did so poorly. A fact they neglected to mention was the lean necessary at low speeds. Thus, my foot kept up ending on the ground. Needless to say, I made it through that test scoring a 5 point penalty (for going outside the blue line and putting my foot on the ground). I wasn't the only on that was having problems, so I felt a little bit better. We were instructed to take off, shift into second and swerve around an imaginary vehicle, which I did easily. Test #3 complete. The final test was the braking test. I was a bit apprehensive about this particular test since they had made such a big deal out of it, laying on the tension with a knife. 15 point penalty for doing this wrong, 10 point penalty for that. By the time we all got in line, we were all very nervous. My turn finally came and I took off. My foot slipped on the shifter (big boots, little bike, you figure it out) but I managed to hit second gear doing about 16mph. I zipped past the cone markers and swiftly applied my brakes. I'd done it! Success! I drove over and parked the bike next to the others and breathed a sigh of relief.
The final few riders all did well, although one fellow was having trouble with his bike and at take off, popped a wheelie on his way to the marker cones. I thought for sure he would be disqualified for that, but they must have not seen it. He missed the mark and stopped way too late. He lined up for another go and we all held our breath as we watched him zip to the markers. He braked early, but passed the test.
The MSF course is an excellent way to hone and polish your riding skills. While we never got over 20mph, nor entered traffic, the course is designed to help you ride safer. I applaud the rider coaches for their perseverance in teaching me the intricacies of riding.
I took the written test and failed it. I tooka similar test and failed it. This morning I am going to take it again, and plan to pass it. Made up of 20 questions ( some directly contradicting what was taught in class) I thought it would be an easy in and out. Just goes to show that you need to study and pay attention to the nuances of comments made in the study guide, and not base your answers on common sense. For example, one question asked: Michigan law requires shatterproof face shields at which speed?: a) 15mph b) 25mph c) 35mph.
The answer? 35mph. But don't expect that answer to be in the book, cuz it isn't. I read the book from cover to cover looking for the words 35mph, and found nothing. It irks me that I was able to pass the rider course but am having difficulty passing the written portion.
I'll get it.
It still hasn't stopped me from riding my bike around town. Of course, I don't speed, always drive slightly under the posted speed limit and use my turning signal with flair. Every driveway is a potential hazard, every bump in the road a danger. But I wouldn't change a thing. I rode my bike to work yesterday. As I walked into the building, I kept turning around and staring at it, watching the sun glint off the freshly waxed gas tank, the shiny chrome and the clean engine. A feeling of pride crept over me, and as I talked later with a co-worker (who incidentally also owns a bike) he made mention of how good the bike looked. My chest swelled with pride.
Wish me luck. I am off to the SoS to take that damned test.
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