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This thread is making my G43 look fat, but it shoots well.

SOLD...On to the next adventure

+1000 to Scuba's post. I went from being a mechanically interested computer nerd to a kind-of competent shadetree motorcycle mechanic in 18 months by pouring over my motorcycles' service manuals, watching YouTube videos, leveraging this and other bike-specific forums and getting local friends' help with the trickier bits. I started small, like changing my own oil and filter, changing sprockets, cleaning the chain and replacing brake and clutch fluid, then moving on to valve checks, cleaning carbs and slightly modifying them for better performance. By the end, I had gone through three project bikes, multiple carb rebuilds, a full engine top-end, two repaints, multiple tire changes, three steering head and wheel bearing swaps, seat upholstery and more. As a result, I now have a far better idea about how to handle trail breakdowns and nearly all of the periodic maintenance I now do myself on my Suzuki, Beta and Honda. Oh, and I also know what I don't want to do myself anymore and am happy to pay a competent person to do for me while I speak in specifics to ensure it gets done right. My work schedule has been brutal and doesn't appear to be improving soon, but I'm certain I (in Westerville) and others would be happy to help if you want to swing it over sometime. Like Scuba said, the XR is a delightfully easy to work on (I have its little brother). You're welcome to join us at our next PM party - that's a great way to get through the basics with advice from others and I have pretty much every tool you'd expect to need on the XR.

Thanks for drafting this up. I sent it to all of my representatives and a couple of other nearby representatives.

Spaghetti Western Orchestra?

They are all pretty much the same...wherever is cheaper. I think they have them in the Thumpertalk store, XR's only, and maybe Rocky Mtn ATV

Additives are added per the customer destination when the tanker truck leaves the fuel depot. Otherwise, yeah, all fuel is same source, either high or low octane. Well, diesel...

Oh shit...don't ask Let's just say it'll be at least a week before I get the bike and I've ordered $2000 worth of stuff. To be fair, almost $700 of that was for a new Neotec helmet because mine is over 5 years old and it's showing it's age. It's coincidental that I'm getting it at the same time...I had already planned on doing so. Another $1100 was for luggage (Shad top and side cases) and then I got a few odds and ends. After I get it, I'll have to evaluate the seat and windscreen. Anything else would be for aesthetics as it doesn't need anything. At some point I may pick up an Akrapovic exhaust but fuck they are $1200 for the can alone.

Welcome to the OR community! We have a gas stop in New Concord we frequently stop at.

Whipkey dr Waterford Ohio It won't show it on Google maps. It actually shows up as Milner Road because it was bypassed years ago. Punch in Sunset Ln., Waterford, OH. It's along the river the next street east. N of 339

LC9 and LCP are very good carry weapons. Thin, light and both are DAO.

I would honestly be comfortable carrying a pocket .22 except that tiny 22s just aren't that reliable. Anymore the only pistols I have use for are full size range guns and pocket pistols. Anything in between tends to sit in the safe unused.

Started disconnecting all the wiring for the koso speedo/tach I put on the Honda last year. I wired it all in real quick and ugly and it really needs redone proper with solder and shrink tube. Also need to pull the exhaust and oil cooler in preparation for the new goodies coming in the mail and also replacing the swing arm bushings and putting tapered roller bearings in the steering head. And eventually putting the new fork springs and gold valves in the bandit. This is 'what are you doing to your bike eventually', right?

Same tires I put on my Tenere...which will probably be headed to Illinois tomorrow with its new owner. I put the deposit down on the beemer today.

I'll jump in on this tire conversation. I might have enough to get me through the season.

Today I was more involved in selling and trying to buy POS cars.

Got the bike back from the tuner's and can't wait to play this weekend. Not really anything I did today, but just glad to get it back in my garage. Sunday is looking decent so I'll try to get a few miles in. Can't adequately say how great it was to work with J.D. Hord on the tune and overheating issue. Easy going, fast, and reasonable. 126 whp and as long I keep from slicing coolant lines it should last a while!

I'm sure there are some columbus peeps that could lend a hand. Lots of very knowledgeable folks on here in that area. I'd recommend NOT taking it to a shop or paying someone to do it for you. Not that the shop/person won't do it right but if you are able to do it yourself or with some assistance you'll learn more about the bike and have the confidence to work on it yourself even if it's just pulling the carb to clean it. Plus, that knowledge will translate to other thumpers. You never know when you'll be in the woods and something stops working and it certainly helps to have a clue as to where to start troubleshooting. Speaking of, the CDI's on these are known to go out over time. If you are every out and it just quits (and you aren't out of gas, etc). Trying tapping on the CDI box (located near the battery). This usually gets it working again at least until you can reach civilization. A bunch of us on ADV did a group buy of a programmable CDI from Czechoslovakia that is not only more dependable but can be programmed to alter the ignition curve and improve performance. Also, check youtube for videos on how to do various things like valve check/adjustment which is ridiculously easy on this bike. When I had my DRZ, anything I wanted to do with the bike there was a how to video online. I tore that bike down, replaced the front and rear springs, re-jetted, re-greased the swingarm bolt...you name it. I'm not a mechanic by nature (more of a computer guy) but I didn't really have much difficulty save for stubborn bolts/nuts. Doing all that really helped me with other bikes I've had since including the XRL.

CL is getting to be a back alley hole where anything goes. For example, "clean title" apparently means there's no kitchen table stains on it. I've got to ride along and check out a few in the last two years, and people don't know or care if it's a salvage title or a bill of sale, or even if the vin matches the machine they're selling. Question them about any discrepancies and it can get shitty in a hurry.