Kind of a boring post today but at least is has a little moto content. It has warmed up considerably though we are getting a dusting of snow today (Sunday). I needed to run a couple of errands and couldn't help but stop and take a picture of this sculpture. It is bare steel and at Creamers Field Bird Sanctuary. I noticed that they had started clearing the field in preparation for the first arrivals. I think that Canada Geese are usually the first up here.
This has been the first week that I've been able to ride daily and only had to resort to the "spare battery" once after the rig sat all day at sub-zero temperatures. (°F) On Friday evening, I finally installed the 50 watt silicone pad heater on the oil pan and a 25 watt silicone pad to a steel plate positioned next to the battery. I didn't want to attach the pad directly to the battery since I didn't know how warm it would get. If the temperature drops below zero again, I can try plugging things in to keep the engine warm. And there is still one more outlet available in case I want to plug in the battery tender. I ran all of the cords to the dashboard of the bike as a reminder to not take off with it still plugged in.
Yesterday, George Rahn, the local airhead guru took a look at the rig and pronounced it as good and solid. He has built a number of BMW sidecar rigs over the years and currently pilots a Royal Enfield with a Cozy sidecar. I had just checked all of the mounting bolts and found the front upper mounting bolt a little loose. I guess I need to check on a more regular basis. I'm still thinking that I may want to make more solid mounts where the struts attach to the sidecar frame. Right now, I am still using the Cozy supplied bolt on mounts and they look very lightweight compared to the DMC hardware.
I still haven't been out yet this season! We had ice, snow, and rain today. Spring just hasn't sprung in Minnesota.
ReplyDeleteThe main roads are pretty clear though all of the subdivision roads still have a lot of snow and ice on them. Spring is threatening to arrive. Most of this week is forecast to be above 0°F!
DeleteRichard:
ReplyDeleteI keep thinking that this was the best thing you ever did. Riding and enjoying life
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
I've been thinking about the sidecar for quite a while. Mostly for shoulder season riding but you can really carry a lot more as well.
DeleteIsn't it a good feeling a recognized sidecar guru looks over your rig and pronounces it good? :)
ReplyDeleteYes it is. He has set up a number of sidecars for folks around here both when he was the BMW dealer and now as a Royal Enfield dealer. And still considered the "go to" guy for any issues with older BMW (pre computer).
DeleteSo is it thawing at all?
ReplyDeleteNo, not really. The south facing snow piles are thawing but not much yet. It's supposed to be venturing above freezing this week.
DeleteNice wooly mammoth sculpture. Ahh to be that creative......
ReplyDeleteI've seen the sculpture before but didn't stop and take a picture since there were a lot of people and cars around. Yesterday afternoon, the place was deserted.
DeleteThe rust is just about the right color too.
Richard, sounds like you are just having too much fun with that side car. Between you and Dom (headed your way) you are giving me too many ideas (for the future.)
ReplyDeleteOur freakie weather continues - winter storm on Friday, sandal weather today, but apparently not for long.
I really like the addition of the side car. That opinion may change with the coming of summer. Since I didn't make any changes to the steering geometry, it's a fairly easy process to remove the sidecar and revert to a two-wheeler.
DeleteIt's supposed to be above freezing during the day this week.
That reminds me: I must check the net for some heated handlebar grips! My hands were freezing again yesterday! I keep forgetting...
ReplyDeleteAmazing what a difference the fairing makes. I have only used the grip heaters twice and one of those times it stopped working. I also trie the bar-end covers similar to Hippo Hands and they really help.
DeletePlease keep a sharp eye out for those wooly mammoths. They can be a great danger for us motorcyclists! ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you got the sidecar. Sure seems to open up a whole new world of riding opportunities.
Especially these with their sharp, rusted steel edges. The sidecar has, so far, been a great addition though I still don't know how I'll like it on long trips.
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