This morning, someone asked (rhetorically) how anyone can afford to maintain a BMW motorcycle. This was after he had to replace the rear shock on his sixteen year old "K" bike and paid over $1K for the part. He did probably what most would do and simply went to the parts counter at the local dealer and described what he needed. Atypically, he is going to do the installation himself.
I still see my old airhead with fading logos and weathered plastic as one way to still enjoy riding. OEM and aftermarket parts are still available and with the exception of replacing the valve seats, I've been able to do all of the work myself. If I had to pay those kind of prices to keep it running, I'm not sure if I would continue riding.
This morning, it actually felt cold while riding in. I don't know what the temperature was but it was a far cry from the preceding couple of days. So far this summer, 36 days above 80°F. A new record. On the right, you can see a little of the parking lot construction outside of our building that has been going on all summer. Unless you get here very early or have a motorcycle, you are parking somewhere across the street. As you can imagine, lots of complaints about parking in general and more than a few negative comments about why motorcycles were given three parking spaces.
The smoke blew into town last night and is one of the reasons for the temperature drop. The hot weather hasn't been helping crews manage all of the brush fires in the area. The number of acres burned this year is over 140,000 just in the interior with 87,000 acres just in the Stuart Creek fire along Chena Hot Springs Road. I was planning to ride out to the Hot Springs Resort for their annual alternative energy fair on the 18
th. Hopefully, the fire isn't anywhere near the road.
Being able to do those repairs makes a huge difference. Like being able to work on your house.
ReplyDeleteWhat's considered normal for days above 80? And really sorry about that smoke. I'd be in the hospital with oxygen.
I had a typo, this was the 36th day above 80 for the summer. The average is 11 and the old record was 28 set back in 1915 so this is really unusual.
DeleteBeing able to work on your stuff is important to me. One of the attractions of an old motorcycle (to me).
The smoke is miserable but in 2004, it was this way for most if the summer.
The era of DIY with so many things is fading away. Our old Airheads are relatively easy to work on, not so with the newer machines. It isn't only service but repairs can be of biblical proportions since so many things are not repairable, only replaceable.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, it isn't just bikes but everything. I take one look under the hood of my wife's Prius and tell her to just make appointments at the dealer. My truck is borderline as I still do all of the maintenance but if major repairs are needed, off it goes to an independant shop.
DeleteOn the airhead, just about everything can be repaired and, with a few exceptions, even the small parts needed to rebuild things are still available.
I wonder what your winter will look like this year? Enjoy the warmth cuz winter is a coming. My hub says the sme about my bike, he says new bikes are expensive when repairs are needed and are not tinkerer friendly machines.
ReplyDeleteForty years age, people were lamenting about the arrival of electronics in cars believing that it was the end of shade tree mechanics. The parts that generally wear out are the same old things. Just, there's a lot of other junk getting in the way.
DeleteLike you, Richard, I derive great satisfaction on being able to service and often times fix my own motorcycles. URAL however, is moving onwards....2014 models will have fuel injection! Oh well.
ReplyDeleteI am sure, the cagers that were complaining that motorcycles were allocated three whole parking spaces are the same cagers who probably need to go on a diet. The walking will do them good.
End of an era for Ural. Who's making their EFI? Does this also mean the end of a kick starter and the introduction of a (gasp!) fuel gauge? The next thing you know is it'll have a trip computer and a HUD.
DeleteAnd, yes, you correctly identified the group...
DeleteNo mention of doing away with the kickstarter...I sure hope that stays, it's almost hubris to remove it. No fuel gauge but there will be a fuel warning light. I don't know who's making their EFI, we shall see come the beginning of next year I guess. The last carbureted rigs will be made in the last quarter of 2013.
DeleteYou were spoiled with all those warm days. Although you were probably on vacation for a few of them.
ReplyDeleteWe were on the east side of the valley yesterday hiking in Silver Falls State Park and when driving home the valley was filled with smoke. We were trying to figure out if it was forest fires or field burning.
Oregon, like Alaska is drier than normal this year and it is a bad fire season to be sure.
By "valley", you mean the Willamate River? Do they still allow field burning at this time of year?
DeleteI think I missed the worst days when it was in the high 90s!
Does the smoke get too thick andcause any breathing problems? Be safe and I hope you make it to the show.
ReplyDeleteAnd we do still like to work on our own vehicles. Just that the knees are starting to compain about crawling around on concrete. :)
This morning it was really dense and visibility was only around 1/4 mile. At this point, breathing gets to be unhealthy. Some wear masks or even respirators at this point. I passed a jogger leaning against a tree coughing badly. Around 1:00pm, it started to rain which was like a breath of fresh air.
DeleteThose roll around mechanic seats are a great alternative to kneeling on the concrete. Plus, some have a small tool tray under the seat.