San Antonio and my first major motorcycle problem
Trip Start
Jun 12, 2007
1
17
47
Trip End
Nov 13, 2007
Austin,
Texas,
United States
Friday, September 7, 2007
Still reading? Alright. So, in preperation for this trip, I took the cover off of the engine cylinder head to check the valve clearances. Checked 'em and adjusted them, no problem. When I went to put the cover back on the head, though, I discovered a very major and potentially expensive and time-consuming problem. Whenever the valves had last been checked one of the bolts was over-tightened and the boss which it goes into split in half. When I took the bolt out it just fell apart. Right now I have it back together with a hose clamp and JB weld. We'll see if this holds (I am trying to be positive but it's tough). If this doesn't work then I may have to pull the engine out of the bike and have someone weld the boss back together. ARRRRGGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!
SAN ANTONIO
Okay, technical stuff blah blah blah. Anything travel-worthy happen? Why yes, yesterday my father and I rode down to San Antonio, TX. What a beautiful town! Seeing the Alamo was very interesting (I always get a kick out of standing at the spot where actual historical events happened) and the River Walk is very pretty. Leafy and cool even on a 95 degree day. The street-level down town was cool, too, with a lot of nicely preserved older buildings--always a plus in my book. We were lucky to catch San Antonio on a low-tourist day, but I have the distinct impression that it is a very big tourist town.
So, tomorrow I'm off to beautiful Lake Jackson to see if my engine will hold its oil in or not. Maybe if all'y'all send positive energy towards my bike my half-assed fix will hold for the next 20,000 miles.
Comments
FIXED!
Huzzah! A little bit of helicoiling, a little bit of good ol' fashioned chemistry (aka JB Weld) and an ingenious bracket fobbed up by my uncle has saved the day and disaster is averted yet again. We're leaving for Mexico on Wednesday. Oy Vay!
It will work
Well, I am really hoping that everything works out ok! I believe it will! I am glad that you are atleast on the road!!! Well, I hope you have a wonderful ride and trip through the amazing Americas! Bring pictures and I will keep writing for you and holding luck for you! Good Luck Matt! Alexis
Good luck!
Matt:
Thanks for sharing your experiences! Have fun! Be Well! and always Twinkle Dammit!! Doug K.
fixed...
go speed racer GO!
Good Luck!
Well, I remember you said that you are going over the border today! Good Luck! Hope you have a great time! Talk to you when you can! Alexis