Special Purpose...

[DDT (12)]

 
Anyone who saw the movie ‘The Jerk’ starring Steve Martin may recall how Bernadette Peters introduced Martin to ‘his special purpose’. I thought some of you might be interested in how ALI came to help this aging rider discover his own special purpose… Not the same purpose or in the same way, of course, but…
 
It’s a fairly well-known fact that this non-techy guy is not allowed close to any work underway, and there is a strict tool handling ban in effect where it concerns me… Well, that rigid wall has now been breached… Yep, I was granted a ‘waiver’ for one specific ‘tool’, and I finally got my big chance to show-off my talent…
 
The tool used for my ‘special purpose’… (That’s Troutdude showing his best side…)
gas station near me open 24 hours
 
Yep, the early mornings are really nice in Lewiston, ID, but it can warm quickly during the mid to late mornings… as it did this day. I was allowed inside the ten-foot radius zone for the specific purpose of holding my travel umbrella to afford a modest amount of shade for our star wrench and his, for this specific repair task, able assistant… Greg.
 
NoGrey (Greg) had arrived earlier than we’d expected… He’d apparently awoke rather early that morning and decided to just get a head-start on his mission for the day… the rescue of ALI & DDT. Yep, he has now joined the long and lengthening list of folks who have come to the aid of our girl and her mechanically helpless passenger… Thanks, my new friend, you saved the day and salvaged our otherwise epic outing that had suddenly seemed to tank!!!
 
Dennis had tentatively diagnosed the ailment alongside the road during our wait for the tow truck. Following disassembly, the drive shaft and pinion cup showed definite signs of degradation… you know, that red hue where none should be!
upload picture online free

 
A Valk rider is never completely alone or stranded beyond help… Once stopped, Dennis had reached out to a couple of folks, Misfit and MitchO to name but two, and the wheels of solution began to turn. In no time, it seemed, we had parts lined-up or on the way, and tools, a jack & adapter, plus specific parts needed were to be brought to us by NoGrey to the hotel Dennis had found through his GPS… Things came together surprisingly quickly, and… relief was in sight…
 
For someone who thought of himself as a sociable recluse, I sure do have an amazing group of friends! Not fair-weather friends, either, who duck and run at the first sign of difficulty, but the sort who jump right in, get involved and see things through to a favorable conclusion! How else could I justify riding around north America solo on a twenty-year old motorcycle… Even big Hondas eventually have issues, though, and ALI is certainly no different…
 
I’ll have to plead ignorance as to a detailed description of what happened, what was found, and what was done… As far as I’m concerned it was all pure magic, mystery, and most all of it was way over my head… Perhaps my more skilled and comprehending pals will offer some of the information techies might want…

The story doesn't end there, however. Nope, one more chapter remained... the benediction, so to speak. NoGrey asked his two latest new friends if we'd ever heard of Effie's Burgers... Huh? Yeah, he went on, nobody can stay in Lewiston, ID, and consider that visit to be complete without trying an Effie Burger... Off we rode...

I'd already done the usual post repair test ride, but... You know... we are riders, right? So, after the short one block ride, into Effie's we strode, NoGrey knowing what lay ahead, his companions filled with reservations... He'd hinted they were large, but... quite an understatement, it turned out!

The lady took our order... one Effie to be split three ways, plus a medium order of crinkle fries to be shared. Our lady helper later returned with our meal, and she even consented to slice that massive sandwich three ways! No fooling, that one third share was still a bit more than this guy would normally order!!! Darned good too, and I'll offer no argument concerning whether or not the claim it might be the best burger in town is accurate!

degrees needed to be a forensic anthropologist


 
DDT

[Bigwolf]

Nice post Bruce!

Wow! That burger reminds me of that hamburger I got in Colorado Springs 50 years ago.  I wolfed 2 of those bad boys down back then.............these days, 1 of those would be 4 meals for me.  Sure looks good though!

I am surprised at the drive shaft/pinion cup issue again.  Dennis and I talked about that when we changed that wheel in Fayette.  We almost pulled it for a look see but thought it had not been that long since it had been cleaned and lubed so figured it would be good.  Apparently not!

Hmmmm, I have a little over 9K on mine since last clean and lube.  I think I will pop it out next week for a look see and PM.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Umbrella holders can be worth their weight in gold. I wish I had one in the Motel 6 parking lot when replacing the alternator. (Although, I'm not sure how much you weigh)  I'm glad Dennis and Nogrey came to the rescue. The adventure lives on !

[old2soon]

            I was in Asheville in 14 when you got her back from Canada. Been following your narrative and yer trails since. I've said it before and I WILL Repeat my self Again-THIS CLUB ROCKS!  Not Only is the Valkyrie Extremely Addictive it do-The Valkyrie-bring together some rather diverse folks-and That BE a Good Thing.  Keep on ridin and narattin Bruce-some of us here don't ride as often as we should or used to.  RIDE SAFE.

[Valkorado]

Looks like you one hand free, why no palm leaf fan?

[DirtyDan]

            I was in Asheville in 14 when you got her back from Canada. Been following your narrative and yer trails since. I've said it before and I WILL Repeat my self Again-THIS CLUB ROCKS!  Not Only is the Valkyrie Extremely Addictive it do-The Valkyrie-bring together some rather diverse folks-and That BE a Good Thing.  Keep on ridin and narattin Bruce-some of us here don't ride as often as we should or used to.  RIDE SAFE.

Or can’t at all

Keep going Bruce

Dan

[t-man403]

You look kinda ticked Dennis took the big piece! 

[trout dude]

You look kinda ticked Dennis took the big piece! 

That’s Funny man

[Farside]

  Too funny Bruce. Dennis called this evening and said you had learned of your "Special Purpose" so now I know.  I'm not much of a machanic either so I guess I could find a fan or supply the drinks.  What a heck of a Valk Brother that NoGrey is for getting you what you need to repair Ali. Then Dennis for getting her back in shape. Nice job you guys. 

[sandy]

What was used to lube that? That would never happen with moly grease.

[msb]

Yup, Greg is a good guy for sure....glad it all worked out and you're back on the road. Also so convenient for you to be travelling with your own super-mechanic...that's a real luxury to have when you're travelling the continent on a 600+ mile MC 
I  experienced the Effie burger myself (I opted for the chicken variety) when we met up with Greg and his Idaho boys last year for their "Joseph Jaunt" gathering out of Eastern OR....even in my much younger years I doubt I would've managed to take care of it all by myself...would serve  a whole family and the odd uninvited relative or two as well.
Continued safe travels

[nogrey]

It was an enjoyable day with Dennis and Bruce. The kind of day that matters. Unlike so many of our other days. Helping good people is what makes life worth living. Here is a photo of the perpetrators.

[Bigwolf]

It was an enjoyable day with Dennis and Bruce. The kind of day that matters. Unlike so many of our other days. Helping good people is what makes life worth living. Here is a photo of the perpetrators.

Just spending time with good people makes life great.  Getting to help them out is a bonus. IMHO. Good on you Nogrey.

[f6gal]

It was an enjoyable day with Dennis and Bruce. The kind of day that matters. Unlike so many of our other days. Helping good people is what makes life worth living. Here is a photo of the perpetrators.

Nice hats dudes... well, Trout Dude, not so much.

[98valk]

it was the Patty the biker chick at the circus, not Bernadette Peters

Patty Bernstein: Put your arms up.
Navin R. Johnson: This will give me a whole different perspective on this.
[Patty squeezes Navin's backside] Navin R. Johnson (starts getting nervous): Hey! You're really trying to be accurate!
Navin R. Johnson: Is it getting hot in here?
[The view switch to the outside of the trailer, as we still hear their voices] Navin R. Johnson (suddenly yelling in a mixture of shock and excitement): Wait a minute - what's happening to my special purpose!?
Patty Bernstein (in a passionate voice): What's your special purpose?
Navin R. Johnson (still yelling): Well, when I was a kid my mom told me... there goes my special purpose! And someday I'd find out what my special purpose was!
Patty Bernstein: Today's the day!
Navin R. Johnson: (moaning as we see the whole trailer shakes from the outside): Hey, this is like a ride!
[Patty laughts in wicked voice] [On the porch of Navin's old house] Grandmother (reading a letter Navie sent his family): My dear family, guess what. Today I found out what my special purpose is for. Gosh what a great time I had. I wish my whole family could have been here with me. Maybe some other time as I intend to do this a lot. Every chance I get. I think next week I'll be able to send some more money as I may have extra work. My friend Patty promised me a blow job. Your loving son, Navin. (she stops reading) And he's got the kisses here.
Father: That Patty must be a sweet girl.
Mother: God bless her.

[Rams]

We all have some special talents, it takes some of us longer to realize what that talent is.
I'm very happy you (Bruce) discovered his.  

My own talent seems to be in the field of  "Destructive Testing", seems like I can break the unbreakable and lose the unlosable.   It is, what it is.    

Anyone out there need to know exactly how, when or where something will break, I'm your man.   No charge but, the replacement parts are on you.  

Rams  

[RainMaker]

Bruce

I'm trying to figure out how that drive shaft and pinion cup went bad so fast.  Maybe the weep holes are clogged.

Glad to see ALI returned to the living - how many lives does that cat have?  I hope many more.

RainMaker

[trout dude]

It was an enjoyable day with Dennis and Bruce. The kind of day that matters. Unlike so many of our other days. Helping good people is what makes life worth living. Here is a photo of the perpetrators.

Nice hats dudes... well, Trout Dude, not so much.

I would have one but you had one at Inzane this year when I got around to buying one  and Shelia claimed it

[Willow]

It was an enjoyable day with Dennis and Bruce. The kind of day that matters. Unlike so many of our other days. Helping good people is what makes life worth living. Here is a photo of the perpetrators.

Nice hats dudes... well, Trout Dude, not so much.

I would have one but you had one at Inzane this year when I got around to buying one  and Shelia claimed it

We have more.

Buy VRCC InZane Caps Here

[98valk]

Bruce

I'm trying to figure out how that drive shaft and pinion cup went bad so fast.  Maybe the weep holes are clogged.

Glad to see ALI returned to the living - how many lives does that cat have?  I hope many more.

RainMaker

most likely the seal on the drive shaft failed.

[Serk]

For both of ya'll that DON'T get the reference from one of the funniest movies of all time (Ya' know it's REALLY funny, my lovely spousal unit refuses to watch it, leaves the room whenever I put it on)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJJA6WRpvlg

[nogrey]

Bruce

I'm trying to figure out how that drive shaft and pinion cup went bad so fast.  Maybe the weep holes are clogged.

Glad to see ALI returned to the living - how many lives does that cat have?  I hope many more.

RainMaker

Dennis (Troutdude) suspected that the swingarm weepholes were clogged, but they were fine. So He then inspected the boot that covers the U-Joint. Sure enough, it had a spot where it was letting water in. He re-seated the boot. That should do it.

most likely the seal on the drive shaft failed.

[pais]

   An absolute great story all the way around ! 

[DDT (12)]

I forgot to mention that NoGrey drove five & half hours one way just to get to us!!! Greg, you are one special dude, my friend, and I really, really appreciate all you did for us!!! THANK YOU!!!

DDT

[Bigwolf]

I forgot to mention that NoGrey drove five & half hours one way just to get to us!!! Greg, you are one special dude, my friend, and I really, really appreciate all you did for us!!! THANK YOU!!!

DDT

WOW!   

[t-man403]

nogrey, thanks for covering the butts of these two characters.......totaly AWESOME!!! 

Same happened to me thousands of miles from home when my u-joint cratered. Lucky for me "Novavalker" (Craig) picked up on it and came to the rescue! Was not a short trip for him either. I'm grateful he went out of his way and I know DDT and troutdude are grateful as well.

[Skinhead]

Continuing with The Jerk theme:

DDT: All I need is a pinion cup and that all I need, is this pinion cup and this driveshaft.

        And this seal, this pinion cup, and drive shaft and that's all I need.  And this u-joint boot.  and that's all I need.

BTW Bruce, you should pick you up an Optigrab.  (and stay away from oil cans).

[nogrey]

I forgot to mention that NoGrey drove five & half hours one way just to get to us!!! Greg, you are one special dude, my friend, and I really, really appreciate all you did for us!!! THANK YOU!!!

DDT

I ran field service on mobile MRI systems for 35 years. The van I was driving was my last company vehicle and I purchased it since it had only 20K miles on it when I retired. I used to get emergency calls all the time with customers needing service. I serviced Idaho and some parts of Nevada and Oregon. The difference was I didn’t get to chose when I left. If they called at 7PM, I was in the car by 7:30. It was very common for me to leave home, drive 4 or 5 hours, work 4 or 5 more to get the MRI up, and then drive back home.
The big difference is all I ever usually heard from the customer was “is it back up yet?” Or “how long is this going to take?”. Dennis and Bruce were so incredibly grateful, I was a bit taken aback.
It was a day well spent. How often do we get those?