Re: ALI's Return .............. Video Update Pg 5

[t-man403]

........... starts now!  

Or at least it will in September. I read "DDT's" response and I clearly have the go ahead!! He and I will work out our "New Deal" privately.
This is great cause I never plan my life this far in advance ............ but I know where I'll be going on vacation next year and I can hardly wait! I even have company on the ride already.

"Gryphon Rider" has volunteered his services as well as my friend "Gene" from the Volusia forum. This gives me the opportunity to meet "Gryphon Rider" as well as work with "Gene'. I like working with "Gene" because when he's around I don't have to get my hands dirty!  

I bookmarked the "ALI" thread so that I have a record of all who volunteered their help in anyway they can. If possible I would like to call on that help and make this a group effort. I thank all those that said they'd help out.

Some have asked about the condition of the oil. Looked, smelled and felt fine to me but that was just by checking via the dip stick so I'll report on that later.

Pinion cup was also pointed out and I'm putting my money there. Any way we all have to be patient as this month is totally booked up for me. hoping to have a good look at her in September.

Also there was one wondering if Honda broke her down in order to give the tranny diagnoses. We'll find that out when she's tore down.

Bruce, your posts are longer than a lot of threads I read!  
I don't know you really but I think you should have been a writer .......... maybe you are.
I would like to say that after meeting you and reading your friends posts, I count this a privilege to do............ it's a win for both of us and I thank you for letting me do this.

I'd like you guys to use this thread for any suggestions or whatever until the return of ALI.

I'm going to my campfire now..................

[The emperor has no clothes]

This is great. I`d like to help however I can also.

[eric in md]

its just put a great big smile on my face that he will get his bike back .. im excited. can wait to have a party  just to see his smile .    t man i just want to give you a hug since im such a lil feller.. 

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Pinion cup was also pointed out and I'm putting my money there. Any way we all have to be patient as this month is totally booked up for me. hoping to have a good look at her in September.

It was replaced in the fall of 2012 with a entire brand new final drive ( he did have a rear tire replaced by a local Kawasaki / Yamaha dealer here in my hometown when he came up for The Memorial Weekend Ride its possible they fubared it putting it back together     )

For some reason I keep thinking its the clutch  

For what its worth coming from me T-Man I think its really cool of you doing this for Bruce... Only person that needs to be in ALI's saddle is Bruce 

[Thunderbolt]

As Bruce himself has been know to say, "Good on you" Tman. 

[Tropic traveler]

I'm smellin' a big Alabama Valkyrie gathering in the future here...................... 

[Disco]

I'm smellin' a big Alabama Valkyrie gathering in the future here......................

+1!

[3fan4life]

You're doing a VERY Good and Cool thing here.


I'm with Joe on the clutch, especially since it has never been replaced.



Keep us posted on Ali's progress and whatever help you may need.


And this reunion does sound like a GREAT Excuse for a VRCC get together ! 

[musclehead]

gonna have to save some pennies for a Alabam run 

it puts a big smile on my face to know ALI shall ride again...

[Six Guns]

I'm smellin' a big Alabama Valkyrie gathering in the future here...................... 

+ 1   

[robin]

I'm smellin' a big Alabama Valkyrie gathering in the future here...................... 

+ 1   

+2

[musclehead]

I told the harley guy at work that we have a memeber with 441,000 miles on his valk.

his expression was priceless    mostly shock and awe 

[Black Dog]

For those of us that can't get our hands dirty, due to distance, maybe a PayPal account to help out with $$$?

Black Dog

[DIGGER]

For those of us that can't get our hands dirty, due to distance, maybe a PayPal account to help out with $$$?

Black Dog

I'd pitch in some small $$ to help with the cost if someone would post where to send.  I'd love to see this bike stay on the road just to see how far the engine will go.    And I agree, the original rider of this long distance bike needs to be the rider when it is repaired.

[GiG]

You're doing a VERY Good and Cool thing here.

I'm with Joe on the clutch, especially since it has never been replaced.

BAsed on Bruce's info (engine runs / no movee), and past experience, I gots to believe it's the clutch.
Had the identical problem in NY-NY @100+K Miles. Got her repaired in Long Island, NY at resonable price.

It seems Honda SHOULD be interested in DDT's bike, considering the 440K miles from an engineering standpoint...

~GiG~

[HayHauler]

For those of us that can't get our hands dirty, due to distance, maybe a PayPal account to help out with $$$?

Black Dog

Too far away to get my hands dirty, but this I could do. 
+1!
 

Hay
Jimmyt

[Napper]

Up until today, I have only read posts on the VRCC Board so I am not real comfortable writing this but here goes.  I am the “CA” in CALI (DDT’s new bike) and although I was not on the back of ALI for anywhere near all those thousands of miles, (according to Bruce I was there for about 15,000) but I can say the miles that I have ridden on ALI were awesome.  Until I met DDT my riding experience was almost zero….never really met anyone I trusted well enough to ride a bike with but I soon got over that and could not wait for the next trip.   DDT & ALI took me many places…my favorites being NM and CO and I am 100% sure I would never have been able to go to those wonderful places and see the beauty that I experienced from the back of a bike if it had not been for DDT & ALI.  I always looked forward to watching Bruce “tuck” ALI in at night when we were on the road or the way he would sometimes just turn around and look at her.   There is a love between that man and that bike that some people will never get to experience with a bike (or maybe even another person), so if ALI can be put back together again, please do it so Bruce and ALI can continue on together.  I have read every post about Bruce and ALI and I have cried and laughed but most of all I am in awe of the love and concern from the VRCC Members.  I have had the pleasure of meeting a few of ya’ll and I can honestly say I am a better person for having met you.

[t-man403]

Nice post "CA" \ "Napper"! 

The folks reading this "VRCC" thread over on the "VR" site are right into it as well. One member is calling it the "ALI Rally" and wanting to join in on the ride, as well as others! 

Here's the link.

http://www.volusiariders.com/54-general-motorcycle-discussion/275770-heres-what-they-think-new-horse-stable.html

[RainMaker]

Read the posts to my wife and she's ready to open the pocketbook, so let's get the paypal thing going before she changes her mind!

[Napper]

Thanks for the link to the VR site t-man.  I read every post and not being one that is usually speechless, I must say I can't seem to find the words to express how much all the kindness, concern and generosity shown to Bruce has meant to me but most assuredly to him.  Thanks again and I look forward to following ALI's progress and The ALI RALLY.

[DDT (12)]

Terry,

I'm simply blown away by all the responses to your amazing offer and plan. Lois Mack & hubby are surely welcome to accompany you down here, as well as all other VR folks and any other riders who'd like to join in. It'd be a pleasure to meet them, have them ride with us, and join us for the 'ALI Rally'! WOW!!! I think she's come up with a grand idea there, so we'll have to arrange that when dates, etc., become better known...

Perhaps we can do another Cheaha affair (we used to have an annual Valk gathering on top of the highest point in Alabama), or maybe pick some other exotic venue, like Deals Gap (The Dragon in the Smoky Mountains) if you have some particular place you'd like to visit... Hmmm, maybe some of our brothers and sisters would like to suggest a location...

I agree with another of the VR riders who said this good deed of yours is worthy of a magazine article, perhaps even a book. We happen to have one of the best writers I know who also rides a Valk and monitors this board... What say, Daniel? Wanna immortalize t-man403, aka Terry Nickel? I'd attempt it if I had even a fraction of your talent...

DDT

[Willow]

I have access to a few dollars and a large number of used Valkyrie parts.

I'm in.  Just let me know what and how.

[t-man403]

Thanks for all the offers to help with parts, funds and hands on help! It is truly appreciated. 

Also I appreciate all the accolades and I'm humbled by them and I don't want to sound ungrateful, but ............. it is not why I'm doing this. I'm actually a bit overwhelmed at the response this is getting from everyone! Amazing what happens when you throw a thought out in the open!

My focus come Sept. will be on ALI and coming up with a plan for her return to DDT. My wish is for this to be successful and with all the help offered I don't see how it won't be!!

Thanks again. 

[Tropic traveler]

Just my suggestion here.
Tear ALI open, see what it's going to take. At your convenience of course.
After you find out what's what open up a PayPal account so all of us who wish to can contribute. This way we can keep the $$ down for you. If everyone who cares chips in just a 10 or 20 spot I'm sure you would have it whipped & we all could share in the effort in a small way.

BTW Terry, you are THE MAN for opening up your heart, donating your time & efforts to help out a really cool dude like Bruce! 

[NC_Rob]

Just my suggestion here.
Tear ALI open, see what it's going to take. At your convenience of course.
After you find out what's what open up a PayPal account so all of us who wish to can contribute. This way we can keep the $$ down for you. If everyone who cares chips in just a 10 or 20 spot I'm sure you would have it whipped & we all could share in the effort in a small way.

BTW Terry, you are THE MAN for opening up your heart, donating your time & efforts to help out a really cool dude like Bruce! 

+1 

[musclehead]

this is very cool, but it's much more then reuniting a rider and his wheels.

as valk fans we all have a vested interest in seeing a high mile valk rise from the dead.

I know I have been speaking in hushed fervent tones about bruce and his ride of 400,000+.

it's very nearly spiritual

[shortleg]

  These are the things that truly show how one man
shows love for another.
        Shortleg[dave]

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

Just my suggestion here.
Tear ALI open, see what it's going to take. At your convenience of course.
After you find out what's what open up a PayPal account so all of us who wish to can contribute. This way we can keep the $$ down for you. If everyone who cares chips in just a 10 or 20 spot I'm sure you would have it whipped & we all could share in the effort in a small way.

BTW Terry, you are THE MAN for opening up your heart, donating your time & efforts to help out a really cool dude like Bruce! 

+1 

+2 

[t-man403]

Just my suggestion here.
Tear ALI open, see what it's going to take. At your convenience of course.
After you find out what's what open up a PayPal account so all of us who wish to can contribute. This way we can keep the $$ down for you. If everyone who cares chips in just a 10 or 20 spot I'm sure you would have it whipped & we all could share in the effort in a small way.

BTW Terry, you are THE MAN for opening up your heart, donating your time & efforts to help out a really cool dude like Bruce! 

+1 

+2 

+3 

I'm going to take the rest of this week and sit by a campfire with a few friends.
Next week I 'll be making contact with a few to make a plan. Maybe by the start of Sept. we can get at her! 

[ghost rider]

I know Bruce. I met him at one of the Cheaha Valk Rallies in Al  and was told about this story  by Hal, one of my riding buddies and fellow Valk owner. I think this is awesome. I live in Alabama close to were Bruce lives and love the Ali Rally idea and the pay pal account idea. I don't have a lot of $, but  would be willing to help any way I can. Bruce: Sorry for your loss, hope this works out so you and Ali can be reunited and  look forward to seeing you again. Terry, you are a tremendous human being and a shinning example of what  the biker brotherhood is all about. All I can say is YOU DA  MAN!!!!   

[t-man403]

Well I started to mess around a bit with "ALI".

There are some small things that need to be addressed, as anyone of them could have caused grief for "DDT" while on any trip let alone one as far as the venture he took up here.

The start switch has a dead spot in it and has to be depress a number of times to engage the starter.
The battery itself is shot as you can see through these pix.

Notice the battery tender which has been on the bike for about two weeks, shows good.



The tender changes as soon as the key is turned on and the volt meter as well drops.



This is what happens with the start button depressed.



Just so happens that I have the exact same battery from Wal-mart in my Gurl ! So I swapped them out and "ALI" fired right up ............. as if there was any doubt!!  

My next move was to go to Wal-Mart with a battery from Alabama and see if they would trade me no charge without a receipt. So last night about 8:30, I put on my   face and off I went.
The Gal at customer service says "how can I help" and I say " do you want the long story or the short?"  
So, to cut this story short with you guy's, it turned out that after talking to two different gals at customer services and both of them not having the authority to give me a new battery, they got the assistant store manager for me. I told him the truth about "ALI" , where she's from, why I have her, where I would like her to end up and that I have know idea how old the battery really is. I said I could have brought along my receipt for my battery I bought last summer and pull a fast one but that is not who I am.

With out hesitation he gave me this!



On charge for the night.



Charge complete this morning.



I thanked him very much for doing this, as I know he didn't have to without proof of anything from me. He said that Wal-Mart tries it's best to hold to it's policies but at times an exception has to be made and this was one of those times!  

I don't shop much at Wal-mart, but this is the reason I bought my battery from Wal-Mart last summer ............ know matter where you go on this continent, a Wal-Mart is just around the corner, if it fails.

Thank you Wal-Mart!!  

[T-Bird]

Thanks for the update Terry. 

[John Schmidt]

All pics came out as "X's", sure would like to see them.

[HayHauler]

All pics came out as "X's", sure would like to see them.

+1.

Hay
Jimmyt

[DDT (12)]

Terry

[DDT (12)]

T

[DDT (12)]

Terry,

I've got fat fingers today sumthin' fierce! Anyway, I'm going to try another time to post something here...

Thanks for the update... I've been missing my gurl a bunch, and I was curious how things were coming along. I know you're busy, and I reckon this time of year just might be even more so for you, so I'm trying not to pester you with inquiries... Anyway, it's good to get some news...

I've been riding CALI some, and I must say she's quite a gal too! She seems to really like the mountain roads that SmokinJoe led us on, and she ain't bad on freeways and straighter back roads either... I think you'll enjoy riding her when you come down here with ALI.

My baby is a bit like her original owner... long in the tooth and beginning to show some serious wear and tear... But, she is my baby, and I do love her dearly. Thanks for taking good care of her... and mending her... Now I got to go wipe my eyes... later...

DDT

[t-man403]

Holy crap!! Sorry about the pix. Don't know why they're so big and I can't seem to shrink them.
I just copied the image location and pasted like I always do.

Is it possible for a moderator to fix them somehow?

I just tried to post a couple more pix and it ain't going to work. Might have to use my camera instead of my phone for taking the pix, that's all I can think of.

EDIT:

Eh, I just tried doing a right click on each image, then click on "view image" in the drop box and you will see them in their original size.

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

"I see Noooothzing" In my best Shultz's voice

[Flrider]

same here, still can't see nothing