DFW Wrench Party, May 17th

[BuzzKill]

With Inzane coming up in just over a month, we think it would be good diligance to have a wrench party soon.  Valkpilot has "volunteered" to host another session.  More details will be coming from him about the specifics.  Please state your intention of attendence and work to be preformed so that we can make sure the proper tools and lifts are available.

+1     I need to replace my front tire and maybe rebuild 1 front shock.

[BnB Tom]

  The best reasons for having the wrench party at Valkpilot's:

  Expert help 



           Proper tools 
                         

                     Money back guarantee! 

                                             
                         

[RainMaker]

Wench Party?  So, we gotta' bring the wife?

[mike72903]

Wench Party?  So, we gotta' bring the wife?

lol good catch

[BuzzKill]

I wouldnt count on the money back guarantee, and fixed the "wench".

[Valkpilot]

Wench Party?  So, we gotta' bring the wife?

Not if you want to enjoy yourself.

[Valkpilot]

I ... fixed the "wench".

Does that mean you wrenched the wench?

[Valkpilot]

For the upcoming wrench party, Buzzkill, Bill H, and I need to do our fork seals and/or springs.  For anyone who needs the info, the parts you need to buy are listed here: http://www.valkyrienorway.com/forksprings.html

[brew1brew]

I'm in for some heckling and lay'n about 

I'll bring the new ride so ya'll can "ooo" and "ahhh" at it. 

[lucky_1_chris]

I'm in. Been too long. Looking forward to it.

[BnB Tom]

 Except for a normal Texas breezy day, this up-coming Saturday is supposed to be pretty nice out.

         Maybe wrench party weekend  

 Doubt if I'll have my new l.e.d. headlight by then but if n so you-uns can help me load and aim it!  

                                 


               Oooops.  Wrong pic.

         

     Ah.  Here it is.  
                                       
         
   

[Christbiker]

Looking forward to it.   

Thanks Dave,

Woody

[chauffeur]

I'm in...

[Six Guns]

I can't make it. I'll be working again.     

[Bosman]

What time will it begin?

[Valkpilot]

We'll start at 9 am at my house.  PM or e-mail me if you need the address.

We've got 2 1/2 fork jobs and one rear drive swap to accomplish.  Disco has a laundry list for his bike as well.

WDAN mentioned at the last meeting that he needs to track down a short in his horn circuit.

Anyone else have stuff they want done?

[RainMaker]

Oil change.   Do you have oil pan?

[Valkpilot]

Oil change.   Do you have oil pan?

Yup.

We also have a couple of tire changes to do.  It's going to be a busy day...

[BnB Tom]

Oil change.   Do you have oil pan?

Yup.

We also have a couple of tire changes to do.  It's going to be a busy day...

  Let's see.

         The last time it was supposed to be a 'busy day' half the people that needed work, didn't show up and when I got there (early afternoon), it was all over and everybody was GONE!!!

  Wonder what tomorrow will bring.

Oh, yeah . . .   I'll be there to see if Les' engine will fit in my bike 

[brew1brew]

Oil change.   Do you have oil pan?

Yup.

We also have a couple of tire changes to do.  It's going to be a busy day...

  Let's see.

         The last time it was supposed to be a 'busy day' half the people that needed work, didn't show up and when I got there (early afternoon), it was all over and everybody was GONE!!!

  Wonder what tomorrow will bring.

Oh, yeah . . .   I'll be there to see if Les' engine will fit in my bike 

Do I need to bring my guard cat? or is that only effective against dogs?

[BnB Tom]

I think the 'right' cat is VERY effective..

  Hero Cat Saves Boy From Dog Attack In Amazing Candid Video

[BnB Tom]

 Hmmm.

It appears I won't be getting my new L.E.D. headlight replacement until this afternoon.. at the earliest!  

Tracking #:LK047691856CN
Carrier:China Post
Status:ACCEPTEDIN TRANSITDELIVERED
Processed through USPS Sort Facility
2014-05-17, 03:16:00, COPPELL, TX 75099

Processed through USPS Sort Facility
2014-05-15, 16:28:00, CHICAGO, IL 60701

Processed Through Sort Facility
2014-05-12, 14:38:00, ISC CHICAGO IL (USPS)

Origin Post is Preparing Shipment

  Oh, well.  

[RainMaker]

Running into problems with our entertainers this morning - gonna' have to miss this.  I have 51 jobs out today!

I was really looking forward to seeing Les' new ride as well as visiting.

Oh, well.

[Disco]

Although I arrived hours before second shift starts  , I managed to miss chauffeur, brew1brew's new baby and Houdini's rescue/project bike.    

But, it was still a very productive day for several and I'm riding to Asheville on a new front tire and fully serviced final drive.

My Metzeler front was only one year / 9,915 miles old, and there were several thousand miles left on it, but it would have had to be replaced during the trip.  I bought the same tire from the same vendor for 30 bux less than last May.    

The final drive was serviced 13,600 miles ago (Feb '13) and everything looked great.  The o-ring on the wheel was beginning to get flat on top, but the other two were completely reusable (replaced them anyway).  If you are ever worried that you are putting too much pookylube on splines, don't worry.  I slather the fool out of mine.  I'd rather wipe off excess on reassembly than wonder if I missed a spot.  I'm only one data point, but, at 80K (76K+ are mine), my flange and final drive look as new and my pinion cup/drive shaft, while showing that they are not new, should be good for several hundred thousand miles more (depending on the well-pookied drive shaft / pinion cup seal).  

The cherry on top was the discolored grease in the pinion cup.  Discolored by the Royal Purple gear oil in the Final Drive.     Yes, they communicate.

Thank yous to Lucky Larry for all the help and to Valkpilot for hosting and helping.  Again.  

[Christbiker]

Another successful wrench party at ValkPilot's place.  Oh yes, wrenching was done, tires changed, fork seals, etc.  All was accomplished that was intended I believe and I received more than anticipated. 

I want to make note of two observations about VP's (and others, but especially VP's) wrench parties.

First, the fellowship that naturally occurs.  New friendships happen, some come just to visit and chat, others to learn and all willing to lend a hand where needed.  It's a place you can come where you know you are welcomed, accepted and in darn good company.  It's much more than just turning a wrench.

#2 --- #1 just doesn't happen. Yes, the camaraderie does naturally occur but as I drive up to the party, there's coffee and donuts set up and ready for all to enjoy.  The garage is open and ready for whatever needs to be done.  We all just help ourselves to VP's tools, tire changer, bathroom and don't forget shop supplies.  VP's listening to 3 conversations at once and offering advice to all three.  No off-color talk.  Just good men and women doing good things.   

In the litigious world we live in, seldom do you find this type of environment of hospitality, friendship and a helping spirit.  I am honored to be associated with you all.

Dave, I personally thank you for hosting yesterday's party.  I (we) appreciate all you do for the VRCC.  Please thank your better half as well and I will get those tires out of your garage very soon.     

Blessings,

Woody

[Valkpilot]

Well, as Disco and Woody point out, it was a busy, successful day.   

Many showed up for a least a little bit (I hope I don't forget any):

Christbiker, Buzzkill, Houdini, Lucky Larry, Lucky_1_Chris, Brew1brew, Chauffer (with Nora in tow), WDAN, Bosman, BnBTom, Ridergroups, and Bill H.

We swapped rear drives on Woody's IS and swapped his front wheel and tire for one in the garage since he showed up in beggar's shoes with cord showing through the sole.

Chris nearly single handedly rebuilt Buzzkill's, Bill H's, and my set of forks.  He was the real star of the show.

We changed Buzzkill and Disco's front tires.  Disco serviced his own rear end (the video is expected to go viral soon.)

And, we tracked down an electrical problem in WDAN's horn circuit.

I'm pretty sure Tom took some pics.

From donut pickup to shop cleanup, about a 12 hour day.  Thanks to all who came, all who worked, and especially to Chris, who went above and beyond doing a very messy job 3 times over.

Oh yeah.  The mail lady stopped to take pictures of the line of bikes parked at the curb.  She did it to make a co-worker jealous that this was happening on her route.

[BnB Tom]

 
  Would you call something like this a "SUPER WING"?    No trunk?!

              He was at the wrench party but didn't need any wrenching.  Duh  

       Very cool paint job!  


             
             

 Then there were these types of things going on . . .  

             
           

                                      And a bunch of this stuff  

                                               
   
            And a little 'Street Wrenchin' because both bays were full!  

       

          Ya shoulda been there  

[Baron]

Wish I could have made it but I was tied up most of the day.  Looks like a great party. 

[LL]

I had plans of a short stay, but decided to get a little dirty. Been a while since I've worked on a Valkyrie but I couldn't resist.
I really enjoyed myself guys, had a blast and look forward to the next one.
And Disco Dave.........clean that bike up, would ya?

Just kidding, enjoyed helping you with your bike.


LL

[HayHauler]

Sounds like a good time was had by all.  Disco probably still has some chip and seal from our CO ride a few years ago.  I know I do, living on top of my swingarm. 

Hay
Jimmyt

[RainMaker]

Wish I could have been there - planned to be but got trumped by business.  Changed the oil in my own private "wrench party" Sunday afternoon.

Ready for Inzane.

RainMaker