Wrenching therapy

[Earl43P]

I've been moving from NC to VA since early December and haven't ridden since the 12/13 or so. Putting bikes on/off the trailer doesn't count. Have 2 of my 3 in my new garage and the 93 is/was snowed in Mom's garage in PA, can't even recall when I took it up there. Maybe September.

Started my new job last Tuesday, got oriented well and last evening decided to hit the garage and fix SOMETHING...ANYTHING...lol. Wife's been in PA since Monday, returning today.

Decided the Valk's work would be quick and easy, so I put a new clamp on the upper radiator hose that started leaking when I rode it off the trailer a couple weeks ago. Pod off, easy..parts store run for a real clamp to replace that narrow OEM.

Decided to remove the halogen driving lights that the PO kluged to the sides of the radiator, since every time I tried to use them they'd blow the fuse. Huh, who would've ever thought that the radiator screen mount bolts on the sides of the radiator would be a good ground? Dumb as dirt. Anyway, removed that mess under both pods and let the phat girl fast idle then warm up to check for leakage. Good to go.

So, it's 53 degrees and I'm about to log a couple hours of riding for the first time in a month (after checking tire pressures, etc).

HELLO SUNSHINE! WIND THERAPY!

[Jess from VA]

Hey Earl, welcome to NoVA.  

Stafford is only about 45 min South of me (with no traffic down I-95, like that ever happens).  Lets get together for a ride when Spring gets here.

I'm going for a short ride today (and maybe tomorrow) too.  Ye haw!

I know you have to get your vehicles switched over to VA; keep in mind the ticket for no (or expired) VA safety inspection on the bike is just about $100 (but no points).  I know, because I've paid it twice.  Both times, the sticker expired over long down times in winter, but then a break in the weather let me go for a ride.  And guess what, the bike I'm riding today is expired again.  So it goes.  

[Earl43P]

Yeah, I have a lot to do, with 5 vehicles registered in NC.

I liked the NC inspection method, no sticker. Has to be inspected <90 days before registration expires or you won't get your tag renewal sticker. Both my 93 and 04 need new back tires. Only the Valk is 100% ready to ride.

I got about 80 Valk miles in today, most of it in Stafford and Spotsylvania Counties, plus some in Fredericksbug. Wanted to get out west of Madison but I had a few important errands to run. Lots of us out there today, being over 60 degrees on Jan 20th.

Need to find either a shop or somebody that changes tires to dark-side my ST1300 rear. I may just have the Powersports shop dismount its MC tire and put the car tire on myself (with balance beads). They are typically easier to mount than MC tires. Worst case, I'll carry it the 200 miles back to my guy in NC. It's just miles after all....and some time. My brother may know a guy, I'll have to check with him.

Seems to be running 6-8 degrees colder here than NC. I'll start riding to work on Monday. It's only 14 miles, so the cold shouldn't really matter in the morning.

[Jess from VA]

I ran out to fill up with non-corn polluted gas, which is a 100 mile round trip from my home, plus a little side road time. (Covered with chloride dust, so a wash is required soon).  Also got my inspection done (for another year).

I have a guy to do my car tires, but he is the lead tech at a Honda dealer.  But they have a rule no car tires, but he does it for me anyway (and we don't talk about it).  So, I'd have to call and ask him (get back to me).  And my guy may know a guy down your way (who knows?).

DO NOT go to bike dealers for bike inspections, as they are sticklers.  I go to a gas station, which knows nothing at all about bikes, and pass every time (so long as the headlight and horn work).

It is not going to stay this warm, for long.  Mid day may be OK, but first thing in the AM is COLD.

BTW, my email is on my profile.