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Author Topic: Temps back up in Eastern Kansas  (Read 1170 times)
Willow
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Excessive comfort breeds weakness. PttP

Olathe, KS


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« on: January 30, 2024, 05:58:50 PM »

Yesterday the temp from weather.com showed 49F.  I got two bikes out.  I had some errands that needed to be done.

They both started with some resistance.  The "Tourer", Daisy Mae started after much coaxing but she popped a lot, especially on one side.  Lucy, the Interstate wouldn't fire.  I actually had tried Lucy first and decided she just wasn't going to run.  She tried a few times but wouldn't go.  I got out the other bike and after it had started I realized that I had not fully applied the choke, the enricher.  I knew better than to do that but apparently it had been too long for an old man to remember.  She doesn't normally need the enricher in less than cold weather.

I took Daisy Mae out first.  Just a couple of miles out she was running very roughly.  I decided that it must be stale fuel.  After I stopped at the bank when I restarted her she kept dying.  In desperation I moved the petcock to the reserve setting.  She started and ran fine.  That's odd, I thought.  The trip meter only shows 96 miles.  I took her to the nearest quality fuel station and put in 4.3 gallons.  Yep, she was running out of gas.

I put a little over fifty miles on that bike.  I was surprised at how clumsy I was at clutch usage and slow speed turns.  I caught myself once turning right into the second rather than the first lane.  It did get better after some miles.

Later in the day I took Lucy out thinking I would run her just a bit and then top her off with some fresh fuel.  The fuel gauge indicating a full tank put the kibosh on that plan.  I did notice the Interstate performed much more smoothly under my pilotage. There are two possibilities for that.  One is that I had already traveled significant distance earlier in the day regaining my normal riding instincts.  The other is that Daisy Mae is a much lighter machine with a much stronger throttle response.  She is a joy to ride but she is more sensitive.

After a few short miles on the Interstate, but not on the interstate, I put the bikes away again in the garage.  I hope they won't sit for so long again for awhile.
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Rams
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So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out

Covington, TN


« Reply #1 on: January 30, 2024, 06:12:52 PM »

I hope they won't sit for so long again for awhile.

As I always say, where there is the will, there is always a way.  More power (and good weather) to you.  cooldude

Rams
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VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.

Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
da prez
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Posts: 4359

. Rhinelander Wi. Island Lake Il.


« Reply #2 on: January 31, 2024, 04:36:53 AM »

  Carl ,I know we all have our ways of taking care of the bikes.  I have been using marine Stabil for expected rest periods. It keeps the fuel from separating (?). Bike starts mostly normal. Kind of like me before coffee.  Slow ride to warm up and then aerobics.
  I service a lot of small engines and tell them to use mid-grade gas with Stabil year around. Summer for lawn mowers and winter for snow blowers. 
  May the roads be smooth and the storms behind you.  angel               

                                                                 da prez
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DIGGER
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« Reply #3 on: January 31, 2024, 05:54:09 AM »


I put a little over fifty miles on that bike.  I was surprised at how clumsy I was at clutch usage and slow speed turns.  I caught myself once turning right into the second rather than the first lane.  It did get better after some miles.



I know what you mean.  When I havent ridden my bike in quite a while when I first take off ridding I have to re-orient myself with the controls.  Its almost like ridding a different bike first mile or so.    I have to think about where correct controls are at traffic lights and turns.  Its like my Muscle memory takes a moment to take back over.   Part of getting old I guess.  

« Last Edit: January 31, 2024, 05:55:59 AM by DIGGER » Logged
Rams
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So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out

Covington, TN


« Reply #4 on: January 31, 2024, 06:34:36 AM »

 Its like my Muscle memory takes a moment to take back over.   Part of getting old I guess.  

The older I get, the less muscle I retain.   Memory,  well that went south long ago.......
Wait, what were we talking about?

Rams
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VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.

Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
POPS 57
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Motorized Bandit

Motley MN


« Reply #5 on: January 31, 2024, 07:16:18 AM »

I know about being clumsy in Minnesota the winters are long. I have not been on a bike since i hit the bear.
Now did you check the tire pressure. We are getting older. Next if the tank was full when you parked it. And there was only 96 miles on it. That fuel went someplace. You would have seen a wet spot or a stain under the bike if it leaked. You did  not hydro lock. I would check the oil level and see if it's high.
 I have not made up my mind about repairing or selling the bike as is. It has a clear tittle and lots of extra parts. Wife wants me to let it go that's why i am sitting on my hands.  Undecided
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And as i shifted into 5th I couldn't remember a thing she said.
f6john
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Christ first and always

Richmond, Kentucky


« Reply #6 on: January 31, 2024, 07:32:00 AM »

Ah, the joys of fuel injection! Maybe one day I will once again experience the intricacies of fuel enrichment and petcock manipulation! I try not to dwell on the clock running out on me with too many projects and time management priorities not being one of my strong attributes.

My wife just mentioned we will be in the fifties in the coming days (hopefully dry) which could foretell of some saddle time for me.
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Rams
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So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out

Covington, TN


« Reply #7 on: January 31, 2024, 07:55:54 AM »

Ah, the joys of fuel injection!

Yeppers, you just brought up the one thing I like about later models but, as long as I start and put a few miles on each of my Valks on a weekly basis, no problems yet.   Other than that, ya better listen to the wife and go catch some wind.  Wink

Rams
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VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.

Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
0leman
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Klamath Falls, Or


« Reply #8 on: January 31, 2024, 07:56:14 AM »

Glad you got some saddle time in.

I was able to ride some in December, then January hit.  Two weeks of snow, over 30" total.   Then in mid January the rains came.  Warmer, almost normal temps. Don't like riding in the rain and 40 degrees.  Last Sunday the rains went away, and temps come up, way up.  Like 20 degrees above normal warm, 60+ degrees.  Yeah, time for saddle time.  But discovered that lost the left head light, IS.  So went to get new light bulb and install it.  30-60 minute job.  Right!!  Naw, it took nearly all day.  Went putting the new bulb in, it went thru the hole.  Had to take front off to get it out.   Anyway, got it done, so Monday went for a 120 miler.  It was great, first ride of the year.  Yesterday it was upper 50's, but we were having 40+ mph gust.  Not enjoyable riding in those wind.  Now, we are heading for colder temps and that white stuff coming tomorrow.  
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2006 Shadow Spirit 1100 gone but not forgotten
1999 Valkryie  I/S  Green/Silver
Willow
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Excessive comfort breeds weakness. PttP

Olathe, KS


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« Reply #9 on: January 31, 2024, 01:03:52 PM »

Thank you for your comments.

I guess I should have been more specific.  Long sitting for these two bikes is almost two months.  I use top tier gasoline and don't use fuel preservers.  It appears the issue with the Interstate was only that I didn't press the lever all the way down.  The popping and such with Daisy Mae was because she was flirting with reserve and not getting enough fuel.  Apparently I had not reset the trip meter when I last fueled her.

It is good to get out in the wind.  The weather experts are expecting highs in the 50s for the next several days.  Life is good.
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Rams
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Posts: 16265


So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out

Covington, TN


« Reply #10 on: January 31, 2024, 06:53:27 PM »

Got off my butt and rode all three Valks today.   All started as they should but, the last one had a low rear tire and of course, the air valve was at the top.   I'm here to tell you that when an old fart like me with bad knees tries to roll a fat lady over to the air compressor with an almost flat tire, he's (actually me) has a real task.

First, I moved the air compressor as far as the electrical cord would allow then stretched out the air hose.   Just as you would expect, it was about three feet short of reaching that rear tire.   Well, the bike had to be moved anyway to get the air valve in a position to fill the tire so away we (I) went.   After about three attempts, I got it there.  

May need to find a better place to put that air compressor, ya think..............  Wink

Rams
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VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.

Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
Jess from VA
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No VA


« Reply #11 on: January 31, 2024, 08:00:06 PM »

Put the compressor where it should go.  Then get a longer hose. 

My little compressor goes anywhere, with extension cords.   Smiley
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Rams
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Posts: 16265


So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out

Covington, TN


« Reply #12 on: February 01, 2024, 04:08:21 AM »

Put the compressor where it should go.  Then get a longer hose. 
   Smiley

An obvious answer to the problem.   Have the compressor located where it is because the hose can reach outside to parking  areas and to inside my garage.   But, regardless of where the compressor is placed or how long the hose is, there will always be the need for just three more feet of compressor hose no mater where I put the compressor or how much hose I have.   2funny

Rams
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VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.

Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
da prez
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. Rhinelander Wi. Island Lake Il.


« Reply #13 on: February 01, 2024, 05:02:13 AM »

  Rams , there is a PVC plastic air line that you could run around the wall like conduit. I do not remember the rating. The glue was pink. It might be called CA900. We did a couple of muffler shop with it.
 When I complete my next  garage ,I will use it.

                                         da prez
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Rams
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Posts: 16265


So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out

Covington, TN


« Reply #14 on: February 01, 2024, 05:15:57 AM »

  Rams , there is a PVC plastic air line that you could run around the wall like conduit. I do not remember the rating. The glue was pink. It might be called CA900. We did a couple of muffler shop with it.
 When I complete my next  garage ,I will use it.

                                         da prez

Yep, I did something similar with black pipe in my last shop but, I've got an easier answer for this situation.   First, this is my garage, not my shop so, I really don't want to do a lot of work to the garage making it into my shop but, the much easier answer is, my son has offered to give me back an air compressor I gave him a few years ago.  He isn't using it now that he has a much larger unit.   Placing that compressor on the other side of the garage will solve any most issues that come up.

Rams
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VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.

Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
scooperhsd
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Posts: 5720

Kansas City KS


« Reply #15 on: February 01, 2024, 05:38:05 AM »

Got my new battery yesterday, installed (but I didn't get the battery cover  / seat bottom back in place). New battery fired up the beast just fine. Now to find time before it rains to get a ride in.
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Timbo1
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Tulsa, Ok.


« Reply #16 on: February 01, 2024, 07:29:54 AM »

Got off my butt and rode all three Valks today.   All started as they should but, the last one had a low rear tire and of course, the air valve was at the top.   I'm here to tell you that when an old fart like me with bad knees tries to roll a fat lady over to the air compressor with an almost flat tire, he's (actually me) has a real task.

First, I moved the air compressor as far as the electrical cord would allow then stretched out the air hose.   Just as you would expect, it was about three feet short of reaching that rear tire.   Well, the bike had to be moved anyway to get the air valve in a position to fill the tire so away we (I) went.   After about three attempts, I got it there.  

May need to find a better place to put that air compressor, ya think..............  Wink

Rams


I bought a new portable compressor last year to replace one I had that was taking up way to much space in my saddlebag.  This Compressor has been so convenient, set the pressure and start.  I don't have to run hose out of my garage anymore and it takes up so much less space in my saddlebags.  I've only used it a few times on our car and a few times on the bikes but so far it's made life much easier.
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Serk
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Posts: 21836


Rowlett, TX


« Reply #17 on: February 01, 2024, 07:39:52 AM »

I've got a wall mounted retractable spool thingy for my main air hose from my compressor that will reach all of my garage and most of my driveway, for under $20 I have one of these sitting on a shelf to tack on to it when I need just a wee bit more length:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Hyper-Tough-1-4-x-25-PU-Recoil-Air-Hose-with-1-4-MNPT-Most-Light-Weight-Flexible-Reliable-Hose/169229913

Of course, your mileage may vary, not the right solution for everyone, offer void in New York, California and Illinois. This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away...



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1998 Valkyrie Standard
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Rams
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Posts: 16265


So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out

Covington, TN


« Reply #18 on: February 01, 2024, 07:53:12 AM »

Got off my butt and rode all three Valks today.   All started as they should but, the last one had a low rear tire and of course, the air valve was at the top.   I'm here to tell you that when an old fart like me with bad knees tries to roll a fat lady over to the air compressor with an almost flat tire, he's (actually me) has a real task.

First, I moved the air compressor as far as the electrical cord would allow then stretched out the air hose.   Just as you would expect, it was about three feet short of reaching that rear tire.   Well, the bike had to be moved anyway to get the air valve in a position to fill the tire so away we (I) went.   After about three attempts, I got it there.  

May need to find a better place to put that air compressor, ya think..............  Wink

Rams


I bought a new portable compressor last year to replace one I had that was taking up way to much space in my saddlebag.  This Compressor has been so convenient, set the pressure and start.  I don't have to run hose out of my garage anymore and it takes up so much less space in my saddlebags.  I've only used it a few times on our car and a few times on the bikes but so far it's made life much easier.

Yep, I've got one of those little travel type compressors I carry in my one in my 35000 Ram.   It's there for emergencies while on the road.   I never even think about it when I'm at home.  

Edited:  I need to look into one of those lithium powered air compressors to carry.   Can or do they recharge through the cigarette lighter (12 volt)?   The travel air compressor has to be plugged into the cigarette lighter and if I have a trailer tire down, then I'm required to unhook and move the truck close enough for the cord to reach.  That is a real PITA.

Rams
« Last Edit: February 01, 2024, 07:58:50 AM by Rams » Logged

VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.

Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
RP#62
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Posts: 4046


Gilbert, AZ


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« Reply #19 on: February 01, 2024, 08:07:42 AM »

I've got a big compressor with a hose reel, but rather than fart around with getting hose out, etc. just for topping off tires, I got one of these:

https://www.amazon.com/Ryobi-18-Volt-ONE-Power-Inflator/dp/B07F88XL24/ref=asc_df_B07F88XL24&mcid=276cee9e1424303b9d280aa9ab9cf0cb?tag=bngsmtphsnus-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80882941400099&hvnetw=s&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584482468345017&psc=1

I already had a bunch of other Ryobi stuff so it was a good fit.

-RP
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Timbo1
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Posts: 282

Tulsa, Ok.


« Reply #20 on: February 01, 2024, 08:22:01 AM »

Yep, I've got one of those little travel type compressors I carry in my one in my 35000 Ram.   It's there for emergencies while on the road.   I never even think about it when I'm at home.  

Edited:  I need to look into one of those lithium powered air compressors to carry.   Can or do they recharge through the cigarette lighter (12 volt)?   The travel air compressor has to be plugged into the cigarette lighter and if I have a trailer tire down, then I'm required to unhook and move the truck close enough for the cord to reach.  That is a real PITA.

Rams


The one I linked is charged through the USB C port input on the front and comes with cable & 12V cigarette cable to charge it up.

ETA: further review it looks like the port for the cigarette cable is for direct power not charging.  I haven't used that cable, I've only used the USB C to charge it.
« Last Edit: February 01, 2024, 08:30:55 AM by Timbo1 » Logged
Rams
Member
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Posts: 16265


So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out

Covington, TN


« Reply #21 on: February 01, 2024, 09:40:41 AM »

Yep, I've got one of those little travel type compressors I carry in my one in my 35000 Ram.   It's there for emergencies while on the road.   I never even think about it when I'm at home.  

Edited:  I need to look into one of those lithium powered air compressors to carry.   Can or do they recharge through the cigarette lighter (12 volt)?   The travel air compressor has to be plugged into the cigarette lighter and if I have a trailer tire down, then I'm required to unhook and move the truck close enough for the cord to reach.  That is a real PITA.

Rams


The one I linked is charged through the USB C port input on the front and comes with cable & 12V cigarette cable to charge it up.

ETA: further review it looks like the port for the cigarette cable is for direct power not charging.  I haven't used that cable, I've only used the USB C to charge it.

 cooldude

Rams
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VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.

Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
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