Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: antmanbee on October 02, 2022, 10:16:19 AM
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I am now retired and have embarked on my 'Big Adventure'.
I have spent the last year building my self-contained, fully electric solar van. Other than the gas motor, all systems are electric. Induction cooktop, microwave, fridge and a mini-split heatpump for heat and cooling all running on 120V AC. I have an all in one charge controller/inverter pure sinewave 3000W AC and 5.1KWh server rack battery nominal 48V DC with 930W of solar panels.
I am on my maiden voyage with it starting about a month ago, sending my daughter to NYC to start her MFA at NYU. I have since been up to Vermont, Connecticut with a brief stop at Hamlins, Pennsylvania, Maryland where I attended the Sportsmobile east coast get together, West Virginia and then on to Suches in Georgia meeting a few Guzzi friends and then to visit my good friend NCDan where we did a bit of tuning on his Stone. I am now in Saluda NC at a beautiful place with great hiking trails with streams and creeks.
I will be travelling in the north Georgia, NC, SC and surrounding area for the next 2 weeks until I have to be back at my house in Florida for jury duty.
I would love to meet up with some forum members on my journey in the next two weeks and also after I continue my trip in November when I will head out west to New Mexico and Arizona and places in between for the winter. I will update my whereabouts as I go.
When I am back in Florida mid October I will be installing a motorcycle carrier in my receiver hitch so I can carry a bike. Unfortunately it will not be one of my Guzzis. I don't think I can safely load a Guzzi up and off the carrier by myself. I will be bringing a Suzuki 650 Savage thumper which weighs about 350lbs or maybe less when I am done stripping stuff off it. So maybe you guys can show me some of your favorite rides.
Please PM or post and I will try to make it by to visit. I have no schedule except for the jury duty.
(https://i.ibb.co/Chgw37y/1-IMG-1929.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Chgw37y)
The SolarSaurus
(https://i.ibb.co/Wn7ZRsD/IMG-1846.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Wn7ZRsD)
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Lisa and I enjoyed the time you spent with us at the river house as well as our place in Winston Salem.
It was a good trade off me working on the FREE SPIRIT Van and you bringing my Stone to spec.
Be safe in your endeavors my friend 👍
Dan
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A friend of mine from CO is doing the same thing w/EV on a trailer behind a Dodge maxivan but no solar.
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Very cool!
-AJ
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neat van. Circumstances have not allowed me to get my Toy Hauler for the entire year. I guess I'll have to get some plans going for next year?
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Dan, my time with you and Lisa was the highlight of my trip so far. So many thanks!
With a trailer I could bring a Guzzi but I didn't want to be pulling something. It's enough for me to handle on some of the tight twisty roads and gravel roads with the ponderous van. I am looking forward to riding some roads in other parts of the country even on the little Suzuki. The thumper can be a lot of fun.
Thanks AJ.
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Got a teaser for everyone….
For anyone who might have visited SC but instead thought it would be just one of those ho-hum, nothing to see here move along kinda stops, y’all missed the boat. Antmanbee doesn’t see things that way.
He hit the jackpot with a 3600 mile V7 Classic that I’ve known since my best friend bought it new. The perfect seat, side covers, original mufflers & more all came with it and the purchase price was definitely Guzzi content. So now he’s got a nice Guzzi to personalize and take with him on the back of his solar camper van for his Big Adventure. Very cool.
(https://i.ibb.co/MSf0YVK/B1-BF92-C5-249-E-47-D3-A481-C9-ED18168-CDB.jpg) (https://ibb.co/MSf0YVK)
(https://i.ibb.co/N9LpHmV/5275-FA5-A-C241-4-F37-A9-A7-D1323-B65-F568.jpg) (https://ibb.co/N9LpHmV)
(https://i.ibb.co/02LfZtd/20-E47-E41-2388-4-CCC-B311-2-B99-D03-EAB4-A.jpg) (https://ibb.co/02LfZtd)
(https://i.ibb.co/PWSZ0bZ/669728-B0-80-CF-44-A0-A78-D-AB28-A7828-B97.jpg) (https://ibb.co/PWSZ0bZ)
And a short video of it on the trailer from earlier this morning, before the new bike fun began in earnest-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oq2BWYm9ZPE
He can fill you in on any other details…
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I might return to the van travel idea. I had a 94 ford that fit a motorcycle in back perfectly. Gas prices might have to lessen a bit though...
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Sure is nice to look out my back window and see this,
(https://i.ibb.co/xzrQzK8/IMG-1960.jpg) (https://ibb.co/xzrQzK8)
I really did hit the jackpot in more ways than apparent. The most rewarding part is being able to spend time with fellow Guzzi enthusiast forum members. I am amazed at the very high level and mastery of varied skills and knowledge and kindness and willingness to share. Cliffrod is no exception. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of most types of older bikes, remarkable fabricating skills and if that's not enough he is a master chef and master sculptor. Watching him carve granite and learning how he sets up and approaches the various facets of a sculpture was an experience I would never have had if I was sitting at home and I am so glad I was afforded an opportunity to do this. Watching him cook is just as amazing.
Now to the bike. I couldn't have found a better deal if I had been patiently looking. I was not thinking of buying another bike, but cliffrod casually mentioned, "there is a nice V7 that could be had for a good price" and that was all it took. He even found a rear carrier at a good price too. I got set up with the whole complete kit.
I will need to do a few things with the bike to get it ready to ride. Tires are old and cracked and will be replaced. Change all the fluids of course. A good tune. I will pull the tank and then remove the fuel pump assembly and clean the tank and vent lines and replace the filter if it's a half plastic one. Other than that I will be trying to shed as much weight as possible off the bike. While the tires are off I may seal the rims to run tubeless. Also it needs a good clean and polish.
I am now heading south in the direction of Savannah and will be back to Florida for a few weeks to sort out the new bike and a few other things. I am open to detouring to visit other members along the way, those are the high points of my journey. Just let me know.
(https://i.ibb.co/gTLmMXy/IMG-1957.jpg) (https://ibb.co/gTLmMXy)
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You should stop in at Bob's next weekend outside Cleveland, TN.
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What goes 'round comes 'round.
This is a great story.
You've been generous, kind and patient with me in the past. You may not even remember. The warm welcome and great deal are deserved.
That goes for Cliffrod as well, for being a man with many talents who is ready to share with others of like minds.
There is probably a lot more of that going around within this community than is readily apparent.
BTW, Wisconsin is beautiful this time of year. But probably too brisk for the southerners.
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Great story. You rescued a van, you are rescuing a Guzzi and I suspect all this rescues the soul.
If this is what retirement could be like, I can't wait.
Antmanbee, is your van project documented somewhere online? Especially curious about the PV setup.
Keep us posted on the bike revival too.
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Come on by for our campout. 21-23 Oct. out in the country. Cleveland Tn 37323.
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Sure is nice to look out my back window and see this,
(https://i.ibb.co/xzrQzK8/IMG-1960.jpg) (https://ibb.co/xzrQzK8)
I really did hit the jackpot in more ways than apparent. The most rewarding part is being able to spend time with fellow Guzzi enthusiast forum members. I am amazed at the very high level and mastery of varied skills and knowledge and kindness and willingness to share. Cliffrod is no exception. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of most types of older bikes, remarkable fabricating skills and if that's not enough he is a master chef and master sculptor. Watching him carve granite and learning how he sets up and approaches the various facets of a sculpture was an experience I would never have had if I was sitting at home and I am so glad I was afforded an opportunity to do this. Watching him cook is just as amazing.
Now to the bike. I couldn't have found a better deal if I had been patiently looking. I was not thinking of buying another bike, but cliffrod casually mentioned, "there is a nice V7 that could be had for a good price" and that was all it took. He even found a rear carrier at a good price too. I got set up with the whole complete kit.
I will need to do a few things with the bike to get it ready to ride. Tires are old and cracked and will be replaced. Change all the fluids of course. A good tune. I will pull the tank and then remove the fuel pump assembly and clean the tank and vent lines and replace the filter if it's a half plastic one. Other than that I will be trying to shed as much weight as possible off the bike. While the tires are off I may seal the rims to run tubeless. Also it needs a good clean and polish.
I am now heading south in the direction of Savannah and will be back to Florida for a few weeks to sort out the new bike and a few other things. I am open to detouring to visit other members along the way, those are the high points of my journey. Just let me know.
(https://i.ibb.co/gTLmMXy/IMG-1957.jpg) (https://ibb.co/gTLmMXy)
Just so no one is misled, I went right back to being a incompetent peckerhead as soon as you left….
Seriously, it has been quite a week. That bike has been somewhat of a special secret & likely deal that’s been lingering for a long while until the right person came along. It was one of “our” bikes and we weren’t looking forward to seeing it fall into the wrong hands to be hacked up & goobered into oblivion like special bikes often do. When Tom got it, we didn’t expect it to almost immediately become yard art. He didn’t either. Since then, I’ve spent the last 7yrs (think Tom got it in ‘15) driving back & forth past it every single time I went to the shop. After seeing it sitting so long and knowing the situation, lately we’ve been discussing that it was time for something to happen before it was too late even if we needed to grease the skids. When you showed up, it was time and all went better than we imagined. I’m not into newer bikes like that and there aren’t many locally that are fluent in modern Moto Guzzis. Really happy that it has moved on to the right home.
I’m anxious to see where you go with it, figuratively and literally. Keep me/us posted. Travel & ride safe, man!
Edit- I forgot to add a sincere thank you for the kind words.
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Just so no one is misled, I went right back to being a incompetent peckerhead as soon as you left….
I can't make the call on you being identified as a peckerhead, but certainly not incompetent.
Very happy I was in the right place at the right time.
I jumped right in on the V7 today. Stripped most of the bodywork off and also the airbox and started cleaning it up a bit.
The process of making lists and collecting parts has begun.
(https://i.ibb.co/FwX4Qc6/IMG-1976.jpg) (https://ibb.co/FwX4Qc6)
(https://i.ibb.co/QfGWbWv/IMG-1975.jpg) (https://ibb.co/QfGWbWv)
I think I am going to go with some Shinko 705's with a 4.10-18 front and a 120/90-17 rear.
Damn, I gave away my spares for my 750 Breva when I sold it a year or so ago. Now I need to buy all the stuff again. Oil filter, valve cover gaskets, cables, etc.
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adaven, I do remember conversing with you a couple of years ago or so. If I am up that way I will look you up. This time of year though it's the southern states only now.
Pescatore, I have not documented my van build or the solar yet but I am more than happy to talk about it or share any info I have. If you want to talk, just PM me and I will send my phone number.
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I have my V7III running tubeless courtesy of Sikaflex marine sealant
I'm sure the bike can afford to lose a few pounds to make it easier to load.
Enjoy your retirement.
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We are here in NM in the East Mountain area (about 20 miles east of ABQ). Have some very nice roads in the area. Plenty of room for the van.
GliderJohn
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We are here in NM in the East Mountain area (about 20 miles east of ABQ). Have some very nice roads in the area. Plenty of room for the van.
GliderJohn
Gliderjohn, I will definitely visit you in the not to distant future. I hope to spend at least a few months in the Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada and surrounding areas. I'm really looking forward to doing some riding out there.
In the mean time I am working on getting my V7 ready for the great roads out west. I changed out the steel handlebars for some lighter lower rise aluminum bars, replaced all the fuel injection hose with high pressure line and replaced the spark plug caps with NGK's.
I went to adjust the valves today and found on one side they were adjusted incorrectly to .010 and .015 inches not the specified .10 and .15mm. The other side was correct.
This is not the first time I bought a bike and found this mistake. I would have expected both sides to be wrong, not just one side.
What is the best method to get the slightly swelled tank back on the bike and have the rear mounting bolt line up? Shave the rubber donuts?
New bars,
(https://i.ibb.co/w4j9tjp/IMG-1978.jpg) (https://ibb.co/w4j9tjp)
New fuel line,
(https://i.ibb.co/q1Nyddq/IMG-1979.jpg) (https://ibb.co/q1Nyddq)
NGK caps,
(https://i.ibb.co/cw33sVb/IMG-1980.jpg) (https://ibb.co/cw33sVb)
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More progress on the V7. It should be running tomorrow.
New tires on rims converted to tubeless.
(https://i.ibb.co/wrkrY8V/IMG-1994.jpg) (https://ibb.co/wrkrY8V)
Relocated the ECU and air temp sensor.
(https://i.ibb.co/1Mc8sKj/IMG-1993.jpg) (https://ibb.co/1Mc8sKj)
Oil breather system for valve covers and return to sump.
(https://i.ibb.co/p4dgNrL/IMG-1992.jpg) (https://ibb.co/p4dgNrL)
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Good work and thanks for sharing!
I plan to follow suit on my 02 Stone my next tire change.
Dan
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Very cool- love seeing the progress. Were you able to resolve the tank cover fitment without big complications?
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Very cool- love seeing the progress. Were you able to resolve the tank cover fitment without big complications?
I think I should be able to get the tank on with just a bit of shaving of the donuts. So far I have just set it on the bike to test with the fuel pump.
I have a new pump coming and it should be here tomorrow.
Got my air filter setup installed and also cleaned up the turn signal mounting and made a tidy tail for the rear.
(https://i.ibb.co/QNPBL6w/IMG-1996.jpg) (https://ibb.co/QNPBL6w)
(https://i.ibb.co/GvY3mTt/IMG-1997.jpg) (https://ibb.co/GvY3mTt)
(https://i.ibb.co/BtBSyWB/IMG-1998.jpg) (https://ibb.co/BtBSyWB)
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I finally collected all the parts I needed to finish the V7. So happy to have it running now.
I still need to change fluids in the engine, trans and rear-end. I also need to fashion an under seat splash guard.
I loaded a map that switched off the O2 sensor and I bumped up the CO trim to +4. I'll take it out for a good run on Tuesday and see how it goes.
Getting closer to being back on the road and I'm looking forward to it.
A short 1 minute video of it running. It's a bit on the loud side but I will be wearing earplugs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVRBKt1D6F0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVRBKt1D6F0)
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Sounds good AMB👍
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:bow: nice work ! Sounds great!
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Very cool- great to see & hear it running!!
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:bow: Hi Antman,glad to hear your van is together +working.When I visited you past February you were talking over my head about solar stuff for the van,I'm really impressed with the clean job+attention to detail you performed with this project :thumb: During your travels West you might give some thought to visiting ol Fubar in beautiful Nebraska-----we don't have all thos energy sucking curvy roads you hear about,our roads are straight as an arrow 30 mi. any direction will find you a hospital or a grocery store,13 mi. gets you a fuel stop :popcorn: as a safety feature you can wear the tires down to the cord + still have plenty tread on the sidewalls,straight roads do have merit you know!!!!!!!!!!! see ya down the road Mr. Antman :boozing:
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Thanks, Ncdan, lucian, cliffrod and fubar.
During the winter I will be sticking to the southern part of the southern states. Fubar, you sure make Nebraska sound appealing. I always considered Florida the land of straight flat roads. Are you near the Colorado/Wyoming side of the state? I would like to visit with you again. I could be up that way during the warmer months.
It is taking me longer than anticipated to get back on the road. I was trying to buy steel to reinforce the bike carrier and I could not find any near me. I will probably have to drive an hour or more to maybe find what I need. Nothing exotic, just some square tube mild steel.
Also I need a spring clip to retain the electrical connector for one of my fuel injectors. The previous owner lost one. I don't think it is something that is sold separately.
I suppose I could try making one out of a paper clip or something.
(https://i.ibb.co/P5wQ2Nh/IMG-2011.jpg) (https://ibb.co/P5wQ2Nh)
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Most likely have to buy a pigtail w/connector to get a wire clip. I have searched.
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I left the east coast of Florida yesterday but not till 3PM. It turns out I had many more things to do than I thought. Anyways, the van is fully packed and ready to travel. This evening I am west and a bit north of Tallahassee. On Thursday morning I will be in New Orleans about 2 miles from the French Quarter and spend 1 or 2 nights there. Next I will head down following the southern most part of Texas and then up along the Mexican border. I have crossed Texas many times but never through the very bottom.
I hope to meet up with some of you guys along the way. My V7 is ready for a ride.
(https://i.ibb.co/0QxjN7J/IMG-2038.jpg) (https://ibb.co/0QxjN7J)
I have been getting about 14mpg from this beast even with the high-top and solar and bike on the back. Not too bad I guess. A lot of the newer vans on the road are diesel and get a few mpg more than mine but I think I come out ahead with the cheaper price of regular gas.
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Good luck ya ole free spirited hippie, keep Lisa and I in the loop my friend 👍
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Travel safe, man. Hoping the adventure is a good one.
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Fantastic story and new travel set-up. Be safe, have fun, and be blessed.
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Sounds like a way cool trip to be both with new and old friends with periods of quietly enjoying being alone.
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On the road again! beauty. Best vibes for a good trip…
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Glad to see you're on the road again! I will expect photos of twisty roads, fine roadside restaurants, scenic views, women, other motorcycles, fellow bikers, women, and fine roadside restaurants! "If you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space."
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Thanks for all the well wishes everyone.
I am looking forward to my day in New Orleans tomorrow. I have not been there for 40+ years.
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One of my very favorite cities, New Orleans, architecture, food, music, people! Enjoy!
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Thursday in New Orleans was fun. I probably walked 10 miles before dark including Canal st. and quite a bit of the Quarter and also Frenchman st.
Here are 3 cliched photos. I surprised myself at the lack of originality of the subjects.
(https://i.ibb.co/BKFJcN4/IMG-2039.jpg) (https://ibb.co/BKFJcN4)
(https://i.ibb.co/473h42h/IMG-2040.jpg) (https://ibb.co/473h42h)
(https://i.ibb.co/jJ4q62C/IMG-2041.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jJ4q62C)
I was hoping to find some granite sculptures in the cemetery but did not have much luck. I was probably looking in the wrong area. There are miles of these cemeteries.
I did luck upon an excellent bakery of French rustic bread.
Today I am in Texas somewhat near to corpus Christi. I will probably be wandering around Texas for a week or so.
Hope to see some of you guys.
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Nice, keep the pictures and history coming.
I’m sure Clint would like seeing the sculptures👍
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Thanks for looking. I’ve got a couple of books in my archive featuring cemeteries in New Orleans. Not much granite sculpture. Ornate Marble is more prevalent. It’s a unique place with so many above-ground installations, really unlike anything else.
Lafayette 1 is across the street from Commanders Palace. I spent time looking through there & comparing it to what I was already familiar with from VT, but it was before I knew as much as I would later learn. Never got to St Louis Cemetery to see the famous Weeping Seraph of Whetmore’s design. I’ll get back there someday.
Glad you enjoyed things while you were there, Antmanbee.
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I have got the wife convinced that selling out and a house on the lake will get boring. A Van, 2 scooters and b&b are the way to go. No house to maintain, grass to cut or over head to maintain. Old Hippies. And a middle weight bike in the back. She said a toilet. She didn't ask for much.
Your set up looks great. Need to get started on the Scooby-Doo Van
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I have got the wife convinced that selling out and a house on the lake will get boring. A Van, 2 scooters and b&b are the way to go. No house to maintain, grass to cut or over head to maintain. Old Hippies. And a middle weight bike in the back. She said a toilet. She didn't ask for much.
Your set up looks great. Need to get started on the Scooby-Doo Van
You are right. Seems like all I do is cut grass from March through November. That’s 9 months out of a year! Geeezzz
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I have got the wife convinced that selling out and a house on the lake will get boring. A Van, 2 scooters and b&b are the way to go. No house to maintain, grass to cut or over head to maintain. Old Hippies. And a middle weight bike in the back. She said a toilet. She didn't ask for much.
Your set up looks great. Need to get started on the Scooby-Doo Van
There is a lot to be said for shedding it all and simplifying in your life but it is not easy to do. We get attached to all our stuff (junk). Sometimes I think the best idea is to have a small, inexpensive home base that needs almost no maintenance, to visit on occasion and then spend the rest of the time adventuring in one form or another.
The van is pretty good for this as it is easier to go most anywhere and park unlike a larger RV. With the right size van not too much creature comforts are sacrificed.
I think the sweet spot is one of the newer Promasters, Transits or Sprinters on the extended chassis with the high top. These are a little bigger than my rig and can be set up with a shower/toilet area. They are in demand and expensive to buy.
I was not willing to drop a lot of dough into a van like that, not knowing if I would really like it and for how long I would travel like that. I only have about 10K in my van build, all in including the purchase price. But I do have so many hours in the build that probably translate to paying myself a dollar an hour. I spent about a year building and for the most part it is enjoyable for me to do a project like this.
This is what the inside of my van is like with all my stuff in it while traveling.
(https://i.ibb.co/RPFnG2R/IMG-2044.jpg) (https://ibb.co/RPFnG2R)
(https://i.ibb.co/Ld1X8T2/IMG-2045.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Ld1X8T2)
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My pictures look like they are uploading but do not appear. ???
(https://i.ibb.co/RPFnG2R/IMG-2044.jpg) (https://ibb.co/RPFnG2R)
(https://i.ibb.co/Ld1X8T2/IMG-2045.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Ld1X8T2)
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They are there for me. Nice job.
kk
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Nice looking conversion! Do you happen to have a picture with the bed down and dimensions? Do you have a table to eat/work at? I'm still looking at van conversions and factory options -- not too many that have a bed 78-80" long.
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I love what you've done. Like mentioned, the ProMaster is a great rig. Being front wheel drive, they have lower floors with increased overall height, as well as being slightly wider. I've reseached, but damn so so expensive.
I may consider a used shuttle bus, so many configurations, and much more affordable. I figure about 6 or 7 windows long, the a wheelchair lift on the side would make for easy motorcycle loading!
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Here is a picture of the bed down. My bed is a standard size twin. I could have made my bed longer but that would encroach on the couch. If you buy a pre made van I would imagine your options are limited. A twin XL would work for you NWrider.
The ProMaster is a bit wider for going side to side but I don't think it is 78-80".
My couch is 6' so it could be used as a spare bed.
(https://i.ibb.co/GsdB10x/IMG-2046.jpg) (https://ibb.co/GsdB10x)
A mural on the side of an old building in Edna Tx near to where I stayed the last couple of nights. The town looks half closed up but at least it is not a giant strip mall.
(https://i.ibb.co/rk8RCSK/IMG-2047.jpg) (https://ibb.co/rk8RCSK)
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This is where I am staying tonight.
(https://i.ibb.co/8cz7s6Z/IMG-2050.jpg) (https://ibb.co/8cz7s6Z)
And it is across the road from this.
(https://i.ibb.co/VtjQjXj/IMG-2049.jpg) (https://ibb.co/VtjQjXj)
(https://i.ibb.co/Wx1DtyB/IMG-2052.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Wx1DtyB)
(https://i.ibb.co/NYVjPSJ/IMG-2053.jpg) (https://ibb.co/NYVjPSJ)
(https://i.ibb.co/5Bcnbk1/IMG-2048.jpg) (https://ibb.co/5Bcnbk1)
Please don't take this political. This is just where I am staying.
I am just a mile or so from the southern most point in Texas and about 18 miles from the space port.
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Last weekend, some friends and I rode our dual sports along the California border wall. It's pretty cool to see up close.
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Today I was at Starbase. Pretty cool.
(https://i.ibb.co/drS5KcZ/IMG-2058.jpg) (https://ibb.co/drS5KcZ)
(https://i.ibb.co/rG6bYbB/IMG-2060.jpg) (https://ibb.co/rG6bYbB)
(https://i.ibb.co/mXMYTPZ/IMG-2062.jpg) (https://ibb.co/mXMYTPZ)
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They look like Dr. Evils' rocket
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Today I was at Starbase.
Cool! Following your travels my friend!
Here's one from a few years past, my R75/5 on South Padre Island,TX.
Not far from your location.
Hope to see you again one day soon!
~Michael
P S. If your Florida digs need looking on, let me know :thumb:
(https://i.ibb.co/hXdgqXh/20221217-214037.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hXdgqXh)
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Something similar: Built an insulated AWD van six years ago and have traveled all over the West with it. Can carry a 400 lb bike on the back. I use it for skiing a lot -- all the water tanks are inside the insulated space.
(https://i.ibb.co/sWfctq5/Ontheroad.jpg) (https://ibb.co/sWfctq5)
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Something similar: Built an insulated AWD van six years ago and have traveled all over the West with it. Can carry a 400 lb bike on the back. I use it for skiing a lot -- all the water tanks are inside the insulated space.
(https://i.ibb.co/sWfctq5/Ontheroad.jpg) (https://ibb.co/sWfctq5)
Looks like a great van. Did you reinforce the carrier/hitch? AWD is nice to have but for me my biggest problem on rougher terrain is my motorcycle carrier extends out pretty far and is prone to scraping if I am not really careful.
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Did you reinforce the carrier/hitch? AWD is nice to have but for me my biggest problem on rougher terrain is my motorcycle carrier extends out pretty far and is prone to scraping if I am not really careful.
When I installed the hitch receiver, I also installed air bags to boost the rear axle springs. Inflate those to 10 psi unloaded, 40 psi or more loaded, or the rear squats pretty badly. I avoid rough ground when the carrier is loaded. With bike aboard, the truck is at or above GVW.
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I bought a Harbor Freight motorcycle carrier to carry my 125 cc Yamaha on the back of our 5th wheel. I sold the Yamaha and wanted to carry my new V7lll. So I beefed up the carrier to handle the additional weight. Then I got the manual out for the trailer. 300 lb limit on the hitch. The best laid plans of mice and men. I've considered beefing up the hitch on the trailer but I am reluctant to drag my arc welder under the trailer and my wife might be watching. She has concerns when I start modifying stuff.
kk
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She has concerns when I start modifying stuff.
kk
I hope that doesn't stop you.
My receiver hitch is rated at 600lbs tongue weight or 1000lbs if I use a load balancing hitch.
My van is a E350 1 ton but it is only rated at I think 5 or 6000lbs because I have the smaller 5.4 engine and I think a 3.56 axle. The 4.11 with the 10Cyl or Diesel can tow 10,000lbs.
With the weight of the carrier and motorcycle together I am at around 500lbs total.
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"She has concerns when I start modifying stuff."
Especially when it is "her" trailer. :thewife:
kk
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Here are a few more pictures from Texas. I spent the night here at this overlook near Sheffield Tx.
(https://i.ibb.co/rM6DKQJ/IMG-2068.jpg) (https://ibb.co/rM6DKQJ)
(https://i.ibb.co/fXY5L7x/IMG-2070.jpg) (https://ibb.co/fXY5L7x)
(https://i.ibb.co/4FzTZ5Q/IMG-2074.jpg) (https://ibb.co/4FzTZ5Q)
(https://i.ibb.co/YXTdhH9/IMG-2075.jpg) (https://ibb.co/YXTdhH9)
Somewhere near Marfa Tx.
(https://i.ibb.co/44DpHcG/IMG-2111.jpg) (https://ibb.co/44DpHcG)
Where I spent the night at the Marfa lights observation point.
(https://i.ibb.co/vzcwVZP/IMG-2112.jpg) (https://ibb.co/vzcwVZP)
(https://i.ibb.co/3N35N87/IMG-2114.jpg) (https://ibb.co/3N35N87)
I camped here about 25 miles before I entered Big Bend National Park.
(https://i.ibb.co/HVjwjst/IMG-2119.jpg) (https://ibb.co/HVjwjst)
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Marfa,TX.
Did you see the ghost of James Dean?..
Safe travels my friend! :thumb:
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Marfa,TX.
Did you see the ghost of James Dean?..
Safe travels my friend! :thumb:
There is supposed to be some lights on the horizon, but I stared for a long time until I hallucinated. Maybe I got my moneys worth from a flashback from the late 60's. However I did not see James Dean's ghost or the Marfa lights.
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There is supposed to be some lights on the horizon, but I stared for a long time until I hallucinated. Maybe I got my moneys worth from a flashback from the late 60's. However I did not see James Dean's ghost or the Marfa lights.
Better go look for some cow pies.
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A few pictures from Big Bend National Park,
(https://i.ibb.co/qmC0cnP/IMG-2127.jpg) (https://ibb.co/qmC0cnP) (https://i.ibb.co/x74MJNg/IMG-2131.jpg) (https://ibb.co/x74MJNg) (https://i.ibb.co/NyyyHyd/IMG-2133.jpg) (https://ibb.co/NyyyHyd) (https://i.ibb.co/XCsTTtC/IMG-2134.jpg) (https://ibb.co/XCsTTtC) (https://i.ibb.co/Z186W08/IMG-2135.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Z186W08) (https://i.ibb.co/7pZkXfm/IMG-2137.jpg) (https://ibb.co/7pZkXfm) (https://i.ibb.co/kGj1sWd/IMG-2138.jpg) (https://ibb.co/kGj1sWd) (https://i.ibb.co/9vc8ydL/IMG-2139.jpg) (https://ibb.co/9vc8ydL)
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You getting that bike off the rack any?
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AMB, If you ever get back to PA, you should pm me. I'm in the Lancaster area. We could meet for dinner or lunch. We did meet once for a short period of time. It was along route 220 at Lock Haven. I was pulling a trailer with my EV and my wife's V65SP on it. You were on I believe a V7 heading to Florida if I remember correctly.
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AMB, If you ever get back to PA, you should pm me. I'm in the Lancaster area. We could meet for dinner or lunch. We did meet once for a short period of time. It was along route 220 at Lock Haven. I was pulling a trailer with my EV and my wife's V65SP on it. You were on I believe a V7 heading to Florida if I remember correctly.
Hi EldoEVert,
I certainly do remember you. Glad to hear from you. It was a little more than just a meet, it was a rescue. I was on a Breva 750 that I had just purchased the day before on a fly and ride from Rochester NY and the fuel idiot light did not work. I had run out of gas and was sitting on the side of the road having a snack, figuring out what I was going to do. I had only been there for maybe 10 minutes before I saw you drive by and I waved but you were pretty well past me but I saw the two Guzzi's in the trailer. It took about 15 minutes or more but you had to go down the road a ways to exit and circle back. During that time I had no idea if you realized I needed assistance and were coming back.
When I saw you pulling in next to me I couldn't believe it. What are the odds of even seeing another Guzzi on the road let alone being rescued by a fellow Guzzi owner?
Once again, many thanks!
I was in Pennsylvania in October of 2022, traveling in my van, just before I went to South Carolina where I purchased the V7.
If I go through again I will definitely get in touch with you.
For the next few months I will be in New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, California and possibly Utah and Colorado as it starts to warm. I will then try to get up to Oregon and Washington and maybe Idaho.
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You getting that bike off the rack any?
I have not got it off the rack yet, however I did put some gas in it today in anticipation of getting it off the rack soon.
I am still hoping that some south western members will want to show me a couple of their favorite rides out here.
Either way, now that it is warming up, I hope to do a bit of riding.
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Pictures of White Sands National Park.
(https://i.ibb.co/bH7g3h1/IMG-2168.jpg) (https://ibb.co/bH7g3h1)
(https://i.ibb.co/PG8Y8W4/IMG-2173.jpg) (https://ibb.co/PG8Y8W4)
(https://i.ibb.co/dcTTvBz/IMG-2176.jpg) (https://ibb.co/dcTTvBz)
(https://i.ibb.co/T8S8hpx/IMG-2183.jpg) (https://ibb.co/T8S8hpx)
The morning view out my window while in bed.
(https://i.ibb.co/qsg9L7C/IMG-2177.jpg) (https://ibb.co/qsg9L7C)
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Nice👍
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From a week ago outside of Alamogordo the sunset and facing opposite at the same time of day.
(https://i.ibb.co/L95FWgX/IMG-2185.jpg) (https://ibb.co/L95FWgX)
(https://i.ibb.co/hRmdTXH/IMG-2187.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hRmdTXH)
Bisbee Az. from a couple of days ago.
(https://i.ibb.co/myy64vL/IMG-2204-2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/myy64vL)
(https://i.ibb.co/P6XHgKw/IMG-2206.jpg) (https://ibb.co/P6XHgKw)
Lowell, Just a few miles south of Bisbee. These old cars are there all the time.
(https://i.ibb.co/dpC7w2k/IMG-2210.jpg) (https://ibb.co/dpC7w2k)
(https://i.ibb.co/t3dPYZh/IMG-2211.jpg) (https://ibb.co/t3dPYZh)
(https://i.ibb.co/jrZFydN/IMG-2212.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jrZFydN)
(https://i.ibb.co/qxrBRxQ/IMG-2213.jpg) (https://ibb.co/qxrBRxQ)
image uploader (https://imgbb.com/)
No more riding the bike for a little while. I converted the rims to tubeless but the front is now leaking air. It dropped from 40 to about 12 in a few days. I am not sure what I will do to remedy it. Stop leak? Or put a tube in the front. I don't really have a good way to jack up the bike and do it my self so I am leaning to stop leak.
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I would vote for figuring out a way to get the front wheel off the ground high enough to remove and tube it.
I feel sure a motorcycle shop would be glad to offer an ole drifter like you done tools to do the job behind the building 👍
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I missed this thread so far, but it looks like a might fine mission to undertake. :bow: :bow:
One thing.
Why did you move the ECU & Temp sensor?
Was it some sort of concern of the elevated temperatures that you might encounter on your travels
Relocated the ECU and air temp sensor.
(https://i.ibb.co/1Mc8sKj/IMG-1993.jpg) (https://ibb.co/1Mc8sKj)
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No more riding the bike for a little while. I converted the rims to tubeless but the front is now leaking air. It dropped from 40 to about 12 in a few days. I am not sure what I will do to remedy it. Stop leak? Or put a tube in the front. I don't really have a good way to jack up the bike and do it my self so I am leaning to stop leak.
Try using some soapy water or windex to find where it's leaking before jumping to a tube. Could be a puncture you missed or just a loose valve / valve stem.
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I missed this thread so far, but it looks like a might fine mission to undertake. :bow: :bow:
One thing.
Why did you move the ECU & Temp sensor?
Was it some sort of concern of the elevated temperatures that you might encounter on your travels
I did an airbox delete and that stuff was attached to the airbox. I don't delete the box for performance, I get rid of it to make servicing easier. There is now plenty of space between the cylinders.
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Try using some soapy water or windex to find where it's leaking before jumping to a tube. Could be a puncture you missed or just a loose valve / valve stem.
I am going to test with some soap suds when I get the tire pressurized again. My feeling is the seal around one of the spokes has failed. To fix that will require removing the tire, cleaning out the old sealant and reapplying. I am not sure to trust the sealing of the spokes anymore. They did hold for several months though.
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I did an airbox delete and that stuff was attached to the airbox. I don't delete the box for performance, I get rid of it to make servicing easier. There is now plenty of space between the cylinders.
Ah, thanks for enlightening me
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I've been busy traveling and not posted for a while. I am currently in southern Utah and northern Arizona, driving in circles.
I spent almost 2 weeks in San Diego and did a little riding. I had to fix my leaky front tubeless rim first. I had a nice trip up to Mt Palomar and Lake Henshaw.
(https://i.ibb.co/VpYRpwq/IMG-2265.jpg) (https://ibb.co/VpYRpwq)
(https://i.ibb.co/PgqcQ7L/IMG-2263.jpg) (https://ibb.co/PgqcQ7L)
(https://i.ibb.co/yf18gNV/IMG-2266.jpg) (https://ibb.co/yf18gNV)
I was up and down the coast from Oceanside to Chula Vista.
(https://i.ibb.co/fS6MJHy/IMG-2252.jpg) (https://ibb.co/fS6MJHy)
(https://i.ibb.co/YyQkrhF/IMG-2256.jpg) (https://ibb.co/YyQkrhF)
(https://i.ibb.co/rFqnDjh/IMG-2249.jpg) (https://ibb.co/rFqnDjh)
Where I camped for several days 30 miles east of Oceanside.
(https://i.ibb.co/rvzQY7f/IMG-2248.jpg) (https://ibb.co/rvzQY7f)
Then dropping down to Borrego, the Salton Sea and onto Lake Havasu.
(https://i.ibb.co/CHfz2Jm/IMG-2277.jpg) (https://ibb.co/CHfz2Jm)
(https://i.ibb.co/C8yt5fR/IMG-2279.jpg) (https://ibb.co/C8yt5fR)
(https://i.ibb.co/3Rxy5vX/IMG-2282.jpg) (https://ibb.co/3Rxy5vX)
(https://i.ibb.co/jG16KW0/IMG-2285.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jG16KW0)
(https://i.ibb.co/DYm53rb/IMG-2289.jpg) (https://ibb.co/DYm53rb)
(https://i.ibb.co/NmdHcf0/IMG-2290.jpg) (https://ibb.co/NmdHcf0)
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Hi Alan, looks like your having an amazing trip, I'm happy for you.
What was the cause of the front tire leak?
Good luck on the rest of the trip and thanks for keeping us posted.
Ride Safe
Earl
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Hi Alan, looks like your having an amazing trip, I'm happy for you.
What was the cause of the front tire leak?
Good luck on the rest of the trip and thanks for keeping us posted.
Ride Safe
Earl
Hi Earl, The leak was from around a spoke where the sealant I used must have failed. It was a very slow leak as it took a few days to deflate. In my travels I had run into a guy who was an engineer at Michelin for many years and he was also an avid bicyclist. He recommended some stuff called 'Stans no tubes' and I put about 4oz in the tire and the leak stopped completely. I will probably put 4oz in the rear too as a precautionary measure. Stans claims that it will seal punctures up to 1/4 inch. I'm sure mine was only a pinhole.
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I had a lot of those leaks when I used the 5200 marine sealant. In reality, that stuff takes a week to dry completely. I always wondered about using a fix like you used, but I figured it would be thrown to the outside and wouldn't get to a spoke leak. Let us know if it continues to work.
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I had a lot of those leaks when I used the 5200 marine sealant. In reality, that stuff takes a week to dry completely. I always wondered about using a fix like you used, but I figured it would be thrown to the outside and wouldn't get to a spoke leak. Let us know if it continues to work.
It's been in there for almost a month now and no drop in pressure. I was concerned about it fixing a spoke leak too but the stuff is pretty low viscosity and it must have flung around sufficiently. The leak stopped immediately.
I was a few miles from Green Valley 5-6 weeks ago. I went up I19 from Nogales to Arivaca Rd and went west to Arivaca and continued west to 286. Beautiful road.
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I live about 6 miles from the start of Arivaca rd in the winter. Love it.
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Antmanbee, what hitch carrier do you have? Black Widow? What's the brand/model? I have a Promaster 136" high roof with a factory tow package and am shopping for a motorcycle carrier for a lightweight (sub 400 lb) bike.
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Antmanbee, what hitch carrier do you have? Black Widow? What's the brand/model? I have a Promaster 136" high roof with a factory tow package and am shopping for a motorcycle carrier for a lightweight (sub 400 lb) bike.
My carrier is a black widow that is rated for 600lbs. I would not trust it with that weight though. I reinforced mine and now I think it could hold the 600lbs.
My bike is about 400 with fuel and I had it on the rack before I modified it and it bounced around a bit but I had no issues. I just wasn't confident for taking it over bumpy roads with the flexing it did.
If you want, PM me your phone number and I will give you a call to go into more detail about it.
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Jeez Antie, that’s a beaut concept of a trip you have hatched, just such get-up-and-go to conceive of such a thing.
That van looks damn good, very damn good…..
If I lived in the ‘States, I’d make darn sure that I made it onto your list of places to drop by and would ensure that any of my cohorts that were not too low life, could catch you on your whistle stop adventure. It’s so handy and appreciated to have a place to change the oil and do preventative/routine maintenance on the machines.
If you are ever here in Oz, I’d collect you at Melbourne International and bring you home to the hills for a couple of days r&r, then you can take my V85 away for as long as you like to tour Australia, free of course.
I hope you’ll get some good interest and offers of lodging along your intended route, but I guess it’d have to be publicised a bit in advance, that might be a fly in the ointment.
I’d sure as hell want you to drop by, you’d have an encyclopaedia of anecdotes and memories from “the road” to share.
Good luck and hope you hear from Wild Guzzi members in your area.
Peter.
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Jeez Antie, that’s a beaut concept of a trip you have hatched, just such get-up-and-go to conceive of such a thing.
That van looks damn good, very damn good…..
If I lived in the ‘States, I’d make darn sure that I made it onto your list of places to drop by and would ensure that any of my cohorts that were not too low life, could catch you on your whistle stop adventure. It’s so handy and appreciated to have a place to change the oil and do preventative/routine maintenance on the machines.
If you are ever here in Oz, I’d collect you at Melbourne International and bring you home to the hills for a couple of days r&r, then you can take my V85 away for as long as you like to tour Australia, free of course.
I hope you’ll get some good interest and offers of lodging along your intended route, but I guess it’d have to be publicised a bit in advance, that might be a fly in the ointment.
I’d sure as hell want you to drop by, you’d have an encyclopaedia of anecdotes and memories from “the road” to share.
Good luck and hope you hear from Wild Guzzi members in your area.
Peter.
Peter, I may in the future take you up on your offer. When I am tired of van travel my plan is to head overseas. Top areas on my list are South America and SE Asia.
I intend to slow travel spending 1-3 months in each location. Just living out of a carry on sized bag. In SE Asia I hope to make it to Bali too, which is a relatively short hop to Oz from there. Too many places to go and not enough time. I should have started younger.
If you're inclined to come visit the western US I will meet you at the airport of your choice and then you can use my V7 to travel about the west for as long as you like too (free of course).
On my traveling by van, I'm not in need of lodging, I always stay in my van. I was hoping some members had a place to park my van for a couple of days or so and then show and ride with me on some of their local nice 50-200 mile rides in the area.
I am just meandering around out west at the moment. I will be going through Zion National Park tomorrow and Coral Pink Sand Dunes the following day. After thta I am not sure. Mostly just traveling where it is not too hot or cold and something scenic to look at.
Thanks for the well wishes.
Alan
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Peter, I may in the future take you up on your offer. When I am tired of van travel my plan is to head overseas. Top areas on my list are South America and SE Asia.
I intend to slow travel spending 1-3 months in each location. Just living out of a carry on sized bag. In SE Asia I hope to make it to Bali too, which is a relatively short hop to Oz from there. Too many places to go and not enough time. I should have started younger.
If you're inclined to come visit the western US I will meet you at the airport of your choice and then you can use my V7 to travel about the west for as long as you like too (free of course).
On my traveling by van, I'm not in need of lodging, I always stay in my van. I was hoping some members had a place to park my van for a couple of days or so and then show and ride with me on some of their local nice 50-200 mile rides in the area.
I am just meandering around out west at the moment. I will be going through Zion National Park tomorrow and Coral Pink Sand Dunes the following day. After thta I am not sure. Mostly just traveling where it is not too hot or cold and something scenic to look at.
Thanks for the well wishes.
Alan
Yeah AMB that is a slam dunk if you are in Australia, consider it done.
Your shots are spectacular and I imagine being tucked up nice and warm in the van is just great, stay safe.
I’ll be living vicariously through your travels, see you in Oz…. :bow: :thumb:
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If you happen to wind up in my neck of the woods I have parking, hookups and a full service garage, labor extra. Lol.
kk
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Well there you go Allen, Peter has made you the offer of a lifetime to go down under! He’s been trying to trick me and Lisa into mounting a plane for a couple years and take him up on a one in a lifetime vacation. Someday I may put on my big boy britches and head his way. Of course we have made him the same offer.
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If you happen to wind up in my neck of the woods I have parking, hookups and a full service garage, labor extra. Lol.
kk
:bow: :thumb: :popcorn:
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If you happen to wind up in my neck of the woods I have parking, hookups and a full service garage, labor extra. Lol.
kk
I had been planning on going to Carson City and around Tahoe. I am not sure on my time frame yet. I still have a few things to explore in Utah and Arizona. But it's likely I will be in the area and would love to meet you. Thanks. I will keep you posted as I narrow down my window of when I will be there. It looks like great riding country. I zigzagged my way up to Sacramento from San Diego many years ago taking all the mountain crossings between 395 and the 49er highway.
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Well there you go Allen, Peter has made you the offer of a lifetime to go down under! He’s been trying to trick me and Lisa into mounting a plane for a couple years and take him up on a one in a lifetime vacation. Someday I may put on my big boy britches and head his way. Of course we have made him the same offer.
Dan, you need to get yourself half unconscious and get you and Lisa on a plane to OZ. So put on you big boy britches. I can recommend a few good layovers in SE Asia.
Probably be one of the most memorable experiences of your life.
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I had a great time visiting with Moparnut72 and Missus Moparnut72 last week. He lives in a beautiful area with lots of great riding roads just a few miles from his house. We took a nice jaunt over a mountain and back. Mopar counted the turns and it was something like 260 or so in 37 miles. I forgot the exact number.
I did another ride solo over another mountain pass where the road had just opened the day before due to the heavy snow this winter. I ended up on the 49er highway and then dropped down into the valley.
(https://i.ibb.co/YDFCYZJ/1-IMG-1937.jpg) (https://ibb.co/YDFCYZJ)
The small town of LaPorte
The day I left Mopar's place and was heading to the coast, I was going down a forest road to a campsite and hit a piece of log in the road that halfway ripped my mini-split compressor unit out from under my van. It was hanging down with maybe 1 1/2in of clearance to the ground. I managed to get the van out of the forest service road and back on pavement and drove back to Mopar's house.
I want to give a special thanks to Mopar for helping me out. He made available all his tools along with some help. I worked all day to bend, tweak and reinforce my brackets and get the compressor unit back in place. By some miracle the heat pump still works. So I am back on the road.
I went back to the same campsite the next day where I had screwed up.
(https://i.ibb.co/XZdhSWZ/1-IMG-2643.jpg) (https://ibb.co/XZdhSWZ)
(https://i.ibb.co/vQYNyP5/1-IMG-2645.jpg) (https://ibb.co/vQYNyP5)
I was planning to go to the Redwoods on the coast near to the Oregon border next, but I changed my mind and will go there a little later. I am heading up into Oregon about a hundred miles west of Portland to the Deschutes River to the 3 day NW get-together of the SMB (Sportsmobile) group. I attended the east coast SMB event last fall and had a great time and met a lot of interesting people. Just like a Guzzi event.
So I will be traveling around Oregon for a while and may venture up into Washington too before I head down the coast into California again.
I have visited a bunch of National Parks and I will post pictures if anyone is interested.
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My AWD Chevy turned 395,000 miles; I put new ball joints in the front end. Thinking about a rebuilt engine this summer.
(https://i.ibb.co/w67t8Qr/Kingsolar-Cropped.jpg) (https://ibb.co/w67t8Qr)
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I’ve done enough trips to recognise how great a journey you’re having.
Good on you and enjoy the sound of the bad weather outside, when you are sleeping cosily in your camper…. :bow: :thumb:
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My AWD Chevy turned 395,000 miles; I put new ball joints in the front end. Thinking about a rebuilt engine this summer.
(https://i.ibb.co/w67t8Qr/Kingsolar-Cropped.jpg) (https://ibb.co/w67t8Qr)
Testarossa, Could you post some more pictures in higher res of your van. It looks like a nice rig. AWD with a high top is a great combination.
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Testarossa, Could you post some more pictures in higher res of your van. It looks like a nice rig. AWD with a high top is a great combination.
Here's the full story of this van build, with photos: https://gailandsethtravelling.wordpress.com/ (https://gailandsethtravelling.wordpress.com/) I haven't updated that site in five or six years. We've had the van for eight years and I use it for skiing all winter, and we've done six or eight week-long summer trips, so we've put 75,000 miles on it ourselves, going through two sets of tires. Still no rust to speak of. Maintenance over the years included a new heater control, new catalytic pods (expensive), new windshield and brake work. I replaced the heavy solar array with a lightweight structure using two 100-watt Kingsolar flexible panels; it's getting time to replace those with 120-watt panels and upgrade from the heavy 6-volt deep-cycle batteries to a lighter LiFePo battery, which will also require a more modern charge controller. A door hinge at the back broke--I'll replace that this month. The engine now burns some oil on start-up and mileage has deteriorated from 16.5mpg to 14.5. I think I can put in a reman engine for under $6,000. Local shop says if you take out the radiator, the engine comes out straight forward in a relative jiffy. We'll see. Cost of ownership including purchase price and conversion, fuel, tires and maintenance has been 46c/mile. (Does not include insurance & registration.) We're very fond of the van. My wife's only objection is the on-the-road noise level. I'm thinking about how to improve the sound insulation.
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400K is a pretty good run for the engine. Are you getting a factory long block or from a rebuilder? I have read on some other forums that the factory unit is the way to go.
I read through all your posts. Very nice write up on your build and trips.
Did your gas mileage improve after installing the air dam? I had installed an air dam and it caused issues, so I have removed it and it's great now.
I average about 14mpg. If I do all highway at 65-70mph I get 15mpg.
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Did your gas mileage improve after installing the air dam?
The air dam improved highway mileage on the original heavy solar array by about .7 mpg. Switching to the smaller, lighter array improved it by another .3 mpg. I get about the same mileage you do.
Haven't yet decided which long block to get. I'm 75 years old and realistically won't use this thing for more than another 10 years or maybe 70,000 miles. If there's a 30% difference in cost for the factory unit, it may not be worth paying.
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I'm on the Olympic Peninsula now in the most north west part. Everything is so lush. Tomorrow I will be in the Hoh rainforest which receives about 200 inches of rain a year, although it has been dry around here for the last week and looks to be that way this week too.
(https://i.ibb.co/VpTLNX2/IMG-2040.jpg) (https://ibb.co/VpTLNX2)
The tree of life
(https://i.ibb.co/sp77Sb8/IMG-2021.jpg) (https://ibb.co/sp77Sb8)
Quinault rain forest
(https://i.ibb.co/3YNXthp/IMG-2041.jpg) (https://ibb.co/3YNXthp)
Kalaloch beach
(https://i.ibb.co/z5BpNBK/IMG-2015.jpg) (https://ibb.co/z5BpNBK)
Quinault rain forest
(https://i.ibb.co/r3xfmr4/IMG-2051.jpg) (https://ibb.co/r3xfmr4)
Quinault rain forest
(https://i.ibb.co/3m3nnRT/IMG-2053.jpg) (https://ibb.co/3m3nnRT)
Tree p0rn, which is looking pretty good to me as I have been traveling alone for a long time now.
(https://i.ibb.co/6WCZCHP/IMG-2057.jpg) (https://ibb.co/6WCZCHP)
Ruby beach
(https://i.ibb.co/NZMnTXn/IMG-2060.jpg) (https://ibb.co/NZMnTXn)
Ruby beach
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Last week in the Seattle area (Woodinville) visiting friends, I got out for a couple of rides on the bike and also one in a TR6 sports car over on the ferry to one of the islands. We also attended the every Saturday car show in Redmond. We also did a bit of wrenching on my friends Ducati 900GTS. It is close to running now but we are waiting on parts. It was fun playing with the GTS and the TR6 as I have owned both before but in different colors.
(https://i.ibb.co/RTMnvk7/IMG-E2653.jpg) (https://ibb.co/RTMnvk7)
(https://i.ibb.co/hZH05FF/IMG-0064.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hZH05FF)
(https://i.ibb.co/30YCMtx/IMG-0070.jpg) (https://ibb.co/30YCMtx)
(https://i.ibb.co/bgbQCr1/IMG-0075.jpg) (https://ibb.co/bgbQCr1)
(https://i.ibb.co/yf12Lz4/IMG-0077.jpg) (https://ibb.co/yf12Lz4)
(https://i.ibb.co/JsfVV3y/IMG-0082.jpg) (https://ibb.co/JsfVV3y)
(https://i.ibb.co/JR9FmL4/IMG-0083.jpg) (https://ibb.co/JR9FmL4)
(https://i.ibb.co/r4WctpP/IMG-0108.jpg) (https://ibb.co/r4WctpP)
(https://i.ibb.co/k53FtDR/IMG-0135.jpg) (https://ibb.co/k53FtDR)
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Looks like a great time.I enjoyed the pictures of the locations. Keep sharing your adventures AMB👍
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Cape Flattery, the most NW point in the continental US
(https://i.ibb.co/RgzC79P/IMG-2097.jpg) (https://ibb.co/RgzC79P) (https://i.ibb.co/gZPgPq0/IMG-2099.jpg) (https://ibb.co/gZPgPq0) (https://i.ibb.co/LRRXFq8/IMG-2101.jpg) (https://ibb.co/LRRXFq8) (https://i.ibb.co/pLvT65h/IMG-2103.jpg) (https://ibb.co/pLvT65h) (https://i.ibb.co/8zxMg5k/IMG-2104.jpg) (https://ibb.co/8zxMg5k) (https://i.ibb.co/z22qh5s/IMG-2107.jpg) (https://ibb.co/z22qh5s) (https://i.ibb.co/cCBs3Cb/IMG-2109.jpg) (https://ibb.co/cCBs3Cb)
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I found myself here without a paddle
(https://i.ibb.co/dPGQWd5/IMG-2116.jpg) (https://ibb.co/dPGQWd5)
Lake Crescent, I stopped for breakfast here
(https://i.ibb.co/y0Yxypd/IMG-2123.jpg) (https://ibb.co/y0Yxypd)
I am now heading to the SW Washington coastline and will work my way down into Oregon crossing the bridge at Astoria. I may stay in the area for a while as the weather is perfect. 60-70's in the day and 50's at night. Everywhere inland is scorching.