Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: catneck on November 18, 2017, 12:37:39 PM
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Hi all.
I found this on this site:
(http://thumb.ibb.co/jBL5v6/2014_03_20075255_zps60b8f987.jpg) (http://ibb.co/jBL5v6)
I was interested in the mods and they made sense to me. A 1200 Sport with Norge ABS, and no excess tupperware.
Contacted the owner. Chamberlin proved to be an enthusiastic and knowlegeable Guzzi guy. He explained the details, and we made a deal.
I initially setup a shipping auction, but the Fly N Ride idea took hold after it was suggested by my wife.
I generally do 1 of these remote purchases every couple of years, so it was not a new idea. I just was concerned about the time of year.
Then I realized I was heading to Tucson..
Back in touch with Chamberlin. He agreed to ship the take offs, and pick me up at the airport. I sent the money, and I booked a flight about 2 weeks out.
Scheduled to arrive about midnight, hotel at the airport, and start the next day fresh and ready to travel.
2 flights later, I had the good fortune to arrive early. The hotel shuttle driver had just clocked out.
A great clerk at the hotel agreed to make another trip, and soon I was checked in.
Early the next morning, Chamberlin texted his arrival as I was finishing breakfast. A great ride in his nice 3 series Touring (with a manual!) had us at his shop/Euro showroom.
A couple of intricate car moves later, we rolled out the Norge:
(http://thumb.ibb.co/e07UNm/20171115_082104.jpg) (http://ibb.co/e07UNm)
I was impressed by the tire gauge.
I added my RAM mounts for phone & GPS. Cabled the cigarette lighter socket for their power. He wired the SAE power for heated gear.
Then I was off:
(http://thumb.ibb.co/ihx4Nm/Norge_Departs_Az.jpg) (http://ibb.co/ihx4Nm)
More to come.
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Very, very cool, and a good start to a great thread.
I bought my Bassa from a little town just outside of Tucson - riding home was a blast.
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Damn right, cool as hell !!
I won't use the F word 'cos I don't want to get booted off the forum (yet).
But that is one...Ummm.... "darned" good story and gave me a bit of a "tingle" to see the shot of you heading off on her.
Please maintain a thread on yours and her progress and I hope to hell you follow the now familiar plea by Roper to check your bearings and grease your shaft !
Only good things can come from that...
I thought I looked after my Norge like a sore toe, but was disgusted at the state of the swingarm and suspension linkage bearings when I pulled them in London...
All very do able though.
It's an '07 isn't it, or '08 ? Anyway go through it like a dose of salts, and ride the bugger, good luck and maintain the thread.
Please...
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It's an 07. I appreciate the maintenance heads up.
Aware of these common issues. And no roller issue with the older 2v 1200.
Background: This is my third Guzzi (Departed Quota, and a still present Stelvio).
The guy who bought the Quota had his buddy drive him 500 miles in a day to pick it up. He strapped on his gear and rode it home the same day:
(http://thumb.ibb.co/b4M9OR/Quota_Buyer.jpg) (http://ibb.co/b4M9OR)
The Stelvio came in a trade for a BMW, it was only across town:
(http://thumb.ibb.co/gocwL6/Stelvio.jpg) (http://ibb.co/gocwL6)
(http://imgbb.com/)
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NIce score! :bow:
Were the fairing lowers and chin fairing part of the deal?
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NIce score! :bow:
Were the fairing lowers and chin fairing part of the deal?
Yes, to be shipped out this week!
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Continued..
Traveled about 5 miles on a feeder road with the jacket liner. Found a safe and seguaro laden space to lose it, and open suit vents a bit.
I am acclimated to the PNW, and needed to be reminded that Winter comes in many degrees:
(http://thumb.ibb.co/b13QDR/Seguaro2.jpg) (http://ibb.co/b13QDR)
Then on to I10 towards home.
The first couple hours were spent getting acclimated to the bike. It's sweet spot (5.5k), and its rather luxurious ride.
And it's a bit loud without earplugs due to the modified screen:
(http://thumb.ibb.co/esHYiR/2014_08_10085244_zpsdacb18ab.jpg) (http://ibb.co/esHYiR)
Needing a refresh, I found a coffee stop in Phoenix:
(http://thumb.ibb.co/nzGb3R/Dunkin_Phoenix.jpg) (http://ibb.co/nzGb3R)
Sipping the caffeine, I watched a guy walk around the bike.
Several times. Scratched his chin. Kneeled down, and yet another lap.
I asked him how he was doing.
He wanted to know what model Guzzi this was. I explained it was a prototype.
He was surprised, then I came clean with details of the surgery performed. We then chatted weather and bikes for 20 minutes.
It was a glorious 85, I was in the shade, and enjoyed the chat.
He wished me safe travels. I strapped back in, and headed West..
More to come..
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Here's a couple of windshield alternatives:
(http://epfguzzi.com/assets/images/norge-scren-tint.jpg)
http://epfguzzi.com/parts/norge_screen.html
(http://www.calsci.com/motorcycleinfo/Norge/Norge1.jpg)
http://www.calsci.com/motorcycleinfo/Norgeprod.html (http://www.calsci.com/motorcycleinfo/Norgeprod.html)
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Thanks for the windshield links. I will wait until I try the stocker, once it arrives. The entire windshield assembly was replaced by a fixed V11 unit if I remember correctly.
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Sounds like an adventure for the memoir book. Well done.
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Great story, well told!
I'll be following this thread. Thanks!
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fly and ride is how I bought my used guzzi from a dealer in Charlotte. They picked me up at the airport and I was riding home in under 2 hours.
congrats on your purchase and hope you have many many miles of smiles.
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:popcorn:
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Continued...
While at the coffee stop, I checked the weather for the central part of California...lots of rain predicted.
This was the Vintage 2011 Pilot Road 2 front-may be OK for dry AZ, but not good enough for my needs:
(http://thumb.ibb.co/d6pLDR/Pilot_Road_2_Front.jpg) (http://ibb.co/d6pLDR)
I googled motorcycle stores in the Phoenix area. I wanted to visit a big shop, as we have mom & pops in my area.
I found these guys:
http://www.weridepowersportsphoenix.com
15 miles later, I was talking to a Albert, a parts guy in a 1/2 block long concrete moto mecca.
I explained that no, I had never shopped in any of their megastores, as I was traveling through. He asked details, and promised quick service.
He brought up 3 tires from the back for my inspection. I decided a Pilot Road 4 GT was in order. Price was good, and they offered free mount & balancing.
They attempted to add the Moto Guzzi name in the PC for the work order. Albert had to enter "other" as a brand..
Service tech rolled the Guzzi back to be fitted with a safe front tire.
I am new to the dealer doing the wheel mount/remount on my bikes. Locally, I always carry in the wheel.
It took about 90 minutes, some of that time I spent wandering the mammoth showroom, and having to fend off sales guys with Quotas (Guzzi pun intended) to fill.
I am a Motorcycle Safety Instructor for Team Oregon. I was encouraged to see this in the showroom:
(http://thumb.ibb.co/nJMmL6/Team_Arizona.jpg) (http://ibb.co/nJMmL6)
And this:
(http://thumb.ibb.co/iqq7Sm/GWRRA_Practice.jpg) (http://ibb.co/iqq7Sm)
They had a phone charging station.
Big city amenities!
As it was finished up, I paid (missing the charge for wheel dismount/mount-a little off my game not turning my own wrenches)
At least the tire mount & balance was free.
The service tech walked out with the bike, asking if I needed tools, or anything else, as I was gearing up. I thanked him for his offer.
He also said the tire tech asked if Moto Guzzi was the brand. He was used to Japanese bikes and UTVs(of which there were dozens littering the lot next door)
"Ride safe, enjoy your trip" he said as he went back to work. A good guy. A fun shop. Recommended.
This was my reward:
(http://thumb.ibb.co/jX85DR/Pilot_Road_4_Front_Ride_Now.jpg)
I saddled up, pointed the Goose West toward Tonopah.
More to come...
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Chamberlin used to post quite a bit over on V11LeMans.com a couple of years back. He detailed his rework on a V11 & talked about working on your new bike, particularly from a styling point of view.
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Chamberlin used to post quite a bit over on V11LeMans.com a couple of years back. He detailed his rework on a V11 & talked about working on your new bike, particularly from a styling point of view.
+1. He is the kind of guy you want to buy something from. Glad to see the bike will get some use. It's basically a 1200 sport with ABS now. Pretty cool. Prototype indeed.
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I had a guy from Pennsylvania buy my first Guzzi sight unseen. 1979 SP painted orange. Sent a cashier check, I deposited it and never heard from him for 4 months. One day he called and said he would be at the airport the next day and pick him up. He had a small backpack and a helmet. I fed him and he loaded up and headed out. Never to be seen or heard from again.
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Continued....
Fresh tire and ready to go.
Made my way to I10 West. About an hour out, just as the low fuel light appeared, I observed a construction sign on the shoulder, advising a merge to 1 lane.
That lasted about 1/4 mile before it turned to this:
(http://thumb.ibb.co/fxnLhm/20171115_152823.jpg) (http://ibb.co/fxnLhm)
No lane splitting in AZ, so I stopped, dismounted, and took in the view:
(http://thumb.ibb.co/fVuu8R/20171115_152809.jpg) (http://ibb.co/fVuu8R)
Eventually most of the other drivers shut off their vehicles, and some stepped out to stretch. An older Chevy driver chatted me up a bit about his Harley he had back in his day.
After 30 minutes of roadbed rest, I checked the GPS for available refueling stops. I had yet to fill this bike, and was not familiar with it's range.
My choices: 30 miles ahead, or 12 miles back. With no guaranty of 30 mile reserve, and still no movement ahead, I crawled to the left shoulder, and slowly rode the 1/4 mile to a gravel crossover.
I turned Eastbound, and after a quick romp to get up to speed, I found the station. Refueled at the 200 mile mark.
Back Westbound, the traffic was just starting to move as I re-approached the the previous parking/freeway vista point.
Looking across the beautiful desert sky, I was heading towards sunset. I stopped in Quartzsite Rest Area to take a pic:
(http://thumb.ibb.co/g5Rua6/20171115_174644.jpg) (http://ibb.co/g5Rua6)
As I crossed into California, darkness was in effect. I was feeling ready for a stop.
Blythe had a good variety of hotels. I chose the Best Western, and while checking in, asked the clerk for the best burrito in town.
She wholeheartedly recommended the "California" at Albertacos. 3 minutes ride away. That was an excellent choice.
Interestingly, I had the only non BMW in the lot (I have been a BMW boxer guy for years, the Guzzi attraction is recent).
A GS from Florida, and 2 Roadsters from California were already at rest in the lot.
I tucked the Guzzi in among the palm trees, enjoyed the excellent dinner, a soak in the hot tub, then lights out for the night:
(http://thumb.ibb.co/mQOAhm/20171115_182336.jpg) (http://ibb.co/mQOAhm)
More to come....
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What a great story and great looking bike. Reminds me of buying my 1969 Ducati 450 Mk3 Desmo in Canada. Had a friend take me up from Eugene, Oregon, in his Fiat sports car to Burnaby B.C., about 750 miles I think. Then, I rode back on the Ducati, no break in required. I had to have it because it the clip on version wasn't in the states until the next year, if at all. And it was under $1000.00.
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Ah, Quartzite - been there, done that more than once.
http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=75723.0;nowap
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I thought you were going to Tonopah???? Must be the longer way avoiding Goldfield. :grin:
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Yeah great story, almost as good as being there.
Re fuel range.
Mine's an '07 Norge.
Fuel range now with TB's done the pRoper way and Beetlemap, filled at Roper's place, stopped half(ish) way for refuel and made it home on second re fill.
Total 816 km @ around 115 kph freeway (mostly).
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It's an 07. I appreciate the maintenance heads up.
Aware of these common issues. And no roller issue with the older 2v 1200.
Background: This is my third Guzzi (Departed Quota, and a still present Stelvio).
The guy who bought the Quota had his buddy drive him 500 miles in a day to pick it up. He strapped on his gear and rode it home the same day:
(http://thumb.ibb.co/b4M9OR/Quota_Buyer.jpg) (http://ibb.co/b4M9OR)
The Stelvio came in a trade for a BMW, it was only across town:
(http://thumb.ibb.co/gocwL6/Stelvio.jpg) (http://ibb.co/gocwL6)
(http://imgbb.com/)
Goofy guy on the Quota!!
Did an 11 state trip, 3800 rt miles a couple of years ago.
Back to your Norge.
Scott.
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Goofy guy on the Quota!!
Did an 11 state trip, 3800 rt miles a couple of years ago.
Back to your Norge.
Scott.
Hi Scott! :thumb:
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That's a really nice looking bike and reminds me of my 1200 Breva, which was a Norge without the fairing. It's a pity Guzzi didn't offer the option of the top half fairing it would have a made a great bike even better.
(http://thumb.ibb.co/j4SKcm/Ebay3.jpg) (http://ibb.co/j4SKcm)
I changed the bars and added a screen.
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Enjoying this immensely! :1:
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I'd like to say "please don't stop", but I think I might be accidentally quoting from a movie I saw once...
(Or twice)... :embarrassed:
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I'd like to say "please don't stop", but I think I might be accidentally quoting from a movie I saw once...
(Or twice)... :embarrassed:
Oouch!! :evil:
Tom
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Yeah great story, almost as good as being there.
Re fuel range.
Mine's an '07 Norge.
Fuel range now with TB's done the pRoper way and Beetlemap, filled at Roper's place, stopped half(ish) way for refuel and made it home on second re fill.
Total 816 km @ around 115 kph freeway (mostly).
Huzo...so you're getting about 408Km on each tank? Equivalent to about 250 miles...right on target. I think I may have stretched to 260 miles once with less than 0.5 gallon in reserve.
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You know how you say to an old friend "we will have to get together some time"? ----and you never do.
I had a friend in N. Carolina I said that to once too often. I purposefully bought a Norge at Matthews in Charlotte so it forced me to go see him. I could have bought it up here around Pittsburgh but choose a Fly-n-Ride. I shipped my riding gear by FedEx and flew down where they met me at the airport. After a short paperwork session I put on my gear and headed for my friend's house. It was unusually cold for March and there was ice around but made it to my friend's and had a great time catching up.
From there I ambled home taking a lot of back roads to break in the bike properly. I stopped near Hungry Mother State Park for this photo.
(http://thumb.ibb.co/fBV8nm/IMG_1597.jpg) (http://ibb.co/fBV8nm)
Later I got into two feet of snow on the sides but not on the road. Overall a great visit, ride, and bike. I highly recommend the Fly-n-Ride concept.
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Huzo...so you're getting about 408Km on each tank? Equivalent to about 250 miles...right on target. I think I may have stretched to 260 miles once with less than 0.5 gallon in reserve.
Yes mate.
Fuel light on @ 400 k give or take and dry @ 480 k.
Now that's at a cruisey 115 kph or so. It'll drop to light on @ 370 if you're up around 140 and conversely I know I could achieve light on @ 430k to save my life if I had to, but would need to be @ 90kph.
Suffice to say, can do 500 k to dry, but at unrealistic speed.
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Wow. Great adventure! Thanks for sharing it so well too.
I have driven 600 miles to pick up a bike. But never had the confidence to want to ride it home not being certain of its condition and ergonomics. Love road trips. I did one once back in 2001 with my son in tow in an RV pulling a trailer. Son came down with chicken pox after we left. Thankfully I'd had it as a child. We stopped in at the MD/DC Spring rally on the way home. Used the oven in the RV to bake a hot berry pie to share with everyone. One guy wanted to know how much to rent a bed in the RV as it was in the 30s there that night! Great trip.
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Huzo...so you're getting about 408Km on each tank? Equivalent to about 250 miles...right on target. I think I may have stretched to 260 miles once with less than 0.5 gallon in reserve.
I was at 180-200 miles before low fuel light.
Assume 50 mile reserve then?
Unknown tune on my bike, but that seems optimistic.
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Huzo...so you're getting about 408Km on each tank? Equivalent to about 250 miles...right on target. I think I may have stretched to 260 miles once with less than 0.5 gallon in reserve.
yes, that's 408 "safe" k's, it usually takes around 19 litres from there.
I didn't count on more than 430 and did my plans for around 400.
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I was at 180-200 miles before low fuel light.
Assume 50 mile reserve then?
Unknown tune on my bike, but that seems optimistic.
200 miles is around 300 k and that sounds a wee bit thirsty, but it's early days.
A Beetle map and properly balanced TB's, valve clearance and a good health check and you'll see 250 miles before "light on" with 4 litres in reserve, @ 70 mph cruise.
Forget abaarrt it !
The fuel sender units in the Norge can be a bit problematic at first.
You may find that the gauge doesn't read "full" after top up and sits @ 7/8 th's until fuel drops to that level and normal service is then resumed.
I fixed mine and is now spot on, but I'll not contaminate your thread further regarding that issue.
Ask if you want to know...
Great story, this one seems special. I think it is because your heart is in the bike and the bike is in your heart...
Not always the case.
More please.... :popcorn: :bow:
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I think it is because your heart is in the bike and the bike is in your heart...
Not always the case. :bow:
:thumb: Stealing this!
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Continued....
Day 2 dawned (pre-dawn ,actually). Breakfast served at the hotel @ 0500!
I wanted to get an early start. I planned on a 600+ mile day.
Westbound I 10, enjoying the sunrise in the mirrors.
Gassed up in Coachella, with the ghosts of music festivals past in my head:
(http://thumb.ibb.co/gGXZCm/Coachella_Gas_Stop.jpg) (http://ibb.co/gGXZCm)
5.2 gallons of mid grade in, I continued West.
Decided on the 210-5 route, because, again, miles were to be logged today.
Feeling a caffeine stop was in order. I took the 15 (becoming a local, saying "the" in front of a highway #) off in Fontana/Rancho Cucamonga (a fun name to say), and wandered into a ginormous shopping center (next to another equally excessively large and remarkably similar shopping center).
I found a Starbucks. It has a drive through, and a couple spots out front reserved for those busy people to pop in to pickup their app-ordered order.
I used 1 of those empty spots to execute a u turn, and parked at 45 degrees, facing out, adjacent to the "loading zone."
Dismounted, walked in, and placed my order.
Back outside, I found a table next to the bike, taking in the local flavor.
Lots of super tan people.
Lots of them talking to themselves (on their stealthy, hidden bluetooth).
Lots of short pants (in November), and everybody in a hurry.
A local police officer parked his cruiser, and walked up to chat bikes.
He told of his prior R1 Yamaha, lost in a fire some years ago.
Seems SoCal flashes over every few years, and everyone has to start re-accumulating stuff.
A couple fun things happened there:
First, this parked next to me:
(http://thumb.ibb.co/kr5qJR/Fontana_Poop911.jpg) (http://ibb.co/kr5qJR)
Really?
Somebody does this for a living?
I see only 1 Christmas tree air freshener in the car.
The pooper scooper left, and a gargantian Merceded SUV pulled in next to the bike. The passenger, a well dressed elderly biddy, swings her door into the pannier of the bike. Hard.
The officer watches with interest, as she immediately states "You parked crooked," implying it is my fault. I am a foot inside of the space.
I am only concerned with her attitude, as the panniers have plenty of dings and scrapes. If this was a Stelvio, it would be a opportunity to cover over with stickers.
I told her, "Don't worry about your intentionally damaging my legally parked motorcycle, I won't make a claim against you for your negligence".
The officer chuckled, and whispered "I am on your side."
Then she suddenly saw him, stopped blaming, and dodged around the back of her car to the front door of the coffee shop.
No harm, no foul. Just an incredible not my fault attitude.
I asked the officer about big bike shops in the area, as I now wanted to kill an hour to miss traffic.
The officer recommended Chaparral in San Bernardino. It was about 15 miles back, but
I was curious about the big shop experience again.
The officer left, I strapped on, and traveled back to the 15, then 210 East.
More to come.....
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200 miles is around 300 k and that sounds a wee bit thirsty, but it's early days.
A Beetle map and properly balanced TB's, valve clearance and a good health check and you'll see 250 miles before "light on" with 4 litres in reserve, @ 70 mph cruise.
Forget abaarrt it !
The fuel sender units in the Norge can be a bit problematic at first.
You may find that the gauge doesn't read "full" after top up and sits @ 7/8 th's until fuel drops to that level and normal service is then resumed.
I fixed mine and is now spot on, but I'll not contaminate your thread further regarding that issue.
Ask if you want to know...
Great story, this one seems special. I think it is because your heart is in the bike and the bike is in your heart...
Not always the case.
More please.... :popcorn: :bow:
Thanks, I appreciate the knowledge that better mpgs can be had.
I never seem to get the mileage others get. A tune will be in order soon, along with the swingarm bearing job, like I did on the Stevio.
And yes, a full tank only registers 7/8 on the gauge.
I do indeed like this bike, it just feels good.
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"Don't worry about your intentionally damaging my legally parked motorcycle, I won't make a claim against you for your negligence".
LMAO!!!
The officer recommended Chaparral in San Bernardino.
More to come...
I purchased my helmet & jacket via Amazon from them. I've never been to a big box bike goodies retailer, and can't wait for your review (and :gotpics: )
Safe, and pleasant Turkey Day!
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Have you been to Powersports in Chandler? :thumb:
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Have you been to Powersports in Chandler? :thumb:
No, WeRide on Camelback in Phoenix was my stop.
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you sir and the rest of the fellow who posts their trips...I envy and salute you guys! It is just so much fun to read and pretend you are on the trip as well...
the stories like this always put a HUGE smile on my face reading and and always wanting to go on it...
With young family obligation and having a dad who disapprove motorcycle is kind of hard for me to make it happen..........yet! :tongue:
anyway!...Love it!!!!! and will always tune back in to see what happen next :D :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
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No, WeRide on Camelback in Phoenix was my stop.
Sorry that was Guzzi Gal.
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:thumb: Stealing this!
Sorry GG that might mean something different in the States..
(I hope so) :embarrassed:
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you sir and the rest of the fellow who posts their trips...I envy and salute you guys! It is just so much fun to read and pretend you are on the trip as well...
the stories like this always put a HUGE smile on my face reading and and always wanting to go on it...
With young family obligation and having a dad who disapprove motorcycle is kind of hard for me to make it happen..........yet! :tongue:
anyway!...Love it!!!!! and will always tune back in to see what happen next :D :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
This is a good one...
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@ catneck & Tom
I've been to dealers (Ride Now Chandler/Avondale, Go AZ Scottsdale, and the Harley in Chandler), but not any suppliers of moto related stuff. Seems odd, considering bike nights probably abound, but I've been too busy with the job of becoming semi-competent. Now I feel like I've finally become a solid beginner (with basic bike operation, and manoeuvring no longer fear-inducing), I will go exploring and see what the local retailers have to offer.
@TimmyTheHog
My dad hated motorcycles (his best friend almost died on one), and our kids are 6, 10, and 14, but we still ride. Fear has its purpose, but our purpose is to show our children how to live. They will do as we do, regardless of what we say. Besides, we showed up late, and we have some catching up to do! :evil:
When the time is right, the pieces will fall into place, and off you will ride. :bike-037:
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Great thread :bow:
Dusty
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The best !
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C'mon Catty...
What have you been up to?
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Somebody does this for a living?
I see only 1 Christmas tree air freshener in the car.
The pooper scooper left, and a gargantian Merceded SUV pulled in next to the bike.
Yep, SoCal all right. Certainly sounds authentic. :smiley: The five, the 10, the 405, uhh, yep. This guys' been there and done that.
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C'mon Catty...
What have you been up to?
Tomorrow, I hope to wrap up this trip thread.
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Tomorrow, I hope to wrap up this trip thread.
Ok, but hope to hear about the next one.
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"Don't worry about your intentionally damaging my legally parked motorcycle, I won't make a claim against you for your negligence"
Classy and classic
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Continued..
I found Chapperal Moto Emporium.
Not hard to do. It's as big as Costco.
Made a lap around the building, and parked in front.
There is a greeter. He is also a gear check guy.
I thought, "wow, what a convenience, not having to lug my Power Ranger outfit through the store."
Nope, wrong thinking. It's mandatory.
Explained as theft deterrent.
Seems that some of their clientele walk in with $10 helmet, and walk out with a $500 trade in.
Made my way through this:
(http://thumb.ibb.co/kGm87m/20171116_102647.jpg) (http://ibb.co/kGm87m)
To the tire shop:
(http://thumb.ibb.co/hunjDR/20171116_103616.jpg) (http://ibb.co/hunjDR)
This is the most impressive moto tire shop I have ever seen.
It has It's own lounge!
Because of that, I was feeling like a new rear tire was in order.
I made my selection, and trekked back to claim my gear.
Strapped on, and a short ride to Service.
Where I unstrapped, and stowed my gear in a somewhat less rigid environment.
Off to shop!
More to come.....
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:thumb: I guess I know where we will be going on our next so-Cal visit.
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Continued....
I walked by this:
(http://thumb.ibb.co/k1dQOR/Motocross_Costumes.jpg) (http://ibb.co/k1dQOR)
I remember when I was a motocross racing teenager. We didn't wear such costumes. Now I sound like my dad.
Bought these RAM mounts:
(http://thumb.ibb.co/hU28cm/RAM_Balls.jpg) (http://ibb.co/hU28cm)
They were as cheap as EBay, and 1 replaced an under mirror unit that put my GPS out too far in the wind for my liking.
The Service Writer rolled the Norge out:
(http://thumb.ibb.co/k5J6DR/20171116_114155.jpg) (http://ibb.co/k5J6DR)
Now both tires are new! I strapped in, and headed out for more adventure on the freeways.
Out on the 210, I was behind most of the traffic. I did use the HOV lane, however, as traffic never really goes away in SoCal.
I was traveling at about 45 in the right third of said HOV lane. A look back noticed a motorcycle with 4 bright white lights in my tracks. Usually, other riders choose the opposite track, so I assumed it was the California Highway Patrol.
I swung over to the left track, and the officer went by with a little wave. He rode off into the distance.
Into Pasadena, and swing up to the 5. This will be by home freeway for the rest of my trip. I usually take 395, but not this time of year.
Gas in Santa Clarita. A great friend of mine lived here until his passing a few years back. The city brought a smile to my face as I remembered Tom.
Up over the Grapevine. Hard to maintain posted speed on the downhill, but as I passed by a waiting CHP cruiser, his staying parked confirmed I was within the speed margin of error.
Then up to this place:
(http://thumb.ibb.co/nkD3Sm/Faux_Ranch.jpg) (http://ibb.co/nkD3Sm)
A faux western "town" at the end of an anonymous off ramp.
A passable coffe bar inside too.
Restroom did have some humorous posters though:
(http://thumb.ibb.co/ijoL7m/Wisky_Pete.jpg) (http://ibb.co/ijoL7m)
Conveniences used, headed back North.
Trying to meet up with Mike, a friend in Vacaville. He was buying sushi, and putting me up.
The rain came at nightfall. Tire test. But also a bug smearing soup on my shield.
New waterproofing wash in compound was failing too.
Oh, and a contractor had been dropping sheetrock panels for about 10 miles.
561 miles today.
The ride was turning into a video game.
Uncle: headed for a hotel:
(http://thumb.ibb.co/dEJytR/Hotel_Shelter.jpg) (http://ibb.co/dEJytR)
Hot shower, and a calzone later, off to bed.
Mike was understanding. We agreed to meet up in Woodland for brunch.
I stopped for a pic on the side of 5 (now in NorCal - no "the"):
(http://thumb.ibb.co/dtBq7m/Walnut_Grove.jpg) (http://ibb.co/dtBq7m)
A few miles of lane splitting through "rush hour" in Sacramento. This isn't traffic, these guys ought to see it south of here!
A nice visit with Mike, and off through the upper third of 5.
A clear, cool,windy day. Stopped in Weed for the last fill up.
Its 34 degrees.
My heated gloves are intermittent. Did I mention that I couldn't find the heated grip switch?
Blew through the state of Jefferson, and headed over Siskiyou Pass.
I commute this every day on 2 wheels, weather permitting.
Today isn't one of those days.
I was about an hour too late to have sun on the Oregon side of Northbound 5.
It's 31 and icy, Finding the dry spots, I snaked through the lanes at 40.
Exited the freeway. I made my way to my wife's school.
A nice surprise to get there just as she was getting off work.
Reunion over, I cautiously trekked up the mountain to my house.
Parked in the driveway, no room in the garage:
(http://thumb.ibb.co/mt28tR/Home3.jpg) (http://ibb.co/mt28tR)
As I dismounted, I saw this:
(http://thumb.ibb.co/i80Hnm/Heiz_Griffe.jpg) (http://ibb.co/i80Hnm)
Wow, should have Read The Fricken Manual.
A great bike, a great seller, a great trip, thanks for reading!
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Just a wild guess but that switch under the blue looks like your heated grip switch. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :shocked: :grin: :grin: BTDT.
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Just a wild guess but that switch under the blue looks like your heated grip switch. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :shocked: :grin: :grin: BTDT.
Yep, but I am used to my Stelvio. It is buried in the "mode" menu on that bike.
Didn't find it there, I started to get bent remembering that some bikes had some parts of the heated grips, but not in the controller menu, etc.
Never thought that the previous version had an actual switch that, albeit well hidden, works without having to be MCSE certified like the later Guzzis.
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I would never have found it myself. "Heated grips??? What's that???" :grin:
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That was one of the best ride stories I've read in a bit. Thank you!
For lane position on the cesspool, formerly carpool lane. I like riding right next to the RH line. It allows you too see many cars ahead. You just never know what some idiot way up ahead is about to do to mess up the cars in front of you. When I see a bike behind me, I move to the left of the lane to let them through. Splitting lanes is the norm nowadays. Had a CHP flip me a siren once while splitting in stopped traffic, I don't check my mirrors in stopped traffic. Ticket time, crap. Wrong, he wanted to get through, I was going too slow :smiley:
Thanks again for the story!
Tom
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That was one of the best ride stories I've read in a bit. Thank you!
For lane position on the cesspool, formerly carpool lane. I like riding right next to the RH line. It allows you too see many cars ahead. You just never know what some idiot way up ahead is about to do to mess up the cars in front of you. When I see a bike behind me, I move to the left of the lane to let them through. Splitting lanes is the norm nowadays. Had a CHP flip me a siren once while splitting in stopped traffic, I don't check my mirrors in stopped traffic. Ticket time, crap. Wrong, he wanted to get through, I was going too slow :smiley:
Thanks again for the story!
Tom
I split the HOV lane, too. I can see the guy coming up behind in the mirrors with my peripheral vision, and move to the left the let them by.
I had a motor officer pull up beside me on the 5, check out the Mighty Scura, thought "uh oh," gave me a wave and went on. :smiley:
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The heated grip switch is in front of the left switch block on mine.
Is yours a GTL ?
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Darn nice shot mate..
'Says it all.. :bow:
(http://thumb.ibb.co/niAGFG/IMG_0563.png) (http://ibb.co/niAGFG)
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Given the "sportier" stance of your bike.
Have you considered shortening the 'bars ? Mine are 40 mm shorter each side and rotated backwards at the junction of the handgrip tube and the casting. Puts your hands inside the protective zone of the fairing more.
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The heated grip switch is in front of the left switch block on mine.
Is yours a GTL ?
Thats where it is, just failed to notice before I needed them.
I am not familiar with GTL moniker.
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Given the "sportier" stance of your bike.
Have you considered shortening the 'bars ? Mine are 40 mm shorter each side and rotated backwards at the junction of the handgrip tube and the casting. Puts your hands inside the protective zone of the fairing more.
A good idea, I will consider it, thanks!
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Given the "sportier" stance of your bike.
Have you considered shortening the 'bars ? Mine are 40 mm shorter each side and rotated backwards at the junction of the handgrip tube and the casting. Puts your hands inside the protective zone of the fairing more.
If it's wind deflection you want, an alternative might be to obtain a pair of the hand brush guards for a Stelvio, and put them on your Norge. Jim Hamlin did that for my bike's previous owner. My eyes were so dilated when I bought the bike, I didn't even notice. When I did notice, I thought I'd take them off if I didn't like them. Now the weather is cooler, I think they're there to stay.
BTW, I have enjoyed this thread immensely!
Matt
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Before the brush guards or Hippo Hands were made commercially, one of the tips was to make them out of plastic gallon jugs.
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Awesome trip man!
really appreciate it!
Lane splitting...altho illegal here, I still do as I don't truck the semi-trucks here...which are all over the streets...one tiny oops, then I am a squash bug!
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Thats where it is, just failed to notice before I needed them.
I am not familiar with GTL moniker.
Heated grips, electric screen, GPS standard.
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(http://thumb.ibb.co/nRxv9b/IMG_0469.jpg) (http://ibb.co/nRxv9b)
A good idea, I will consider it, thanks!
If you're interested I'll take a better shot when I get my bike back from UK.
Meanwhile, here's a shot that I have, total 80 mm shorter 'bars and screen switch on fairing panel.
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Enjoyable read; only a rider would be giving us a description like that!
Isn't it nice that motels these days are so bike-friendly? It's been a long time since I've been to one that didn't let me park under the portico (if they have one) or under the office window or on the sidewalk right outside my room in a courtyard type.
And these days, about half of them will offer you a worn-out hotel towel to wipe down your bike, and the ones that don't offer will give you one if you ask. They've got hundreds of them; the housekeepers use them for cleaning rooms but they have more than they need ....
Not like the 70s and early 80s when some motels would actually discourage you from staying, or just tell you they had no rooms, and then give themselves away answering the phone a few minutes later telling a caller they have "several" .... ! A place where the "good old days" were not so very good ...
Lannis
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Or......how about being at a rest stop and being told by the state police that you can't be sleeping there. You can only rest there while being awake. :tongue:
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Or......how about being at a rest stop and being told by the state police that you can't be sleeping there. You can only rest there while being awake. :tongue:
Oh I got woken up once by a cop once cus of that...LOL...
If I could made it to the next stop AWAKE and SAFELY I would have already done so...
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The Norge is back in Australia from UK.
I did mention that, with the sportier stance of your Norge, you may wish to consider shortening the 'bars.
I did mine years ago and pivoted the grips to give a straight line down the forearm and thru' the wrist, removing the need to turn your wrist in an attempt to have the grip sitting evenly across your palm.
Anyway..
This is what it looks like.
The 'bars are 40 mm shorter each side, since I dispensed with the childish up/down arrangement of the electric screen switch.
I'll explain how I did it in a PM or open forum if you like.
(http://thumb.ibb.co/d2fnzw/IMG_0575.jpg) (http://ibb.co/d2fnzw)
(http://thumb.ibb.co/j1ErRb/IMG_0576.jpg) (http://ibb.co/j1ErRb)
(http://thumb.ibb.co/gEsBRb/IMG_0578.jpg) (http://ibb.co/gEsBRb)