New England "Tech Day"

[VtSTROM-K5]

Ihave over 11,000 mi on the "BigRig" as I type this.;)
The service manual calls for Valve clearance Checks @ 15000. I am going to do my valves the 21st of april @ My home in Bomoseen Vt. If you would like to work on your Strom prior to the riding season ( I Believe there will be one EVENTUALLY) your invited.. :mrgreen:
I had planned to do it today but my Mechanic & I decided the weather was to" IffY" .... I thought I had something planned for next weekend .....But as often happens I got the weekends mixed up. [Its the following weekend]
SO, let me know if your going to show up ( Send a P.M. ) and I'll send Ph.# & Address to you..:-D Jack

[RedAnt]

Ihave over 11,000 mi on the "BigRig" as I type this.;)
The service manual calls for Valve clearance Checks @ 15000. I am going to do my valves the 21st of april @ My home in Bomoseen Vt. If you would like to work on your Strom prior to the riding season ( I Believe there will be one EVENTUALLY) your invited.. :mrgreen:
I had planned to do it today but my Mechanic & I decided the weather was to" IffY" .... I thought I had something planned for next weekend .....But as often happens I got the weekends mixed up. [Its the following weekend]
SO, let me know if your going to show up ( Send a P.M. ) and I'll send Ph.# & Address to you..:-D Jack

I'll have to check with my wife. :confused: If I can get away that day I might take a ride up there. I might also have some company from the new Strom owners. They're looking for any excuse to ride these days. I'll check the date and get back to you.

I would like to see this process done. I've been reading a little bit about these types of things and bought the new book that was last months Stromtrooper give away. I'm hoping to learn enough to know how to fix things when I need to.


My son adds in: zzxxccvvbbmm,aassddffgghhjjkkllqqwweeerrttyyuuiioo pp,11
zzxxxcvvvvggggghhhhhhnnnnnnnnnnn.

[VtSTROM-K5]

I'll have to check with my wife. :confused: If I can get away that day I might take a ride up there. I might also have some company from the new Strom owners. They're looking for any excuse to ride these days. I'll check the date and get back to you.

I would like to see this process done. I've been reading a little bit about these types of things and bought the new book that was last months Stromtrooper give away. I'm hoping to learn enough to know how to fix things when I need to.


My son adds in: zzxxccvvbbmm,aassddffgghhjjkkllqqwweeerrttyyuuiioo pp,11
zzxxxcvvvvggggghhhhhhnnnnnnnnnnn.

My son adds in: zzxxccvvbbmm,aassddffgghhjjkkllqqwweeerrttyyuuiioo pp,11
zzxxxcvvvvggggghhhhhhnnnnnnnnnnn.[/quote]

(I used to read read these things back when Ryan was little!!!!) one of my favorite quotes:mrgreen:


Bring them too (if You can come) It should be a great way to learn and I figure it would give people a chance to get out and we can try each others windshields and then the people who are riding Stock Stroms can try before they drop 100.00 + bucks on a shield that may not work for them....
Just an Idea:rolleyes:

[jackpiner57]

My son adds in: zzxxccvvbbmm,aassddffgghhjjkkllqqwweeerrttyyuuiioo pp,11
zzxxxcvvvvggggghhhhhhnnnnnnnnnnn.

If I'm not mistaken, that translates to: "Take me for a ride, Dad":D

[VtSTROM-K5]

EXACTLY what it says !!

[RedAnt]

If I'm not mistaken, that translates to: "Take me for a ride, Dad":D

When writing it he claimed the 11 at the end stood for "episode 2" and I had to stop him before he did all six episodes. I believe the double letters came into being because of the "2".

And yes he's been asking for a ride for a few months. As soon as it gets warm enough so he wouldn't need every scrap of clothing he owns, I'll try out that new kid riding belt I bought. The bad news is that unless he grows longer legs I'll be using the DRZ, because he reaches its pegs. It's not really bad news for him or the DRZ, but it means I can't go too far because my butt just can't take it.

[jackpiner57]

I'll try out that new kid riding belt I bought.

Now I've heard of a kidNEY belt, but a kid belt? Give us the poop on that!

[tmcgee]

Ihave over 11,000 mi on the "BigRig" as I type this.;)
The service manual calls for Valve clearance Checks @ 15000. I am going to do my valves the 21st of april @ My home in Bomoseen Vt. If you would like to work on your Strom prior to the riding season ( I Believe there will be one EVENTUALLY) your invited.. :mrgreen:

The last riding season never ended around Boston -- praise jeezizz -- no snow to speak of.

Anyway, I've decided that my Indiana trip next weekend isn't going to happen so I'm in for a ride to Bomoseen on the 21st.

[tmcgee]

Does anyone going to Jack's have the device that lets you sync throttle bodies?

[VtSTROM-K5]

I built one just for this "Tech Day" get together :mrgreen:

[tmcgee]

I built one just for this "Tech Day" get together :mrgreen:

Great! I was gonna buy one of the mercury ones last fall, but they seem to have disappeared from the market.

[VtSTROM-K5]

Mercury is an Enviromental Hazzard you know that:confused: , Right??
I also have news for everyone ,,,,,,Next saturday will be better weather than today!!!

[tmcgee]

Mercury is an Enviromental Hazzard you know that:confused: , Right??

Yeah, I know, but it's a good tool as long as it stays captive. I'm still lamenting the loss of fluorinated chemicals for electronic cleaning. After 10 years, the newest ones are better, but still not as good as the oldies and my "good" stock ran out about five years ago. For a while there, the early replacements were better for the environment, but more likely to kill the techs using them. :rolleyes:

[VtSTROM-K5]

The "Mullet-O-meter Is loaded w/2stroke oil So we'll see how it does:rolleyes:

[VtSTROM-K5]

The weather here is "Forcasted" as ^ of 61 for 21st..:rolleyes:
We'll have to see;)

[RedAnt]

Now I've heard of a kidNEY belt, but a kid belt? Give us the poop on that!

I bought one in March. It is a wide belt that goes around the driver. On the riders back side it has two handles the child can hold onto. It also has a full restraint system that holds the kid against you even if they fall asleep. In theory if you get off they come with you (like a 44lb fanny pack).

I found out about it from my favorite oil & bike breakin site:
http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/ in the "riding with kids" section

The products site is here:
http://www.childridingbelt.com/engprod.htm

I can't say much about how it works because it's been too cold to give it a shot. I want this to be a FUN thing, not a COLD thing.

[VtSTROM-K5]

Who 's planning to attend the Tech day on saturday? Please P.M. for directions if need'd...:rolleyes:

[jackpiner57]

I bought one in March. It is a wide belt that goes around the driver. On the riders back side it has two handles the child can hold onto. It also has a full restraint system that holds the kid against you even if they fall asleep. In theory if you get off they come with you (like a 44lb fanny pack).

I found out about it from my favorite oil & bike breakin site:
http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/ in the "riding with kids" section

The products site is here:
http://www.childridingbelt.com/engprod.htm

I can't say much about how it works because it's been too cold to give it a shot. I want this to be a FUN thing, not a COLD thing.

What a great idea! I've seen small children riding pillion before and it usually gives me the willies. Kudo's to you Rob for making sure your boy is safe. He's a lucky little guy.

[dmf109]

Who 's planning to attend the Tech day on saturday? Please P.M. for directions if need'd...:rolleyes:

Have fun everyone getting your bikes ready for the season! My semester is coming to a close and I'm up to my ears, so no riding for me this weekend *sigh*.

Jack, if the Mullet-o-meter works, I'd like to give it a try some weekend. Oh, and hows the hand? Still improving?

[VtSTROM-K5]

:cool:Well I just returned from the Phys. Therapy & the good news is,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,:cool:
(drum rollll) Ican go about My every day activities with the only stipulation of.......I have to go back 2 weeks from today to have My final evaluation & release from treatment (Barring any F'Up's ) :-D

[BCSTROM]

I bought one in March. It is a wide belt that goes around the driver. On the riders back side it has two handles the child can hold onto. It also has a full restraint system that holds the kid against you even if they fall asleep. In theory if you get off they come with you (like a 44lb fanny pack).

I found out about it from my favorite oil & bike breakin site:
http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/ in the "riding with kids" section

The products site is here:
http://www.childridingbelt.com/engprod.htm

I can't say much about how it works because it's been too cold to give it a shot. I want this to be a FUN thing, not a COLD thing.

I wish you would rethink this.If you crash with a child strapped to you,you would crush him(or her).Please leave your child home until he(or she) is old enough to hang on for himself(or herself).

[RedAnt]

I wish you would rethink this.If you crash with a child strapped to you,you would crush him(or her).Please leave your child home until he(or she) is old enough to hang on for himself(or herself).

Actually I think he is old enough to hang on. Last summer he was able to get on and off, as well as hold on when I took him off-road. First we road around a grassy field, then did some farm trails. He was a perfectly fine passenger on the DRZ. He's been on the bike a half dozen times last summer, probably 15 minutes at the longest, and at maybe 45mph top speed.

I still didn't feel comfortable taking him on public roads without someting better than just hoping he remembers to hold on. For me it's not a learning experience to fall of a motorcycle, but it could be a life ending one if it happens on public roads. When I did some research on this I found out about this harness system. It appears to give me the additional level of security that I was looking for. So far I can't offer any review of it, because it hasn't been warm enough yet to try it out.

I intend to start out slowly. Take a mile trip down to the ice-cream shop first. Then try a little longer trip. I'll be quite happy when I can pick him up at the barn after work and ride him the 7 miles home. If everything goes well we may eventually do more than that. I'm sure we'll do much more over the next few years.

I appreciate your concern, but believe me when I say that I'm taking this very seriously and doing all that I can to make this as safe as possible. As for crashing with him strapped to me. I've had a few low speed tumbles offroad, but I'm really not a risk taker. I realize that someday I may be in an accident on the streets, and frankly it scares me to think about it, regardless of having a passenger. Motorcycle accidents do not appear to be all that well documented, and the only obvious disadvantage to being belted together would be if we go rolling down the road. I'm sure there are good and bad sides in different crash scenarios, but unfortunately sane people seldom get to choose their accidents. My preference is to avoid an accident at all costs. In this case the cost was about $150 for the assurance that I don't have to worry about ever having to scramble to grab my passenger as they slide off.

I understand that you may not approve of this choice, or even that we let him play XBOX. But that's our choice as parents. I'm certainly open to suggestions and anything more that I can do within reason. I have no intention of putting my son in danger. But the truth is that we live in a dangerous world. Every Volvo or teenager on a cell phone that shares the road with us could be our executioner, even when we are fully secured in my airbag filled car.

[JohnS.]

So... How'd the tech day go? Any riding, or was the disassembly all consuming? Inquiring minds want to know.

JohnS.

[tmcgee]

I left about 2 and got to Braintree at 6. Stopped a couple of times, once for gas, and once to stretch.

I should have take more pictures today, but the riding was too good.
Here's one picture between Rutland and Bomoseen.

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/3576/img0299an9.jpg

And the gaggle from various angles.

http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/632/img0304sq9.jpg

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/8646/img0303kf9.jpg

http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/5315/img0301zb2.jpg

[jackpiner57]

Great response RedAnt, I agree whole heartedly.

JohnS., Everything went well and we went for a ride to Rutland for dinner at Applebee's. Jack even bought me dinner!:D

Great pictrures tmcgee!

VtSTROM-K5 splainin' somethin'
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/jackpiner57/2007_0421adironacksmap0009.jpg

Randyo and Tucker helping to hold some chairs down.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/jackpiner57/2007_0421adironacksmap0010.jpg

RedAnt, official lookout.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/jackpiner57/2007_0421adironacksmap0011.jpg

[tmcgee]

It was puh-ritty strange with 7 or 8 guys standing around in gorgeous weather watching you work on Jack's bike, Tom. :rolleyes: On the other hand, it WAS a useful exercise, excuse to ride there or not!

Were you able to mix and match shims? It sounds like you got everything back together okay.

[randyo]

It was cool meeting everyone, I got back to my house just before midnight

got 3100 miles on my strom now

[VtSTROM-K5]

All went well at the Tech day . I cant think of a better group of people to ride & associate with .thans to the following riders for their help,and insights ! JohnS., Crowtdog, TeeMcgee, Tucker, Redant,RandyO, and Dr.Jackpiner57:mrgreen:
After a Late start we tore the front of My 05 Vee apart ( something I had not tried to do) JohnS.crowtdog & JP57 explained the Inticasies of the "TupperWare " Removal and where the infamous Hidden screw was :eek:....
the process was alot easier than I had thought it would be ( We allways Imagine it will be it seems ) and the local Independant Cycle shop was great about swaping Shims for the valves ....Thank you ProCycle!!
I was amazed to see just how this Machine was engineered. All the Valves in the front Cylinder were within spec>>All the valves in the rear were Tight.
too tight to leave as is , so racing the clock we were able to get the shims we needed installed . I also upgraded the Air filter to the K&N permanent filter
& Installed a 12v Bosch Horn from a 2001 dodge 3500 Van.. The Re-assembly went smoothly & as stated we went to Applby's for dinner . And then rode to Bridgewater Corners with the crewsaid goodbyes & turned to Home....
Final Insight , I have been in the Maintenace & Repair field foe over 30 years . That said , I was NOT ready to undertake a project like this on MY own. & I appreciate the Help from all who attended

SO>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>NOW WE RIDE!!!!!!!

[RedAnt]

We ended up buying the necessary parts to adjust the values correctly.

I for one was quite amazed when the starter was hit and the bike jumped to life immediately and purred like a Strom. As Tucker said, when you get something apart that far the only solution is to bring it to somebody who can put it all back together!

Jack and Tom didn't get it all back together until almost 6pm. That didn't leave much time for the twisties. Once we finally got out on the road somebody had the great idea of heading East! :cool: I believe we ate in Rutland and then took 4A for awhile following the newly rebuilt Vee. Eventually Jack turned back and the four of us continued on Eastward. Tucker and I got home around 12:30am.

And Tucker learned that at night he prefers highways over twisties with questionable pavement!:rolleyes:

It was a great ride to Jack's house. He gave us a great route to follow. Not that we had much time on the way over, but there could have been some cool photos if I had remembered the camera.

I'm betting Jack can post a couple pictures of his bike stripped down to the bones.

[tmcgee]

Final Insight , I have been in the Maintenace & Repair field foe over 30 years . That said , I was NOT ready to undertake a project like this on MY own.

I'd be able to do it, but not with any time pressure, and not in my driveway. Tom is careful AND patient. I did learn a few things and I like that. Thanx, Tom, for the hands-on and the rest of the group for the commentary.

Curiously, it's taking apart the plastic bits that I hate doing the most.

[jackpiner57]

All went well at the Tech day . I cant think of a better group of people to ride & associate with .thans to the following riders for their help,and insights ! JohnS., Crowtdog, TeeMcgee, Tucker, Redant,RandyO, and Dr.Jackpiner57:mrgreen:
After a Late start we tore the front of My 05 Vee apart ( something I had not tried to do) JohnS.crowtdog & JP57 explained the Inticasies of the "TupperWare " Removal and where the infamous Hidden screw was :eek:....
the process was alot easier than I had thought it would be ( We allways Imagine it will be it seems ) and the local Independant Cycle shop was great about swaping Shims for the valves ....Thank you ProCycle!!
I was amazed to see just how this Machine was engineered. All the Valves in the front Cylinder were within spec>>All the valves in the rear were Tight.
too tight to leave as is , so racing the clock we were able to get the shims we needed installed . I also upgraded the Air filter to the K&N permanent filter
& Installed a 12v Bosch Horn from a 2001 dodge 3500 Van.. The Re-assembly went smoothly & as stated we went to Applby's for dinner . And then rode to Bridgewater Corners with the crewsaid goodbyes & turned to Home....
Final Insight , I have been in the Maintenace & Repair field foe over 30 years . That said , I was NOT ready to undertake a project like this on MY own. & I appreciate the Help from all who attended

SO>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>NOW WE RIDE!!!!!!!


My pleasure Jack! I had a good time and a nice ride with a great bunch of guys. I was glad to be able to work on a DL1000. I agree with the engineering comment. The split and sprung cam gears are ingenious!

[VtSTROM-K5]

Well Yesterday (sunday) I went south to Beautyfull, ValleyFalls N.Y. :)
To meet up with JohnS. @ his home for an afternoon of riding .:cool:
What a great day to be out riding with newly adjusted valves @ a 100% Functional left hand. I Won't even try to remember all the great roads we went on But Renselear Cty. roads #'s 115, 42, 43, 66, in N.Y. State and US.Rt2 in Williamstown Ma. back to Rt22 in N.Y. WHAT A GREAT DAY!
Total Miles for Me for the day , 348.5 miles ...... :shock:..Uhm ,yup I took the long way home...:mrgreen: ohhYeah! :mrgreen:

Oh, also I seem to have lost the Immages from my Camera ( i transfered them to the PC but they were not saved that I can tell) & the Program deleted the Immages from the Sd card after transfer...but sunday riding makes up for it

[countersteer]

No kudos for donuts? Panera next time?

I had to leave before the inaugural ride, but it was very cool to see what's under the valve covers. Next time someone talks about shims and buckets, I can nod wisely as long as I don't have to say anything intelligent. Not ready to try it myself just yet. Nice meeting everyone.

[VtSTROM-K5]

:oops:Sorry about that Chief :rolleyes: UMmmhh, uhh it Absolutely slipped My mind ( You saw for yourself that there isn't much left of it):?
Glad you enjoyed it .. It was Great Meeting new people !!
I myself was astounded by the technology of the 996 Motor ..:shock:
I hope we have a great turn out for the May 4-6 season opener:mrgreen::mrgreen:

[flakker]

Just wanted to add my own "nice meeting you" to this thread. This was the longest ride I've taken on my new (to me) VStrom. It's good to know it's comfortable enough to take on the road for hours.

I enjoyed having the opportunity to put names to faces and to meet all of you. It was also nice to be able to extend a personal thanks to crowtdog for helping me find a good VStrom to buy.

Generally, as far as mechanical devices go, they are far better off if I, personally, never see the insides of them. However, since I wasn't the one trying to take that 1000 apart or put it back together again, I knew it would have a much higher chance of running smoothly again. :)

I'll be watching for rides to join all of you on. I looked at my odometer on the return trip from VT and realized that during that ride, I passed my 10,000th bike-ridden mile (accumulated between my first bike and my VStrom) since getting my license last June. I hope to drastically increase that number for next year. :cool:


-Tucker

[JohnS.]

Glad you enjoyed the ride Jack. You're the first person to get me lost in my own backyard... I wish I could've stayed to see how the valve job was done.

We'll see how the season opener goes, and maybe I'll figure another one later in the summer to incorporate a few of those roads again. Or maybe we'll just ride Route 42 again, and again, and again.... See how many trips back and forth it'll take to get that guy who was raking his leaves to call the State police about the crazy motorcyclists...

JohnS.

[dmf109]

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/3576/img0299an9.jpg



Tom, nice lights! I saw this pic Saturday night and tried flipping mine that way (looks better the way you have them). Any close calls with the fender rubbing them over rough bumps?

Also, anyone try synching their throttle bodies with Jack's precision crafted manometer?

And lastly, anyone riding this weekend? I serviced my Strom Sunday and have since burned through a tank while enjoying this weather. I'm looking to ride!

[tmcgee]

Tom, nice lights! I saw this pic Saturday night and tried flipping mine that way (looks better the way you have them). Any close calls with the fender rubbing them over rough bumps?

Clearance is okay, no issues in the month they've been on there. I did tip the thing over (again) in a church parking lot a few weeks ago and the side of one light is scratched, but no real damage.

I plan to beef up the suspension in the near future. I have front springs in hand and I'm waiting on the Wilbers USA situation to settle before ordering a rear shock/spring.