Dumb - but it worked

[docsporseen]

Well, got my lowering links on today (Finally!). I have the feeling that it probably wasn't the smartest or safest thing I've ever done, but it worked. With my friend steadying the bike, I got the back wheel off the ground using a bottle-jack on one of the brackets under the engine. After beating on the bolts for a few minutes, the idea of having his wife lift the rear wheel up to relieve tension on the bolts suddenly sounded like a great idea. I'll be damned, it worked! At least now I'll be able to be flat-footed with my big old Icon boots on. Got the forks dropped about 20mm or so - wasn't really ready for it just to slide down on it's own, but such is life.

Should get the cast off my leg on Wednesday, so North Carolina look out!!! Finally get my first ride after a month of ownership...hey, gave me time to "customize", right?

[JRShaw]

Awesome!!! Wont it be great to be back on the road again? I missed most of the '04 riding season dur to an accident, so I know what you are going thru. That first ride will be soooooooo sweet!!!!!!! Tell us all about it!!

[docsporseen]

One of my officers is talking about getting all of the motorcyclists in our aid station out to Deal's Gap/Dragon Tail once I get used to the bike. One of the good things the Marine Corps has done is make every unit have a motorcycle club with mandatory monthly rides. Too many kids getting in trouble on their Busa's I guess. It'll be nice to get out there with them and show them what a Wee Strom can do!

[JRShaw]

By all means go to the Dragon, do whatever it takes to get there. You will love it. Good for the Corp that they realized what is really going on around them and doing something positive!! Thanks for being in service to our country. Enjoy your Wee and ATGATT!!!!

[MightyShep]

One of my officers is talking about getting all of the motorcyclists in our aid station out to Deal's Gap/Dragon Tail once I get used to the bike. One of the good things the Marine Corps has done is make every unit have a motorcycle club with mandatory monthly rides. Too many kids getting in trouble on their Busa's I guess. It'll be nice to get out there with them and show them what a Wee Strom can do!

See if you can make it to the Springtime Stromfest!
http://www.stromtrooper.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5413
I'll buy you a beer in honor of your service. I'm prior service Army, and everyone appreciates a medic.

[LarryB]

I'll have to remember your little trick. I'm probably going to lower my Vee and it looks like a simple enough job to swap out the links. But it always seems that what looks simple turns out to be a huge PITA.

[docsporseen]

Just remember - it only has to be high enough to get the pressure off the rear tire. Much more and it'll probably come crashing down on you. Guess it'd be really easy to work on then...this is why my wife thinks I should wear a helmet when I work on my vehicles.

[msheron]

You'll love the "Dragon". I live not too far from there and have ridden it a few times. Just watch out for the crotch rockets they love to pass in blind curves and really turn on the speed.

Look at the tree of shame while there too. Get your picture taken next to it and post here.

I just bought my 07' DL650 in blue as well. Our first group ride or mine is today weather permitting. Stay safe in Cherry Point. I was down near your way a few weeks ago at Ft. Fisher for training. What a long ride from the mountains to the coast.

[docsporseen]

I'm gonna try to find this lanmark. Does not look like a positive thing, the Tree of Shame. It'll be a little while - need to get used to the bike for a little while before I head out on the highway, let alone the curves of doom.

[LarryB]

Just finished putting the lowering links in my Vee. I did it by hanging the back end by ratchet straps from the ceiling joists. I could adjust the straps up and down to add or relieve pressure on the back wheel. Worked pretty well.

One thing I wish somebody would have pointed out is the little puzzle with getting the upper bolt out past the exhaust. Would have been nice if I'd known I'd have to lift the back tire up against the fender in order to get it out. :mad: Took me a couple minutes to figure that out.

4 days 'til the MSF class. Can't wait to ride it legally. :mrgreen:

[docsporseen]

That was my original plan, until I discovered that my friend's garage had a solid ceiling. Improvise, adapt, and overcome. Good motto for vehicular modification, if you ask me!