[arooni]

Hi folks:

En route to South America writing to you from the Sands Hotel in Reno, NV.

I was at Burning Man for the past week in the Black Rock Desert where there is *horrible* dust that seems to invade everything. I did have the bike covered and didn't drive it around other than to get to/from the event.

I'm concerned because when moving the bike today, there sounded like there was extra noise that I hadn't heard when the engine was running. Best way I can describe it is that there is a little extra noise that sounds like there is something extra inside the engine. If you'd like, I can go down and record it and post it for your feedback.

Questions:
1) What might this be? How serious? How can I address it?
2) I've never had the bike out in the dusty desert. What maintenance steps should I take now (I have already cleaned and lubed the chain). I was thinking about washing it?
3) What about the air filter? Should I take the fairings off to check the air filter? Last time I checked it was at 29,000 miles and now I'm about 32,000 miles.

Thanks in advance!

PS: This bike is *Great* for touring. I'm loving life.

 

[Yak]

can you describe the noise a bit more precisely? grinding, whirring, clicking, whining, other? you said "when moving the bike" was it running or you just rolled it somewhere?

 

[arooni]

can you describe the noise a bit more precisely? grinding, whirring, clicking, whining, other? you said "when moving the bike" was it running or you just rolled it somewhere?

Nevermind; the bike sounds fine. I think I was just tired when I wrote the post; plus I was moving my bike in front of the casino without a helmet which was stupid.

Change the oil/oil filter and air filter and bike sounds *awesome*.

 

[riddler]

I would check the air filter after reading on the Playa. That alkaline dust destroys stuff easily.

 

[stuckinutah]

I would check the air filter after reading on the Playa. That alkaline dust destroys stuff easily.

Just like the helicopters in Desert Sto:yikes:rm

 

[toronto_nic]

maybe your bike is high from all the drugs :green_lol:

 

[arooni]

maybe your bike is high from all the drugs :green_lol:

That's definitely possible . I did end up swapping out the air filter in Reno.

 

[19inches]

Yeah , who knows what somebody slipped you out there. Is your bike still a V twin? Maybe slipped your strom a mickey.