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24 March 2010
Prophylactics

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Have you noticed how often this column starts with some comment about our weather… I've noticed it, but then, the weather is what controls what we do and how we enjoy our days outdoors. Motorcycling is one sport that the better the weather is, the more fun you seem to have.

The chain cleaning video wasn't porno; I was accused of putting up motorcycle porno by Bawanadon… I don't think he's realized that chain cleaning is a lot more than just a chore; it's a nice way to have intercourse with your motorcycle. Some tender touching, a lot of affection and of course it's all maintenance; so it's perfectly legal and you can do it in front of children.

If he thought that was porno wait until he sees the next one about adjusting your chain. He will be having hot flashes for days… but at least he will have a clean chain and one that's adjusted properly.

Of course we will be using latex gloves as a prophylactic to prevent the absorption of oils and greases through our skin. Many of the motorcycle's fluids once used or exposed to heat become carcinogens. The prophylactics allow us to have safe motorcycle maintenance. After-all, just as your dad or drill instructor told you; you never want to go out in the rain without a rain coat.

Saturday turned out to be a busy day for me, I started out early getting the next weeks update roughed out, I do this every Saturday morning. Then I headed out for a ride; my destination was Adventure BMW.

I'm not sure why but I never feel very comfortable when I visit there. BMW folks aren't any different than any others but for some reason even when I owned a BMW I never did feel comfortable at Adventure; I think it's just me.

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I got there after a nice ride up the interstate, 664 to 64 and boom!! there I was; totally confused by the roadway. They have made a lot of changes on that end of 64 and it's been a very long time since I have come that way for anything. But somehow I managed to find my way without making a wrong turn.

I pulled up, parked and walked in fully expecting to find the new S1000RR, the center of attraction in the showroom. I was disappointed, it wasn't in there, instead it was outside sitting on the lawn. Judging by the collection of guys sitting around in the showroom the hardcore BMW riders aren't too interested in the S1000.

Once I noticed it was outside I turned around and went out there to look the bike over. Here's a tip for the sales staff at Adventure, when folks are looking at your motorcycles go and talk to them. Don't let them hang out or have to go and find a sales guy. Just because Harley sales folks do that doesn't mean you should too. Granted your motorcycles are way cool but trust me they aren't that cool.

The sales guy, once I found, one explained to me the bikes were around 14 (MSRP) and were going out the door around 17,000.00. The sales guy told me "…that's not a lot for all of that technology…" I didn't see any technology on the BMW which any of the Big 4 from Japan hasn't already intergrated into their bikes. Of course the ABS brakes are found only on the BMW and the Honda CBRs.

Without checking it out I think the big 4 will still be selling more sportbikes. But then like the Ducati, MV Agusta and now BMW, they are exclusive machines and you get to be one of the few who own one. Those few will be folks who have more spendable extra money.

I generally like the looks of the S1000RR, as for all of the technology; I guess it's going to make it a better bike for some folks. Looking at my low tech R1 and MV Agusta, I like the "develop your skills" style of bike instead of the machine, doing it for me, approach. Having all of the technical aids to fill in for your skills means you may never learn or develop those skills.

With all of that technology it makes the motorcycle more complex, making it more expensive to maintain in the long run. And please don't develop a problem in the new Tech sections of the bike…. (Toyota gas pedals anyone…)

I left Adventure and headed west on 64, making my way to the Hampton Roads Tunnel and went on to Williamsburg to Steelhorse.

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Mike's Brutale
	Special edition Red October Ural	2005 750cc Brutale	2005 750cc Brutale
My F4 and Doc's Brutale	Moto Guzzi Classic V7	V7s wait...

I got up there around 1230 to find Mike Imprevento at the shop; he and Doug were choking on big cigars at the back door. As I parked I could smell the cigar smoke clear across the parking lot.

This was going to be a unique day, 80% of all the MV's in the Tidewater area were about to gather here and I was just in time. Mike was on his Brutale, Doc showed up on his and of course LA's was in the shop and of course my MV was in the parking lot.

Fresh coffee all around with the conversation centered on of all things MV Agusta. When to our surprise a young man pulled up on a 2005 MV Agusta Brutale. This was the last year for the 750cc Brutale. His MV was immaculate.

After visiting with everyone for a few hours, I headed home to take care of some chores.

The "Beast" has been pressed into service as my commuter bike until the PC is up and running. The "Beast" is coated with some of the most abrasive dust known to man. This dust blows freely all through any parking area utilized by Northrop Grumman employees. It wasn't going to get any better for washing motorcycles than this afternoon.

After washing the "Beast", I set out to correct that fuel leak problem I have been experiencing with my Honda PC. There is way too much plastic on the Pacific Coast. And there is more than enough that has to come off just so you can get to any other piece. By the time I got the air box and body work off I was already starting to feel tired. I don't know why I felt I had to start the bike up with the air box removed, but I did. I guess I just wanted to see which float was the problem. I started the bike up and it became obvious what the problem was almost immediately.

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This is what's hidden under the "Gas tank"

The leaking fuel valve

PC's airbox

What a nice looking filter...

The vacuum controlled fuel valve had a hole in its diaphragm; this allowed the fuel to get over on the wrong side of the diaphragm and it poured out the vent hole. It amazed me just how much fuel the pump pushes up to the carbs. No wonder I could smell gas even when it didn't appear to be leaking from the overflow hoses. It was pouring all over the top of the engine's inner cover right between the riders legs.

It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out we weren't going to fix this problem tonight. The new petcock would have to be ordered on Monday along with a new air filter. The vacuum controlled fuel valve only costs 128.00 bucks….

My F4 in the sun Saturday morning waiting to roll out.

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