ultracyclist
08-05-2006, 03:19 PM
In previous threads I indicated that I wanted to learn about basic rad maintenance. I am not a mechanic, nor a techie, nor much of a DIY'er.
You would classify me as in the group of "Rad maintenance for dummies".
Randy Boris, of Manitowoc, WI (about 75 miles North of me) came to the rescue. I met him at a motorcycle/small engine repair facility where his R1150GS was up on a rack. I have R1150R .
I jumped in with both feet, and we changed plugs, adjusted the valves, adjusted the throttle bodies, changed oil ( I was there when put the oil in), and more. I learned about checking seals, seal positioning, and the correct way to hold and use various tools. Does it get any better than this?
This was exactly what I was looking for, and Randy was wonderfully patient, and best of all, he was there instructing, supervising, and giving me a few pointers that will never be found in any manual. Also, now I know exactly what additonal tools I need to make my life a bit simpler.
Much of the "mystery" of adjusting valves, etc., have been eliminated, and I feel like now I actually know a little bit about the workings of my oilhead. But best of all, Randy gave to me an "I can do this, this is simple." mind-set.
Afterwards, I met his lovely wife, and three of us went out for lunch. Then Randy and I went to the custom cigar store. I am sure that he will be puffing on a good cigar this evening as he samples the assortment of dark brews that I brought up with me.
I already have some ideas for our next session. On the ride home, I thought to myself, "Rad, thanks to Randy, I now know you a little better". I set that Throttlemeister at 73mph, and purred home on the big slab.
You would classify me as in the group of "Rad maintenance for dummies".
Randy Boris, of Manitowoc, WI (about 75 miles North of me) came to the rescue. I met him at a motorcycle/small engine repair facility where his R1150GS was up on a rack. I have R1150R .
I jumped in with both feet, and we changed plugs, adjusted the valves, adjusted the throttle bodies, changed oil ( I was there when put the oil in), and more. I learned about checking seals, seal positioning, and the correct way to hold and use various tools. Does it get any better than this?
This was exactly what I was looking for, and Randy was wonderfully patient, and best of all, he was there instructing, supervising, and giving me a few pointers that will never be found in any manual. Also, now I know exactly what additonal tools I need to make my life a bit simpler.
Much of the "mystery" of adjusting valves, etc., have been eliminated, and I feel like now I actually know a little bit about the workings of my oilhead. But best of all, Randy gave to me an "I can do this, this is simple." mind-set.
Afterwards, I met his lovely wife, and three of us went out for lunch. Then Randy and I went to the custom cigar store. I am sure that he will be puffing on a good cigar this evening as he samples the assortment of dark brews that I brought up with me.
I already have some ideas for our next session. On the ride home, I thought to myself, "Rad, thanks to Randy, I now know you a little better". I set that Throttlemeister at 73mph, and purred home on the big slab.