V649HP-Kawasaki's new gravel runner

[jdrocks]

Originally Posted by ktmklx

Thanks for posting that information. That will help alot. I talked to Tony today.

Going to go down the CDR route to southern Montana and then back up the eastern side of the Rockies on a route I planned. Leaving 7/23/11.

be on some of the same roads, but different schedule. we'll need a rat bike performance review and photos. safe travels.



ktmklx reports that Cannon raised the spring price to $175. might have to investigate other sources for the spring.

[jdrocks]

Originally Posted by MTrider16

Its been a late summer this year and winter starts up again in a month.

David

fixt...glad to get the truth out.

so with all the water washing everything away, should i forget the riding and just pan for gold?

[MTrider16]

Don't remind us about winter. Thats just cruel.

I think your August dates should be pretty good JD. A week from now seems a little early though. But thats just another guys opinion, and just like belly buttons everyone has one.

David

[jdrocks]

Originally Posted by MTrider16

I think your August dates should be pretty good ...

more maps in the mail today, but what i really need is some time in the shop.

[MTrider16]

GTTS opened today.

[jdrocks]

Originally Posted by MTrider16

GTTS opened today.

the last time i was thinking about crossing that road it had washed away so completely that a park employee said you couldn't tell a road had ever been there...hope i don't jinx it.

[jdrocks]

an inmate must have seen me cut up that last rotor just to get the center section, and surprise, surprise...in the mail yesterday was a near new replacement rotor. free, no less, but i'm going to reimburse the nominal postage to get it here. the least i could do.

now i have the block off plate turned to size, an adapter bracket that will fit the revised spacing, and this new rotor.



i'll change everything out when i change tires.

needless to say, it's one fine group of riders we have here.

...and to the inmate who sent it...we've never met, but much grass my friend. your part is going to travel to some far off places.

how cool is that?

[Ednukey]

Originally Posted by jdrocks

from one great mind to another, those steel S hooks on the bungee make me nervous. there must be a better way.

by all means, i'd like a report.

Hah, nah, those hooks aren't accompanying the bladder. They were just gathered with it while I was messing around with securing options. I won't settle on a final set-up until I fill it -- which won't be too far into the future, as I'm currently in Ferndale, WA. I'm thinking I'm going to head toward Yellowknife first.

I posted a pic of the 'finished' bike in the Versys thread, but I'm posting an alternate view from my departure point. Been VERY happy with the mods.

Man, carrying one tire isn't so bad, but carrying TWO tires REALLY sucks; and I haven't even ridden any gravel with the extra weight, yet. But, I'm on a budget, and can't afford the prices 'up north', and don't want to have to commit to a location for pick-up.

I'll report back on the bladder, when I have something to report.

BTW, my MPG very much reflects yours -- regardless of the rear chainring size. Outright speed, headwind, and the loading of the bike seem to be the biggest factors.

Here's my SPOT stuff, in case you're interested. My track from SW FL to OR doesn't show because I didn't set it up in time:

http://share.findmespot.com/shared/f...hlREAgVcA0o1WW

http://spotwalla.com/tripViewer.php?...54e246d9d09cb1

[siyeh]

Originally Posted by MTrider16

GTTS opened today.

We went over the GTTSH on Thursday the 14th. Much snow at Logan Pass is an understatement.









It was 40 degrees on top. Had the heated gear a working.

[jdrocks]

Originally Posted by Ednukey

I'm thinking I'm going to head toward Yellowknife first...

I posted a pic of the 'finished' bike...

Man, carrying one tire isn't so bad, but carrying TWO tires REALLY sucks;

I'll report back on the bladder, when I have something to report.

BTW, my MPG very much reflects yours -- regardless of the rear chainring size...

Here's my SPOT stuff...

been to Yellowknife. hundreds of bison on that road. camping at the PP near the airport, plus two PPs on lakes up the Ingraham Trail which is the start of the ice road up to the mines. Wildcat Cafe for a good meal. don't leave your bike/gear unattended in the downtown area. Great Slave is one big body of water.

bike lookin' good, slimmed down. that GPS a 78? what's the deal with the clip on the rear axle?

i hear ya on the tires. i'm carrying one myself part way. i hate carrying those things, but i don't see a way around it.

by the time you start using that fuel bladder i might be on the road, but i'd like to hear if any problems. i know i'll need extra fuel multiple times. guys never believe that mileage can drop off like that at speed or other unfavorable conditions, but it does. maybe they need to find themselves parked on the shoulder before they believe the report.

i'll have a SPOT link also, and hope to get out of here in a couple weeks. our paths might cross.

which computer do you take with you?

as always, safe travels.

[jdrocks]

Originally Posted by siyeh

It was 40 degrees on top. Had the heated gear a working.

heat index is 120 here, so 40 is going to feel damn good, forget the heated gear.

did you end up making it back to montana for tires?

keep that bike right side up the whole way?

[siyeh]

Originally Posted by jdrocks

did you end up making it back to montana for tires?

keep that bike right side up the whole way?

yes and yes

I've been many places jd, just like you. Mostly solo. But I was overjoyed

to share this 7000 mile roadtrip with my son.

I am on an incredible high right now

I think I've created another longrider,,,,

[MTrider16]

Sweet Siyeh, glad you had a good trip through the Big Sky. Sorry about all the humidity that is messing with the view of the horizon.

David

[jdrocks]

Originally Posted by siyeh

...I was overjoyed to share this 7000 mile roadtrip with my son.

that makes the trip right there, and i'm betting you're already thinking about the next one.

[jdrocks]

Originally Posted by MTrider16

Sorry about all the humidity that is messing with the view of the horizon.

David

it's official, as of 2011, the Montana Dept. of Tourism has now substituted the term "humidity" in all instances where the normal term would be "monsoon rain".

don't want to scare anybody.