Yesterday—end at 65,996 (31 miles). Ran out to Carmean’s to talk to him about the ’66. He wasn’t there. Came home.
Gas @ 66,049 – 3.359 g E0 90 @ $3.759/g = $12.63. 117.8/3.359 = 35.01 mpg.
End at 66,132 (136 miles)
Went to Indian of Fredericksburg for demo rides. I got there just as the first group left. Too bad, since they had a nice long ride, they were gone at least 20 minutes, maybe longer. My demo ride on a Sport Chief RT was MAYBE 10 minutes—100% not worth my time or effort. I didn’t even like the bike. Way too much vibration and could never get RPM in a good range. Lesson learned; next time I’ll go early or not bother.
Had to park at Lowe’s and walk (it’s not far) for the demo rides. First time they’ve ever made us do that and it was just a pain in the ass, especially since by the time I walked back, I saw other people not being forced to move their bikes. I guess they jammed me up because I showed up on a 50-year-old Beemer. As I was walking to the dealership after I parked, a beardy fellow stopped and asked some questions about the event and my bike. Turns out he’s a local tattoo artist. I got his card.
Went to Morton’s. They unfortunately had none of the crush washers I need to do a full service on the ’66. Seth gave me a contact and he had them all, so I ordered them. This first oil change is going to be hella expensive. Got to thinking that while getting parts for the R 90/6 at a dealer is pretty easy, it might not be the same for the R 60/2. Funny what just 10 years can mean.
Traffic on US 1 N got worse & worse as I got near Spotsylvania. Ride home on US 17, VA 2 and US 301 was much nicer—hardly any traffic at all. I encountered two more drivers who don’t know which lane their car belongs in, but I lived. Stopped in Bowling Green for a bit of lunch at a good Mexican place, sat outside. Some Japanese tourists leaving the restaurants stopped to look at and talk about my bike. I couldn’t get my phone out of my pocket fast enough to get a good photo.
The ’76 passed VA state safety inspection. Has to because of having regular plates/registration rather than antique. (According to DMV, “antique” and “vintage” are not the same thing.) Talked the guy into putting the sticker on the bottom of the seat pan so it wouldn’t be on paint I’d like to preserve. Probably not 100% legal, but if for some reason I ever get pulled over on this bike during the rest of this year (before it gets a vintage plate, I mean), at least I’ll be able to say I have a valid inspection, even if it’s not easily visible. I guess with an old bike it’s mostly going through the motions, even with a standard plate on it.
Pretty sure I’m going to get the ’66 pinstriped in RED. I saw an R 18 bagger or transcon at Morton’s in a beautiful black metal flake finish with red pinstripes and it looked amazing. I wonder what the purists will say about it or if they’ll just judge and laugh behind my back.
After getting home, probably close to 1500, I kept my boots on and sort of napped in front of YouTube. Got up a little before 1700 to meet my wife and a couple we know for dinner at Takara Ramen on West Broad. Good (spicy!) ramen and I like this couple a lot. A good way to round out the day. Got home before dusk, but this time I remembered to take my clear face shield just in case.
To go to dinner, I didn’t let the bike warm up like I usually do. Mistake! It lugged hard—enough to make me concerned I might be doing some damage. Lesson learned. Always let the ’76 warm up before riding. Probably good practice for the ’66 as well.
Frustrating that I have to keep collecting stuff before I can service the ’66. Not sure I’ll be able to pull it all together before the rally. Need to talk to Steve and/or Carmean about using a lift. I suppose I could do it at Gridlock, but I’m trying to wean off that and George since he’s closing the business.
END MILEAGE FOR MAY: 66,132