Well I made it back to Virginia from Iowa with the rig with only a few minor complications. All things considered, I got real lucky. Turns out the rig had hardly been used for close to two years. Despite that it ran great! Had to stop at a dealer for a battery before heading out, but that's all I needed to get me going. The rig is really stable, slight pull to the right at interstate speed, but I'll be checking the alignment now that I'm home. I decided not to mess with it because the pull was not severe and I was towing a trailer so I know that would effect handling. I didn't get to take the laid back route I had originally planned. It was all I could do to stay ahead of that nasty front and all the storms last week. As it was I rode through some of the worst rain I've ridden in for several hours on Thursday. I'll tell you I was glad to be on the rig, I wouldn't have done that on two wheels. But after riding out of it, I managed to stay ahead of the front the rest of the way home, but just barely and only by staying on the interstate. I really settled into the way the rig felt by the end the day Thursday and Friday was downright fun. The kids are super excited and ask to go for a ride every day. I've put them on hold for a little while though. The tug is going to the shop to check out a loud metallic banging noise that started on Monday. Just as I let out the clutch and am accelerating in 1st. Over the weekend it was kind of a groaning noise as I let out the clutch and started moving and now this banging. Weird thing is, I don't feel it, the bike doesn't jerk or stall or anything, just makes this noise. Anyway I need to have it checked out before I'll feel comfortable taking the kids on a decent ride (we went around the neighborhood a couple of times).
So to answer my question from a previous post, yes I am nuts. Rode 1000 miles with a sidecar and pulling a trailer, with an intermitant speedometer and the reserve fuel unavailable for some reason, through some ferocious rain and with severe weather on my tail, and I loved it! Let the adventure begin.
Turtle
Kudos to you! Three wheels is always better in the rain. I been caught in some big storms with my front wheel dividing the water on the road like a boat would and I did it without worries (probably because no one else was crazy enough to be out during that big rain). You never really know about those noises that goes klank until she is opened up. Could be something simple since you do not feel the effects of it but maybe the longer you let it go it may be doing more damage than you know. It's best to get it taken care of before you take those younguns with you. Congrats on the rig and the trip, Les.
Way To Go. We will want to see pictures when it gets back from the shop.
Welcome back. I was wondering how your trip went. Hope any bike problems are minor.
I rode out to Harrisonburg on Saturday getting pics of historic sites. Weather was great, ready to go again. Summer is pretty much here again, and none too soon. Will be riding up on the BR Parkway any day now. Keep us informed on what they find with your bike.
Roy
