@scott-h Yep. If it would have been a small difference, or maybe even up to 50%, I would not have bothered with the Chinese units.
However, $101 vs $662 for what look like close to identical rotors had to be tested.
You may (hopefully) find they work out great. Will keep paws crossed for you.
Side note; just in case you aren't happy with performance. Going directly to a European dealer will net the Galfer Rotors for a bit under $200 ea. shipped.
I've done this before, due to U.S. mark up, and just did a quick check on a couple of European dealers I've used in the past.
Hold my keyboard and watch this! 🙃
Yet another way to stay amused with an unbroken sidecar rig...
After finally winning the battle with my broken Milwaukee Electric weed/bug sprayer (that, from the looks of the reviews had a design defect in the tank,) I decided that since it was about 75F (24C), I would idle the rig down to the mailbox, without a helmet, tunes, or anything. Just a foolish looking bucket hat and street clothes. (T shirt, jeans, etc.)
I had plugged the phone in to charge, so it put a map up on the TFT... The suburbials of Skunk Hollow are a rats nest of cul-de-sacs, parks, etc. that sprawl for square miles. Most streets are less than 3 blocks long and sort of curvy. Typical modern suburb.
Well, I collected the mail, and decided that since I had new brake rotors, and had made quite a few mods earlier to the sub-frame/frame/attachment stuff, maybe I would ride around a little bit at slow speed, no helmet or tunes, and listen to the bike shift, make noises, etc.
So I started to aimlessly wander, with the goal of exploring the larger neighborhood without traveling the same street twice, while listening for odd noises.
I put the DCT in "D" mode, that I almost never use because it shifts too early for fun. This keeps the engine RPM pretty low, but was great for listening to drive train, bearings, etc.
After a few twists and turns, I was in new territory and satisfied that there were no noises that required further exploration, other than a little chain slap that will get remedied when the new chain/sprocket set comes in next Tues.
The most noticeable thing, though, was the almost total lack of headshake at between 18 and 23 mph that I had become mostly accustomed to. I would guess that locking down the relationship between the bike and hack with the 3rd top strut and shortening up the lever arms on the other two top struts took out some flex that allowed the headshake oscillation to happen. Whatever fixed it, I am very pleased with that.
So as I idled around day dreaming and enjoying the ultra pleasant weather, I noticed how many people were out walking or loitering in their garages, and would take the time to wave or give me a thumbs up. The kids, especially, seemed enthusiastic.
I spent about another hour in this revery, and came home quite pleased with the activity. I don't think I have ridden this rig that slow for that long since I picked it up on day one. Maybe I discovered something?
You do know machinery requires less maintenance when you go easy on them???
Well Friends,
Got out on a couple of very pleasant rides the past couple of days, before spending a little time in the shop on maintenance, today.
Met up with Rick on his solo Africa Twin and decided to run the Apache Trial again. That ride is so scenic and very accessible to all.
The trail was splendid, with a lunch stop in Globe. They had the 60 shut down for some blasting that went awry, so we got to add another 77 miles looping down and around Winkleman to get back. Can't complain about that, much. It is quite a nice highway ride and then I caught the Florence Kelvin Highway (dirt road, mostly) back towards Skunk Hollow. Ended up being about 300 miles of prime scenery.
El Ranchito, in Historic downtown Globe, was a fine, quick Mexican stop for a tasty burrito.
Normally the 60 is closed 9am to 2pm Tues, Weds, and Thurs. for blasting and construction. We were much later than 2pm, so figured we were good to go. However, got there and found they were closed for "a few more days" while figuring out what to do about a rock slide that they created.
Turned back through Globe and headed south on the 77 to Winkleman, then back north through Kearny towards Superior. I split off just before Superior and headed west into the sun.
Decided to stop at "The Boulders" and hydrate, then let the sun set before continuing west. Played a little with the camera app as the sun sank and things turned red in the desert.
Took a moment to inspect the new rotors, and found them to be fine:
Headed home at dusk and reflected on the day over a pleasant dinner.
The next day, Greg was up for a BMW GS highway jaunt, while waiting for the infamous KTM790 cams to come in and get installed.
We decided that a wander out south, with a cut over to the Kitt Peak Observatory would be fun.
The day waa as pleasant as the prior one, with temps approaching 80F (27C), so we did a leisurely stroll with plenty of stops. Spent a little time at a picnic area on top of Kitt Peak, with a Western Scrub Jay or two begging for power bar scraps:
The ride back up towards Casa Grande put us on an amusing, curvy blacktop road across a reservation. There were more than a few potholes, that the tribal dudes had kindly painted the edges of white to make them easier to see (vs. fixing them.)
As we were coming around a sweeper, watching for a line through the pot holes, we were just a little surprised by a herd of wild horses loitering in the road. It begs the question: "Do horses cause potholes, or do potholes cause horses?" It was a rather thrilling experience that ended in no drama. The guilty parties all left, prior to any photo opportunities.
Got home, and once again reflected on what a pleasant day it was.
This afternoon, was finally time for the next Chain/Sprocket set. Decided to change these out a little earlier than the last set. Put 18,800 miles on the set, with one front sprocket change out about 7,000 miles ago.
Things of note:
1. JT front sprockets last about half as long as OEM, but cost about 1/3rd as much. Not sure that is a great deal, but may stay with them and change the front a little more often
2. The heaviest duty EK 525 X ring chain, rated for 1,300 cc bikes with 10,000 lb tensile strength lasts exactly as long as the OEM DID chain, prior to suddenly developing a couple of stretch spots. Kinda pricey, but Super Sprockets had a deal on the chain/sprocket "kit" for $280, including choice of teeth on the sprockets, so decided to use the EK chain, again. It is pretty, if nothing else.
3. Upped the tooth count from 44 to 45 on the rear sprocket, this time. OEM is 42, with 16 front. Will see how I like it. I really liked the jump from 42 to 44.
c't'd
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New sprocket on top. There was some significant wear.
Rear sprocket had a little wear, as well. Not beyond usability, but I wanted to change the ratio, anyway, so replaced it.
All pretty again, and ready to ride.
Took it for a little rip around Skunk Hollow, and definitely like the gear reduction. 1st gear is pretty snappy. Didn't test to see if it will pull redline in 6th, but kinda doubt that it will. Riding tomorrow, so will see how it does at cruising speeds.
How are the transmission output shaft splines doing? One of the things I like about the JT sprockets, is they are of a softer material than the output shaft. Unless there is a build up of fretting corrosion that is allowed to oxidize, normally output shaft spline wear is limited to just a light polishing. The sprocket takes the brunt of the wear. 👍 Honda has a really good Moly paste that works great with just a thin haze applied to the splines.
I've run tool steel sprockets before, but only on MX bikes that were torn down and rebuilt consistently (the bikes I raced). I wouldn't want to run them on a bike that saw occasional maintenance.
Hold my keyboard and watch this! 🙃
Dis stuff? 🤑
Splines are doing great, no visible wear, since new.
I think the OEM countershaft sprocket is quite a bit harder than the JT, but $49 vs. $14, so will probably just change the JTs a little more often.
Dis stuff? 🤑
dat stuff is referred to as Honda's anti-F it lube, or the opposite of KY jelly. 
Two Million Mile Rider...All 7 Continents
Exploring the World in Comfort
Soap Miles. Large quantity.
We, the sidecarists of Planet earth, just completed a survey of the things we really LIKE, and those things we really don't LIKE on the above pictured sidecar rig. The answers were received anonymously, so that no one could be scorned for their comments.
Likes...in no particular order:
The Russell Day Long seat
The ScottOiler
The Dude from Skunk Hollow that owns and maintains...and drives this crazy rig.
Dislikes...in no particular order:
Hippo Hands on a motorcycles that resides in Skunk Hollow, Arizona, or..Arid Zone..Uh....in the southern/desert part of the state, where it is still 80+* F in the middle of the day, in the Winter of our discontent.
All other responses to our survey had to be edited out, as they were all cuss words, and not suitable to publication on a family website.
Two Million Mile Rider...All 7 Continents
Exploring the World in Comfort
Soap Miles. Large quantity.
About fell out of the chair laughing. 🍻
Hold my keyboard and watch this! 🙃
Well Friends,
I have been on a few very pleasant rides, as of late, and done a little more maintenance as well. None of the rides were exactly "epic", but I'll share a few photos, anyway.
Got out and around Barkerville road with a couple of Canadian Snow Geese, and really enjoyed the day. Temps in the 20's C and plenty of sunshine. Roads were in great condition, save a little washboarding from lack of rain. Speeds were a little frisky with a lot of opportunity to play with throttle steering. Friends were on a solo GSA and an Aprillia Toureg.
I was out front, and came around a tight curve to find a herd of a dozen or so mule deer lounging about in the middle of the road. Interesting place for a confab, but they took off quickly.
Got out into the scrub and stopped to look over their shoulders to see what was up.
Interestingly enough, they decided to take off parallel to the road, and cut in front of me again. It is good to be awake.
We stopped in Oracle, AZ for a bite to eat at the "Ore House" hilltop tavern. Decor was somewhat amusing, with a lot of mining gear incorporated into the theme. Food was completely forgettable. No one got sick, which is about what could be said for the merits of the the cuisine. Views were nice, sitting outside on the patio. Seems to be a popular spot with the Harley riders.
Enjoyed the run down Willow Springs Rd. so much that we decided to back track on it to Florence:
Got home and spent a little time on house stuff. There is now, actually a functional door bell for when friends don't find me with the garage door open:
Fixed some stucco and did a little repaint work, as well...
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Couple days later, Greg was up for paved ride on his GS while eagerly awaiting the return of his KTM790 with fresh cams and such.
Day was a bit coolish, maybe temps in the high 60's F. We decided to run out through Ajo, AZ to the little town of Why, AZ. Why not?
Blacktop only run, but very pleasant. We met the world's dumbest Coyote about 15 miles north of Ajo. Was very young and disoriented. Standing in the middle of the road, waiting to get hit. Greg came upon him first, and encouraged him to get out of the road. I was following pretty close behind him, so got a little thrill when he dodged him.
Was not a terribly eventful trip, but quite pleasant with a stop at the patio dining place in Why, for a little people watching and weather enjoyment.
Got home and decided that while things were still hot and circulated, it was a good time for an oil/filter/dct filter refresh.
Got the oil change done and called it a day. I was kind of beat from fighting a strong cross wind a good deal of the way home.
Next day, seemed like another good day to keep fooling with maintenance/inspections, so decided that the rear tire no longer owed me much, if anything:
One advantage of running the same tire, over and over again, is that you get to where you can spot just before the cords show. The sets of two parallel marks in the center of the tread are what you see about 300 miles before the cords appear in earnest. Normally, I might wait for that event, but have a couple of trips planned for later in the week, so decided it was time:
The Rabaconda still amazes me, at how easy tires are to swap out, now.
About 30 minutes later...
So pressure washed her down to make working on her a little more pleasant, and inspection a little easier.
Got to looking at the right side of the subframe and thought I saw a crack forming, just behind that tab. Ground off the powder coating, and found it was only a scratch in the powdercoat.
Crawled under it, with the bash plate off, and took a look at the otherside. Yep, a tab that I had scobbed onto the right side of the subframe had enough leverage to flex and break during the last debacle of A arm's and top mounts breaking up on the AZ BDR.
c't'd
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Of course, the right answer is to build a decent subframe, and be done with it. Just not quite in the mood to take that on, yet, so ground it down a little and gobbed some metal around to the other side a ways up the vertical tab that wasn't there, before.
Not pretty, but cranked the amps up and melted it down into the steel rod that I drove up through the center of thet subframe tube and wrapped the weld around to the other side of the tab. Probably will hold for awhile, maybe even until I work up the enthusiasm to build a new subframe. I think it broke a long time before I added the center Top Strut to the mix, which should take a little stress off this mounting point.
Let it cool down, hit it with some Krylon, and put the bash plate back on. Time for a nap!
Slept in today, then had a pleasant chat with my son, down in the Lima, Peru area. He was just getting ready to take a ride out into the sticks on my old Africa Twin that he is getting to know rather well. The conversation inspired me to get out on a little solo mini adventure.
I have been exploring out and around Skunk Hollow for the past year or so, but had not totally figured out how to get around behind (West) of one of the little mountain ranges that stick up out of the desert, west of town. I finally dug into Google Earth, and thought I spotted a two track jeep trail that sort of mad a loop around and west of the little mountain range, on the other side of Box Canyon Recreational area.
So all full of enthusiasm, with new oil, a fresh rear tire, an re-stiffened sub-frame, I took off with a few beverages to see what I could see.
Once I got off pavement, I was greeted with some relatively deep sand for 1/4 mile stretches of a reasonably decent trail.
Where it wasn't sandy, it was kinda rocky. Every so once in a while, you pretty much had to kiss some sage brush, if you wanted to pick a reasonable line through the ruts and sand:
Views were pretty nice and the weather was a near perfect 74F (23C). All the while I was on the trail, I only saw one traveller, dude in a SxS. Very peaceful. His dust cloud:
Some sky divers were out enjoying the desert...
And, of course, the double decker trains of containers were zipping across the desert at about 75mph.
About where it transitioned from deep sand (maybe 1 ft deep) to progressively larger rocks, washouts and shoop-dee-doos.
I guess it wasn't all that tough of going, but some of the stuff was steeper than the pictures might lead you to believe... There were a couple of times I considered back tracking, vs. pressing onwards, as I pointed the nose down a steep wash and kinda hoped that the climb out would be uneventful.
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The further south I went, the bigger the rocks got, in the road:
Headed up a side shoot that took off up into the mountains. I think I would have been fine with this, but decided my curiosity to see what was on the other side of the wash was not as strong as my desire to get home before dark:
Sahuaro skeleton:
Time for a water break! Was getting to be a bit of a workout.
Trail cut over into the foot hill and became a bit of a roller coaster.
Stopped and picked up some sort of bit from the guy's SXS out of the road and set it up alongside the road on a rock, incase he returns by the same route:
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