SYZ was carefully setup to run straight and true on the road. Otherwise I wouldn't be able to practice speaking Italian.
I've found it is difficult to hold a bowl and chopsticks at the same time as trying to steer, and forget about holding a mirror while shaving or putting on make up. That's a recipe for bloodshed. A quality cruise control and a well sorted rig is really important.
Pretty sure any rig that would replace SYZ will have radar assisted cruise control, and lane assist if available. That would be very helpful during commuting.
Also pretty excited about a new helmet that is coming out. It has a flip down internal visor that is a somewhat transparent LED 4K screen. Along with projecting "altered reality", it will display movies, concerts, news, etc. while riding. It has Dolby 7.1 surround sound blocking out all ambient noise for a truly immersive experience. I may never get off the rig again! 🤩
(The above b.s. was meant as a psa to ensure Miles blood pressure can still rise to unsafe levels 😉).
Great News Fellow Project Junkies! There is a new and worthy project for SYZ, and I couldn't be more excited. 🤩
Denpr uses a mechanically activated drum brake, with a cable. All those parts are in place, and in good shape. What the rig needs is a way to activate it. This was supposed to happen last year, but things got a bit exciting around the hobble, and was forgotten.
The current thought is a separate pedal so that it's use can be modulated. If necessary an adjustable fulcrum will be incorporated for proper ergonomics based on load.
As soon as the temps get back above 50 degrees F, it will be time to get started. Nice part is the rig will still be usable throughout the project.
No project (current or future) is complete without pictures. Here is a picture of the future home for Sidecar brake pedal. Sharp eyes will see the brake activation cable cable tied to the sidecar frame with the clevis covered in heat shrink tubing.
Finally got around to tinting the aux lights, per a recommendation from our furry flying friend Miles (@miles-ladue). Noticing other vehicles with yellow lighting, and it does stand out as attention grabbing. Important because it is a total crap shoot as to which side of the road I'm driving on. When looking at scenery to the left, the rig is normally on the left side of the road for a closer view. When looking at scenery on the right it could be anywhere, and not always on the tarmac. 😯
Ordered a sheet Lamin-X yelllow tinted film that is advertised to also help with daily abuse. I don't tend to abuse anyone or anything, so not sure what they mean by "daily abuse."
Quick follow-up on the radiator screen experiment. 3,400 miles through bugsville U.S.A. Big bugs, little bugs, juicy bugs, dry bugs. The experiment criteria for bug splatter was definitely fulfilled.
Screen did a great job. The screen is not a tight fit around the fender trough. Just a bit of small bug matter made it into the radiator, and the radiator washed out very easily (rear to front with water). Did not notice an increase in engine temperature. Screen was easy to remove and clean. Overall I'm very happy with the outcome.
Trimmed it up and painted the poly-carbonate bar so it would look a bit less amateurish. It will now be a permanent upgrade. 😎
Rough version installed for test.
trimmed up and painted for final version:
Final Follow Up On This Mod:
It has been working out awesome. Spring time is definitely bug time out here in cattle/oil/mining country. Radiator has been staying clear. The screen can pretty much be tapped out against the heel of a boot during a fuel stop. A bit of rubbing with a napkin to get the fresh gooey bugs off.
No noticeable change in oil temperature, on or off road. While it has to affect cooling efficiency, it's not enough to change the gauge reading either way. Good enough for me. 😎
On the way home from Minneapolis today i encountered a group of 4 GS riders. All of them had the bright yellow lower fork lights. Looked like a rolling light show from a long way off.
On the way home from Minneapolis today i encountered a group of 4 GS riders. All of them had the bright yellow lower fork lights. Looked like a rolling light show from a long way off.
Yellow lights get noticed.
Thane, I have been preaching that to other riders for the last 20+ years.
If only.....they would listen to the 3rd smartest hominid on the planet.....if only
Two Million Mile Rider
Exploring the World in Comfort
The new welding helmet showed up last night. I'm like the kid at Christmas who got a Red Rider BB gun rifle. Hopefully I don't put my eye out with it.
First time with an auto darkening helmet. Tried one when they first came out, but the technology wasn't very good. If nothing else, it will sure look good hanging on the wall in the garage! 🤩
Started gathering pieces to build the self contained sidecar brake linkage setup. Will be a fun project. Lots of welding involved. 😎
The self darkening really do change the game for users. Our school shop program is heavily invested in welding for all students in 7-8 grade and is very good for the 9-12 students. Given the number of things in FarmVille that have to be put back together, they don’t go to waste.
Never bothered to spend the extra on a flash helmet.
Maybe that was a mistake.
I've always used either a standard helmet or sugar scoop, with a couple different lens choices depending on the job. But there were times I had to climb into a tight area to do a repair with the helmet in place, and was blind until the arc was struck. Would have been nice if these helmets were available back then. Now the tightest thing I have to climb into is a pair of coveralls, and that is mostly tight around the waist for some reason. 🤔
Figure this helmet will hopefully outlast me, so might as well be a good one. Got an awesome price on it, which helped with the decision. The graphics stole my heart.
The self darkening really do change the game for users. Our school shop program is heavily invested in welding for all students in 7-8 grade and is very good for the 9-12 students. Given the number of things in FarmVille that have to be put back together, they don’t go to waste.
Now THAT is awesome! Whomever made the decision to keep shop classes going deserves a medal. 🤩 🍻
The self darkening really do change the game for users. Our school shop program is heavily invested in welding for all students in 7-8 grade and is very good for the 9-12 students. Given the number of things in FarmVille that have to be put back together, they don’t go to waste.
Now THAT is awesome! Whomever made the decision to keep shop classes going deserves a medal. 🤩 🍻
if you live in FarmVille and have equipment, fencing or vehicles, it’s something you just have to know. Most of Nebraska’s schools are set up this way. Between FFA and Skills USA they are real world and practical tools that set up kids for a better chance of success. I’ve taught in every setting. I will take a farm kid for workable solutions every time.
The self darkening really do change the game for users. Our school shop program is heavily invested in welding for all students in 7-8 grade and is very good for the 9-12 students. Given the number of things in FarmVille that have to be put back together, they don’t go to waste.
Now THAT is awesome! Whomever made the decision to keep shop classes going deserves a medal. 🤩 🍻
if you live in FarmVille and have equipment, fencing or vehicles, it’s something you just have to know. Most of Nebraska’s schools are set up this way. Between FFA and Skills USA they are real world and practical tools that set up kids for a better chance of success. I’ve taught in every setting. I will take a farm kid for workable solutions every time.
I've had the honor to support dealer techs across North America. I'm always impressed with technicians who come from a farm background. The work ethic, problem solving, mechanical sympathy, desire to learn and calmness under pressure makes working with them a real pleasure. 👍
