These are the latest comments, by date. The newest are at the top. If you would like to comment, just e-mail me.
I will keep your information private. If you can, add the link you are commenting about if you e-mail me.
As you can see, I have not used this in a long time. I used to use it when I had a real blog that I was not sure I wanted to keep. I will use this IF anyone comments on my pages, but I doubt that will happen.
Comment on: www.whereisbobl.com/2010/2010-04-honda-valve-adjustment.html
Bob L
April 27, 2010 at 10:31 am
Yes. With the Harley there was less of it and easier, at least so far.
I wanted to stop having grease under my nails, so now I have greas AND anti-freeze under them. 8^)
Bob L
Comment on: www.whereisbobl.com/2010/2010-04-honda-valve-adjustment.html
Darrin
April 27, 2010 at 8:38 am
Hey there Bob… do you miss working on the Harley yet? ;)
Comment on: whereisbobl.blogspot.com/2009/07/wordpress-experimentation.html
Bob L said...
Good comments. This blog was really just an experiment to see how I liked blogging and blogger. I did not really like blogger, and ended up going to wordpress, but I did not kill this site, and may keep it as an experimental site.
My *real* site is whereisbobl.com
I don't look at this as a business. For over 20 years I have kept some sort of journal of my travels for personal use. Mainly because I just like writing like that. For the small amount of traveling I do, it would be silly to try to make this a business.
As electronic communication became more common, I started sending out my stories to people I know, eventually trying a simple web site.
I don't really like the *blogging*. I prefer to write my stories in big chunks and send them out e-mail style and put them on a simple web site for future reference. But blogging is an easy to use way for me to send current info to those that actually want to follow. I have found that many people that I know that want to know what is going on, won't find the time to read a big article and they won't sign up to a blog, nor will they check it for new content. So, what I do now is send out e-mails to those people with links to my most current blog entries to let them know I have something on the web. I only send this to a small bunch of people and only when there is enough decent content that I won't be wasting their time.
I have been thinking more and more about removing myself from the public internet and just going back to simple e-mail distribution to a small number of people.
Bob L
February 6, 2010 10:04 AM
Comment on: whereisbobl.blogspot.com/2009/07/wordpress-experimentation.html
Andy Graham Top Travel Blog said...
I think many people aspire to make a business out of a Blog. Either way, you should keep this option open.
Problems, solutions, ideas.
1. Blogspot is not a business choice.
2. You will need to migrate the URL to another system eventually. Google does not like deleted URLS, shows poor plans.
3. Wordpress makes pretty pages, better than Blogger, but the google bot cannot see photos.
4. Content is king, always will be.
CMS - Blogger and Wordpress are Content Management Systems. They will eventually get placed by google on the lowest rank channel by the algorithm of Google bot.
Forums were HOT 10 years ago, the Hosting companies gave you one free to put on your site. oops, too popular, too many, too much, too many pages flooding Google.
Rank drops to almost zero.
In the end, unique is the king, being part of the club will make you part of the majority. The majority does not win on the Internet.
Fun stuff, glad I found you Bob.
February 6, 2010 7:29 AM
Comment on BIKE SEARCH 4 – I got one by Bob L
Friday, October 16, 2009 9:43 PM
Thanks. I was not planning on doing another IBR. But I have said that before. I can't say for sure I have left the fold for good. There are some things that I really like about HD's. If they fix the things I am tired of, I may be back. Hard to justify spending an additional 15 to $20K just to get the additional storage space and then having to worry about what will go wrong at 50k or not long after that. Now i gotta find a trailer to tow behind the bike
Comment on BIKE SEARCH 4 – I got one by Darrin
Friday, October 16, 2009 10:48 AM
Congrats on the new ride Bob! I rode Hondas back in my college days and can't really come up with anything bad to say about them from my experiences. It is sad to see another HD IBR competitor leave the fold. I will try to pick up the flag :) I just ordered most of the additional parts to make my FLHTCUI ready for a big multi-day rally in 2010 (fuel cell, HID light kit, replacements for things damaged this season). I have some work to do this Winter in the garage ;)
Comment on How did the BLOG work out? by John Tubb
Thursday, October 08, 2009 9:33 AM
Ya I kind a figured, that Kawasaki looks nice for what it is and price. The Wings have gotten so expensive over the years, and for that matter all the bikes have. My friend and I road the ST1300 (his) and a Gen 1 FJR (dealership demo) back to back in 2003. Getting off each bike and comparing notes after a 50 mile ride in Maine, we both agreed the FJR was an animal and was emotionally more appealing then the ST. My ride at the time was a CBR929RR, so I would have gone with the FJR, but my friend said the while FJR was a lot of fun and got his blood going but after riding home he said he was happy he went with the ST in the end. I like my Wing, I just wish it was lighter and if I could get a good deal I would most likely go to an ST even though my emotion keeps pulling me to the FJR. I'm really holding out for that new VFR and may just keep the Wing for LD and get the VFR for fun.
Comment on How did the BLOG work out? by Bob L
Today, October 07, 2009, 1:27:36 PM | Bob L
I have looked at these. I like the fact they are water cooled, but other than that, neither one suits me as well as the HD. They are a little too cruiserish, they don’t have the same amount of luggage/carrying capacity. They are a big compromise. I don’t know of anyone with big miles on the bikes. I have talked to owners that say they *have been very reliable* but none of the bikes had more than about 20k miles. Not really what I am looking for, I guess.
One other advantage would be that they are less expensive to buy than an HD AND they don’t hold their value as much, so a used one *should* be cheap. I just would not be happy with one.
Right now, I am vacillating between bikes. I have not tried an FJR, which is what is holding me back most from making a decision. If I was forced to make a decision today, I would buy a V-Strom 650 and an ST1300. Both with ABS. If I went with a Goldwing, then I would also buy either an FJR or a V-Strom 650. Still, for traveling with my GF, all the choices but Harley are a compromise. The GW has the most luggage capacity, but even with that, we can’t pack the amount of camping gear we usually take unless we got a trailer. If I am going to take a trailer, I might as well get a lighter, more sporty bike like the ST/FJR. I suppose I could always get a GW, remove the trunk and mount an HD trunk and luggage rack, but the bike is so heavy already, that I am afraid we would way overload the tires and get a blowout (no car tire suggestions please).
I considered just renting a GW when we did big trips, but we are still back to the problem of needing a trailer.
Maybe I will just get an old KLR and leave my GF at home. That would certainly be the cheapest option. But even I ain’t THAT cheap.
Bob L
Comment on How did the BLOG work out? by John T
Today, October 07, 2009, 3 hours ago | John T
Bob
This may be a bad idea but I have been reading your Blog and website a bit and wanted to give you something to think about. Since you seemed to fit the HD riding position well have you looked at the 2 Japanese triple baggers that are like clones of HD? The two I’ve seen are the Yamaha Royal Star Venture and the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager. Not a normal LD Ride for sure but might fit you well since you liked the HD but not the problems.
John
Comment on Second Place by Bob L
Monday, October 05, 2009, 2:33:31 PM | Bob L
Sounds like me my first year on a Sporty. Only went up from there. Sounds like he is addicted. From my experience, for whatever that is worth, the sportsters don’t have as much of a problem with the chrome coming off the teeth. I think it is the lower amount of work they have to do pushing a much lighter bike around. More work, more heat, more abraision, etc, etc.
Comment on Second Place by Ray W.
Monday, October 05, 2009, 12:50:08 PM | Ray W.
Thanks Bob,
I’ll tell my friend Chris to keep an eye on his pulley. He’s up over 11k in just the first year so if he gets a windshield and a better seat I think he’ll be one to rack up some good milage on that thing.
Comment on Second Place by Bob L
Friday, October 02, 2009, 9:47:52 PM | Bob L
I realized your review was all in fun, but it was also pretty spot on, if a bit one sided. Yes, a Sporty can be pushed pretty well, but they could be so much more if Harley didn’t cater so much to the look at me crowd.
On the pulleys, they chrome just the teeth because it is hard and wears well. If it would just stay on the teeth the pulley and the belt would last a long time. Great idea, poor execution. The older ones lasted longer, a lot longer. The Sporty pulleys don’t seem to have as much of a problem as the big twins. The sporty belts also only take 15 to 20 minutes to replace just the belt, where with the big twins, my personal best to change the belt and pulleys was 3 hours.
For most riders, this is not really a problem, since they don’t put all that many miles on.
Comment on Second Place by Ray W.
Friday, October 02, 2009, 1:07:46 PM | Ray W.
That review I wrote was all in fun. Chris actually rides the heck out of that Sporty. We went on a ride Sunday. Two FJR’s, two BMW’s, and Chris’ Harley. He was keeping up with the BMW’s better than I was on my FJR. ( I was having a hard time concentrating enough to really have fun on the twisty stuff for some reason)
On those pulleys do they chrome just the teeth…maybe on the idea that the chrome is harder than the aluminum? As far as we know the pully on his Sporty is stock and the outside of it is plain aluminum.
Ray
Comment on Second Place by Bob L
Friday, October 02, 2009 9:47 PM
I realized your review was all in fun, but it was also pretty spot on, if a bit one sided. Yes, a Sporty can be pushed pretty well, but they could be so much more if Harley didn't cater so much to the look at me crowd.
On the pulleys, they chrome just the teeth because it is hard and wears well. If it would just stay on the teeth the pulley and the belt would last a long time. Great idea, poor execution. The older ones lasted longer, a lot longer. The Sporty pulleys don't seem to have as much of a problem as the big twins. The sporty belts also only take 15 to 20 minutes to replace just the belt, where with the big twins, my personal best to change the belt and pulleys was 3 hours.
For most riders, this is not really a problem, since they don't put all that many miles on.
Comment on Second Place by Ray Woods
Friday, October 02, 2009 1:07 PM
That review I wrote was all in fun. Chris actually rides the heck out of that Sporty. We went on a ride Sunday. Two FJR's, two BMW's, and Chris' Harley. He was keeping up with the BMW's better than I was on my FJR. ( I was having a hard time concentrating enough to really have fun on the twisty stuff for some reason)
On those pulleys do they chrome just the teeth...maybe on the idea that the chrome is harder than the aluminum? As far as we know the pully on his Sporty is stock and the outside of it is plain aluminum.
Ray
Comment on Second Place by Bob L
Wednesday, September 30, 2009 7:56 PM
I think if you look at the teeth, you will find that they are hard and shiny, assuming it is stock. You can't assume that just because it is new that it is stock, dealers are forever f**king with the bikes to bring the price up.
Read your review. Being a long time Harley rider, I want to find fault in it, but I can't. The Sporty is a nice bike, in some ways, but in ways that are very subjective. I put 130k miles on a 1986 4 speed 883. I loved the bike. You remember that saying, if I had to explain....., well, I can't explain it to myself. I guess it is like getting a vintage bike, brand new.
The 4 speeds were dirt cheap, but had their share of issues. They were hard mounted engines, and would vibrate quite a bit, but the vibes were low frequency and only bothered me over 80. When I got a BMW R11R, the vibes were a tiny fraction of what my XLH had, but they were such a high frequency they put my hands to sleep. The brakes on that XLH sucked, even more so than the one you rode. Kinda' an antilock feature. Also an anti stop feature. I have tried various vintages of Sporty's from the 70's up to a 2010. My favorite was when they changed to 5 speed engines, but still hard mounted them. The extra gear took out that damned buzz, leaving only excessive low frequency vibes. The way they isolated the later motors was not as good as the way they did it on the touring bikes. I tried one of the old FXR's once, and found the engine to be very smooth at speed, just like the touring bikes. The Dyna Glides were mounted like the sportster, and sucked too.
The suspension on the new XL's is actually worse than the old ones. The brakes only slightly better. I have no interest in getting a new one. I took one of the new FLT's for a ride hoping it was improved over my 2004. Again, they went backwards with a firmer suspension etc. They did make the frame stiffer, and handling was improved. Remember, when changing styles of bikes dramatically, it takes some getting used to. I took an ST1300 for a ride, and for the first 20 minutes, I thought it handled awfully heavy. Hated the vibes I was getting through the seat and the bars too. That was because I was coming from an old Buell S3T. After 20 minutes on the ST, it started feeling so much better, and eventually I was pretty much sold.
I really like the Harley Touring bikes, with some minor changes. I would get one again, IF they took care of some issues I have with them. They are NOT a bike that can handle high miles. I guess because of the air cooling, the engines are pretty well worn out by 100k miles, and even at 50k things start going wrong that should not start going wrong until after 100k. The advantage they have is that they are easy to work on, by that I mean it does not take a rocket scientist. Some things take a lot longer than they should, but they are easy. Plus, many parts are very cheap, compared to other bikes. Of course, some things are very expensive, especially if it is painted.
Sure, I like them, can't say why, but they are at the bottom of my list right now. WAY at the bottom.
BTW, I am just over 6 feet tall. The XL was WAY too small for me, but I liked it anyway.
Comment on Second Place by Ray Woods
Wednesday, September 30, 2009 6:03 PM
I didn't actually look at the teeth on his but nothing else is chromed on it. His is a 2008 883L model. Completely stock.
for a laugh, here's the review I wrote on it. I actually had to ride it home from the dealer for him.
http://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?showtopic=105623
Comment on How did the BLOG work out? by Bob L
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Thanks. Really, I was talking more about family, friends and co-workers who wanted me to keep them informed, but who never even bothered to look. It wasn’t a criticism of them, but rather an observation that if we really want to keep people informed, we have to adjust to their comfort level of communication. When I send e-mail, they read it, or at least scan it. When I set up a blog, which should make it easier for them, they do not read anything. My plan for the near future, assuming I do some traveling or whatever, is to use the blog for day to day writing since it is easy to use. Then, after I have a number of posts, I will send out e-mail with the content included in the e-mail, or in some cases just a link to the blog.
I rather like writing, and would continue to write even if I had no readers. As one reader pointed out to me, he had the same problem with some of his family and close friends, yet he gathered thousands of readers that he did not know. He said, Blogs are for strangers. I would have to agree with this.
In the future, I may abandon this Blog and just keep my web page. For the small amount of writing I intend to do, and since most of that will be done in chunks, I think e-mail and my web page makes more sense. I find the web page easier to maintain. No programs to update, no databases to back up. A simple and familiar directory structure. It fits the way I think. I also think that by keeping just the web page I can limit the amount of spam and odd-balls writing. Every time I have put up a post I get ten or fifteen spam comments. I don’t get that on my website.
The only real pain is that most e-mail will not let you send out messages to a large number of people at one time. I have been using Gmail for that, since it allows up to 500, but gmail is one of the worst e-mail programs I have ever used. I am going to search and find a better solution.
Bob L's travails by Ron G.... September 26, 2009
I have only read the last crash entry so far, good thing you were on a Harley and not the 230 lb Bultaco Metralla I was on when I passed thru Colorado hills 1969, eh!
Will continue to read your IronButt tales THANKS
Ron G....
Presently in BRISBANE..... September.......2009!
Comment on How did the BLOG work out? by Darrin
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Sorry… I have been reading your blog, but didn’t actually subscribe. I just popped in occasionally and looked for any new stories.
Wade S... vagabondjourney.com Bob L's travails
Thu, Sep 24, 2009 at 9:00 PM
Bob,
This is funny. I had the same reaction too when I first started blogging:
Why aren't my family and friends reading this???????
I would think that they should care -- and I know that they did. They just would not read the blog. Haha.
I started out writing a travelogue to keep in touch with my family and the people that I knew and cared about . . . . . but the only people that seemed interested at all were people that I did not yet know. It was sort of ironic haha.
But, I must say, this is just the way it is. When you write on the internet it is for strangers and lurkers . . . . not family and friends.
It is normal. Don't feel like they are not interested, because I assume they are -- they just don't read blogs . . . or maybe it is just too weird for them to read about the guy they know on the internet.
This is just my guess anyway.
Don't get discouraged and keep going!
Walk Slow,
Wade
Comment on Second Place by Bob L
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
The Sporty I own has the chrome on aluminum teeth. I wonder when they changed to just aluminum, or if his is an aftermarket? I would not be super happy with aluminum teeth either. That would mean the teeth would wear quickly, but at least it would be fairly evenly.
Comment on BIKE SEARCH – Part 2 by Bob L
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
I will keep them in mind. Nothing quite like a brand new bike.
Comment on BIKE SEARCH – Part 2 by Ray W...
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Hey Bob,
If you’re serious about an FJR you might want to check out D&H Cycles in Cullman, AL. Lot’s of the folks on the FJR forum swear by them and they will cut you a good deal from what I hear. It’s a small family owned shop and they really seem to know their stuff.
here’s a link to one satisfied customers web site
http://www.seizethejourney.com/rideinfo/chapter2/day2.asp
Ray
Comment on Second Place by Ray W.....
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Hey Bob,
I checked out the rear pulley on my friends’ Sportster. His looks like an aluminum unit with no chrome so he should be ok. My other friend Dave doesn’t ride his enough to have to worry about it. LOL….
Comment on 2009 IRONBUTT RALLY by JameK
Friday, September 11, 2009, 3:04:19 PM
Bob, great writeup, thanks.
I was one of the people spectators in Spartanburg cheering when you scraped the floorboards while pulling out of the hotel parking lot, even though I’m not an HD fan, it was good to see someone trying the IBR on one. Glad to hear that you were lucky enough to be able to walk away from the crash.
JamesK
Comment on 2009 IRONBUTT RALLY by JameK
September 11, 2009 at 1:04 pm
Bob, great writeup, thanks.
I was one of the people spectators in Spartanburg cheering when you scraped the floorboards while pulling out of the hotel parking lot, even though I’m not an HD fan, it was good to see someone trying the IBR on one.
Glad to hear that you were lucky enough to be able to walk away from the crash.
JamesK
Comment on IRONBUTT RALLY by Darrin
Wednesday, September 09, 2009, 10:43:19 PM
I solved the level fuel filling issue with a Wheeldock center stand. I love this add-on! I can put the bike on it’s center stand without dismounting and do a straight fill up, getting a little more in the main tank. It rolls off the stand easily as the rear wheel stays grounded. I also carry a short 2×4 in my tour pak, which when placed under the stand gets the rear (or front) off the ground for possible puncture repair, cleaning (I’ve always hated cleaning my bike on it’s sidestand), inspection, etc.
Winter project is going to be installing an aux fuel tank… likely either a Summit or a Tourtank. Leaning towards the Tourtank as it uses a baffle instead of foam for slosh control.
Comment on BIKE SEARCH by Bob L
Wednesday, September 09, 2009, 3:36:41 PM
That’s the plan. The closest dealer to me has a stock 2010 which has the short windscreen. From what I could tell as to the windnoise, the FLT has more wind in the face and a little more true wind noise, but it is cleaner air without the buffeting of an FLH batwing fairing. Still, not sure if I like this flavor of Kool-aide anymore. Time will tell.
Comment on BIKE SEARCH by Darrin
Wednesday, September 09, 2009, 3:01:13 PM | Darrin
Clearly, if you’re going to test ride a Harley, don’t test ride one that’s been F**cked with.. since you clearly don’t like that anyways (and I don’t blame you). Mine is altered a little, just pipes (hi-flo, but not loud), Air cleaner, and a fuel module. Gives me about 10+ HP, which is neccessary for an 800lb bike with the TC88 motor IMHO. I don’t think it’s needed at all for the newer TC96 motor. I’ve ridden my girlfriend’s ‘07 TC96 Road King quite often, and it has good pull at all RPM’s.. and the 6th gear OD is great. That engine has more than enough torque/HP for normal everyday and LD riding.
So.. find a dealer who’ll let you test drive a bone stock EG Standard or Classic. Give the factory spec bike a chance, not something cobbled together by an HD dealer to suck big $$ out of riders who’d rather brag about engine size than ride. If you still don’t like it… then it’s time for new koolaid :)
Comment on 2009 IRONBUTT RALLY by Bob L
Wednesday, September 09, 2009, 1:35:49 PM
Wade wrote: “Adventure only happens when things go wrong. The man who finishes first is the one with the least amount of adventures.”
Not necessarily. This rally is one big adventure, but, yes, when things go wrong, it becomes more so. Just not in a good way. The guy who won had plenty of adventure I am sure.
Wade wrote: “I am sending you a Vagabond Journey t-shirt, you deserve it!”
Thanks. I will wear it with pride.
Wade wrote: “I am sure that you will be back riding again soon.”
Hell, the first thing I did when I got home was get on my other bike. Had I had my wits about me, I would have found a bike in Colorado and finished the rally.
Wade wrote: “I will keep an eye out for any bike that you would look good riding on. ”
I don’t care much what I look like. Comfort is much more important, so it has to fit me.
Wade wrote: “Really glad that you are all right.”
Thanks
Wade wrote: “Ride fast (but not so fast that you kill things)”
I am a pretty slow rider, I just ride far and steady. At the end of a long day of riding I feel more relaxed and rested than if I was at work for 8 hours. But I will agree not to try to kill things if they agree not to try to kill me.
Comment on 2009 IRONBUTT RALLY by Wade
Wednesday, September 09, 2009, 12:56:55 PM
Good on you Bob,
This was one good story.
Though it would have been great if you blogged “When am I going to stop sliding” as it was happening haha. Maybe next time.
I really like how to put down your thoughts as you were crashing. People really do think this slowly and calmly when in tragic circumstance. It was great to read about it, and even better that you were able to walk away.
We are with you in Maine,
Wade and Hannah
Comment on 2009 IRONBUTT RALLY by Wade
Wednesday, September 09, 2009, 12:53:06 PM
Motorcycle Bob,
So sad to read this. But hey, at least you did not go down without a fight. Man, you even killed something. This also makes for a better story than if you were to fly off the side of a mountain or if your bike crumbled in pieces under you do to it being junk.
No fault of your own . . . and a better story than if you had won the rally.
“Adventure only happens when things go wrong.”
The man who finishes first is the one with the least amount of adventures.
Though I am sure that this is disappointing anyway.
As I always say that I will never go back to India each time I leave (only to return again) I am sure that you will be back in another IBR — as soon as your wounds heal and you get a new bike.
I am sending you a Vagabond Journey t-shirt, you deserve it!
I am sure that you will be back riding again soon.
I will keep an eye out for any bike that you would look good riding on.
Really glad that you are all right.
Ride fast (but not so fast that you kill things),
Wade
Comment on 2009 IRONBUTT RALLY by Wade
September 9, 2009 at 10:56 am
Good on you Bob,
This was one good story.
Though it would have been great if you blogged “When am I going to stop sliding” as it was happening haha. Maybe next time.
I really like how to put down your thoughts as you were crashing. People really do think this slowly and calmly when in tragic circumstance. It was great to read about it, and even better that you were able to walk away.
We are with you in Maine,
Wade and Hannah
Comment on 2009 IRONBUTT RALLY by Jill Hall
Wednesday, September 09, 2009, 8:57:41 AM
Great write up Bob. Now that the rally is over, I’m missing my daily dose of excitement, gained from reading the rally reports and from the extensive discussion on the FJR forum. It was a real treat to read your blog.
Sorry to hear that you DNF but in crossing the start line, you did a lot more than most riders would ever dream of doing.
Comment on 2009 IRONBUTT RALLY by Jill Hall
September 9, 2009 at 6:57 am
Great write up Bob. Now that the rally is over, I’m missing my daily dose of excitement, gained from reading the rally reports and from the extensive discussion on the FJR forum. It was a real treat to read your blog.
Sorry to hear that you DNF but in crossing the start line, you did a lot more than most riders would ever dream of doing.
Comment on 2009 IRONBUTT RALLY by don carver
Tuesday, September 08, 2009, 9:58:06 PM
Bob – I was the feller at CP2 asking about your ’sticky valves’ and wishing you luck. While I felt bad you totalled the fabulous Harley, I was very relieved to hear you were OK. Ride on brother…
Comment on 2009 IRONBUTT RALLY by Bob L
Tuesday, September 08, 2009, 9:09:14 PM
After the sickening feeling of hitting Godzilla, I had the even more sickening feeling of a locked front wheel. The fender jammed into the front wheel, making it rather difficult to control to say the least.
There was also nothing left to the fairing etc. Duct tape would have done little.
BTW, Bob St. George is one of the New England LD Riders. He is one determined SOB. He would have duct taped a flashlight to the front of the HD, banged out the fender and straightened out the frame with a sledge hammer and continued on. I must be a wimp.
Comment on 2009 IRONBUTT RALLY by don carver
September 8, 2009 at 7:58 pm
Bob – I was the feller at CP2 asking about your ’sticky valves’ and wishing you luck. While I felt bad you totalled the fabulous Harley, I was very relieved to hear you were OK. Ride on brother…
Comment on BIKE SEARCH by Bob L
September 8, 2009 at 7:04 pm
Ural?
Comment on 2009 IRONBUTT RALLY by Bob L
September 8, 2009 at 7:03 pm
I had not heard about it until I started bitchin’ and I found out that the dealers and people regularly change the rear pulleys. So few of us put enough miles on to care, that the subject is seldom brought up. Next time you are near a lot of harleys, look at the pulleys. You will see a lot that are either brand new or are coming apart. One of those issues that only those that ride a lot see.
Comment on 2009 IRONBUTT RALLY by Ray Woods
September 8, 2009 at 6:58 pm
OK….can’t resist…one of your competitors in the IBR who was riding an FJR (my brand of choice BTW) also hit a deer…
a little duct tape and he was able to finsh…..not that that means anything….just sayin’…
Like I said in my other reply…lots of ammo for some good natured kidding with my other Harley riding frineds.
Glad you’re OK though…and I agree…ATGATT I was just giving Dave-the-poser heck for admiting to riding in shorts earlier today.
Comment on 2009 IRONBUTT RALLY by Ray Woods
September 8, 2009 at 6:33 pm
Bob, want to add my thanks for the write-up too. Sorry things didn’t work out for you. Really would have liked to see you finish. But at least you’ve given me some ammo in my good natured brand bashing with a couple good frineds that ride Harleys. ;-)
All in good fun of course!!
Seriously, I don’t think I would ever have the stamina to do something like this and I have a lot of respect for those that can do a ride of this magnitude. Following the reports sure made it tough to get any work done though!
…and for my friend Dave who owns a Harley and will be reading this after I send him the link……YOU (Dave) are a POSER…..Bob is the REAL DEAL!! lol Get that garage queen out and RIDE the dang thing!!
Comment on BIKE SEARCH by JameK
September 8, 2009 at 6:20 pm
Is there really a question when deciding on the next rally bike? There’s the FJR1300A and the rest far behind it :)
Comment on 2009 IRONBUTT RALLY by Darrin
September 8, 2009 at 8:52 am
About the belt issue… You’re the first person I’ve ever heard mention that the rear pulley teeth erode and wear the belt down on a stock bike. I’m at 60K miles right now and every time I inspect my belt, it still looks brand new. Most of the instances I’ve heard about early belt failure have had some other contributing factor… high HP motors, aggressive riding, custom chrome pulleys, narrow aftermarket belts etc. Peter Forwood has gone through belts quite frequently, but that’s due to the extensive non-pavement riding he’s done.
Comment on 2009 IRONBUTT RALLY by Darrin
September 8, 2009 at 8:45 am
That’s why I have an Ultra, and not a Standard or a Classic.. or another model. The cost to add what I want to ride long miles would make any of them more expensive than an Ultra. Here’s an idea…. get a 2010 Ultra. Choose black, use the savings from not chosing a color ($560) to help offset the ABS option ($845). Then remove the stuff you don’t want… pull the radio & speakers, take the antennas off. I would think you’d like to keep the cruise control, as it’s really good for LD riding. I’d also keep the tour pak lighting, as the extra brake lights and side LEDs add visibility/safety to the bike when riding at night.
I think that Harley will eventually mount a larger version of the V-Rod liquid cooled motor in a touring model… but there’s no telling when they’ll be ready to take that step.
Comment on 2009 IRONBUTT RALLY by Bob L
September 7, 2009 at 3:26 pm
Oh, and yes, you could buy an FLT and modify it, but the cost for a bare bones FLT modified to make sense (tour pak, engine guards, proper floor boards etc) is more than an Ultra. I don’t really like the Hondapotomus, but you get a lot for your money. The biggest problem, in my opinion, is that if I want antilock brakes, I have to buy the super duper version that is an additional $5k.
Comment on 2009 IRONBUTT RALLY by Bob L
September 7, 2009 at 3:22 pm
The Victory Vision is just, well, too much of a vision of, uh whatever it is a vision of. Too ugly and too much stuff. Assuming that I have to stay with bikes that are pretty much currently available, I would like to see a Harley FLT Road Glide, but set up like the FLHT, as in, no radio, no custom crap, front and back engine guards, set up for travel, NOT looks. I want an FLT with a taller windshield, no radio, with a plain jane tour pak, normal floor boards, passenger floor boards, decent passenger and driver seats, plain lower fairings etc.
Ideally the belt would be put on the right side in a manner that it would be a 15 minute at most replacement and they would fix the rear pulley so that the chrome would not come off the teeth eating the belt.
Even better would be oil cooling the heads and cylinders. Even better, they would put in a water cooled engine.
I do love the Harleys, and they suit me well. The problem is, at 100k miles, they are considered old. When I had the rear head replaced, they checked the leak down on the front and said it was down to 30%. I was only at 90k miles at that point. This particular bike was good to me, BUT I had to replace the belt a couple times already because of the rear pulleys failing (back to the chromed teeth) and I replaced the cam chain tensioner. THey were actually OK, but one of the outer bearings spun in it’s plate. The good thing about HD is that parts are silly cheap at times. The head replacement, with labor, was $400. The kit for the cam chain adjusters comes with the plate, adjusters, bearings, and everything you need, and it is fairly cheap. And Halrey dealers are EVERYWHERE. That does not mean the mechanic at that particular spot are any good, but how good do they have to be?
Comment on 2009 IRONBUTT RALLY by President Hussein
September 7, 2009 at 2:54 pm
By Executive Order 14765, I hereby declare that from now on you will be referred to as “DNF.”
Your respect for the presidency does the organization proud.
Comment on 2009 IRONBUTT RALLY by Darrin
September 7, 2009 at 10:13 am
Assuming you decide against getting another Harley, and don’t want a Wingabego or a BMW, yet still want a large street tourer…. have you considered the Victory Vision? If you can get your head around the ‘different’ styling, this bike seems to be performing well for those who get one. Two guys have ridden them in the IBR (2007, 2009) and finished, with no serious mechanical failures (that I’ve been able to find in reports, anyways).
I’m sticking with Harley. Aside from the looks and features of the Ultra Classic, I like the simplicity of the motor. It’s something that I can do most of the regular work on myself without much difficulty. Of course, I might have a different oppinion after riding 100,000+ miles and multiple IBR’s like you have….
Comment on 2009 IRONBUTT RALLY by George Catt
September 6, 2009 at 5:12 pm
Bob, great write-up. Srrry ’bout the deer. The lone Harley really needed to finish.
I understand the sentiment about doubting the next event. Personally, I can and have done the long miles but never felt the need to document.
Good luck on the next event should you decide to do it.
George
Kingman, Arizona
Comment on 2009 IRONBUTT RALLY by Bob L
September 5, 2009 at 6:39 pm
I am sure if you search around long enough you will find out where I live. I try to keep a vague sense of anonymity on the site. But, if you want to meet me, get on the New England LD Riders site and go to one of our ride to eats.
groups.yahoo.com/group/NEldrider
Comment on 2009 IRONBUTT RALLY by Wallace
September 5, 2009 at 3:48 pm
Hi Bob. Ripping good yarn. I’ve been poking around your website and can’t find out where you live. It seems like you are on the east coast somewhere, but I’m not sure. I’m in Boston. It would be great if I could meet you some day and pick your brain about the IBR.
Comment on 2009 IRONBUTT RALLY by Bob L
September 5, 2009 at 3:35 pm
Oh, and I use Hostmonster.com as my provider for my web page as a whole. As far as wordpress, I like it better than blogger for the most part. It allows you to do things you can’t on Blogger. Although, if I were going to just do a basic, free on-line blog thing, Blogger may be just a tad easier. Blogger can fall apart if you host it off of the Blogger servers.
Comment on 2009 IRONBUTT RALLY by Bob L
September 5, 2009 at 3:27 pm
The bike was totaled. And yes, I have had things published. Unfortunately I am only good at writing when it relates both to a real life story of my own and to something I am passionate about. Kinda limiting for a writer.
Comment on 2009 IRONBUTT RALLY by Bob L
September 5, 2009 at 3:32 pm
At the time I just thought the crowd was cheering that much for everyone. Thanks for reading.
Comment on 2009 IRONBUTT RALLY by Bob L
September 5, 2009 at 3:30 pm
The application is Wordpress. I have it set up on my own home page but you can get it free at wordpress.com
Comment on 2009 IRONBUTT RALLY by Donald A. Jones
September 5, 2009 at 10:19 am
Bob, Day 9 is a bitch…2007 IBR Day 9, side stand bent beyond use. I DNF’d getting back to St. Louis late. I will apply in 2011, I have some unfinish buisness.
Great ride you had going there. I enjoyed the floor board scaping as you left the hotel in Spantanburg, if you didn’t hear it alot of the spectators cheered and clapped.
Comment on 2009 IRONBUTT RALLY by Mike Hoegler
September 5, 2009 at 11:26 am
Great write-up Bob. I think I saw you come in at St Charles, IL. I’d ridden up from Dayton, OH to see the riders. I got into IBA last year; did a SS1K to Tulsa, OK, and then a BBG to JAX, FL for the Orange Blossom Express dinner. Learned a lot from the ride to St Charles – an incredible array of technical solutions and preparations. Wishing you the best as you continue your rides. Like your web site – what provider offers the application?
I’m sure I’ll see you at one of the future rallies. Thank you for the opportunity to learn from your experiences, Mike Hoegler
Comment on 2009 IRONBUTT RALLY by Dale H. Henderson
September 5, 2009 at 11:39 am
Bob,
What a fantastic write up! You should be a writer. Utimately, what happened to your bike? Did you get it home?
I wish I had the time and the dinero to do the Rally. Dang it, maybe someday!
Thanks for sharing,
Dale
Comment on 2009 IRONBUTT RALLY by Jeff L
August 26, 2009 at 11:27 am
Bob, Keep up the good work, sorry about no blogging, it would have been great to ride along. Best wishes.
Jeff L. bike-less in MA
Comment on 2009 IRONBUTT RALLY by Joe A
August 20, 2009 at 11:48 am
Bob,It sounds like you have things well in hand.
I’ll see you at the start.
Comment on Motorcycle Bob in Bangor by Wade
August 16, 2009 at 4:57 pm
It was great to have you here, Bob!
Hope to meet you again soon. Feel free to stop by if the ride takes you around here. Or maybe we can meet at the giant Bunyun statue.
Have fun.
Wade
whereisbobl
2009/08/04 at 10:40am
Wade wrote:
Though I do have a question that could very well just be answered by the above statement . . . but why do you like these Iron Butt rides so much? What makes you do them? Why is it about sitting on a motorcycle all day long for days on end that you love?
Hmmmmm, a tough question to ask. Many facets to this. I think I will answer this in it’s own post, but I like your answer. Because I want to….
Bob L
Wade| Vagabond Journey.com
vagabondjourney.com
2009/08/04 at 9:23am
Because I want to . . . is always the best answer to just about anything.
What can anyone say to this? Other than a silent shrug . . . “Hmm, I guess Bob just wants to travel on his motorcycle for thousands of miles in a couple of days [shrug] [shrug].
Though I do have a question that could very well just be answered by the above statement . . . but why do you like these Iron Butt rides so much? What makes you do them? Why is it about sitting on a motorcycle all day long for days on end that you love?
Have fun,
Wade
Bob L
2009/08/04 at 10:48am
A lot of people use various electronics, including phones wired into their helmets. I do not. For the start and the end, I will be using hotel WIFI and a laptop. There is a SMALL chance that at the two checkpoints I will also check in with hotel WIFI. But most likely, IF I keep contact at all, I will send very short text messages to my blog from my cell phone. In fact, the two biggest arguments I have for using a Blog rather than just creating web pages is the ability to post from my phone/e-mail and the handling of comments. And as far as the Cell Phone, it is an old Tracfone, which is a pre-paid kinda phone. It still has an antenna that pulls out for better reception, and is rather large in comparison to most of today's phones. It currently costs me $4.95/month plus $.10/minute. This one is not even supposed to work in Canada, although I am able to get service and dial my MCI 1-800 number with it. If I have a break down in CN and the phone decides not to work, I will just trust to the kindness of strangers.
Wade | Vagabond Journey.com
vagabondjourney.com
2009/08/04 at 9:28am
Another question:
Are you going to be using any sort of mobile cell device to blog with? Like a Black Berry, a cell phone, or one of those cell connecting flash drives?
If you do, it would be great to see how it works out for you. I think I am going to pick something like that up soon. It is just too much of a pain to rely on internet cafes and hotel WIFI all the time.
Wade
Wade| Vagabond Journey.com
vagabondjourney.com
2009/08/04 at 9:26am
Ok, I will have it sent out today. It would be good to be in Israel. Hannah has family there (of course, she is a Jew). It would also be good to have you come and visit us there!
Wade
Wade| Vagabond Journey.com
vagabondjourney.com
2009/08/04 at 9:20am
This is a really good philosophy towards traveling: whatever you need to get done, will get done. No matter what.
Why?
Because it has to get done.
Everything else can just go on the back burner until it falls off behind the stove for good.
If I did not have pet attractions to my travel gear, I would probably depart for journeys without anything — well except my work gear — as everything I could possible ever need can just be picked up on the way.
Not planning too much frees your mind up for the more important things — like daydreaming.
Have fun, we will be following you!
Ride fast,
Wade
whereisbobl
2009/07/31 at 7:46pm
If ya don’t work, ya don’t eat. Or, in this case, travel.
You do more with less work than anyone I have ever met. However, it seems you work your butt off when you do work. A bit of work, then you travel for a long stretch. This time it will be a bit more of a challenge with the family in tow. I know you are up to the task.
Send me your resume so Irene can send it on to the guy in Israel. It would be great to help you out with this, maybe we could visit you there. I find that the farther away someone I know is, the more likely I am to visit with them.
Wade
vagabondjourney.com
2009/07/31 at 5:55pm
Wow, Bob . .. I must say that I had to laugh when I looked at all of that stuff duct taped to your bike. I suppose if you are serious about something, duct tape it.
This motorcycle travel journal is coming along really nicely.
I will leave some more comments the day after tomorrow (been working like 10 to 12 hours a frigging day).
It is amazing how much easier life is when you are traveling.
Have fun on your ride.
Ride fast,
Wade
2009-05-28 - **** Or get off the pot
May 29, 2009 7:21 PM
Bob L said...
Wade said: "Blog away until the sun comes down. At least one person is interested in the ramblings have previously only been left in patchwork all over the internet."
Thanks, although I think my ramblings are more interesting if they are in reference to an interesting post. Your posts do tend to plant the seed of thought.
Wade said: "I would recommend getting one of those usb internet connection things...."
If you mean to connect through the cell phone system similar to the way that Andy does now, that is VERY expensive. Yes, if immediate connection was important to me, I would do it, as money is not especially tight, but I am not a slave to the internet .... yet.
Some of the guys in the IronButt Rally have Wifi, Cell Phone, and even satellite connections to the 'net. When I travel, I really have never desired serious connection. I have, however, craved having some way to write electronically, cheaply, from my room or tent or whatever. No one has yet come up with a device that truly satisfied my wants at my price, but the new netbooks are a pretty good compromise between size, power and price. More power than I need, bigger than I'd like but not a bad choice.
May 29, 2009 7:10 PM
Bob L said...
You have TONS of posts. If I was doing what you do, I would also be using Blogger as a main location for posts. I do not expect to post often, and the posts I do create are likely to be large. The only reason I am still thinking about using Blogger is that it is easy to deal with comments. And comments complete a journal type of web site. That was what kept me e-mailing my stories out when I traveled.
But, you are right in what you say about blogging helping one think. It is really what got me started with paper journals, and later the electronic world. It not only helps me think while writing it, but it helps me think during the day, as I look at things/situations and think about what I would write about this... For me, photos do the same. I take photos not so much for the eventual display, but as a way of helping me look at the world.
Bob L
May 29, 2009 6:20 PM
Wade | Vagabondjourney.com said...
You are right on here about the potential for systems to screw up. . . which is why I tried leaving Blogger a couple of times . . . but I feel as if I lost too much in doing so. AND what I did on my own also has the potential for being screwed up (although I gratefully take my screwups over another person's haha). When it comes down to it, Blogger is a pretty simple system . . . and can be controlled easily.
But watch out -- it messes up occasionally. . . but it has a tendency to fix itself eventually. I don't worry about it much anymore haha.
Ride Fast,
Wade
2009-05-28 - **** Or get off the pot
May 29, 2009 5:28 PM
Wade Vagabond Journey.com said...
Keep going, I say. Blog away until the sun comes down. At least one person is interested in the ramblings have previously only been left in patchwork all over the internet.
I would recommend getting one of those usb internet connection things though for your motorcycle journeys. I have not tried them out yet, but they seem like a good idea.
Wade
May 28, 2009 11:08 PM
Bob L wrote:
Wade Wrote: "I was thinking the other day that someone should compile all of your comments that you publish on other people's sites and put them all together . . ."
Hmmm. That would be interesting to see. But kinda scary too....
Wade Wrote: "I look forward to reading about your journeys and what you have to say."
Thank you. I don't have plans for a lot of writing anytime soon. The only real trip I have planned in the near future is the IronButt Rally in the fall. The writing for that will most likely be just one big story at the end, and a bunch of pics. I really need to re-start my interesting travels soon. I hate planning, and want to do my travels with the motorcycle. This makes big travels difficult. There have been a number of things going on lately that has discouraged long term plans also. I am just about at the point where I can start thinking about the big trips again. OK, a big trip for me is three weeks. For you, three years. But we all do what fits us best at the moment
Wade Wrote: "I also look forward to commenting all over this thing as pay back for the years of good comments that you have but on the Vagabond Journey Travelogue haha."
I have to approve anything you write..... Be nice or I will ban you. He Haw.....
Wade Wrote: "I am happy to read what you are thinking . . . also a little scared that now there are no bounds haha."
There are more bounds on my own writing than on my comments on other's sites. Remember, I have a bit of anonymity on other's sites. On my own site, family, friends and co-workers are going to read it. I try never to forget that the Internet is forever. I have done searches and found things that I have written AND deleted from a bunch of years ago. Fortunately I try to never write anything anonymously that I would be upset if my name was attached to it so the things I find are fine.
It takes years of hard work and good living to build a good reputation, and mere suspicion to destroy it.
I hope you keep up writing now that you have all the "extra baggage". I am very interested in how people transition from solo travelling to couple travelling and then to family traveling. Craig seldom writes anymore. I suppose if you continue to walk slow, then you can manage it.
Bob L
May 28, 2009 6:57 PM
Wade Vagabond Journey.com said...
I suppose the tables have now turned. I was thinking the other day that someone should compile all of your comments that you publish on other people's sites and put them all together . . . but I suppose you can do that yourself haha.
I look forward to reading about your journeys and what you have to say.
I also look forward to commenting all over this thing as pay back for the years of good comments that you have but on the Vagabond Journey Travelogue haha.
I am happy to read what you are thinking . . . also a little scared that now there are no bounds haha.
Walk Slow,
Wade
May 28, 2009 10:28 PM
Bob L said...
Wade, you suck. Just when I had decided to stick with truly basic HTML posts on my web site, and to stay away from any blogging program, you screw it up.
Comments add so much to a Blog or web site, and blogger just works too well to try to do comments on your (my) own.
I don't trust programs not to screw things up. A good example of this is some of the old comments on Andy's site. They have lost all formatting. But, the more posts you have, the harder it is to change anything on your own.
Don't Ride Slow
Bob L
Thu 5/28/09 7:00 PM
Blogger Wade Vagabond Journey.com said...
I think that Blogger was a good choice. I use both the Blogger and Wordpress blogging systems, and have found the former much easier to work with and adapt to do what I want it to.
Wade