So, things I learned on the trip to the Kootenay Raid this weekend. In no particular order:
Reboot runs most excellent. It just hums along happily, fast or slow, handles great and stops ...okay. The Metzlers still handle EXCELLENT.
I'm almost scared to change the pipes. I traded a jacket I won in the raffle at the Kootenay Raid banquet for some used Specialty Spares longs, see photo. I just hate the idea of potentially F'ing up the carb jetting and seriously screwing up the performance AND mileage.
(yes, I really hauled them home like this--picture taken in front of Freedom's office)
Speaking of mpg, on one leg from Nelson to Bonners Ferry, ID, (100 miles of twisties with a 35 min. ferry ride in the middle) yesterday I got at least 43 mpg. For me, on Bollox, that's unheard of.
I really must do something about the suspension. Way too compliant for my tastes. I might move the chrome PS 412HD's over from Bollox (so I can buy black shocks for that bike). Not sure if I want to get another set of progressive fork springs or try those "intimidator" gadgets.
Short TORs are too quiet, though with the drilled and de-snorkled airbox they do have a nice little growl.
I must get my Jim's Spacers installed.
I will swap a few more minor parts, mostly chrome bits, between bikes as time allows. The major part though is the footboards. I've been squawking about how much I like the pegs but for LOOONG trips (400+ miles a day) I think the boards, perhaps with some kind of highway pegs, are better.
Definitely getting white wall tires next. I already have a modified fender bracket from when I used to run 120/90-18s on Bollox.
I used the GPS on my Droid X on the way home and with the 110/90-18 Metzler ME880 my speedometer reads ONE MPH FAST. That's it. One. Uno. 1. This was confirmed by one of those automated speed camera displays on the side of the road. That's the most accurate speedo I've seen on one of these bikes. Note here, however, that's the 90 series tire, not the stock 80.
The Biker's Friend bag, shown in the picture above, has become indispensable for travel. It holds a ton, including a helmet if I so desire. It's not technically water-proof but I got drenched last Thursday between Creston, BC, and Keith's house in Trail. Absolutely poured rain and occasional hail. Contents of the bag were dry, without any kind of rain cover. It makes a good driver's backrest or just a good roll bag for the sissybar. Can't recommend it highly enough. Lastly, mounted on the sissybar it doesn't interfere with my saddlebag lids at all (but my dufflebag does). Thus endeth the commercial.
All in all, I'm not displeased with Reboot in the slightest. But I must get Bollox running again...
