Author Topic: 22 Rides in 2022 - Frank's legacy rides on! (Read 35849 times)

Terry in Australia · « **on:** December 31, 2021, 03:59:38 PM »

Happy New Year! Folks, as discussed in the 2021 thread, this thread is not just to remember Frank, but also to share his New Years Resolution to get off our butts and ride more. A lot of us are getting older and carrying a few aches and pains, and sometimes it's easier to talk about riding than actually doing it, so it's important to get out there and get some miles under our tyres.

After some discussion, the rules have been changed to be a bit more inclusive. 1. To post in this thread, the ride you're posting must be a minimum of 50 miles. 50 miles isn't hard, we can all get out and do that, and it'll give our oil a chance to get warm, recharge batteries (both the bikes, and ours) and burn off any condensation inside our engines and pipes. 2. This thread is no longer restricted to just SOHC4's. A lot of us have bikes other than SOHC4's that we like to ride, and take pics of, so it'll be good to be able to post here, and I for one will enjoy looking at pics of other bikes that you own, out on the road.

Apart from the above, this thread is all about getting off our comfy chairs and onto our bikes, and doing some two wheeled exploring. I hope that as many members here, from as many places around the globe will participate and post pics of your bikes, your scenery, your riding buddies, what you're eating and drinking (in moderation, of course) and how you're enjoying your favourite hobby. Remember, 50 miles is the minimum, no speedo readings are necessary, we're all adults, and of course if you want to ride more than 50, well that's even better.

I stole this pic from another thread, but to me, it embodies what this thread should be about, the fun times and memories that we share when we're out on our bikes. Get out there as often as you can, and enjoy!

[/quote]

desertrefugee · « **Reply #1 on:** December 31, 2021, 04:05:43 PM »

Lol. Never pass up a good opportunity to urinate.

And that is a gnarly looking hardtail machine Mr Frank was running. No wonder he had back trouble!

I hope to get my ailing body back onto the road here soon. If I don't now, I never will. (If only it were just aches and pains).

BomberMann650 · « **Reply #2 on:** December 31, 2021, 06:39:05 PM »

A Bonneville Prayer - original
----------
Dear God of Speed
When our race on this long course is over
Once we've passed the last checkered flag
Our time here measured and averaged
At last stripped of our mortal suits and pulsing engines
Waiting our final inspection inside your impound
May the tools by which you measure our lives
Fall within the limit of your regulations
Then the registrar must add our name
To Heavens eternal record book
--------

Godspeed everyone
Welcome to 2022
Enjoy the ride

75466754

grcamna2 · « **Reply #3 on:** December 31, 2021, 09:53:28 PM »

Happy New Year !

I'm looking forward to Many good rides this year !

Gurp · « **Reply #4 on:** January 01, 2022, 12:22:38 AM »

TO Frank!

Tim2005 · « **Reply #5 on:** January 01, 2022, 02:44:16 PM »

That's a great idea and a great way to remember Frank.

I did manage to get out on my 750 today & enjoy our unusually good weather but only for 47 miles, so I now have an excuse for another ride very soon.

Spanner 1 · « **Reply #6 on:** January 01, 2022, 06:53:01 PM »

Good man Terry. I'm in with reporting all my 2022 rides. I think I can do that mostly on the old K1 750 mixed in with the Connie and the little CT-90. Look forward to it !

BomberMann650 · « **Reply #7 on:** January 01, 2022, 08:11:20 PM »

It was 22° american degrees and started snowing today.
No ride to report

Terry in Australia · « **Reply #8 on:** January 01, 2022, 08:19:04 PM »

Thanks guys, while it's snowing on one side of the world, it's stinking hot here. Has been in the 90's (and hit 100 yesterday) over the last 4 days which sucks, but tomorrow we're back into the 70's, so I'm going for a ride. Not sure which bike yet, but I rode my K0 last so I think the 6 cylinder Honda Valkyrie will get a run, I'll decide tomorrow.

Gurp · « **Reply #9 on:** January 01, 2022, 08:30:21 PM »

Terry what thread is that pic from?
I wanna se more on that bike!

Terry in Australia · « **Reply #10 on:** January 01, 2022, 09:01:31 PM »

Quote from: Gurp on January 01, 2022, 08:30:21 PM

Terry what thread is that pic from?
I wanna se more on that bike!

Thanks mate, that was from the memorial board for Frank's (754) passing. I don't think there were any other pics, but someone here might be able to help?

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,188245.0.html

Terry in Australia · « **Reply #11 on:** January 02, 2022, 11:45:56 PM »

Yay, I'm the first to do a 50 miler for 2022! Well I suppose that's not hard since it's winter on the other side of the globe, but anyway, I am happy to be doing a ride in 2022, so many of my mates didn't make it through 2021, I'm just happy to be breathing unassisted. We had a 4 day heat wave that only started to cool off overnight, so as the wife was going out anyway, I drove over to the storage unit and rolled the Valkyrie out.

I've been in two minds as to what I'll do with this bike, it's in immaculate condition and has been looked after by it's previous owners, and with a little more than 20,000 miles on the odometer there's nothing even close to being worn out, but for me, it's just a big heavy bike without too many redeeming features. On top of that the riding position isn't all that comfortable, my right elbow was was killing me because of the angle of the "Pullback" handlebars. I suppose I could replace the bars with something more comfy, but I can't see the point in keeping it when I'm not excited about any other aspects of the bike, apart from the fact that it's a 6 cylinder bike, something I've never owned before.

The elbow pain took the fun out of the ride and I gave up and turned around, with only a total of 66 miles today. I'm gonna be busy putting my 1975 Kawasaki Z1-B back together this week as the weather is gonna be very pleasant for the next few days, but I'll try and get another ride done on another bike in a couple of days time.

Valkyrie 3 Jan 2022 1 by Terry Prendergast, on Flickr

Valkyrie 3 Jan 2022 2 by Terry Prendergast, on Flickr

RAFster122s · « **Reply #12 on:** January 03, 2022, 12:20:30 AM »

Woke to 28f this morning and the high temp didn't break 58f. Temps below 60 I have to start wearing insulated bottoms and liner in jacket to break the wind as well as a couple thermal layers to stay warm. Haven't installed the heated grips so glove situation is not ideal as I have big hands, 3XL gloves are not loose and 2XL is what I usually get.. so fairly thin smart-wool liners are enough with pair of leather MC gloves to survive about 30 minutes before the numbness starts. That pisses me off.
Cannot spring for a set of winter gloves at the tune of $150.
The heated grips are going to be a pain to install as bar end weights and deflectors have to come off to begin to get to the grips. Not sure if Suzuki glued grips to the bars and throttle tube... Would like to be able to save the original grips.

Cold has the floor freezing cold as my trailer is 70s vintage and apparently not insulated much if at all underneath. That pisses me off too.

You know Terry they say if you love something you set it free, clearly you don't love the Valkyrie, so sell the #$%*.

Give her a good cleaning and wax job and post some pretty pictures and let someone else endure its detractions.

Terry in Australia · « **Reply #13 on:** January 03, 2022, 01:50:42 AM »

Thanks David, wow it sounds like you have to go through quite a process to break wind? I have no problems breaking wind, mine are quite musical, and the stench would make fresh roadkill on a hot day smell like Chanel No 5.

But seriously, ...... yep, gonna sell the Valkyrie. It does piss me off because I want to love it, I loved my Goldwings and the only thing I didn't like about my GL1200 was that plastic that covered everything and the cramped riding position, so the "Open Air" GL1500 should be fantastic, but it's not. No biggie, someone will love it, and they're pretty thin on the ground here, so should go for a good price too.

RAFster122s · « **Reply #14 on:** January 03, 2022, 08:50:47 AM »

Haha yeah Terry, I am afraid I set myself up for that one...thanks for the chuckle. Nope, I break wind far easier than all that...
Bundling up for a ride only to have to find someplace to strip off the under layers when I arrive so I don't start sweating and then cannot ride back is not fun. Those $1000 Aerostich suits do have their advantages but I don't have that kind of cash.

I understand how you are torn about the Valkyrie, but some bikes riding position just don't work for some of us. I cannot do any bike that is going to put me in a sport bike leaning forward position or my neck, which is severely screwed up, wouldn't allow me to ride very long. So, the upright position of standard and adventure touring bikes are my rides. Not a fan of cruiser bike looks so I don't give them a second look. I can admire the work and expense of custom paint and chrome of a Harley but they aren't my cuppa.

Some bikes may be worth the trouble of new handlebars and a custom seat (Corbin) but you have to have a desire or a connect with the bike to go to that trouble.

Which bike gets the pleasure of 50-100 mile ride next? Going to take the Automatic out for along ride?

goodtryer · « **Reply #15 on:** January 03, 2022, 04:07:52 PM »

Ride 1 - Jan 1 - 66 miles

Sorry, Terry. (Cheers for getting out, though!) I went on the 1st but haven't had a chance to post. After going on the 31st for a 100-miler on the 750, I thought it was fitting to start 2022 on the 550. Weather was beautiful so I went for a short solo ride through the usual neighborhoods. Lots of bikes out, lots of friendly waves to start the year.

Bike ran great. Spent lots of time at wide-open throttle to get some intermittent hesitation cleared up. Had fun the whole way.

BTW, I really like the lower "limit" for this thread.

Cheers and Happy New Year everyone!

Terry in Australia · « **Reply #16 on:** January 09, 2022, 01:39:14 AM »

Ride #2. While I've always said that putting Ohlins shocks on a CB750 is like putting a Mink coat on a 10 dollar hooker, I could definitely use some better ones on the ol' K0, the Ebay cheapies which are just as awful as the OEM items, but with stiffer springs, and were were overwhelmed on several occasions when I found some really deep potholes (one mid-corner that I wondered might throw me off, but it didn't) so I might have to think about reburbing some old Koni's that I have here, or just ponying up for some new Ikons.

I went to my favourite Bakery/Cafe but it was closed to all but takeout today. I asked why, thinking it had something to do with Covid and laughed when they told me that the table cleaners hadn't showed up for work today. That was OK, I wandered over to a bus stop where 3 other bikers were sitting. I asked if it was OK to sit with them and they welcomed me like a long lost brother. There were 3 guys ranging in ages from the oldest, 64, to the youngest, 25. The 64 year old was really excited about my K0 but the other two were only mildly interested. The 64 year old told me that he had a K2 back in the day.

He'd been away from bikes for the last 20 years, so bought a 2006 Harley 1200 Sportster from a mate who was too ill to continue to ride, 6 months ago. He said, "Hey you know about bikes, tell me what this thing is?" And he pointed to the "pop top" oil tank cap. He said, "What, it's got an oil tank?" and I immediately realised that he'd never checked his oil. Anyway, he was selling it, he wanted to buy a "Big" Harley so he could take his wife on the back. I was gonna ask how big his wife was, but decided against it. Anyway, I showed him a few things on his bike that he had no idea about, so he was happy. I checked his oil and it was fine.

All things considered, I had a great ride, it was a beautiful day, hardly a cloud in the sky, and I didn't see a cop for the whole 130 miles, so I rode like a maniac. I won't say how fast, but I got the absolute worst fuel consumption today. On my last 130 mile ride I had to go on to reserve at the 128 mile mark, today I conked out at 118 miles, as I was coasting down a hill, so I didn't turn the fuel tap to "Reserve", I just coasted down the hill with the engine off, and rolled into a gas station to fill it up. My best ever fuel consumption on the K0 was 63 (Imperial) MPG, todays "Danger Ride" had it down to 38, but that's OK, it was still great fun riding at "Go straight to jail" speeds.

K0 Sunday 9 Jan 2022 4 by Terry Prendergast, on Flickr

RAFster122s · « **Reply #17 on:** January 09, 2022, 01:44:13 AM »

Nice ride Terry and given it’s early in the month the police are taking it easier on speed traps…
K0 is looking great and great story.

Terry in Australia · « **Reply #18 on:** January 09, 2022, 02:19:34 AM »

Thanks David, it's interesting, over the last year or so I could always count on 2 highway patrol cars near one little town where the speed limit changes from 60 MPH to 40 MPH quite suddenly, and as there's a "Harley Pub" in the middle of only 4 or 5 buildings the cops are always there hassling them. Today there were no cops at all. I'm wondering if it's a Covid thing? I've heard that a lot of front line workers who are "close contacts" are isolating, so maybe there's a cop shortage? Not even a plain "Speed Camera car" hiding on the side of the road today.

Alan F. · « **Reply #19 on:** January 09, 2022, 09:31:42 AM »

I finally got around to looking for a gas mileage converter so we here in the States can get a better idea of what kind of mileage you're getting.

https://www.checkyourmath.com/convert/fuel_economy/imperial_mpg_us_mpg.php

Your best ever 63 converts to 52-1/2 mpg/US gallon,
And your low of 38 converts to 31-1/2 mpg/US gallon.

Just about what we'd hope for from a clean, tight and well tuned bike.

Kevin D · « **Reply #20 on:** January 09, 2022, 12:03:52 PM »

Its good to see this thread active.
Goodtry, looks like the Cantina is closed, I expect there is another place to refresh.
Terry, your photo is looking like Idaho. You haven't slipped over to Ofreens have you?

Terry in Australia · « **Reply #21 on:** January 09, 2022, 03:49:24 PM »

Ha ha, no not yet Kevin, I'll be doing my Route 66 ride in 2025, so hopefully I'll catch up with some of you guys then.

Terry in Australia · « **Reply #22 on:** January 09, 2022, 04:09:03 PM »

Quote from: Alan F. on January 09, 2022, 09:31:42 AM

I finally got around to looking for a gas mileage converter so we here in the States can get a better idea of what kind of mileage you're getting.

https://www.checkyourmath.com/convert/fuel_economy/imperial_mpg_us_mpg.php

Your best ever 63 converts to 52-1/2 mpg/US gallon,
And your low of 38 converts to 31-1/2 mpg/US gallon.

Just about what we'd hope for from a clean, tight and well tuned bike.

That's good to know Alan, I've never really bothered to monitor my fuel consumption unless I'm going for a long ride, and what is interesting to me is how careful riding can deliver amazing fuel economy, like my 63 MPG when I was riding very carefully, and how riding like a maniac will drop it down to 38. In 2009 I rode my BMW K1100LT (that I wish I still owned) to Sydney, and the week before I did that ride I rode to Bairnsdale to visit my folks. I was travelling light on that trip, and the speed limit was 60 MPH, and as the highway is pretty heavily policed with fixed and mobile speed camera's, so I was staying pretty legal, and was amazed that I was getting 20 Km per litre. (56 Imperial MPG)

I set off for my trip to Sydney with both panniers and the top box filled with Army uniforms and civilian attire, plus tools and other stuff, and as the speed limit was 70 and I wanted to make good time, I was cruising on closer to 80 MPH. Albury is around 200 miles from my place, and even though my fuel gauge was reading empty, I was sure that I could go another 60 miles, based on my fuel consumption from the previous week's ride. Guess what? I ran out and had to push the fully laden bike a mile or so uphill to the top of the freeway overpass, then down to the gas station a half mile or so below. I was worried that being a fuel injected bike I might have to somehow bleed the injectors, but no, once I'd filled it up it started right up, thank God.

Lesson learned, just like us old guys should never pass up an opportunity to go for a wizz, I'll never try to stretch it out when I know I'm low on fuel, pushing your bike really takes the fun out of a long ride. I hope there are lots of gas stations on Route 66......

BomberMann650 · « **Reply #23 on:** January 09, 2022, 04:24:35 PM »

Quote from: Terry in Australia on January 09, 2022, 03:49:24 PM

Ha ha, no not yet Kevin, I'll be doing my Route 66 ride in 2025, so hopefully I'll catch up with some of you guys then.

Historic Route 66 has some neat stuff - if you can find it! Time has taken its toll on the mother road. Sections closed, renamed, redirected - bring a guide book.

Route 666 is worth the detour too.

Alan F. · « **Reply #24 on:** January 09, 2022, 08:19:48 PM »

I'll be carrying extra fuel Terry, no worries.

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Author Topic: 22 Rides in 2022 - Frank's legacy rides on! (Read 35849 times)