tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post6802470537472812374..comments2023-12-11T03:32:58.722-05:00Comments on Twisted Roads By Jack Riepe: Dealing With The Winter Maintenance Ritual...Jack Riepehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531160098262862027noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-25038323019486937912011-02-13T14:07:35.596-05:002011-02-13T14:07:35.596-05:00Very entertaing Jack! My sides hurt from laughing ...Very entertaing Jack! My sides hurt from laughing and I had to make a quick trip to the store to get more tissue for wiping the tears from my eyes.<br />I gotta say that I did have a BMW that did break not once but twice. My long gone K100 developed an oil leak in the rear area of the engine. Brought it to the best shop in the area and lo and behold the engine had to be removed and cracked open like an egg to replace the gasket that lay between the halves of the motor. Oh did I mention the mechanic (one of many in the shop) had to take time off to care for his sick mother? My bike was now put on the back burner waiting for the "wrench" to return. No other "wrench" in the shop would touch it or was allowed to touch it. Six weeks went by.....finally got it back! Never took it back to that dealer ever again. Next breakdown was in the motor again. I did an oil change myself one day and found some metal chunks in the oil pan. Took chunks to another shop (not as high on the list of famous BMW shops).The wrench looked at the chunks, looked at the shop owner and said "I have no idea". Whereupon they faxed a photo of the part to BMW mfg. Those wizards said it was a piece of the balancer (?) that connects the crankshaft to the output shaft. Well, long story short...I got shafted AGAIN. Sold that Beemer a few years later after compiling 104,000 miles on it.MCMXLVhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08719324871947835271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-36799229808989531512011-01-25T23:36:54.192-05:002011-01-25T23:36:54.192-05:00The brand that cannot be named is my own personal ...The brand that cannot be named is my own personal hang up. After my adventures with the maintenance nightmares of that brand in my (not so small hometown) I can not say or type the word without making the sign of devil horns, spitting upon the sole of my boot, spinning three times and sacrificing at least one feathered creature.<br /><br />This is not (really) to curse the unnamed manufacturer but also to ward away the gremlins and demons that haunt said brand. Three months of shop time to replace a tachometer (under warranty) is a riding experience I hope never to repeat. Nor the gremlin-infested brake system that would lock the rear and sometime the front if you merely brushed the brake lever. This was particularly enjoyable in the rain and gas stations. Another favorite was the battery that failed completely the day after the warranty expired...100 miles from home.<br /><br />Despite the reputation to the contrary my Harley, knock wood, has been one of the most reliable bikes I have ever owned and the warranty service has been top notch (if not always friendly). <br /><br />Hang in there...<br /><br />-BuddhaThe Armed Christianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05033003471578386807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-68867224496998072222011-01-24T22:26:53.434-05:002011-01-24T22:26:53.434-05:00I bring offerings of locally brewed beer to my mec...I bring offerings of locally brewed beer to my mechanical messiahs. But only have they have finished my bike.<br /><br />-LoriBeemerGirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15239761274177026636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-76682697526790355872011-01-24T09:59:36.439-05:002011-01-24T09:59:36.439-05:00Dear Shannon:
On Twisted Roads, there is no "...Dear Shannon:<br /><br />On Twisted Roads, there is no "Brand that Cannot Be Named." However, we do routinely exploit cheap shots whenever possible. It cannot be denied that the BMW motorcycle (generally speaking, we mean the "K" bikes) are mehanical and electronic marvels requiring gifted hands and intuitive minds to keep running. Thank God they break down so infrequently. <br /><br />The BMW motorcycle is not for everyone. Specifically, it is designed for the individual who generally prefers to ride alone, at speeds that burn out lesser motorcycles, over distances that destroy the souls of shallow men. <br /><br />And then again, there is the way the machine looks. Not everyone in the office is attracted to the girl in accounting, the one with the heavy-framed glasses, nor would they recognize her when she puts on the skimpy black dress and dances in the moonlight. <br /><br />It is my goal to some day own a lightly used 2004 BMW K1200GT, in that dark mysterious blue. That is the best looking "K" bike Beemer ever built. But then again, I live in the Baravian Triangle, between three sources of excellent maintenance. <br /><br />You and I will ride together, hopefully in this year.<br /><br />Fondest regards,<br />Jack • reep • ToadJack Riepehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07531160098262862027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-37747415844012398902011-01-23T16:41:00.989-05:002011-01-23T16:41:00.989-05:00Jack,
Unfortunately, you passed you lack of mecha...Jack,<br /><br />Unfortunately, you passed you lack of mechanical skills on to me (that will cost you more in back child support by the way). <br /><br />One of the reasons I don't own a BMW (outside of the fact that I don't like latte, want to mortgage the old homestead for matching aerostich gear, not to mention my general lack of douchiness) is that I don't believe there are any good BMW shops in Houston that can perform warranty repairs. All the BMW shops around here are also dealers of the brand that cannot be named so I have experience with all of them. I sold the bike rather than return to their dungeons of ignorance and rapine...<br /><br />I have a good guy that I trust with my bike and recommend him to friends. I would rather have to wait a little longer because he has plenty of business that have him go out of business and be stuck taking the bike to the stealership. <br /><br />With that said, now that I own a bike without body work, that is simple and straightforward (right) I plan to start doing more of my own maintenance tasks. It will save money (are you reading this Wonderful Wife?) and gives me a good excuse to get out of the house and hang out in the garage (I hope she's not actually reading this). <br /><br />Hang in there<br /><br />-Buddha<br /><a href="http://www.backroadsbuddha.com" rel="nofollow">Backroads Buddha</a>The Armed Christianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05033003471578386807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-84546422028036156482011-01-22T14:08:58.480-05:002011-01-22T14:08:58.480-05:00Dear Erik (The Dutchman):
How you love to taunt m...Dear Erik (The Dutchman):<br /><br />How you love to taunt me! Be advised that the AUTBD (Americans United To Beat The Dutch) grows stronger every day, and we have your number.<br /><br />It was rumored that Igor Pistov was killed in place opf Rasputin and that the great Russian holy man con-artist went on to serve a long career in the US Congress.<br /><br />Thank you for writing in and for continuing to read Twisted Roads. <br /><br />Fondest regards,<br />Jack • reep • ToadJack Riepehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07531160098262862027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-30557453524118149032011-01-22T14:03:46.959-05:002011-01-22T14:03:46.959-05:00Dear Classic Velocity Blog (Wayne);
You are so ri...Dear Classic Velocity Blog (Wayne);<br /><br />You are so right. Within a 60 mile range I have access to the Rubber Chicken Racing Garage, Hermy's, and Brian Curry. I have relied on all three in the past and have nothing but good things to say about all of them. <br /><br />Therre is also the Montgomeryviller Cycle Center, but I have not gone in there for service yet. Since they are BMW dealers, I should at least go in and buy a tee shirt or something. Hermy's is more than an hour away, but they treat me like I'm something special there. <br /><br />It pays to support the experts who always have the answers. And by the way, thanks for supporting Twisted Roads, the motorcycle blod committed to raw adventure and romance like broken glass.<br /><br />Fondest regards,<br />Jack • reep • ToadJack Riepehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07531160098262862027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-42187051063615833272011-01-22T12:49:33.397-05:002011-01-22T12:49:33.397-05:00"Igor Pistov" must be a second cousin to..."Igor Pistov" must be a second cousin to Rasputin! That dude is yugly!<br /><br />Thanks for the entertainment, as always.Erik (the Dutchman)noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-53834489877002947922011-01-22T12:16:15.527-05:002011-01-22T12:16:15.527-05:00Dear Jack,
As you know, I do a fair amount of my ...Dear Jack,<br /><br />As you know, I do a fair amount of my own work precisely because there are few truly knowledgeable mechanics, and long lines ending in lighter wallets (mostly well worth it)to get their services. We are fortunate in this area to live close to some true wizards of the clan of the blue and white propeller. We should all support them lest they switch to servicing Espresso machines or something even more lucrative. CheersClassic Velocityhttp://classicvelocity.squarespace.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-19969526498685466672011-01-21T16:23:45.384-05:002011-01-21T16:23:45.384-05:00Dear Cantwell:
Why is it getting any corresponden...Dear Cantwell:<br /><br />Why is it getting any correspondence from the Adirondacks is like finding yourself between athlete's foot and clap? I can't tell if I should just scratch or go blind. <br /><br />Fondest regards,<br />Jack • reep • ToadJack Riepehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07531160098262862027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-82149506071014247522011-01-21T14:54:30.470-05:002011-01-21T14:54:30.470-05:00Dear Jack,
I was going to ask you if you could bri...Dear Jack,<br />I was going to ask you if you could bring your trailer up so I could get my bike to my beloved BMW mechanic. I am going to reconsider that in light of your reply to Dick's post..."...Maybe we can pokle Clyde, Pete, and Gerry in the ass and get together nest week."<br />I feel that the winter is having ill effects on your libido and will avoid any actual contact with you until you have been healed by a good run in the spring weather.<br /><br />Until then,<br />Michael<br /><br />PS: not a good omen when your WORD VERIFICATION IS "scrotomm".Cantwellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17512417293017303810noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-45416087395766168602011-01-21T13:26:12.827-05:002011-01-21T13:26:12.827-05:00Dear Dan:
Thank you for reading Twisted Roads and...Dear Dan:<br /><br />Thank you for reading Twisted Roads and for taking the time to drop me a note. I rank my motorcycle mechanic right up there with my cardiologist, my accountant, my lawyer, and almost with my lover, for personal significance. And I don't mind paying for his expertise. I never have to to worry about a loose nut, a bad connection, or missed problem when Betty Lou works on my bike. You cannot put a price on that kind of freedom or security.<br /><br />Fondest regards,<br />Jack • reep • ToadJack Riepehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07531160098262862027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-58091540853836118922011-01-21T12:53:14.135-05:002011-01-21T12:53:14.135-05:00Ya, a good mechanic is beautiful to behold. I may ...Ya, a good mechanic is beautiful to behold. I may have found one in La Crosse. Not an official BMW dealer (that's 120 miles away) but he reportedly has "BMW Experience". Hasn't blown it up yet so...<br />I'd kneel in poo while he works on it if necessary....<br /><br />Now back to sulking at the -20 weather.<br /><br />Dan (2003 R1150GS "Martha", named after Martha MacCallum, mmmmm...)dan.w9fcc@gmail.comhttp://ocds2332840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-59192063325543407142011-01-21T12:50:33.522-05:002011-01-21T12:50:33.522-05:00Dear Nikos:
I have a strong suspicion that you ar...Dear Nikos:<br /><br />I have a strong suspicion that you are a closet shade-tree mechanic, determined to try most fixes yourself. I wish you luck. I prefer to roll my bike into the shop, present my grocery list of potential fixes, and come back two days later to find a K75 restored to factory perfection. <br /><br />Of course, it helps that the K75 is the kind of bike that goes into the shop at my discretion, and not out of necessity. <br /><br />Thank you for being a dedicated Twisted Roads Reader and a constant source of encouragement. <br /><br />Fondest regards,<br />Jack • reep • ToadJack Riepehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07531160098262862027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-44216748223613634772011-01-21T12:29:26.638-05:002011-01-21T12:29:26.638-05:00Dear Cardinal Biggles
Panic over, I located Betty...Dear Cardinal Biggles<br /><br />Panic over, I located Betty Lou Johnson on Facebook with some deft finger work - Tubbyballs is now booked in for a manicure, pedicure and colonic irrigation.<br /><br />You must know that I hang on your every word - with all Papal blessings, yours ever, N aka Cardinal FangNikoshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03119901226987582553noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-47183357205565017432011-01-21T11:39:18.684-05:002011-01-21T11:39:18.684-05:00Dear Allen:
I am always amazed when a competent w...Dear Allen:<br /><br />I am always amazed when a competent wrench reaches into an engine, starts ripping things out, and puts it together again with his eyes closed. Put that's what you pay for, hopefully.<br /><br />I wish it was a skill I had. I had a major service done on Fireballs last year, and will only need to get the oil changed this year. I didn't put enough miles on it last summer to scuff the tires.<br /><br />Thanks for reading and for writing in...<br />Fondest regards<br />Jack • reep • ToadJack Riepehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07531160098262862027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-71111979932093034102011-01-21T11:33:35.554-05:002011-01-21T11:33:35.554-05:00Dear Charlie6 (Dom):
One of the most competent an...Dear Charlie6 (Dom):<br /><br />One of the most competent and knowledgeable BMW mechanics around (and we are speaking on the national level) said there was a reason why BMW itself did not sanction the sidecar application... Basically, he was of the opinion that a motorcycle must be designed from the ground up to work with a sidecar, as anything else entails stresses and wear outside the machine's operating parameters.<br /><br />Your mechanic's bias is not an exclusive thing. Now there are enough sidecar rigs out there on venerable BMW models to prove that it can and is being done. My point is that your Beemer is in such great shape that Id be reluctant to alter it. It would be easier to get something like a mid-mileage K75 and play with that. <br /><br />Thanks for reading and for writing in. <br /><br />Fondest regards,<br />Jack • reep • ToadJack Riepehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07531160098262862027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-27649111876833863392011-01-21T11:25:23.697-05:002011-01-21T11:25:23.697-05:00All hail the wizard with a dyno and computer tunin...All hail the wizard with a dyno and computer tuning magic. I am venturing to visit the wizard this weekend. I will endevour to ignore what is behind the curtain.<br /><br />-PeaceAllen Maddinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03975320122826127770noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-7347434187381027862011-01-21T10:58:55.622-05:002011-01-21T10:58:55.622-05:00Hi Jack,
A very accurate representation of one...Hi Jack,<br /><br />A very accurate representation of one's introduction to a true mechanic....mine was similar to yours but no booming voice, just an almost completely disguised tone of disgust from "the mechanic" as he learned what I'd attempted or done on my own to my Beemers.<br /><br />Just got my R80 from it's spline lube operation and I am sad to say, it's probably the last time he'll be touching my motorcycles.<br /><br />He's proven himself biased, in the extreme, against sidecar rigs and I cannot consort with such.<br /><br />Though I will miss his expertise and usual working on the bike while I waited nearby (not near the shop mind you, but a mile away awaiting his call, wallet in hand)....I will instead entrust my beemers to a local airhead guru who works for the Beemer dealer.<br /><br />Yes, wait times will be longer I guess but at least I'll be able to talk freely of sidecars and not worry about the mechanic's reactions. Costs will undoubtedly go up as the dealer has this shiny showroom to pay for. <br /><br />However, the dealer has a comfortable lounge with wifi so I can wait there in comfort while my motorcycles are serviced. <br /><br />I really need to try and do my own "transmission spline lube" service one of these days....<br /><br />Oh well, such is life.<br /><br />Thanks for another great posting.<br /><br />dom<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/x-14097-Colorado-Motorcycle-Travel-Examiner" rel="nofollow">Colorado Motorcycle Travel Examiner</a><br /><br /><a href="http://redlegsrides.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">Redleg's Rides</a>redlegsrideshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10927757855921321097noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-31465077992430457812011-01-21T09:34:23.032-05:002011-01-21T09:34:23.032-05:00Dear Dick:
I thnk we should meet for lunch down a...Dear Dick:<br /><br />I thnk we should meet for lunch down at Jumbo Jimmy's Crabs soon. Maybe we can pokle Clyde, Pete, and Gerry in the ass and get together nest week. <br /><br />I haven't heard from Betty Lou. That can't be a good sign.<br /><br />Fondest regards,<br />Jack • reep • Toad<br />Twiasted RoadsJack Riepehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07531160098262862027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-47839843778313455312011-01-21T09:30:57.063-05:002011-01-21T09:30:57.063-05:00Dear Jack:
That wasn't dog shit in Betty Lou J...Dear Jack:<br />That wasn't dog shit in Betty Lou Johnson's driveway. When he asked me to make a deposit before he'd look at my motorcycle, I put it where I knew you'd be kneeling.<br /><br />This was an entertaining tale. Your storytelling is a bright spot in this otherwisse snow- and salt-covered winter.<br /><br />I can't wait for the weather to improve. As you often say optimistically, "With snow on the ground, June can't be far away."BMW-Dickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17923099195434220681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-32416603241704255852011-01-21T09:19:45.346-05:002011-01-21T09:19:45.346-05:00Dear Conch:
Changing the oil in a motorcycle is t...Dear Conch:<br /><br />Changing the oil in a motorcycle is the most basic functions and (from what people tell me) one of the most satisfying tasks one can perform on a bike. I go about it by putting out a bottle of rum, ordering a pizza, and piling some cigars on a table in the garage. Then I ask someone who actually knows how to do this to come over for lunch and a few drinks. <br /><br />Once again, the ground is covered by three to five inches of the white stuff with another storm coming next Tuesday. I would love to be riding with you in Flatistan. <br /><br />Thank you for reading Twisted Roads and for choosing me as your role model. <br /><br />Fondest regards,<br />Jack • reep • ToadJack Riepehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07531160098262862027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-83867637748368242402011-01-21T09:13:59.452-05:002011-01-21T09:13:59.452-05:00Dear Rhonda:
Thank you for finally writing in and...Dear Rhonda:<br /><br />Thank you for finally writing in and sharing one of your deepest secrets with me. Many women read Twisted Roads, not only for its keen technical advice, but for its penetrating insight into the male psyche. <br /><br />Our editorial staff, generally chosen by their proximity to the gutter in front of the Betty Ford Clinic, really work hard at being sensitive individuals. Please let me know if there is a special topic you'd like us to address. <br /><br />Fondest regards,<br />Jack • reep • ToadJack Riepehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07531160098262862027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-45891675225361767362011-01-21T09:07:28.172-05:002011-01-21T09:07:28.172-05:00Dear Cy-Clops:
The last time I tried to do sometr...Dear Cy-Clops:<br /><br />The last time I tried to do sometrhing myself on this K75, it entailed checking the transmission fluid. I blew it and ended up overfilling the trans by a quart. I know when an job is best left to the professionals.<br /><br />Thanks for reading my blog and for writing in. <br /><br />Fondest regards,<br />Jack • reep • ToadJack Riepehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07531160098262862027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428154721977251894.post-17867225144757265342011-01-21T08:41:26.599-05:002011-01-21T08:41:26.599-05:00I was in the shop yesterday buying oil and a filte...I was in the shop yesterday buying oil and a filter. "My wife will be proud" I said as I walked away with the loot even after Jiri offered to do the nasty smelly slimy job for me. A dollar saved is a dollar spent on something else.<br />Of course we ride year round in Flatistan. Bet it's looking pretty good about now, eh, you heathen...Conchscooterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08016331487463993200noreply@blogger.com