Gone Walkabout

Discussion in 'Ride Reports - Epic Rides' started by HowlingMad, Oct 18, 2012.

  1. HowlingMad

    HowlingMad drags knuckles

    Joined:
    Sep 4, 2004
    Oddometer:
    1,478
    Location:
    Cranberry Country, MA
    That's Tommy Boy!

    And yes, but fix the thermostat first. I'll be spoiled by these warm temperatures by the time I get home.
  2. BillNighSciGuy

    BillNighSciGuy n00b

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2012
    Oddometer:
    9
    Location:
    Central, MA
    No updates in a couple days. How are things going, and where are you?
  3. Knightwork

    Knightwork Have Coffe Cup--Can Travel Supporter

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2011
    Oddometer:
    2,100
    Location:
    Mississippi/Tennessee/Kentucky
    Been following this thread with mixed thoughts about my own self stupidity and fear of doing this myself--

    I really respect you for taking the time and being so honest about thoughts and perspectives on it --- I hope this finds you in good health and best of luck searching for the right thought in time and space--(I sound like a druggie)

    get it figured out ///////////// I need the thoughts and lessons

    Ride Safety
    Knightwork:ear
  4. HowlingMad

    HowlingMad drags knuckles

    Joined:
    Sep 4, 2004
    Oddometer:
    1,478
    Location:
    Cranberry Country, MA
    Sorry for the radio silence, I spent two nights with a uncle outside of Tucson with almost no internet access.

    Last night I started east again and found myself near Chiricahua National Monument, in the very southeast of Arizona. I wisely decided to camp inside the park and this morning I fond some really spectacular dirt roads heading east to New Mexico. I stopped for a little breakfast and smelled oil. Not good.

    [​IMG]

    I looked under the bike to see a the rear shock leaking. Ruh roh. I'm a long way from nowhere.

    So, I'm in a bit of a bind. I'd rather not buy a new BMW shock, if I'm going to spend the money, then I'd rather buy aftermarket, but finding one of those in the middle of nowhere will be tough. I'm not sure how far I can go on this one before it becomes a pogo stick.

    So anyone know where I can find a used rear shock for short money?:ear

    Currently in Lordsburg, NM
  5. Nictrolis

    Nictrolis Been here awhile

    Joined:
    May 26, 2010
    Oddometer:
    210
    Location:
    Harvard, MA
    I can't offer a solution, but I like the method you're using to justify an upgrade: Ride to Failure!!! :-)
  6. Nice_Rumble

    Nice_Rumble Long timer

    Joined:
    Dec 9, 2004
    Oddometer:
    2,433
    Location:
    New London, NH
    I'll cross post your request in the West and Rockies Region.
  7. twistedthrottle

    twistedthrottle Long timer

    Joined:
    Apr 30, 2003
    Oddometer:
    1,167
    Location:
    Rhode Island, USA
    Ironic....? I looked in to see if we had a shock lying around from our build but it appears we do not. Best of luck.

    Kev
  8. HowlingMad

    HowlingMad drags knuckles

    Joined:
    Sep 4, 2004
    Oddometer:
    1,478
    Location:
    Cranberry Country, MA
    Thanks gentlemen, I really appreciate the help. I'm striking out so far. Seem to be a long way from nowhere and it's Monday so everyone is closed. I don't know whether to push east toward El Paso where a new dealer can overnight some Ohlins or go back to Tucson and hope for more options tomorrow. I'm about three hours from either choice.

    Anyone know the differences between all the available Ohlins? The El Paso guy only listed two models, both seem basic for $900, but his supplier Parts Unlimited lists several, but I'm glazing over as I read.
    http://www.parts-unlimited.com/products/?productId=82944

    Thoughts? Are Ohlins that much better than Wilbers? Anything else I should consider?

    Also, I assume this thing becomes a pogo stick once I lose all the oil, but is there anything else besides my spine that could be damaged if I push it?

    Thanks for any input.
  9. Nice_Rumble

    Nice_Rumble Long timer

    Joined:
    Dec 9, 2004
    Oddometer:
    2,433
    Location:
    New London, NH
    I think you will still be able to ride. It's just that the handling of your machine will be compromised so be careful in the turns.
  10. captain crunch

    captain crunch huckleberry Supporter

    Joined:
    May 10, 2006
    Oddometer:
    1,501
    Just found this report today. Love it. I'm really, really jealous. Good luck with the shock.
  11. _Harry_

    _Harry_ Redneck Emeritus

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    Sep 20, 2006
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    Location:
    Not New, Not Mexico
    PM on your way.
  12. HowlingMad

    HowlingMad drags knuckles

    Joined:
    Sep 4, 2004
    Oddometer:
    1,478
    Location:
    Cranberry Country, MA
    The two wheel fraternity is worth gold sometimes. PM responded to. Call me when you can.
  13. DSM8

    DSM8 Where fun goes to die....

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    Aug 1, 2005
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    8,247
    Location:
    Escondido, Ca
  14. RTLLTR

    RTLLTR RotoTiller!

    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2009
    Oddometer:
    861
    Location:
    America's Hometown
    Looks like Howly may be headed to meet up with Taterharry for as loaner shock. In case the old one doesn't make it that far....he is on a 2007 1200GSA. Just in case anyone else has options closer.

    Just want to keep the good JUJU for JT!
  15. Echo1

    Echo1 Been here awhile

    Joined:
    Jan 7, 2006
    Oddometer:
    298
    For lack of a better suggestion, you may want to try Dona Ana Cycle Salvage in Las Cruces. I think he has mainly older stuff but you never know...

    http://www.dacyclesalvage.com/
  16. SpineDr

    SpineDr He who doesn't ride enough

    Joined:
    Aug 16, 2012
    Oddometer:
    28
    Location:
    Brisbane
    Loving this ride..... and report.
    I had a 3 day solo ride planned for a few weeks ago but last minute one of mates came along. We had a great ride and he is great company, but I still feel like I missed out on the solo bit. I'll get to do it some time down the track, but as for now, I'm living/riding vicariously through this thread.

    Thanks heaps
  17. buls4evr

    buls4evr No Marks....

    Joined:
    Sep 16, 2009
    Oddometer:
    2,318
    Location:
    Michissippi & Nuevo Mexico
    Go to nmdualsport.org and look up Roger Payne..... he lives right there and has facilities. Rides a KLR. Tell him Jeff Angstman from Deming said to call you. People likely know him in that small town too. Sorry you are having issues. Jeff.
  18. buls4evr

    buls4evr No Marks....

    Joined:
    Sep 16, 2009
    Oddometer:
    2,318
    Location:
    Michissippi & Nuevo Mexico
    Also BMW shops down there are in Tucson and a new one at Barnetts in El Paso, TX. Closest actual bike shop to you is in Las Cruces but big 4 Japanese and KTMs. Another guy named rtxpilot on nmds might also be able to help you. Jeff.
  19. _Harry_

    _Harry_ Redneck Emeritus

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    Sep 20, 2006
    Oddometer:
    7,293
    Location:
    Not New, Not Mexico
    John came up to Santa Fe last night, we fitted my backup shock on and he is back on the road. :norton
  20. HelloKitty

    HelloKitty Adventurer

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    Aug 6, 2008
    Oddometer:
    31
    Location:
    Cranberry Country
    Hey TaterHarry - Thanks so much for helping out my husband!!