How does a valve stem go like that? Annoying about your muffler. Could the missing muffler do any possible engine damage? Just curious. Nice ride report.
Thanks Buddy, Not quite sure what happened to the valve stem really, I have been wanting to replace them because the were pretty weather cracked but was hoping the could wait until I got my winter tires. Apparently not . I have "heard" that running without a muffler can burn up the exhaust valves and stress the wrist pin from the lack of back pressure. I'm going to just order a replacement muffler from the Wildfire dealer and leave it alone. Pete
NICE report! That overall time of 5hrs and xx minutes on your GPS indicated that you had an enjoyable trip instead of being hurried. To me personally that is what "ADV'ing" is all about. To others it may be about something else but I really liked this report. There are folks on equipment that cost a LOT more and have another $5 - $15K worth of farkles on em that would have a hard time enjoying a trip as much as you did - J
What's this wooden decked bridge looking thing? That looks interesting. Would it be sturdy enough to ride on? Does it go anywhere, or was this part of an abandoned route, foot path, etc? That sounds like quite a few issues building up toward the end of the trip. Glad to hear the valve stem didn't let loose til the end. Are those tubed or tubeless tires? Do you think the current muffler is just defective or will a factory replacement do the same as this one? That does look like a relaxing pace. I would probably benefit from something that caused me to slow down and enjoy the trip rather than focus so much on the destination. The low fuel burn rate would be another bonus.
That was an old train tressle that crosses the river, it doesn't go any further than that anymore, I didn't even want to walk on it, but one could get a bike it. The tires are tubless, I had heard bad reviews about the valve stems and did have spares with me, but I feel that maybe one of the broken muffler brackets may have snagged on it, not positive though. I am thinking about noodling the next set of tires, just to set how it works out. When I first got the scoot I cut apart the muffler and gutted the inside and welded it back together http://youtu.be/ff1sxLmTvxs and since then I have been dealling with cracking around the welds. The welds hold but the metal on either side gets too brittle and cracks. I think if I hadn't messed with it, it probly would still be fine. Right now I'm trying to decide wether to go back to stock or make my own custom muffler. I still wish that I had stopped to take more pics, saw a lot of nice scenery, maybe next time. Pete
This is a great ride report(s). Just want you to know that Cheng Shin makes a nice little block pattern tire that is a lot tougher than those stockers, is cheap, and will get a much better grip on dirt. I would not put the stock pipe back on after all the trouble you have had with that one! I am sure the aftermarket can improve on it. We changed the one on a Yam Riva and it ran a lot better and does not break. The adventure is the road and not the bike. And not even getting wet feet is priceless. Have fun ......... Look at SCOOTER thread if you have not already done so.
Thanks I'll look in to the Cheng Shins' for next year I'm looking at running the Vee Rubber 351s this winter We'll see how they work out. I would like an aftermarket muffler but they are so damn expensive and I hear you still have to custom a way to support them. I'm still undecided right now and have to figure something out soon. I hate not being able to ride! Pete
Look at the muffler on a KLX110. Buy a take -off on E- Bay. Build a header pipe out of better material like the KLX stuff. Build your own mounting bracket and have it all welded together. Think OUTSIDE the scooter box.
It doesn't sound like the exhaust is made from the best material ever devised. I wonder if you try pre and post heating it when welding like you would with cast, if that might help relieve stress on it.
Just junk it from the cylinder and build yourself one that works. Header too!!!! Everything else is a waste of time and effort. Just too cheap and junky.
Right now I am just going to replace the exhaust with a stock unit and leave it alone. I'm going to lose some power but oh well, she's not meant for speed with me on it anyway. Have I ever mentioned I'm 300lbs . I do want to change the roller weights for a little bit more top end. Still need to check out the front wheel bearings and I think I might just go ahead and replace the tires with for the winter ones I have been eye balling. All goes well we will be back on the road traveling very soon. Thank you for your support Pete
Excellent adventure mate. Thats what its all about. Getting out there no matter what bike you have. On a recent trip I pulled up next to a guy on a postie bike in between a 400km dirt stretch in the south australian outback. Thats 400km between two road houses not towns! I was tearing through on a 800km day trying to make it home and he was only concerned about getting to Tobooburra, (at that stage only another 30km away) for his next beer. Somehow I envied him. Here I was on a BMW F800GS with some good gear and there he was on his postie and some cheap fuel containers and not much else. I think he was having a bigger adventure. You know, my daughter asked me yesterday what my favourite bike was out of the 10 I've had. I realized it was a Vespa. Fun time can be had on a scoota. I love them! Keep it up mate, your an inspiration!
Well I missed all the good weather but oh well, I like being one of the few on the road anyway. I replaced the back tire with the Vee Rubber 351, It looks pretty good so far and was going to swap out the aluminium rim for a steel one but fed ex is taking their good ole sweet time getting it here so I went ahead and mounted it on the aluminium one, and since the pool noodle I ordered is MIA I left it out too for now. Soooooo, I'm probly going to order a nobby and put it on the steel with the noodle and stud it for winter so I'll have it if I don't like the 351 on the cold slick stuff. I put the new stock muffler on and Damn I can't belive how quiet it is :eek1, I didn't notice any loss in power with it either, Even pulled one hell of a unintentional wheelie pulling on to the main highway. YEEHAW! Top speed is close to where it was before, but I still want try some heavier roller weights with a higher cam. My damn headlight bulb decided to die tonight too, so I want to wait for it before I run off on the next adventure, still going to ride back and forth to work though. Hell or High Snow, The next adventure will be soon! Thank you all for your support Pete