Welcome Ladies and Gentlemen - Here at ADVRider I have noticed that there are many types of threads: Threads for ride reports, Threads for "How do I __________?", An abundance of threads for voicing discontent for some aspect of the bikes failing or not living up to expectations and the owner feeling disappointed, Threads about parts and accessories (tires, batteries, tank bags, etc.). I wanted to start this thread about the shinier, happier side of GS and GS Adventure ownership. A place to check in and share a quick note along the lines of: "I installed "X" accessory and it seems to be cool!" "I washed mine today" (though some might think washing a GS potentially blasphemous. Personally, I wash mine) "I rode it "X" (hundred?) miles/kms/yards today!" (but let's keep this simple, there are better places in the forum for detailed ride reports) "I performed maintenance operation ______!" and of course etc, etc, etc. Now if one wants to include a link to elsewhere here at ADVRider to expand on the activity performed such as maintenance instructions, accessory installation instructions or review, that will be very much appreciated. And as always, pictures are worth a thousand words. I started this in the GSpot > Oilhead Boxers section because that's what I'm riding and can see benefits to this type of thread being flavored towards a specific model family. If the honorable administrator's here find this thread in the wrong place, please move. Happy Posting!
To start this thread off I submit the following - I got my new Touratech hand guard air dams installed today! These are Touratech's part number 040-1701. I have not been for a ride yet, more info to follow on that. I hope these will help with the cooler temperatures now coming to us here in the northern hemisphere. Obligatory photos: <table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wsTxrU-Aras54JumqBCSqdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uBd4D2tkMQM/UIrxpm8PNNI/AAAAAAAAFoE/RjMajzpFKCU/s640/PA260005.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/preston.w4/R1200GSAGeneral?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">R1200GSA General</a></td></tr></table> <table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UaroExRWJo_7XB2Fq5g3y9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fevDWHcVe0E/UIr2gk8Ax0I/AAAAAAAAFoE/oAFj9922KmI/s640/PA260007.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/preston.w4/R1200GSAGeneral?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">R1200GSA General</a></td></tr></table> <table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Ayq6c7FX0kNqyuLq4uwFJdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GO2TVrIQiMs/UIr29nNk-WI/AAAAAAAAFoE/_xcm9lB8ozo/s640/PA260004%2520%25283%2529.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/preston.w4/R1200GSAGeneral?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">R1200GSA General</a></td></tr></table>
Today, I had to park and cover my GSA. I had to send my helmet back to NEXX for a warranty exchange so I wont be riding for at least a little while....
I am still waiting on my 2013 GSA that I put a deposit on at the end of August.I have read hours of threads on every issue that these things have and I must say that it better hurry up before I get scared off. I plan on exhaust mods IF I ever get it, I love the sound of that motor with a pipe. D.
I swapped out left handlebar switch units. I bought a used one from an inmate, and now I have working hi-beams and hazards! Yay! Oh, and I rode it to and from work.
I finally got around to installing my Centec AP2 fuse box. I'd like to say it cleaned up the wiring, but I'd probably be kidding myself At least I can hook up a few more things easier. I also did some re-wiring with the stock PIAA 520s. Still using the godawful huge PIAA relay and switch that the bike came with until I can get the parts to do it how I want.
With daylight eroding for the season and living in deer country (they actually sleep in my front), I have need for illumination. Extremely bright both to the side and forward.
This hints to one of the main reasons I wanted to start this thread. I believe that the number of people enjoying many trouble free days and miles with their bikes GREATLY out number those that are not so satisfied. But, there is little evidence to support this because those with problems seem to be very much more vocal about their situations. So I wanted to start a thread where people that are enjoying their rides and tinkering have the encouragement to let us know. That way, hopefully those that visit ADVRider can get a more accurate picture of what a joy owning these bikes really is. Not to be naive, I am aware that I may be proven wrong. I may end up in the minority as a rider enjoying GS ownership (knock on wood, **bangs head**). Happy trails!
I recently changed my oil and lost track of just how much fresh oil I put into the engine including filling the new oil filter with fresh oil, then using a couple of half full bottles of engine oil, then two full quarts of engine oil then....Oh boy, how much oil is in there? Who cares....I know there is at least 3 quarts of oil in the engine...maybe more...but, maybe less. So, should I ride it? Screw it...I had errands to run and at $3.53/gallon and 20 MPG on the car, I decided to take the GS. I rode it a few miles to the store and back. Yesterday, I peeked at the site glass....it was over the top. Oh well, maybe, I'll drain some out. Today, I had more errands to run and I checked oil about an hour after returning and parking on the center stand. Oil level is half glass. So...what did I do wrong (if anything)? Oh, and do you care what oil and filter I used?
How 'bout in the last week.. I have; replaced grips, changed oil (and, as an aside, am experimenting with a new oil weight (went from 20W-50 Amsoil Motorcycle to 15W-40 Amsoil Marine and Diesel)) Changed Final Drive Lube..Changed Tranny Lube (switched weights here as well..from 75W-140 to 75W-110), put new plugs in, balanced Throttle Bodies and put stock exhaust back on. Changed oil weights since I live where it gets cold now..have to admit the tranny shifts better than ever..We'll see on engine oil..the time before I ran "non" motorcycle oil..it had a consumption problem versus the motorcycle oil..took the cool guy can off and went back to stock..it just needed richened back up looking at the plugs.. In all honesty, it runs better than ever..the can is just HEAVY..but..feh..it's the Bronco of the motorcycle world.. Oh..and installed ALT Rider crash Bars and skid Plate..and went to Seattle to pose for the new ALT Rider catolog..(Disclaimer, I am in no way connected to Alt Rider and didn't buy my product "from" them) Was just the first GSA to get the bars..
Be ready for it to run lean and POP on decel..go ahead and sign up for some dyno time, a booster plug or power commander to make the exhaust work..
if you know that there are at least 3 quarts of oil (in the engine), why would there be less? dizzying story!
I rode mine about 120 miles today. Finally put the GoreTex liner back in my jacket and had the heated handgrips on for the first time since maybe April. Bike runs so good those clear crisp mornings!
Washed mine after doing 1,400 miles on Monday through Wednesday. Atlanta to Nashville to Run the Natchez Trace and back. Rode my k bike today for change of pace.
Here is the datasheet - Rigid SR The clamps/mounts are done by Black Dog Cycle Works. Both clamps and light can be ordered through Black Dog. The installation is neither perfect or simple. Initially, I was going to use a relay and activate whenever the high beams were activated. Now I have ordered the aux light switch assembly normally seen on GSAs therefore with said relay, I will have an additional switchable solution. Currently, it is installed with a temporary switch. I wanted a very bright solution without hanging lights out to the side of the beak where a simple drop would damage the light and the bike. Mine gets dropped from time 2 time...
Sorry that I wasn't clear: I meant the LED array when I said "light bar", wondering whether you ordered the driving light or the flood light,. I can see that I worded it poorly. I'm thinking about getting that same mount and light combo, but as an amber flood.