OK, I've hinted and hinted, but nobody bit.... is anyone interested in a weekend ride to Arkansas? My plan would be to leave the DFW area around 3:00ish on a Friday afternoon and make it to Broken Bow, OK by dark-thirty. Stay at the Beavers Bend Lodge (or whatever is convenient!) and then head into Talamena (sp?) OK the following morning. Then, loop back and follow the Talahenia Scenic Byway into Mena, AR the following day...stopping at the Talamena Scenic Lodge for lunch. Then maybe make it into Little Rock or Hot Springs for the night, then hook it home on Sunday. Last time I did it, I was looking at about 1000 miles, but we also did a lot of extra scenic riding that I'd be willing to do without this time around. If anyone is interested, let me know...... I think the leaves would be beautiful and I know the roads are great. Perhaps we can split a hotel room or something. PS - can you tell I get confused between Talamena, and Talahenia?? PSS - I need to get a new rear tire before I would leave, so some notice would be required...... --Fullstate
Let's do it. How much notice do ya need? Next Friday? I'm willing to blow off a Halloween party for a cool ride.
You guys are talking about one of my favorite rides.. I'd love to make that one.. If there is any way for me to arrange the time away, I will be amongst you.. Got a couple of "little" things left to do on the Vulcan, but, it should be ready for a trip like that one... See ya' Your friend in Irving Bill Walker
You know that isn't a 1/2 bad idea, but to be perfectly honest I don't know about a LD ride out of state on Halloween. I just don't trust the morons that are out there celebrating. Either on the road, but especially when the bikes are sitting outside overnight. You feel comfy with that? It's either that or we could do it the weekend after. --Fullstate
How much time would you need? If we do it the weekend after is that enough time? I still gotta see if I can get a new tire on the bike. Mine is pretty worn and last time I did this run I was literally running on threads by the time I got home. --Fullstate
Is you tire available without ordering it ?? That should only take a few minutes to change.. I have ordered a rear sprocket for the Vulcan and it should be here this next week.. I will have it installed before the weekend.. If it doesn't arrive, there isn't much problem, as the one on my bike is fairly new.. Just changing the number of teeth.. Hopefully the new one will give me enough top end to keep up with you guys .. Anyway.. we have time to plan the run, if everyone wants to take a shot at it... Your friend in Irving Bill Walker
I take it that you went down a few teeth on the rear? Keep in mind that you will lose your acceleration by doing that. I went down one in the front - increased my acceleration and getting around town ride, but I lost some top end on the highway. Problem was that before I did that, I couldn't even get the bike into 6th gear unless I was doing 90+ or it would lug the engine. ;-) --Fullstate
My rear sprocket was showing wear last year and I changed it and the chain.. I thing they put the largest sprocket on when they did the work.. I lost about 10 mph on the top end.. I ordered another one to check it out and see if that caused it.. If it don't suit me, I'll change it back..
Did you change your counter shaft sprocket, too? I'd probably swap it out if you did your chain and rear sprocket. You better watch out! before you know it you will be chucking that 'ol cruiser and getting you a down and dirty sport bike. ;-) --Fullstate
BTW - went to Motorcycle Accessories today to get a tire for the bike. The tire is $113.00 (fair price) and they will mount it for $12 or something like that, but I have to drop the rim first. I'll probably do that tomorrow night and then take it up there on Monday and get it done. --Fullstate
For some reason the drive sprocket wasn't showing wear.. only the rear one.. LOL.. don't think I'd make a run to Guadalajara or the west coast on a sport bike.. I admire those puppies, but I don't really want to ride one.. I kinda like the kick back and run style of my ole' cruiser..Just wait'll I get you on a real run down into Mexico... That's the last frontier for all of us.. Your friend in Irving Bill Walker
Naa, I got all the tools to do that, here....including a rear stand with spools for the bike. Even got mah torque wrench so I can make sure that the axle nut gets torqued to the right spec. I've got a truck to haul the tire in, so I am all set. And I know that *I'll* grease the axle....which doesn't always happen when you take it somewhere else. I appreciate the offer, though.... --Fullstate
Sounds good, but you gotta keep us outta jail..... the thought of going to jail down there scares the piss outta me. LOL --Fullstate
Stayin' outta jail is the easy part.. All you hafta' do is just follow my example and they might even elect you mayor of something.. LOL
I would love to make a ride like that.Maybe someday i will. -- Ed Hart It's always darkest just before dawn. So if you're going to steal the neighbour's newspaper,that's the time to do it.
