RE: Longevity etc.

["LindaT." <customtankbags@xxxxxxxxx>]

THanks, Clive.  I, too, hope my RT will be at 100%.  I think it's time I
changed out the alternator belt as it hasn't been done yet and I have 60k
miles.  I'll try not to wait until the last minute, too.

LT

- -----Original Message-----
From: owner-oilheads@xxxxxxxxx [mailto:owner-oilheads@xxxxxxxxx]On
Behalf Of Clive Liddell
Sent: Friday, December 24, 2004 1:43 AM
To: oilheads@xxxxxxxxx
Cc: customtankbags@xxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: Longevity etc.


Jack, Linda,
Quote:
"The two major mechanical failures you mentioned could very well have
been related in some fashion: throw-out bearing and second gear.  If
you have confidence in the shop which made the repairs I would not
worry about or expect any further failures in that part of the drive ..."

I agree with the trouble being related to work done.. but... what are they
calling a "throw-out bearing" when there is no such thing (on an Oilhead and
many other Beemers anyway) - I wonder exactly what was wrong?  Possibly a
condescending reply to you, Linda, by the mechanic because it sort of sounds
important.  There is of course a throw-out mechanism but it's very different
from that of a stick shift car.

I also disagree with the popular activity of changing everything that moves
or splashes on the eve of going on a long trip etc.  Just doing the routine
services at the right time is all that's needed.

Hope your RT will now be 100%...

Clive Liddell
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

- ----- Original Message -----
From: "Jack Bunce" <jackbunce@xxxxxxx>
To: <oilheads@xxxxxxxxx>
Cc: <customtankbags@xxxxxxxxx>
Sent: 18 December, 2004 18:38
Subject: RE: Longevity etc.


> On Dec 18, 2004, at 4:47 AM, Linda T. wrote:
>
> > ...
> > I'm planning two long trips next year on the RT and I'm wondering what
> > I can
> > do to prevent getting stuck out in BFE with yet another significant
> > breakdown.  I know I'm going to replace the alternator belt before I go
> > along with regular fluid changes, but I'm now officially worried about
> > the
> > reliability of this bike.
> > ...
>
> Linda, I don't think I would be too worried about future failures with
> the RT out on the road.
>
> The two major mechanical failures you mentioned could very well have
> been related in some fashion: throw-out bearing and second gear.  If
> you have confidence in the shop which made the repairs I would not
> worry about or expect any further failures in that part of the drive
> train.
>
> With regards to your intermittent brake fault light it could be
> something as simple as a marginal or bad brake light bulb or battery.
> How old is your battery? Perhaps you should have it load tested.
>
> As far as pre-trip maintenance changing the alternator belt, fluids and
> filters is probably a good idea.  But, I would suggest that it all be
> done well in advance of any trip.  You really want to give yourself
> sufficient time to detect any problems due to the maintenance activity
> and you want it done by people you know and trust.  Resist the urge to
> just fix this one last problem right before you leave.
>
> I have found that the mechanical problems I have experienced on long
> trips have all been due to having maintenance performed by unknown and
> unfamiliar dealers while on the road.  For example, in Spokane the bike
> was down for two days to change the transmission oil because a dealer
> broke an exhaust bolt trying to do the job when he couldn't find the
> correct wrench to fit the drain plug.  A third day was wasted when I
> had to ride the bike to the dealer's shop to complete the repairs.  In
> Florida when the dealer performed the 12,000 service he didn't properly
> seat the electrical connector to the top right sparkplug coil which
> resulted in a really irritating and difficult to diagnose loss of power
> at higher speeds.
>
> So, my philosophy is to finish up any required maintenance, trouble
> shooting, or add on goodie installation at least two weeks and 300
> miles before I leave and to only do minimal emergency repairs if any
> are necessary on a normal trip.  All the normal stuff, except for
> tires, can usually wait until I get back.
>
> Have some fun on your trips and don't worry about reliability.
>
> cheers.... jack, '04 R1100SA, Waterford, Connecticut, U.S.A.

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End of oilheads-digest V1 #354
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