Re: Next Bike Dreams

I confessed I liked the 'Wing I sat on at the dealership, and someone replied:

>>Ack! That's it. Suscribe to AARP


I'm only 38. I don't really want the big touring package like the 'Wing. But the 'Wing just fit right. It was, as the automotive design engineers say it, ergonomically correct. I don't hear that term used much in MC circles, but I want a bike that fits me right.
It doesn't mean I want a cushy tushy saddle. But I close my eyes and hold out my hands to where I imagine they ought to be on the ideal bike -- and voila, there are the Wing's grips.

I close my eyes and pull up my feet (the bike was on display in a front-wheel lock so I could do this) and voila -- the pegs and pedals are all right where they ought to be.

Aside from the ST1300's seat, it didn't have these ideal ergonomics. I could make it work, but it felt like sitting on someone else's bike. The Wing felt like it fit me. Ironically, so does my V30. You wouldn't think of those two fitting the same person, but they do. A strange combination of inseam and sleeve length I guess, I don' t know.

I'll try the same on a Valkyrie, as it was suggested on list. I'll enjoy the search, even though it's only a dream right now.

Next Bike Dreams

First time sitting on several bikes:

Sat on an ST1100 and an ST1300 finally. Didn't like them, I'm sorry to say. The seats felt like plywood -- very uncomfortable.

Sat on an 2005 Interceptor -- and though I like the looks I know I'd ride for one block and my shoulders would start hurting.

Sat on a 2004 ZZR1000 and like it better than the Interceptor.

Sat on a Gold Wing and wow, I liked it. Comfortable. I could ride to Reno on that bike. I'd like to find a big with that comfort and seating position, without all the bells and whistles. I don't need a CD player, CB radio, blah blah blah.

I know this is a tired thread, so at the risk of beating a dead horse:

Where's an 80's Magna-lover to go for their next bike? Tonight, I'm thinking Wing!

Phantom Leak

I wrote last week about my wife's tank dripping gasoline onto the rear head. I saw with my own eyes the gasoline sheeting down the fuel line from the tank. But I could not spot the leak in the tank.

I took off the tank, disconnect the fuel line and vent tube from the main tank. They were so tight, I can't imagine that they were leaking...

I plugged the drain and vent, filled the tank with a gallon, and waited. Not a drop.

WTF?

I removed the fuel line and vent tube from the reserve tank, and inspected them. They appear fine. I filled them with water, plugged up one end and tried to blow on the other end. Not a drip, not a drop escaped.

I can't make the mofo tank leak!

My wife's wanting to ride, so I'm gonna put it all back together and save the POR-15 tank treatment (and choke cable replacement) for sometime in freeking january, so she can get back on the road.

We'll keep a close eye on it. Hopefully she'll be able to stop and hop off the bike just before it bursts into flames!