Boike’s and JAS’s (and anyone else’s) random questions thread that doesn’t want to start a new one!

[boike333]

Hahaha! I hate Starbucks. I know I’ll be crucified for this but I am drinking free Starbucks coffee right now thanks to my daughter working there.

 

[JustAnotherSquid]

Starbucks has it's place. When you're on the road and want a decent cup of coffee there's always a Starbucks nearby where you can pay too much and get something drinkable.

At home, free sounds like about the right price to pay.

 

[boike333]

Starbucks has it's place. When you're on the road and want a decent cup of coffee there's always a Starbucks nearby where you can pay too much and get something drinkable.

At home, free sounds like about the right price to pay.

Haha, yea can’t beat free.

 

[bmart]

Boike, do you have .GPX files for the sand area to share?

 

[boike333]

I’m sure I do somewhere and can dig them up, but Ive ridden down there for so long I don’t use a map. I think it’s best to just explore.

 

[bmart]

I wouldn't mind. I'm still not sure about this 8" of sand you speak of on my tires and low HP bike...and super unskilled rider.

 

[boike333]

Haha, I’ll point you to some good roads to explore. Let me know a few days before you go and we can get on a call and chat or meet halfway and get a bite. If your going solo I recommend a SPOT of some sort.

 

[bmart]

This would be for when we go. I don't care about the actual route, jut want to highlight the roads we'd be on in the area.

SPOT? No one wants me back...

 

[boike333]

The spot is so they can find you if they need to, not bring you back! Haha.

 

[bmart]

I suspect one of the companies that makes them is called "X"

 

[JustAnotherSquid]

Andy has repeatedly mentioned how big a fan of crash bars he is and how every bike should have them. I decided to take his advice and throw some on the GS. They look pretty good! And I'm pretty sure they've doubled the frame stiffness. Of course 0 x 2 = 0 but still.



edit - now to cover every square inch of them with bolt-on LEDs...

 

[boike333]

What tires are those?

 

[JustAnotherSquid]

Bridgestone AX-41s. Which are either God's Own Tire or So Bad They May As Well Be Dunlops. The jury is still out!

 

[JustAnotherSquid]

The GS came with a Touratech Zega topcase as shown in the first picture. The other day I noticed the welds on the mounting rack were cracked as show in the second and third pictures. Touratech said they'd sell me a replacement at cost except that rack was discontinued a loooong time ago. The rack is made of stainless and should be easy to weld up but man I have no idea who to call about that. Does anyone have a suggestion for a decent, affordable welder in the Charlotte area?

 

[bmart]

Try a quick search on Google Maps. There are many welders in our area. Harrisburg has quite a few that I've used. Many car repair shops will have one. Good luck!

 

[AndyMX47]

The GS came with a Touratech Zega topcase as show in the first picture. The other day I noticed the welds on the mounting rack were cracked as show in the second and third pictures. Touratech said they'd sell me a replacement at cost except that rack was discontinued a loooong time ago. The rack is made of stainless and should be easy to weld up but man I have no idea who to call about that. Does anyone have a suggestion for a decent, affordable welder in the Charlotte area?

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Marsfab offroad in Mt. Pleasant is a welding guru. He welded my aluminum MTB frame (back when I was slumming it - now 100% carbon) and the aluminum was as thin as a tin can. He's probably overkill for your rack though - that should be super easy for any welding shop. Martin Stutts welding on Route 49 does a lot of the contractor grade stuff on our projects.

 

[boike333]

This is pretty cool! And an ADV series from Honda as well?

Beta AMA National Dual Sport Series - American Motorcyclist Association

The Beta AMA National Dual Sport Series includes some of the most amazing single-track trail in the country, all tied together by incredible back roads through America's countryside. Designed to provide the perfect off-road riding experience, these two-day events include ample, challenging...

americanmotorcyclist.com

 

[AndyMX47]

Yes! They are splattered around the US, but would like to do one of the dual sport and/or ADV events. I think there are ones in SC, NC, and VA.

 

[boike333]

Aren’t the ones in SC etc classes as hare scrambles and enduros? Are those different to the DS rides? Need to loo into it a bit more.

 

[AndyMX47]

Aren’t the ones in SC etc classes as hare scrambles and enduros? Are those different to the DS rides? Need to loo into it a bit more.

Not sure - I'm trying to learn more about them too. I think some are the same weekend as Enduro or HS races. Best part is learning about a bunch of different places to ride!