Subject: First ride
Author: Charlie Mullendore
Date: Apr 29, 2005, 8:26 PM
Post ID: 1718788889
Took "Sophia" out for her first (35 mile) shakedown run this evening and
it went very well. A lot different than the well-worn '69 in most every
aspect. Much less vibration overall, rides much more firm, shifts more
precisely, seems more willing to change direction quickly. Braking power
is nearly identical (no surprise as I used o.e. shoes). Gotta' learn to
shift with my left foot and brake with the right again after 7 years of
the opposite! No leaks so far! (knocking on wood)
A few things that need attention did show up. In the 55 degree temps of
this evening, she was very cold blooded. Only took about a mile or two
to warm enough to run without the enricher, but then it never really
warmed up enough for a trustworthy idle until it sat running for a few
minutes and warmed up a bit more. A step up in the pilot jet may be
necessary, a warmer day will surely help! Front end was bobbing like a
ship on rough seas, so I checked to make sure the tire was completely
seated on the rim. It was, but found instead that the rim was out of
true. Okay side-to-side, but not up-and-down. Should be remedied
tomorrow morning by the shop that did the work originally.
Hope to get the Wixoms reassembled and installed, along with a bunch of
other minor details done tomorrow. Then if all goes well, Sunday morning
she'll lead the 2nd Annual MD/DC Spring Ride. Great to finally enjoy a
bit of the "fruits of my labor"! Cheers,
Charlie
http://www.loopframeguzzi.com/