Well, yesterday and today the mechanical gremlins finally caught up with us. Anyone who knows either Ted or I know we are neither very mechanical minded. That said, I know when something is not right.
For a good while I have noticed problems with my rear brakes. At times they would feel as hard as a rock while at other times they would be extremely mushy or nothing at all. At no time did they ever feel right.
Yesterday the chain needed adjusting and while we were doing that we noticed strange clicking noises when I rotated the rear tire. We found the brakes were not seated in the proper slot. I made the decision to find a local dealer and have a professional take a look.
It appears the tire dealer in Alaska failed to make sure my rear brakes were seated in the proper slot when he changed the rear tire. As it is, the brakes are rotating up and down off the disk. To cut to the bottom line, it has worn the rear brakes out.
Fortunately we found a Kawasaki / Yamaha dealer willing to fit the bike in tomorrow morning here in Florence. They do not have brake pads that will fit my bike, but fortunately Mike Jennings recommended I take my old, half used rear brake pads with me. They will install those and we will be back on the road tomorrow.
Today was a short day due to the mechanical problems. We rode slightly over 300 miles and visited one national monument. Mechanical problems aside, today was a great day. How can anyone riding 300 miles in the Colorado Rockies on a bright blue sun shiny day not be having fun?
An interesting side note. Florence CO is the site of the newest and most up to date, maximum security (SuperMax) prison in the country. Our motel tonight is within site of that prison.
"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing." -- Helen
Keller
Well THAT sure makes us feel good. You were almost brakeless AND you're sleeping near axe murderers. Happy Anniversary to you, huh? Glad you're getting it fixed and please, bolt the doors tonight.
ReplyDeleteThe Suzy guys designed the slot that holds the brakes in place hidden behind the swingarm. That is always a problem when someting is so neat it can be missed.
ReplyDeleteJust 1000 more to go. Sorry to say there is not much to hold you now. See you in a couple of days.
MikeJ
Sounds like you are in the home stretch, although there are a couple or so more to see. Now that you had the obligatory mechanical problems, you can relax and enjoy the rest of the trip. Sounds beautiful. Marg
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