Final bike adjustments

by the time you read this, I will probably be on my way to the IMBC2012 in Hell's Canyon, Oregon. I had some last minute things to do on my bike . Last Saturday was a warm day. I debated about riding my bike but the thought of having to gear up everytime I stopped, and sweating in my gear made me rethink to drive my car instead. That way I could wear shorts and sandals and be comfortable.

I need another pair of Rok Straps and a tin of chain lube so I headed to my local Triumph/BMW/Motoguzzi dealer



I wanted to bring a full can with me on my journey. Of course, while I was at the dealer it doesn't hurt to sit on a few bikes and talk to the sales rep. Then I headed over to my friendly mechanic to buy a litre of MA2 motorcycle oil, synthetic blend



There was a female rider there fiddling around with her mirror and I tried to make small talk but she ignored me. I guess she thought I was being too aggressive, or she was being too protective but all I wanted to do was talk about bikes, buy my oil and get home



I'm trying to keep my weight down and pack light so I decided that I didn't need to carry a full bottle of oil so I found a small plastic bottle about 1/3rd litre and put it into a double sealed plastic zip loc bag as I don't want it to leak all over my clothes, or spill in my side case



Last year on my Montana trip I was down about half a litre of oil on our return leg. Vstroms are known to use a bit of oil if you keep your engine revving over 6K RPMs. From what I ascertain from the Stromtrooper.com forums, this is normal usuage. If you are cruising at high speed, or riding aggressively in the twisties, I find it better to click down a gear and go with higher engine speeds.



I would have preferred to bring half a litre but we can always purchase more oil "on the road" if necessary . I recently had my bike serviced and there is a sight glass on the side of the engine.



the oil is at the top mark so I am good to go. I also decided to recheck my tire pressures. I even bought a better tire gauge. It was the first time I got to use my new 8 gal air compressor. I turned on my air compressor and waited for the engine to fill up the tank. It stops at 100 psi and there is a dial to control the output pressure, which I set for 50 psi.

I used both tire gauges and guess what ? The newer, more expensive metal one did not give the same reading as my used, old plastic one, so not I don't know which one is right



one reads 32 psi, the old one reads 37 psi, such a difference but which one is right ? I am trusting my older plastic one

It was a hot day and I should be doing this in the evening but it was one chore that I wanted to do right away



I've resorted to wearing my tank top and shorts under my riding gear. I also change out of my boots and into my sandals at the first opportunity. My foot is getting better but if I try to walk any distance in my riding boots it will make my foot ache