BMW R1200R front brake recall & high priced chauffeur service

I recently found out that my Nu2Me R1200R was on the recall list to replace the front brake lines.  It seems that vibration causes the line to rupture and subsequent loss of brake fluid, which in turn means loss of braking action.  The fix is to install a newly designed brake line which has a steel insert inside where it attaches to the calipers.  Of course this would be a very wise thing to have done before my summer tour.

Normally when I have any vehicle serviced I arrange for a ride to and from the mechanic/dealer.   Most of the time I would leave my bike/vehicle with the dealer, find my way home and the next day I would drive another bike/vehicle to pick it up, leaving one car there to be picked up later.  This generally means that I pick up my car/bike and later Mrs Skoot would drive me back to get the other car.   My problem is that with her recent surgery she is unable to drive so I have to fend for myself

I have my appointment scheduled for Saturday morning @ 8:30 am to be done first thing in the morning.   I decided to ride my bike to work on Friday.   It is very unusual for me to ride with out my side cases or top case as I like to have storage options & the safety factor of a larger footprint

so I crammed my backpack with an extra change of clothes, walking shoes, lunch and rok strap it onto the back seat

I very seldom ride my bike naked but it feels so small and narrow without the luggage.   I also removed all my tools from under the seat, as well as all my RAM mount extensions but I left the ball mounts in place.  It's not because I don't trust the dealer, but I thought it may be left outside for me to pick up and may tempt someone passing by

After work, on my way home I drop my bike off.   I thought it would be easier to have them store my bike overnight and then they will be able to start first thing in the morning.   This would also allow me to have breakfast with the guys, just like normal.   If I rode my bike here at 8:30am,  when they open, I would be stuck here without a way to get home and I would be too late for breakfast

This dealer has lockable clothes lockers where I can put my riding clothes so I don't have to worry about carrying them home and then having to bring them back.  As you notice, I am changing into something more comfortable for my journey home

After I sort out my gear and sign the work order I am on my way .  My old legs are not used to walking very far but I make it to the bus stop to join the crowd

It seems like a long time but eventually the bus comes along, I pay the Senior's rate and 4 blocks later I get off and transfer to another bus.  I thought about walking the 4 blocks, but it was uphill and it would have killed my muscles.  Did I mention that it was uphill ?

Here's a snapshot of the killer hill.  Did I mention also that it felt hot under the blazing sun ?

I finally make it onto the next bus and head West bound on Broadway.  I get off at Cambie Street where I have to wait for my next bus and notice this ZX-14 Ninja, just like Erik's, except this one is blue

Again it seems like a long time but I eventually get home and it took just over an hour.   I decide to move my Corvette out and give it a quick wash.

It is more dusty than dirty and I find that I don't have a lot of maneuvering room

I find that it feels better to be driving a clean car.

The next morning my plan is to drive my Corvette to breakfast in Steveston.   I know that my bike will be ready later in the day and I am still wondering how I am going to get there to pick it up.  At least my riding gear is already there

It is threatening to rain but I generally only drive this car with the top down.  It is around 7:15am as I make my way down the lane.  It feels so nice to not have to wear riding gear and I can drive in shorts and sandals, and feel the wind in the little hair that is left

I am on my way to downtown Vancouver to pick up a visitor from Montreal, whom I am going to enlist as an unsuspecting chauffeur . . .

We arrive in Steveston about half an hour later and find that the staff at our breakfast place are late so to kill a few minutes we head down to the wharf to see the fish for sale

It starts to drizzle a bit and the skies look a bit dreary and grey

Soon enough it is time for Breakfast

   David, from Montreal, PQ

He is looking a bit sad as we told our favourite waitress that his Montreal money was no good here, and she agreed

We spent most of our time chatting and generally relaxing the day away and then I got the call that my bike was ready.  I said that I would be there shortly and they said no problem,  "Your bike should be washed by then"

My bike is patiently waiting for me and was very glad to see my smiling face

I reclaim my riding gear and soon enough we are back home where David tries Nu2Me on for size

A big thank you to David for helping me out today .  Have a safe trip back to Montreal