Have I told you how much I love Riding Colorado?

[Sadlsor]

Just curious, where did you list Li'l Gray? And remember, cars (and that includes Jeeps) are dangerous, so be careful.

 

[ChucksKLRST]

Just curious, where did you list Li'l Gray? And remember, cars (and that includes Jeeps) are dangerous, so be careful.

Facebook Market place and all appropriate forums. Sold on FB marketplace to a local Denver person.

 

[ChucksKLRST]

On Saturday I was able to get out for a 140 mile loop with the V-Strom. Stopped for lunch at the Decker’s Café and watched the bikes come and go for a while. Then headed out . Did not take any pictures today as I have a bunch of file folder pictures of the area. The attached pictures are from my files, but they are pictures along today's route.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/pDcDipyLzpkUGtmv7

 

[ChucksKLRST]

Monday the beginning of a new week. What did you have to do today? I needed to start the week out correctly and GO RIDE. Looked in the garage and decided to take the Big Versys out to day. Was able to rack up another 150 motto miles for the month before the weather changes tomorrow and brings colder temps , rain and possible some Springtime snows. April in Colorado you know. Here is the route that I rode. I only tracked it on the west side of town, as crossing Denver is just not interesting anymore. Only took a few pictures today, too busy enjoying the twistys.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/oqnEH4PzA6vPrkoQ6

 

[ChucksKLRST]

Well there comes a time when the Dues are due for being able to ride the great foothills and mountains of Colorado. On my last ride with the Big Versys the clock turned over 24,000 miles and a major service is due. So today I decided to dive into the innards of the "Flying Nun" and tackle the first valve clearance check along with all the other normal maintenance that goes along with taking care of my "Girl Friends". And I thought the FJR was a PTA. Not. I have lots of time and lots of patience. Well maybe not so much patience, but any way I will not be in a hurry to finish this up as I do have two other bikes to ride when the mood hits me. Here are some pics of my morning endeavors.


Got most of her cloths off and hung up in the background, as not to be stepping on them. Eight pieces of Tupperware hanging on the wall plus the tank on the work bench.






Finally got the air box off and now down to the throttle bodies.



From here it is time to do some reading of the manual and determine the next steps to access the valve cover.



Time to get the book out.

 

[Mellow]

Ouch... the Super Ten was no fun getting the valve cover off, that looks similar, like the radiator needs to be pulled or tilted first. Unless you can slide it out from the side.. but then the crash bars need to come off.. ouch again...

 

[Sadlsor]

At least you HAVE a "book."
Owners of some newer bikes don't have that option.
Here's looking at you, BMW.

 

[Mellow]

At least you HAVE a "book."
Owners of some newer bikes don't have that option.
Here's looking at you, BMW.

We have videos and so far it's pretty easy.

 

[Sadlsor]

We have videos and so far it's pretty easy.

I'm fortunate in having what I believe is the very LAST official BMW CD or DVD of repair / service for the 1250s in the USA.
One copy had been overlooked at a dealer out West, when they all had been told to send all copies back to Das Korp. Now it's mine.
Outside of having that, I reckon a LOT of 1250 owners (and later, the 1300s) will be leaning on JVB and his DVDs and videos.

 

[ChucksKLRST]

Ouch... the Super Ten was no fun getting the valve cover off, that looks similar, like the radiator needs to be pulled or tilted first. Unless you can slide it out from the side.. but then the crash bars need to come off.. ouch again...

Yea , I pulled the rad because it make every thing easier and I can soak it over night and get all the bugs and dirt out of it. Also after fighting with wire harness and electrical connections was able to remove the valve cover easily with out removing the SW Moto engine guards. Tomorrow I will pull the spark plugs and start the checking the valve clearances. Hope they are is spec so I don't have to pull the cams. 50/50 toss up.

Tomorrow the work starts

 

[ChucksKLRST]

Today was a continuation of yesterday digging into the Versys for a major service. I completed disassembly of the bike and was able to get to and measure the valve clearance. Turns out I only really need change 5 shims and I can use two of the old shims that are coming out. So I only need to buy three. My local dealers have them in stock and I will pick them up tomorrow. Removing the Cams is a bit of tedious work and following the instructions in the manual is a somewhat time consuming. One needs to take their time and stay calm and collected. No need to break anything or drop parts down into the engine. Taking pictures helps a lot for the reassembly. Attention to and marking the Cam position is important for the removal. Keeping a good work sheet of the valve measurements and shim measure is a must. Makes it easier to calculate the correct size shim needed to go back in. Here are a couple more pics of todays effort.

 

[Sadlsor]

Nice work Chuck!

 

[ChucksKLRST]

The Big Versys 24k maint project was finally finished yesterday. All went well with no shortage of bits or any overage of bits, so today I decided to take the FJR out for a ride to catch up on it’s monthly mileage amount. I have been neglecting the Mighty FJR lately. The weather liars are guessing that this weekend we are going to get a bunch of rain and the High Country will get it’s fair share of new snow, so off to Echo Lake I rode. This is one of my most favorite rides as it tops out at 11200 ft. above sea level and has plenty of curves. The actual highway 103 is 32 miles of great twist and turns from Evergreen, Colorado to Idaho Springs, Colorado with the entrance to Mt Evans (Mt Blue Sky) at the summit just overlooking Echo Lake. The road to Mt Evans is closed until Memorial Day, sometimes even longer depending on the snowpack. From Echo Lake I rode up to two of our three gambling towns Central City and Black Hawk . They were old dying mining towns that got a reprieve in early 90s and were designated as legal gambling towns. The property taxes sky rocketed and drove all the locals out and is now supported by the casinos and gambling industry. Onward from there and then I descended down Golden Gate Canyon and took a short detour through the grounds of Red Rocks Amphitheater. A famous outdoor amphitheater for concerts and Easter Sunday worship. Into Morrison and across town on highway 285. All toll 147 miles, many more smiles, and cleared my head of the past weeks stresses. After almost 10 years the mighty FJR is still running strong, smooth and fast. As fast as I want to go. Of course here are a few pictures to ride along with.

Ste 120 to 18567 E Hamilton Dr

maps.app.goo.gl

On the way to Echo Lake




Still on the way




Entrance to Mt Blue Sky (Mt Evans)




Looking back to the Echo Lake Lodge




Echo Lake


Down the other side to Idaho Springs



Up the mountain to Central City looking west on I -70



Looking down East on I-70





Entering Central City



On the way to Golden Gate Canyon looking West at the Continental Divide



Riding through Red Rocks