I nipped an o-ring on my water-pump when replacing the clutch cover, after I helicoiled the oil-fill indicating bolt. The engine didn't work hard enough to get the coolant hot enough here in the UK. When we were in The Pyrenees in June, on day one, it lost it's coolant down the bottom of some single track canyons. The telltale sign of metal against metal, made me stop. Thankfully, with the assistance of full camel backs, fills every 10 minutes got me back to base. The fuel line had also melted and fused closed, by the heat of the engine. Interesting fix, trail side, using an equivalent inner diameter length of orange gas pipe (used as a siphon pipe). For the sake of a 15p o-ring, I lost day's saddle time. Easy fix, but a pain in the ass.
Bike ran fine afterwards for the remainder of the trip, but wasn't pushed too hard. Flowing trails kept a good flow over the rads. Survived Loddon Vale's "Lodd Way Round" in the heat too.
When I was doing an oil change couple weeks ago, I noticed pink coolant seeping from the head once it was warmed up, but no coolant in the oil. Bugger! The O-Rings in the head (no head gasket on 2 Stroke engines these days) had been compromised by the overheat and were bypassing coolant. Did I notice power loss? To be frank, power lifting the front wheel wasn't happening, but I thought this was down to my tiredness on Lodd Way Round...
Time for O-Rings in the head, meant it was also time for new piston, rings and small end bearing. Thermostat delete kit that I had ordered some time back being fitted too. Normally I'd do this myself, since I do my own spannering, but John Lee Motorcycles quoted me such a reasonable labour rate, I thought to give them the work. Kind offer by Trickey to van my bike to Market Rushden, accompanied by Mudplugger, riding shotgun, on Saturday morning. Safely delivered to Chas for the work.
Whilst we were there, had a chance to see the new GasGas EC Ranger 300. Conceptually very similar to Xtrainer, with KYB OC Fork (much better). Build quality, finish and starter motor too much of a compromise, however. Xtrainer with upgraded springs and fork oil (15w) a better option methinks? There has been a lot of criticism of the Xtrainer standard forks, but in the relatively low speeds that we do, I've found the slow technical stuff suits their characteristics. If you are a Romaniac or a Hard Enduro monster (I'm not), then an alternative set of forks/triples/wheel will be a consideration for you.
I've survived two Pyrenees trips with the standard fork sprung, and oiled for my weight, rebound and compression dialled in. Adjusting your existing suspension, seat time and petrol is the best money you can spend on becoming a better rider.
These guys (and RocketyRon!) are an inspiration...
