sandiegoland

What were you riding? I only see a headlight!!

Thanks gentlemen... fond memories of that crossing... don't think I ever saw it dry in the Winter.

No water crossing that way anymore? or was it dry this time?

Great photos!!

Same lake, June 2005... Bishop, to Bodie, to Jackson.

You are most welcome Bum, and thanks for the comments and offers all. That moto has delivered us to a load of great places, and we hope it sees many safe miles ahead! Our final trip: http://2012utah1088.tumblr.com/

Just a question... you said it was your custom message that went off? If the Spot II already has a covered Need Assistance button, why is your custom message set to sending out a "help" message? We used our OK for end of day, and custom for long breaks. FYI, our Spot II really requires a deep push. I don't have one of those cases, but I would have never expected that to activate that button, but good to know!

Last year I hauled my DL650 (500+ lbs) up to Bakersfield and back in my little 1999 Toyota SR5 Tacoma. It sagged a little (duh), but did okay for one time of cautious driving. Now I have a need to haul the bike about 1500 miles, this time with more gear and a passenger in the truck. I was looking at options to shore up the suspension a little and wondered if anyone has had experience with these options: 1. Airbags (like on tractor trailers): http://www.etrailer.com/Vehicle-Suspension/Toyota/Tacoma/1999/F2213.html?vehicleid=19991014492 2. Axle bump stop upgrades (rubber springs): http://www.etrailer.com/Vehicle-Suspension/Toyota/Tacoma/1999/TDVR05091.html?vehicleid=19991014500 I don't need to hear the obvious... replace the truck. Ride the bike up there, etc...

I thought about Black Canyon today as Edward Bell led a group of 13 Adventure bikes on a local run. Repeat after me: NO! Eddie, No! It's NOT YOUR BIKE! They're going to learn about you at some point Eddie!

Otay Mountain and Black Canyon are calling...

That's the brand. Very useful on a road trip... but I also have fun with it around town. My little league truck has no tach, voltmeter, etc. This has that, plus trip meters, fuel consumption, miles to empty and so on. Plus the main purpose... to read out check engine codes.

Yea, those tie-downs from the bars to the rear are just there to keep the bars from twisting from side to side, not load bearing.

Any updates? Did you return the Timbrens? What shocks did you go with? How're the AALs working? Just got back... New shocks all around and a set of Super Springs did the trick. I could feel the extra weight on the lil' motor (duh), but the mods really did the trick on the handling (and unavoidable "dips"), allowing us to get off the interstate a few times and enjoy the secondary highways without concern. Another device that saved the trip was my Scan Gauge. We started to have a marginal TPS failure and it saved a lot of stress knowing what was popping that Check Engine indicator on occasionally.

Well... the Timbrens were easy to install... just bolt in replacements... but they didn't line up over the axle correctly. Back in the box they go... too bad, the would've done the trick for the trip. Pondering my options again. UPDATE: Taking it over to Preston T&W in La Mesa this week to add a "Super Spring" leaf and replace the shocks. This will basically kick in an extra leaf when the bed is under load.

Great effort, great ride!

After examining the photos I took of my truck with the bike loaded from last time (sitting basically level), I'm going to try out the Timbrens. No drilling the frame, no airlines to route. I should be able to pop them in pretty quick. Not what I would do for a new truck, but it should put my mind at ease at least for I-15 up and back. Just a little spring support over the big dips. Thanks for the tips. I do like the airbags too, but nothing beats getting the whole job done right if it's for serious off-road or trailering.

That's generous of you, but we'll be out for two weeks. The truck is to be parked in SLC, Utah. Also the nice thing about the Tacoma is it will probably get 27-28 MPG on this trip.

Sneek do you run these as your soul rear shocks? I have Bilstein 5050s (I think, I'll have to go check) in the rear. I thought it would really help to have heavier shocks on the back but I need much more. My springs are toast. Sandiegoland how usable are your leaf springs? Mine are shot. I have a very heavy joehauler type hitch carrier and I put the DRZ on the back and I've totally overwhelmed the stock Tacoma. With the help of Drabnor, I've found some interesting leaf spring swap options. I'm also going to call national spring and see what they can build. I don't necessarily need high articulation springs, I don't 4x4 my truck hard, that is what the bike is for. I will be following this thread closely because I too need to get my rear suspension dialed in. I think they are still in good shape. It was just a commuter truck before I had it. No heavy bed use.

Yea, with only 500 pounds in the bed, they might just barely be activated.

I remember those from long ago... that might be an option to consider.

Thanks Ken. That is good to hear. I was curious if upgrading the axle bumps is suitable for my application, but the air would no doubt give more control over height and ride.

Hey Craig (right?)! Long time and hope all is well. Still riding your 650? Yup, got a sweet deal on her and couldn't resist! Not riding it routinely anymore... but its got at least one more rally and tour in her this Summer... We'll have to take a spin for lunch some weekend.

Welcome back to Stromville Warren. Good deals out there on 2011's!

Anyone notice the absence of a clutch lever? The model with ABS is packaged with paddle-shift and optional full automatic. That is a deal killer for me. I tested an FJR like that. Very relaxing for highway commuting, but very disconcerting at low speed. Now if they offered the ABS with the standard transmission that would be a very reliable commuter!!

Good show Jeff!