Chief Gunner

GAME ON! gotta throw the rear spring in when I get home, stevensayonra offered to help out. Time to see what the new suspension set up feels like! 8 @ Packards on Sat it is! See you there! Aaron

Got the new springs in! I still have not got the service manual I ordered from XR's only so I changed my mind on doing it myself. I like a challenge but I like being alive too, I decided to play it safe and go with Precision concepts on N. Johnson in El Cajon using my new Eibach springs. After I get the pig back together they will set the sag properly (I was told at no additional cost) and I will be good to go! Total damge is going to be around $400 + the $242 I spent on the Eibach springs. A little on the expensive side but I am confident that my pig will handle allot better and I have heard from numerous people that their work is solid and reliable. Looking forward to riding with SDAR again soon! Aaron

I went with the 55 too after experimenting with the initial re-jet. The 58 was way too rich for my pig. I am at 2 1/4 turns out now, anything less and it seems like it's starving. From what I have read and heard it's always better to run just a tad rich than to run the pig too lean so you don't burn up the valves. The explaination I got was that the richer fuel mixture actually helps cool it off. It's finding that balance that is the trick, not fouling the plug and not turning it white. Have fun with it and good luck. Aaron

Hey Mescalero; You are welcomed to this: I will be driving my 4Runner to San Bernadino with a trailer that can carry 4 bikes. I worked out a ride share thing with vistacarider and stevensaynora. We had another rider who planned to go with us but cannot so we now have three bikes set for the trip with room for one more on the trailer. If nobody minds sitting snugg (3) in the back of my '05 4runner we can carry one more. Mrs. vistacarider has agreed to drive my 4Runner and trailer from san Bernadino to Barstow and then on to Vegas and I will make the return drive. (stevensaynora will be going home with his family in his truck) Aaron

Thanks: Good point on considering the bike's unloaded weight seperate from being loaded. In trying to explain my reason for going with the suspension upgrade I referred to the load (me, gas & gear) that the bike has to cary effectively since the max weight suggested in the owners manual is about what the bike weighs dry.. I plan on going with Eibach 47kg springs up front and a 12kg on the monoshock.

Just wanted to see if any of you guys have experience with conventional forks. I was going to take the BRP to precision concepts to have my suspension done but I really want to do it myself so that I can learn how to set it up and dial it in on my own. If anybody knows how to do it right and would be willing to train me let me know. I've got the garage and can rent / borrow the special tools I need. And of course ($$ & Beer) for help! I plan on going with Eibach 47kg springs but not sure on what valves, seals and fluid I shoud go with. 6' 2", 220lb rider with 6 gal tank.

Did you shim the needle? I noticed a little difference when I did that on the lower to mid range.

bachoedoc and I want to do a Sunday (8th) ride, anyone else interested?

Just got home from the 1/2 day ride with "Rideorange" and "bachoedoc". It was a sweet ride from Japatul down to the backside of El Cap and out through Ramona. I got a good reminder today on picking a clean line and scanning ahead properly. I fell behind the guys when I stopped to take a leak so I started hurrying to catch up to them. I got sloopy and took a bad line up a ruttted hillside road. I ended up in a deep narrow rut that stopped the bike in it's tracks (3rd gear) and sent me flying over the handle bars! No damage to the bike! I got a little bruise on the knee from hitting the mirror but I am intact and much wiser for it. Thanks much to the guys who I went riding with today! This is my second ride with guys who I met on this site, it's great to meet and ride with a good bunch of people. For eveyone else, make sure to check your six often when riding on Wild Cat Canyon Gunner out.!

See you there at 8 guys!

Where & when do you guys want to meet up?

Sounds like it will work, I'll call later today!

That would be the ticket but due to health problems she can't drive and will not go.

I was offered a ride back from Vegas but getting up there to the starting point is a concern, I am not liking the idea of dealing with the high winds and maniac drivers on the 15 from here to San Bernadino. The XR is a great bike but as we all know a long Highway ride like that on a 325lb bike is probably an un-necesary risk my wife and kids do not want me to take. Here is a thought, I would be willing to drive my 4Runner with a trailer that has room for 2 more bikes and 3 people from Lakeside to San Bernadino. Do any of you have a significant other or a good friend who might be willing to drive my 4Runner from San Bernadino to Barstow then to Vegas? Then I can drive us all home? Since we have to be there at 6 A.M on Friday it will be a real early day for those departing. We can work out the details later. Any takers?

For you guys going out Saturday, just wanted you to know that I am there to help out if needed. stevensyanora has my cell and home phone number. Enjoy the ride!

Got to do the dad thing for my daughters birthday on Saturday but might be up for a ride Sunday, anybody goin out?

For anyone who has not set up reservations....heads up. I was late in getting my reservations set but I managed a room at the Comfort inn in Barstow (the Ramada is full) and I also had to settle for a room at the Orleans at the regular rate($140 bucks) they are not giving an AMA discount because the "Block" for the ride is full.

My XR is good to go now! I got the new crank case cover, skid plate and 606's on, I will be doing the Barstow to Vegas ride with stevensynora! See you there!

I want to thank you all for letting me tag along yesterday. I am toatally hooked on exploring the back trails of this county and beyond now. I was very impressed with with you all. I want to especially thank Steve who rode his bike all the way from Warner Springs to his home in Lakeside and then drove his truck all the way back up there to ferry my busted bike home. For a guy to do that for someone he only knew for a few hours says allot about his character. Steve (and also the rest of you guys) I want you to know that you found a loyal friend in me, I will be there to lend a hand for you guys anytime ! I believe good friends are hard to come by in this life and when found they are treasured. For carguy here is my check list for my next ride: Duunlop 606's F/R SKID PLATE!!!!!!!!! Spare Tubes Tire Irons Tow Strap Maps & my GPS so I know where the hell I am extra lunch & beer money! Thanks to all again