Service Completed
I dropped the bike off on Saturday. The service was complete of Monday. I was thrilled to get the message. Being able to have the Himalayan worked on locally was something I wished for but firmly believed I only had three choices — haul the bike to the dealer a hundred miles away, do the service myself, or sell the motorcycle. None of those choices felt good. Finding Little Juniata Machine and Cycle purely by accident was an unlooked for gift.
My friend Howard drove my to Tyrone to get the Himalayan so I could ride it home. Brent Knarr, the owner and machinist/mechanic is standing on the right.
Cold and Barely Wet
Forty-seven degrees Fahrenheit makes for a cold motorcycle ride. Thirty-five miles of backroads and just under an hour of saddle time meant I really had to dress right. I hate being cold. Worse as I get older. I’m glad I donned the insulated riding pants, a couple extra layers, and brought along my Gerbing 7V battery powered gloves.
A heavy gray sky always makes the world seem colder. For me at least. And continual light rain on the visor had me wondering if the ride would get colder. Thankfully the road remained dry the whole way home.
The important part thought was the bike ran great. Felt good to know I had a couple years ahead without any maintenance worries. And should a problem arise I can reach out to Little Juniata Machine and Cycle for help.
Riding Through Halfmoon Valley
Once across Bald Eagle ridge the Himalayan and I settle into a relaxed ride up through Halfmoon Valley. I only saw a handful of cars over the next ten miles allowing me to concentrate more fully on deer identification. Normally, riding at the end of the day isn’t my first choice because the heavy deer population begins to move. At least on these lightly trafficked roads I could cruise along at 40 mph without anyone pressuring me.
If a deer collision happens, a lower speed is preferable. There have been many encounters where riding at higher speeds may well have been a sad story. I like to have options to brake and swerve.
The service on the bike was pretty simple. The valve check revealed the intake valve was a two-thousandth of an inch too tight, and the exhaust valve was a two-thousandth of an inch too loose. Brent adjust them and I swear the bike runs better. Talk about the power of suggestion. The spokes were checked, a front brake switch replaced, oil and filter changed, and a few other checks to do the PA Safety Inspection.
I’m not getting rid of this motorcycle. Service was my only real concern. Now I can just ride until I can’t anymore.
Discover more from Scooter in the Sticks
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Glad u got all fixed up and I guess your warmer weather is around the corner.. Fellow told me when I was younger with age summer is hotter, winter is colder, everything is heavier thsn it use to be.. I’m there on all the above now. Steve last reply I sent just listed my profile as anonymous, how do I update this…Thanks and happy happy trails sir…Dr. Don in Texas
I think your friend is right about everything feeling heavier. My job is to accept that reality and move forward.
When you write your comment a drop down should appear allowing you to put your name or email in the comment. At least that’s how it works for me on a desktop computer. Perhaps others will shed some light.
Don’t you just love it when a plan comes together? I was always pleased when the bike felt better after someone else worked on it.
Absolutely. Another concern put to rest. And the bike is running better than ever.
Good stuff, Steve!
Oh, no drop down box for me to log my name and email either. Dom of redlegsrides.
I wet through the Jetpack settings and I think (hopefully) I solved the problem. It brings me to the edge of my limited technical expertise.
Thanks. I’m slowly getting back into the rhythm of writing and posting.
Steve, that is great news! A local, small shop close-ish to you, plus continued Himalayan ownership. Warms my soul.
Well done.
Paul J
I am glad I found the shop. Always good to have options. And I still get to ride and own the Himalayan.
Thanks for sharing the information about a local independent motorcycle mechanic.
Thanks for commenting George. Hopefully you’ll check them out if you need some mechanical services.
Ride On!
Yes sir!