The bike got dropped off at Northstar Recreation on Wednesday with 265,399 kilometers on the clock. I was pretty sure it would be more than a one day job and Rob said the GoldWing mechanics were off Friday, so I didn't expect it for the weekend. Still, I did say I would not be unhappy if it was done by then..
Thursday, Rob called to say that the left fork seal was leaking badly. This was a new situation because I checked it before I left for Wawa. We did get into a lot of grit on the road so anything could have happened. I explained to Rob that the suspension was not stock. It was a Traxxion Dynamics upgrade and took special training to work on. I know from past experience that someone not up to snuff can screw it up quite easily.
A call to Traxxion in Woodstock, Georgia, informed me that the closest certified dealer was Adirondacks & Beyond Motorcycle Specialties in Lake George, New York. This was a 500 mile drive from here by the shortest route. I called and spoke to Barry, the new owner and long time wrench. The Wing is booked in for 8:00 AM Thursday July 18 for a complete front suspension service (including the new fork seal) and new All Balls steering head bearings.
This might seem like a big negative but the front suspension was due for a service anyway. This way we get get the job done and also get to take a road trip on Sandy's birthday.
Today, Paul called and said that the bike was ready.
- Oil & filter changed
- New Bridgestone G-709 (front) and G-704 (rear) tires
- New tire valve stems
- New final drive installed & oil added
- New air filter
- Valves checked and all within specifications
- New spark plugs
- Coolant replaced
- Clutch and both brake hydraulic fluids replaced
- New rubber O ring on the oil dipstick
Thanks to Dave Bimm of Northstar Recreation and his staff. Rob, Paul and the mechanic (whose name I didn't catch) but who took the time to discuss the work he did.
Of course, just as we were there to pick it up a nasty thunder storm rolled through. I waited a while and then rode home around the back of it.
So now we will haul the trusty steed to Lake George in the trailer. I ride some miles once with a blown seal and it caused my front axle to become severely misaligned. Stay tuned for future developments.
We were less than 30 miles south of Lake George, on our way to Maine, earlier this month.
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