Nearly ready for Spain
I have so preoccupied preparing the bike lately, that it is only in last few days that the reality of the trip itself has had a chance to attract my attention.
Just as I managed to tick bike related 'things to do' off the list, more appeared to take their place. The ignition light decided to play up by not going out properly after the hard run back from Bristol last month. The next day it seemed to working fine so I tried to ignore it in the hope that it must have been just a poor contact at the brushes. There are plenty of cautionary tales about the folly of believing electrics have the ability to self-repair, so when it occasionally returned over the next couple of weeks I decided I really must have a look inside.
Any self-respecting BMW owner would be appalled at my reticence, as it a simple job to get at the brushes - just whip off the front engine cover and there they are. However, when you have your way impeded by a sidecar mounting designed by Heath Robinson in collaboration with the local scaffolding contractor, it does put you off a bit.
When I got to the brushes they looked fine, - a bit near to the end of their wear limits, but still ok. The mounting they sit in wasn't quite square on its fixing, so a good clean up and re-alignment seems to have done the trick.
The next trip was to North Devon over the Mayday weekend. A great trip to an area that I bypass too often on leaving the West Country. I do love the A39, even the naff touristy bits go through some of the most beautiful places.
Another little glitch with the electrics when it refused to turn over on the starter button - just went clackeddy-clack - had me worried for a moment. It bump-started easily and there hasn't been another hint of a problem since. I have bought a back-up battery for the trip just in case. I think it may a problem with the alternator over-charging, which may explain the problem in France when the previous battery boiled dry. It's something to sort out when I do the timing chain, methinks. In the meantime I shall drive with the lights on, to hopefully pull some of the excess charge off. No doubt someone who knows about these things will tell me that that is a pointless measure, - I look forward to receiving any wisdom on the subject!
In barnstaple a man came up to me outside a pub that he managed in a little street just outside the town centre. I am often approached like this, and I always enjoy sharing a few moments of bike-and-sidecar chat, apart from the ones who can only manage "WHERE'S GROMMIT THEN!!??" - I don't particularly mind the comment if it really makes their day, but somehow it just doesn't show any effort on their part at making conversation...
Anyway, this time, I was amazed to be told that he used to own the sidecar, and had sold it to the person I bought it off. We spent a very happy half hour exchanging information and stories about the old Palma. It was he who had fitted the mini hydraulic brake, the rack, rollbar, and towbar, and who had also had the 15" car rim made up that was now on the rear of the bike, - although it had a different bike in his time.
I had previously heard what I thought was a legendary tale of someone once managing to turn a sidecar over at speed, - and it was him. He recounted the details to me which involved a high speed tyre blow-out on a motorway with his friend in the chair, sending himself clear of the bike, but trapping his friend between the bike and the chair as it hurtled along the road wheels pointing to the sky. Luckily they both survived with only minor injuries. A real sidecar enthusiast!
The final weekend preparations included
- fitting the new front tyre - which has made a fantastic difference to the steering and general handling
- re-aligning the front calipers - they went out of alignment when I took the wheel out to fit the tyre
- putting a new sidelight housing on the front of the sidecar - identical to the original which was held on with glue which made changing the bulb a bit of a hassle
- re-aligning the sidecar (again) - I think I'm getting the hang of it now
- and of course the tappets - 0.0005" down on both exhausts, so I'm happy with that
- oil change - not quite due, but better to do too soon than leave it too late
- refixing the rear indicator (again) - this time with a new nut and bolt that won't budge.
So that brings me up to date... All ready to go; new tank bag; new maps; a tank full of petrol and, ohh yes - and a Spanish phrase book...
Will let you know when I'm back - hopefully with a few pics...
...asta luego!
