[Lennyz1]

Larry, now that is impessive. An average of over 55 MPH for the life of the bike. Now that is haulin ass!!

 

[Larry S]

Just an update for everyone, I’ve decided to replace the front forks with brand new ones. Why ? It’s just plain worn out, cross threaded,and the seals don’t hold for as long as they should. The steering head bearings will be replaced at the same time. This is normal maintenance for the pounding it takes with high mileage. I’ve had to replace these on other bikes I’ve owned but usually much sooner. This is a testament to the engineering for correct calibration rates in damping and preload. Expensive, yes, about 4,000 dollars, but it’s the first big repair bill I’ve had. Depends on when the forks come in, so a little oil drops on the floor to decorate the plain cement will be expected ! The bill is for all parts and labor. Ride safely everyone ! Larry

 

[RedRM]

Good news, I have read about some aftermarket forks that were alleged to be an improvement on this forum. I can't verify they are better or not just recall and interesting read about it. Keep trucking and keep us informed. Be safe

 

[RedChieftain]

Larry, you are incredible! Well done and thanks for keeping us wannabe's posted. Just curious, how do you rack up such miles? Do you ride every day and where do you ride? I'm guessing yes and everywhere.

 

[RedRM]

Pretty sure I read in an earlier post he did say he rode everyday before he started work. Doing the math. July 2014 to-date = 8 years.
8years x 365 days per year roughly 2920 days total. 450k ÷ 2920 aprox 155 miles per day for 8 years. Awesome, to be able to carve out time like that to a passion. Two wheel therapy

 

[RedRM]

Estimating 40 mpg that turns out 11,250 gallons of fuel run thru that bike. Probably best case. What an accomplishment

 

[DDBCK]

8 years have gone by now since I purchased my 2014 Chieftain on July 2nd, 2014,,,,,,,,,,,time sure goes by fast when you can enjoy what you’re doing. Here’s an odometer pic that’s just fun to look at ; had this been a mechanical odometer I’m sure it would have broken by now. I’m a little surprised that this digital odometer hasn’t malfunctioned after all that counting ! Stay safe everyone so you can ride again,,,,,,, Larry View attachment 695435

GOOD LAWRD!!! Fricken OUTSTANDING!!!

 

[Larry S]

Larry, you are incredible! Well done and thanks for keeping us wannabe's posted. Just curious, how do you rack up such miles? Do you ride every day and where do you ride? I'm guessing yes and everywhere.

When I was around 24 years old I knew that I needed to find a time of day that wouldn’t interfere with family or daily activities. The only time that seemed to consistently work well was around 5:30am - 9am. I farmed for 40 years so that meant chores had to be done in the dark (predawn). Now that I’m 69 and retired, I’m usually riding by 6-6:30am as it takes about 90 minutes in the morning to help my wife who is partially disabled from neuropathy and also from total knee replacement that didn’t work out to well. It will surprise all of you to know that I’ve never been more than 100 miles from home on this 2014 Chieftain. I also have chronic health conditions that prevent long distance travel. As far as where I ride, I have a route where half of the ride is next to the Mississippi River and the rest is quiet, twisty, back roads that have little to no stop signs. I have a 160 mile loop that only has 2 stop lights and 5 stop signs that I can usually turn right on for safety sake. I’m content to ride the same roads and routes every day without boredom because riding is the only destination I need for fulfillment and happiness. I’m usually home by 9:30am at the latest and maybe a short ride of 50 miles in the afternoon if time permits. Minnesota is difficult to ride high annual mileage but piling on the layers can get 9 months out of the year if the snow is limited. Hope this helps you understand that I’m not an endurance rider, just a persistent one ! Larry

 

[RedRM]

Well done so sorry for all your challenges. Happy that you have an outlet to keep your head straight. My father explained that life to me as well. All the farming chores had to be done before school. Best of luck and safe riding. I am a fan!

 

[RedChieftain]

Thank you, Larry. I am a fan too. I'm also very thankful for your latest post. It has inspired me to consider something. Thank you.

 

[RedChieftain]

Larry,
I have been dealing with a painful lower back issue that has kept me off my bike for way too long. This morning I woke up and thought, "I need to get back on the bike and try to get some enjoyment while I and the doctors work at getting the diagnosis straight.". I felt better just having that thought. Then I read your post and wow, I was inspired! I rode today! I still have the same pain, but it is no worse from having ridden and I feel so good having ridden. Thank you. Your story is so impressive and inspiring, Larry. Good for you for being such a good husband. I feel for both you and your wife and am so impressed by the way you are living your life. Your story is one that cries out for recognition and I'm going to do my best to see that your story gets told.
Keep on keeping on and be safe, Larry.

 

[Larry S]

Larry,
I have been dealing with a painful lower back issue that has kept me off my bike for way too long. This morning I woke up and thought, "I need to get back on the bike and try to get some enjoyment while I and the doctors work at getting the diagnosis straight.". I felt better just having that thought. Then I read your post and wow, I was inspired! I rode today! I still have the same pain, but it is no worse from having ridden and I feel so good having ridden. Thank you. Your story is so impressive and inspiring, Larry. Good for you for being such a good husband. I feel for both you and your wife and am so impressed by the way you are living your life. Your story is one that cries out for recognition and I'm going to do my best to see that your story gets told.
Keep on keeping on and be safe, Larry.

Thanks for the kind words, we have something in common, BACK PAIN !!! I have dealt with sciatica for 50 years, a blood clot in the left eye 12 years ago that left me with 20/80 vision and problems with double vision, I also have Meniere’s disease which is a lot of vertigo trouble, and illeitis which is like colitis only higher up. When one has health problems a person has to make a choice, accept your limitations and make the best of it,,,,,,,,,,, or feel sorry for yourself and stop enjoying what you can still do. A friend of mine that had more disabilities than me told me many years ago when I said I feel sorry for him he replied, “ Don’t worry about me cause I’m going down kicking “. I have never forgotten that, it has inspired me to be humble yet determined to go down kicking in life. A visit to the nursing home always sends me home feeling fortunate and thankful, rather than jealous and envious of someone with good health. Caring for someone you love is easy and hard at the same time. I wish you and all the members of this forum many blessings in dealing with health problems,,,, when we fight back against our disabilities it makes us stronger.

 

[Larry S]

On a different subject, high mileage always comes with more tire trouble. My E4 Dunlop picked this quarter inch by 2 inch bolt today,,,,, usually it’s roofing nails or screws,,,,,, this was a first for me puncturing with a flat end bolt. The tire only has 1,500 miles on it ! ( rear tire )

 

[RedChieftain]

What a drag. In all my years of riding I've fortunately, very fortunately, only had two punctures, both on the rear. My first one, after many years of riding, was on a new tire with only 750 miles on it, like yours. That blunt sucker you showed must have been angled just right, or just wrong.

 

[Larry S]

Just an update for everyone, I’ve decided to replace the front forks with brand new ones. Why ? It’s just plain worn out, cross threaded,and the seals don’t hold for as long as they should. The steering head bearings will be replaced at the same time. This is normal maintenance for the pounding it takes with high mileage. I’ve had to replace these on other bikes I’ve owned but usually much sooner. This is a testament to the engineering for correct calibration rates in damping and preload. Expensive, yes, about 4,000 dollars, but it’s the first big repair bill I’ve had. Depends on when the forks come in, so a little oil drops on the floor to decorate the plain cement will be expected ! The bill is for all parts and labor. Ride safely everyone ! Larry

All the parts came in ( took 6 months) and were installed today. New front forks,front brake rotors and pads, steering head bearings, Cush drive, and front and rear Dunlop E4’s. Now it handles like it should, what’s next ?, probably the rear Fox shock absorber ( which is currently out of inventory) but some dealers have a few in inventory, just not near me. The rear suspension is original but functions adequately for now. Worth the 4 grand ? I’m happy, feels like a new bike just don’t look like one, doesn’t matter to me as long as it runs and gets me back home for the next ride ! Larry

 

[RedRM]

Continue to impress. I am only getting started but enjoying every mile.
Be well.