[BritishJim]

 

[pioneerscot]

Got home just fine although the weather people flat out lied about being sunny & warm. Rainy, windy and 50 deg (tell me again about that global warming thing?). Had enough of riding and parked it in the garage. During this 'down time', worked on some projects I've been saving for when I got the bike back. Installed the Rivco trunk relocation kit, moving it back 2" and the Kuryakyn filler pad, Sandy loves the extra room. Put on the Indian driver backrest and bracket (and I really like that). Added the Captain Itch heat shield. Really shaping up to how we want the bike.
View attachment 639932
View attachment 639933
Up next will be to get a trailer to put the bike on. We'd rather trailer it to a destination and be fresh to enjoy riding two lane roads than blasting down the interstate. We're going up to Arvada this Friday to check out The Ultimate Trailers. I will continue this tread, keeping on topic of Tilting Motor Works and my learning experience using it and start a new one concerning Ultimate Trailers.

Interesting article, I underlined this filler for the trunk relocation, do you happen to have the part number for this filler pad, I will be looking for black, but I can’t even seem to find the pad anywhere for some reason, probably me.

 

[BritishJim]

I am only finding one place that says they still sell those filler pads, WitchDoctor's. Black Filler Pad – P/N 5647. I suspect Kuryakyn no longer makes these as they do not even list it on their website.

Alternatively, RIVCO, who mades the trunk relocation bracket also sells a filler pad. Liked the Kuryakyn but if you can't get that then the RIVCO looks a lot better than blank space between the seat and trunk.

 

[BritishJim]

With a bit of a snowstorm outside and being semi-retired, I don't have to go anywhere if I don't want to!, good time for a mid Winter update.

Let's start off with the ST2 Brake Module. After the Route 66 trip, learned the importance of letting those behind you know you're engine braking. I had purchased the module sometime ago but chickened out after removing the seat and just knew I would screw things up and gave the module away. ST2 was running a promotion for $40 so thought let's give it another go. I spent time with my shop manual and learned the proper wires to connect, which was good as the instructions given by ST2 were completely off. It took over two months for the unit to come from Slovenia and it was not the same type construction as the first one I gave away. The older unit was solid state that you could position to just turn on the brake light or flip over and have the brake lights flash. This newer unit was flimsy and the sensor was simply a tube with a ball that moved back and forth. I did connect the unit and indeed the brake light lit up, every time you don't want, just whenever any movement was detected. Guess ST2 decided to make a very cheap product for the reviews report the same thing. Just threw the thing away and will flash the brake lights the old fashioned way.

Got tired of not being able to see my LCD screen in sunlight and decided to have it replaced thinking mine was simply worn out. Wished I had spent a bit more time researching that on this Indian Net as the fact the odometer starts back at zero caught both myself and the mechanics by surprise. What's worse, it made no difference at all with the brightness. Oh well, what's done is done and other people can only wish for such problems.

On a more positive note, been wanting to get my IronHorse trailer painted something other than the white colour it comes with.

As I called around, ran into some difficulty, 1) Too busy, 2) Don't paint trailers or 3) want over $5,000. Gave Maaco a call who was able to paint for $1,600. It's their least inexpensive paint, some overspray is noted when you open the doors, but so what, I just wanted one solid colour that was close to my car. Looks a lot better now. If you do use Maaco, the shops are independently run and some don't paint trailers. I lucked out and found one that did.

Taking advantage of the occasional +50deg temp in Colorado, got out for a ride. After awhile, the motor just did not sound right, had a horrible idle and was loud. I had just filled up the tank and thought it might be 'bad gas'. Syphoned out 3/4 of a tank and filled up elsewhere with no change. Got it over to the dealer and turned out to be some bolts that came loose on the exhaust. The repair invoice stated, "Left slip-on was missing the bolt on the clamp. The front cylinder head pipe was missing one of the nuts that secured head. Replace both and put new gaskets in the exhaust." The service writer said normally would take a week before they could get to it but was able to 'shift' things around and got the job done in a few hours. There was a thread started on this Indian Net about giving a tip to the mechanics and some saying they pay enough as it is, why should they? Understand and certainly nothing says you have to. I've been taking my bike to Pikes Peak Indian since I bought it a few years ago and have gotten to personally know the mechanics who work on the bike, and they me. I am not shy about giving praise (both verbal and monetarily) for taking extra care of this TRiO converted bike, as well as, the fine mechanical service they perform. I would suspect this relationship was the difference in my getting the bike repaired in three hours vice one week. Fired up the bike and now back to its low rumble I've come to know and love.

We're in the planning stages for some trips this summer, South Dakota (Mount Rushmore, Devils Tower), Part II of Route 66 (California to New Mexico) and of course everyones must do item, the Wizard of Oz museum in Wamego, Kansas, Yeah!!. Plans are to trailer the bike to where we are going and then do 'loops' with the bike.

 

[BritishJim]

A few pictures of our trip through Wyoming & South Dakota. Trailered the bike up to Custer, South Dakota and made that our home base for a few days.

First day was riding through Custer State Park, very scenic, easy pace and various visitor centres. Highlight was seeing the Buffalo, straight out of ‘Dances with Wolves’.

Next day up to Mount Rushmore and over to Sturgis. Was inspiring to see Mount Rushmore, lots to learn how it was made. We both had the same reaction, “Seems smaller in person”.

In no way are we part of the ‘Sturgis’ crowd but wanted to say we have at least been there and picked up a Sturgis t-shirt from the Indian dealer.

Last day was a planned drive to Devils Tower but weather was not looking good, and not just light rain. If you have been following Hinks’ recent post, “Low-profile tires on touring rigs = no bueno”, their experience through bad weather, we would have faced nearly the same situation. We decided to trailer the bike to Moorcroft, Wyoming and if the weather was reasonable, would bike to Devils Tower. It was cold, windy and pouring rain in Moorcroft. Where we stopped to eat, there were real motorcyclists taking shelter with one saying she needed another coat. We drove up to the park entrance and there was a spot for RV’s and those towing trailers to park, two miles from the actual parking lot (which is limited in size).

The weather was nice enough, we got the bike out and rode the two miles (got to park in the special motorcycle area). Fellow pulled up next to us saying he was doing 600 miles a day, was ready to brag about our two miles but, perhaps not.

There was fog around the tower but as we walked around it (was the best part of this trip), it cleared up. Back down and loaded the bike back on the trailer. Coming home we ran into thick fog, driving rain and hail. Yes, made the right choice.

 

[BritishJim]

We are about to start Route 66, Part II (Barstow to Santa Fe). Last year was an escorted tour from Chicago to Santa Fe, this time we're on our own and trailer most of the way with planned bike rides at certain stops. Don't care for all the interstate travel and we like our luggage. Want to catch up on a few things before we set off and post our travel.

Got the last vestige of self-inflicted damage I did early on in my learning to ride the TRiO. There was a tick-tick-tick sound, and whilst I suspected it was that half empty bottle of Jose Cuervo Especial Gold Tequila rolling around in the trunk, turned out it was worn pins in the front calipers. Had the closest TRiO dealer, which is in Salt Lake City, change those out and the sound is gone. Found the front brakes to be 'mushy' afterwards and was able to use a hand vacuum pump to bleed the lines, now work like a champ.

We have several trips with our Ironhorse trailer under our belt, and noticed chips in the front from the back car tyres shooting out rocks.

I will be getting that repaired and have a clear bra fitted but wanted even more protection. Went looking for some type of mud flap I could put on my SUV and turns out there is a company just down the road from me called Cruiser Accessories who makes a product called Rock Tamers. Stopped by and said if they would put it on, I would buy it. They replied if they could take pictures they would. Deal!

It is sold as a kit that you cut the flaps to size and is attached to the trailer hitch. Should definitely help cut way down on those flying rocks. Will at least prevent further damage for this trip. All set and heading out to our starting point, Barstow.

 

[BritishJim]

And we're off for Route 66 Part II

North to Denver then West on I-70 until we hit I-15 in Utah and down to Barstow where we pick up Route 66 and head East to Santa Fe. Still en route to Barstow and along the way we stop at major attractions.

Second largest watermelon slice, Green River, Utah (Makes me wonder who has the largest?)

Giant soda cans (oil tanks actually) Salina, Utah. At one time, one of them was a Dr. Pepper and being a Waco, Texas boy addicted to that stuff, was a bit disappointed. Oh well, life is full of disappointments, eh?

 

[BritishJim]

Still working our way to Barstow, stopping for those ace attractions, here the Giant License Plate Spider in St. George, Utah. The state gave the sculptor the license plates that were confiscated, meaning all from stolen cars. The thing is lit, bet it looks creepy at night.

Worlds tallest thermometer in Baker, California. Got the pleasure of now being in California to start paying $7 a gallon for gas...

We made it to Barstow and time to start riding.

 

[Wharf Rat]

@BritishJim
Just curious. How is that RX-350 for towing your trailer?

 

[davidhulbert0365]

what is the cost of putting the two wheels on front of indian?

 

[BritishJim]

@BritishJim
Just curious. How is that RX-350 for towing your trailer?

The RX-350 has no problem at all towing the loaded Ironhorse trailer. Has plenty of power to go full speed up hills. The trailer itself is very aerodynamic, you don't even realize it's back there. I bought the SUV with the towing prep package which includes engine and transmission oil coolers, heavy-duty radiator and cooling fan. They call it 'prep' as you have to add the tow hitch but the electrical hookup is there.

 

[BritishJim]

what is the cost of putting the two wheels on front of indian?

The Tilting Motor Works conversion is $14,000 plus dealer installation. If you are wanting to colour match the fenders, that is an additional cost. For me, the total cost was $18,000.

 

[BritishJim]

First official Route 66 stop is the California Route 66 Museum in Victorville, Calif. A free museum run by volunteers, they did a really nice job and worth visiting

Here is one of those surprise moments if you allow it. Riding back from Victorville to Barstow, stopped at The Red Hen Cafe for lunch was absolutely jammed with people and had a bunch of vintage/hot rods there.

Asking what was going on, was grand opening for change of ownership and name (formerly Molly's cafe). Got to meet the owner and really enjoyed the atmosphere.

Welcome to California. This was a gas station in Ludlow. Interesting in this area, we went to three different gas stations with 'convenience stores' and none of them had fountain drinks. Guess ice is rare there.

Now for some real Route 66, you have to get off I-40 and take actual Route 66 to get to Roy's in Amboy, Calif. Again, special as got to talk with the two ladies trying to revive the station to include cabins to stay the night and perhaps getting the cafe running. They recently got the neon working again on the sign and expect 2 years to get the cabins done.

 

[Kitulu]

Those gas prices...

 

[BritishJim]

Those gas prices...

We stayed in Needles, Calif last night and the price of gas (for premium) at the station next to the hotel was $8 a gallon, I am not joking. Today we traveled into Arizona and just over the state line the price was $5 a gallon.

 

[BritishJim]

Ventured off Route 66 to Lake Havasu, Arizona. Took a boat ride over to one of the canyons, then lunch by the London Bridge. Heck of a story how this bridge in England came to be in the desert of the US. I remember taking a ride on the river Thames in London and the narrator remarked about London bridge being sold to the Americans who thought the London bridge was actually Tower Bridge and boy were they surprised when they opened the box.

Back on Route 66 and this part not for the faint of heart. Called 'The Sidewinder', has 191 turns, 8 miles, no guardrails but it's how you get to Oatman, Arizona if you want to feed the burros that roam the streets.

Into Kingman, Arizona and obligatory photo under the Route 66 sign which is conveniently next to the Arizona Route 66 museum. Went a block off the main drag and enjoyed some BBQ at a local spot.

One of the highlights of the trip, traveling on one of the longest, still useable, stretches of Route 66 from Kingman to Seligman, Arizona. Along the way, stop at Hackberry general store. No signs telling it's coming up, many blow past it thinking it is just another old derelict building but is worth stopping.

Whilst there, an escorted German group stopped in giving me a chance to once again embarrass the United States by trying to speak my very weak German, Scheiße! I continue to enjoy my red & ivory cream, TRiO converted, Indian Roadmaster in what I think is a unique and special motorcycle when compared to these groups of black (and one blue in this case) Harleys.

Into the town of Seligman and pay a visit to Angel & Vilma's gift shop which contains Angel Delgadillo's barber shop. Angel is important to Route 66 as in 1978, Interstate 40 opened up and the town was completely bypassed. Angel created the Arizona Route 66 association to sell Route 66 memorabilia and caught on over the entire stretch of Route 66 bringing it back to life. The Pixar 'Cars' film was based on that story and the experience of Seligman.

 

[BritishJim]

Made it to the "Here It Is" Jack Rabbit gift shop. This is the place you see signs for hundreds of miles along Route 66.

Trains are a-plenty along 66 through Arizona. While next to the famous sign, Sandy waved to the engineer and got a long train blast in return. Life can have simple pleasures.

A trip through the Petrified Forest and, like most ignorant Americans, had to look up on just why the wood was petrified. Been an educational trip.

How can you ride an Indian along Route 66 and pass up staying in a Wigwam, eh? At one time there were many of these across the country, now just two, this one in Holbrook, Arizona and the other in California.

 

[BritishJim]

Coming to the close of our Route 66 Part II adventure, has been everything we hoped for and then some. Working our way through Gallup, New Mexico, always happy to stop at a 50's diner for lunch. Just like the TRiO equipped Indian, people come by asking about the trailer.

Stopping in Grants for another sign shot

We thought to splurge and stay at the resort downtown Santa Fe for a couple of days

The Inn is built around the Loretto Chapel which is famous for the Miraculous Staircase.

What tickled me is the exit leads to the gift shop with all your religious needs including racks of your favorite patron saint (and there are a lot) in action figure form.

Santa Fe is truly a wonderful city to spend time in with a vibe all its own. Full of shops & restaurants downtown and markets you can purchase authentic Indian made goods by the artists themselves.

 

[BritishJim]

With a snowstorm predicted over the weekend, got everything set to enjoy a staycation at home and get some things done I’ve been putting off, one of which is a mid-winter update on our TRiO adventures. Starting with the TRiO, working flawlessly and after several years and a few thousand miles, can say am quite comfortable and proficient with both my basic motorcycle skills and effectively using the TRiO system. It really is a joy to be able to seamlessly transition between a three wheel that holds itself up to a bike that leans through the curves and corners.

A known issue with the TRiO system is traveling slowly, with the tilt lock on over gravel roads, the rider will feel the bike aggressively pitching over and righten. A solution was developed dubbed ‘Parade Mode’, which adds a secondary switch that keeps the TRiO locked continuously while under 7mph. At the start of 2021, Arcimoto purchased Tilting Motor Works primarily to gain ownership of the tilting system patent developed by Bob Mighell and any effort to complete parade mode was halted. Since October of last year, I have attempted to reach Arcimoto management to encourage resumption of parade mode. After many e-mails, certified letters, and voicemails, absolutely zero response. Somewhat not surprising, while I understand Arcimoto’s desire for the tilting technology, their mission, “to catalyze the shift away from oversized and overpriced polluters choking our roadways and planet to a sustainable transportation system of right-sized, ultra-efficient EVs”

seems to be incompatible with powerful, gasoline running, throaty sounding machines of TRiO owners.

Had some work done on the IronHorse trailer, starting with having it repainted as it had developed quite a number of rock dings in the front from our trips. In attempt to prevent, as best can, future dings I’ve added the Rock Tamers to the back of the SUV that was covered earlier in this thread. To go a step further, we had a clear bra put on the lower front. The owner of Clear Cut 2.0 did a fantastic job working around the angles and curves. Should definitely hold those rocks at bay, eh?
Before

After

Felt it was time to add some flags and ordered a couple from X50 Flag Mounts. Am very impressed with the quality of both the mounts and flags.

You will note the poles are not quite straight up and down, I did that on purpose so that our rack bag, where we keep our rain suits, can fit. Think it worked out just fine.

After getting everything screwed down and put away, looked at the flags next to the trailer. Then came the thought, “Can I close the top with these flags in place?” D’oh! Went ahead and loaded the bike in and it just clears. Dumb luck, but I'll take it.

We have some trips planned for this Summer, one is traveling the million dollar highway that goes between the small towns of Silverton and Ouray in Southwest Colorado. Another is a week long escorted tour with Ride America through Wyoming.

Phil says we'll have a short winter so perhaps we'll all be back on the road soon.

 

[BritishJim]

We are starting out on our Yellowstone / Wyoming tour and whilst in the hotel room, can take time to update the goings on with adventures in TRiO land. First off, was asked about the status of Tilting Motor Works and posted the following in another thread in this Indian forum and wanted to put it here so I continue to have everything TRiO in one place.

In January 2021, Arcimoto bought Tilting Motor Works for 10 million, mostly in the form of stock which was over $600/share at the time. Today, that stock has been delisted off the NASDAQ and is now on Over The Counter at 12¢/share. I would refer you to the Arcimoto website as to the electric vehicles they make but as mentioned, there is no website nor is there one for TMW and hasn't been since March. The power lines to their building in Eugene was physically cut around that time. Arcimoto bought TMW to acquire the tilting patent for their FUV electric three wheel vehicles and could care less about Tilting Motor Works. In fact, whilst there was still a website, Arcimoto mission statement was, “to catalyze the shift away from oversized and overpriced polluters choking our roadways and planet to a sustainable transportation system of right-sized, ultra-efficient EVs”. The synergy between their FUV vehicles and TRiO are worlds apart.

I get asked every time I stop somewhere about my TRiO, I used to hand out little book markers with TMW information but today, cannot recommend getting the system even though I fully believe in it. When I first took my newly installed TRiO, several years ago, to my local Indian dealer, I had hopes there might be interest in them becoming a TMW dealer. The owner wanted nothing to do with it. Fortunately, the maintenance department has been very supportive. Recently I was at the dealer and they were clamoring to find out about TMW as several customers have been asking about it. Finally, the ice was broken to at least inquire about being a dealer but, there is no TMW to be found.

I see one of two things happening, 1) Arcimoto revives on its own, of which I hold out little hope of or 2) Arcimoto goes into bankruptcy and what assets left are sold with TMW hopefully going to a buyer that believes in the system.

In the meantime I don’t see my young bride and I quietly zipping down Route 66 in our electric FUV stopping every 100 miles for 5 hours to recharge. I’ll take my roadway choking polluting motorcycle anytime over a right-sized EV.