[BritishJim]

Onto the Yellowstone trip and prior to leaving, wanted to get the bike up to top form. First challenge was to put new front tyres on and would not be fair to expect my local dealer to do that. The TRiO owners manual is quite detailed on how to remove the wheels and, after getting all the necessary torque wrenches, sockets, cotter pins and other bits and bobs, had my friend come over and we managed to get the tyres off. I suspect that when I took it to an authorized TRiO dealer last year for brake work, they put the tyres on incorrectly with the rotation arrows going in the wrong direction. We took the tyres to our local Indian Pikes Peak dealer and had them mount the new tyres on the rims and the fellow repacked the wheel bearings. Put the tyres back on, making sure the rotation was correct and everything came out fine. Have to admit once turned one bolt and was greeted with brake fluid coming out, D'oh! Well, no problem, learned how to bleed the lines before and fixed that up. Was an all day project but very satisfied how that all came out.

Later, took the bike to the dealer for its 25,000 mile service and, as in the past, the service people at Pikes Peak Indian were super in working with me and understanding to treat this motorcycle like a two wheel as it will fall over. Whilst there, had them put on a new rear tyre so we're all set to go.

We are going with Ride America as an escorted tour through Wyoming and Yellowstone. They are out of North Carolina and they have their own semi-trailer to take your bike from North Carolina to Wyoming so you can ride your own bike. Being in Colorado, we're trailering the bike to the starting point which is Jackson Hole.

All loaded up, ready to go. Two things to note, first is the bag on top of the trunk rack that has our rain suits. We learned from our Route 66 part 1 a couple years ago to bring the suits regardless of what the weather says. Told Sandy no rain in the forecast and did not need them AND after going through a cold, soaking Missouri rain, we don't travel anywhere without them (or I'll be traveling without her). The other are the flag poles, looked like there was just, and I mean just, enough room from the top of the flag poles to the roof of the trailer. At our first stop on the way to Jackson Hole, checked on the bike and was rubbing the top, no worries, took the flags off for transport and will put them back on when we get there.

Speaking of flags, it was recently pointed out to me that the American flag is to be on the right side of vehicle. Earlier pictures above shows it mounted incorrectly and have since corrected that. From our United States Flag Code: When the flag is displayed on a motorcar, the staff shall be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender.

 

[Bird Dog]

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.

It sounds like the interesting motorcycle concept that you have, was destroyed by an imagined ev-powered boondoggle.

 

[Micmac]

Good on you Jim . You are a true Indian Man. Not many recall the days when there were no Indian Dealerships, no new parts available and not many to work on our bikes. That was especially commonplace when I first aquired my first Chief in 1972. When Gilroy bought the brand I was very happy and bought a 2002 Chief when the new proprietary "Bottlecap" engine came on the market , two years later they were bankrupt. We had no factory or dealerships to support us, warranty's were worthless. I had to replace my engine 3 times.. We learned ourselves and jokingly said, "eBay is my dealership". Then Kings Mountain bought the brand, again we rejoiced. All one had to do was cough up $40,000 and you could own one, which I gladly did. It seems those of us afflicted with the Indian Motorcycle fever live a life filled with valleys and mountains for the sake of the love of our brand. I can honestly state I have never regretted any of my choices related to Indian ownership and believe you are of the same mind just by following your dream. In fact I could not imagine my life without Indian Motorcycles and the friends I have met over the years. I have three of them in the barn at present. So ride on my friend. You will make it through these trials and tribulations because you were born for this. Please keep the updates flowing. Be safe.

 

[BritishJim]

Made it into Jackson Hole, today was getting everyone together. By everyone, this is a North Carolina family run tour of which they have 5 different tours they run once a year and everyone, but us, are from North Carolina and surrounding states. The bikes are loaded up in a trailer they own, they lease a semi tractor to move the bikes themselves. This morning was unloading the bikes (16 and ours makes 17 in total for this tour) prior to the group flying in.

Got to spend the extra time with our tour guides, Chris & Hillary, both motorcycle safety instructors. In the middle of this sea of Harleys is our lone Indian but, as usual, draws the attention.

 

[BritishJim]

Bit of a setback this morning, but first this comic strip I always keep handy when things go wrong.

The big day finally came, after months of preparation and excitement to start the first day of the Yellowstone tour, went out early morning, opened the trailer and saw the red light where I had left the TRiO system on all night. My heart sank as I knew the battery was fully drained. Indeed, tried to start but nothing. When I put the bike into the trailer, it goes into the two chocks and holds the bike up. Before getting off, I turn off the TRiO but failed to do that last night. Several of the tour group had the jump pack which we tried to no success. What broke my heart, seeing Sandy’s disappointment, rightly so, in watching everyone leave.

What’s done is done (idiot), like wise ass on the hill states, what do we do about it? Was able to borrow some tools to take the bike apart and get the battery out. Fortunately there was a NAPA store very close by that I could walk to and, by gosh, they had a replacement battery. Filled up the cells with acid and put the new battery in. Waited an hour, bike started right up. Went ahead and got a battery tender and hooked that up for a few hours. We did get out that afternoon without any further trouble. Funny side note, the fellow selling me the battery said it was 220, was that alright? I was puzzled, what do you mean 220? I need 12V! No, he was saying the battery cost $220.

Onto saving the day. Fortunately, this was planned as an easy first day for the group with a trip to Jenny Lake not far from Jackson. We got out there and enjoyed sitting in the quiet surroundings thankful how this all turned out. The Tetons are indeed impressive.

Another funny side note, whilst driving out we passed by an agricultural watering system that runs in a large circle. The end of the system was right up against the road and the last sprinkler was watering the road. KaDoush. No problem, dried off quite quickly.

 

[Chief T]

Bit of a setback this morning, but first this comic strip I always keep handy when things go wrong.
View attachment 815794
The big day finally came, after months of preparation and excitement to start the first day of the Yellowstone tour, went out early morning, opened the trailer and saw the red light where I had left the TRiO system on all night. My heart sank as I knew the battery was fully drained. Indeed, tried to start but nothing. When I put the bike into the trailer, it goes into the two chocks and holds the bike up. Before getting off, I turn off the TRiO but failed to do that last night. Several of the tour group had the jump pack which we tried to no success. What broke my heart, seeing Sandy’s disappointment, rightly so, in watching everyone leave.

What’s done is done (idiot), like wise ass on the hill states, what do we do about it? Was able to borrow some tools to take the bike apart and get the battery out. Fortunately there was a NAPA store very close by that I could walk to and, by gosh, they had a replacement battery. Filled up the cells with acid and put the new battery in. Waited an hour, bike started right up. Went ahead and got a battery tender and hooked that up for a few hours. We did get out that afternoon without any further trouble. Funny side note, the fellow selling me the battery said it was 220, was that alright? I was puzzled, what do you mean 220? I need 12V! No, he was saying the battery cost $220.
View attachment 815795
Onto saving the day. Fortunately, this was planned as an easy first day for the group with a trip to Jenny Lake not far from Jackson. We got out there and enjoyed sitting in the quiet surroundings thankful how this all turned out. The Tetons are indeed impressive.
View attachment 815796
Another funny side note, whist driving out we passed by an agricultural watering system that runs in a large circle. The end of the system was right up against the road and the last sprinkler was watering the road. KaDoush. No problem, dried off quite quickly.

That's the attitude we should all have!
Unfortunately, it's hard sometimes.😮‍💨😂
Enjoy the rest of your trip!

 

[BritishJim]

What a difference a day makes. Bike started up this morning with no problem at all and we got to join the group as we traveled through Yellowstone.

Stopped for lunch at Old Faithful and we got to watch as it erupted.

Up through Montana and into Idaho, past the potato fields (this is Idaho after all) so we could travel up the backside of the Grand Tetons. Was about 300 miles and this couple were quite tired but we wanted to push ourselves.

Tomorrow, back to Yellowstone and finishing up in Cody. Still doing a very early start, not because of the miles (200) but the number of stops he wants to make.

 

[BritishJim]

Back into Yellowstone, tour is designed to enter the park via different gates. Stopped at the mud pits with steam coming up all around us. This is The Dragons Mouth with water lapping out of the cave and rumblings coming from deep within by the steam escaping through the water.

'Buffalo Jams' are a common occurrence as you traverse the park, you can just make out Sandy's red helmet as that Buffalo strolls right behind us.

On to Lower Falls, the second most photographed feature of the park, second only to Old Faithful.

We end up in Cody, Wyoming where we'll spend the next two nights.

 

[BritishJim]

Today was about taking a break from riding if you choose, as my Sandy took advantage of (note the Trump paraphernalia tent next to the hotel and the gun store across the street where you can shoot a Gatling gun).

or take a ride across Big Horn Mountain Range, which is what I did. Twisty roads galore, great to have a bike that leans.

Really enjoyed staying in Cody, very patriotic and down-home American. Go into any shop that sells apparel and just about everything had a tag attached that said, "Concealed carry pocket". That evening, we throughly enjoyed the rodeo which they run every night during the summer.

 

[BritishJim]

Today was a real adventure in riding, the group went over Beartooth pass, elevation 11,000 with many, many turns. At the base, we pulled over to put on rain suits as a storm passed over us and cleared up after about 30 minutes.

Up through the pass, we learned that Sandy did just fine through most of the curves but the hairpin ones marked 20 mph we needed to do just that. The weather cleared up nicely and on the downhill side there was a rest stop where members of the Christian Motorcycle Association had set up a tent with water, juices and cookies which we all gladly appreciated. Sandy trying to coax the chipmunks that run around up there to come up on the rock to join the picture.

Down to the town of Red Lodge for lunch and then back up over Beartooth but this time the weather turned quite nasty with cold, heavy rain, sleet and lightning. What's interesting, mentioned about doing 20 mph around the hairpin curves and some of those behind us wanted to go much faster. Now with wet, icy road condition, they all slowed down even more. With the two wheels in the front of our bike, I had no problem at all making those curves. Certainly went slow but had no fear of the bike sliding out from under us. Surprising to myself, I took it all in as an experience (once in a lifetime, thank you).

We finished the day in Gardiner, Montana all glad to be warm and dry once again. Even got to say hello to some local residences.

 

[BritishJim]

Our last day of the tour starting with the Roosevelt Arch at the North entrance of the park which was built in the early 1900's thinking the park needed a grand entrance. Wasn't to honor then President Roosevelt, he happed to be vacationing there at the time of construction and did the dedication.

A stop off at Mammoth Hot Springs where Fort Yellowstone was located. The Army was tasked to bring 'civility' to the area establishing roads, medical care, policing and anti-poaching responsibilities. Did a little shopping and in this case wasn't what we bought but the Sinclair bag with the dinosaur on it that we wanted.

Last stop before leaving the park, the Grand Prismatic Spring. The vivid colours are from the microscopic organisms that not only survive in near boiling water but thrive.

 

[BritishJim]

To close out this trip, it was one we were glad we took to learn that we don't like this kind of tour (traveling with a group). The tour operator, Ride America, was just fine and did everything they said and advertised. We've now taken 3 long tours since getting the bike, the first being with a small group of 4 through Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Fe. Our issue with that was following a U-Haul truck and many times going 80 or 85 down the interstate. The second was on our own, following Route 66 from Barstow to Santa Fe, trailering the bike to a city and then riding a loop, all done at our own pace. Third was this most recent tour through Yellowstone, at times doing 60 within the park (roads are 45) and honestly felt like we flew through Yellowstone.

Having those 3 under our belt, we've concluded traveling with a group is just not for us. When we think back to the group tours, we liked the sights but did not enjoy the pace. The one we did on our own we remember with fondness and how much fun it was. We're not putting down any group tours, they are great for those who like traveling in a group with everything planned and scheduled. Being kinda, sorta retired (can choose when to work or not), we have the luxury of time and flexible when we want to spend more or less time somewhere. We really did have to go through those experiences to learn what works for us, so no regrets taking those group tours.

We've wanted to return to the Petrified Forest in Arizona which we did last year on our own. At that time, we could not do much walking but have since had surgery to fix that problem. We plan on going down next month in September, taking advantage of the cooler 70-ish deg weather.

We'll finish out this part of our TRiO/Indian adventure with our 'Christmas Card' shot for this year.

Previous Christmas Card shots from Route 66, Parts I & II

 

[2022RMCRL]

Thanks for keeping us posted, both about the conversion and your experiences with tours. Good info.

 

[BritishJim]

Here are a couple of things I learned from this trip. This was our first time traveling for several days carrying whatever we needed on on the bike. The rain suits, we learned from previous experience to always have with us, fit in the trunk rack bag. The particular model we have I could not find available so I guess no longer made.

We did make use of the trunk travel bag which worked out great. Holds a lot of stuff and makes it easy to bring the whole thing in and out of the hotel room and when packed, you know it will fit in the trunk.

With the trunk full up, there was no room for our helmets and the first time we stopped somewhere for lunch in a large parking lot, particularly out of sight of the motorcycle, we didn't want to carry around our helmets nor just leave them by the bike for fear our $800 Shoei helmets walking off on their own. Something we didn't think about beforehand and we learn every trip we take, eh? Another couple on the tour had a cable lock they use to lock their helmets and were able to secure ours with theirs. That evening, got a cable lock from a Target store that saw us through the rest of the tour and went looking for something with a longer and thinner cable when we got home. Found this adjustable cable lock on Amazon that is perfect for the job.

 

[Wharf Rat]

Having those 3 under our belt, we've concluded traveling with a group is just not for us.

Agreed. We find that a small group, ranging from 3 - 8 bikes is great. Not necessarily couples on each bike. Or, just the two of us. Small groups tend to be much more flexible. Also, it helps with finding seating at meal stops. Trying to seat a group of 10+ people can be a challenge.

A few years ago, I noticed that the hard trunk kind of limited packing. After a trip or two looking at my wife's soft bags, I decided to switch out. Now, we both use soft bags.

 

[BritishJim]

Couple more items of interest post trip. Sandy mentioned swinging the arm rests had become quite difficult (very stiff). I took out the lower screw with the intention to grease the pole only to discover that is not where the arm swings BUT in the process, noted you can adjust the height of the arms from that screw. As it turns out, Sandy liked having it up higher one notch. Did get the actual pivot points lubricated and swings much easier.

This next discovery I've not heard anyone talk about and was a major breakthrough for us. Sandy would say after a long ride how her ears hurt from our Shoei Neotec 2 but always said would live with it. This trip was the breaking point, after many days and hours of wearing the helmet her ears were killing her and said, "That's it, throw this thing in the trash". We tried cutting up some of the inner liner, helped but not the answer. Had resigned myself we would need to get a new helmet when, by accident, came across the Shoei Personal Fitting System.

Turns out there is a certified dealer 45 minutes away, Performance Cycle of Colorado in Centennial, next to Denver. Took her helmet up there and Evan, who does the fitting, was extremely knowledgable about fitting a helmet and the extensive customization you can do with a Shoei helmet. Evan diagnosed the problem with just one look as Sandy wore the helmet, was sitting too low and pressing down on her ears. He took measurements of her head, put padding in the top (crown) and also in the sides.

Sandy noted an immediate difference in the feel and was very pleased. We ordered a replacement liner for the one we cut up to make the helmet whole again.

As a lark, I put my helmet on, which I thought fit just fine, but it too was sitting too low and I did mention I seemed to be pushing the helmet back as was blocking my upper view. Evan again put pads on the crown to raise it and some to the sides. Not only is the vision better but the mesh part of the helmet that goes under your chin to keep air from blowing in actually fits under my chin now. Much better fit all the way around.

A personal fit is $60 and well worth the cost not only in getting a great fit and comfort from your helmet but, in our case, saved a couple of thousand dollars if we had to go a new helmet route.

 

[EvilMonkey]

Well … I can see from your picture you’re a level headed fellow … 😆

 

[Malgy]

Hi Jim, your travel stories always excite me, I read them with pleasure and I am fascinated by them. I deeply love America and I am fascinated by its landscapes, its culture and its history. You have a way of writing that makes me participate in the things you do and this makes me dream a little of being there.
I also like your considerations on the various technical choices you made, on the problems you had to face, etc.
Keep it up Jim.
Corrado.
(Sorry for my English)

 

[BritishJim]

Grazie Corrado, your English is perfect, sicuramente meglio del mio italiano, sì? Thank you for the kind words about America and allow me to reciprocate how beautiful Italy (and Europe) is. We had the fortune to spend time in Tuscany on a cooking vacation and everywhere the countryside was drop dead gorgeous and the cities fascinating,

especially those wanting to shop, eh?

 

[BritishJim]

We close out 2024 big trips with a return to the Petrified Forest. I say return as we were there last year as part of the Route 66 part II but could only do limited walking due to an ankle injury. Sandy has since had surgery to repair that earlier this year and it was goal to come back to walk places we could not before.

Stayed outside of Santa Fe on the way down at an actual Route 66 motor lodge, the Pecos Trail Inn. Wonderful hotel and location, away from the city and a restaurant on the property with fine Mexican food.

Next day, stopped for lunch in Grants, New Mexico at the Junkyard on 66 Brewery.

Went there for the BBQ but turns out it is an actual working junkyard, brewery, night club. Great BBQ, can you make out what they use for table tops?

Got into Holbrook, Arizona with a heck of a moonrise over the landscape.

Starting out on our Petrified Forest drive on an absolutely stunning day. Want to pause here at the entrance to talk about switching helmets.

The full face Shoei’s fit like a dream now having done the Shoei personal fit system. We both decided that in the park, we’d use our open face helmets as this is an easy drive and want to take in the view. Up to now, Sandy would not wear hers as she had trouble breathing once we got moving with the air flowing quickly past her. When we were at Performance Cycle in Denver getting the Shoei adjusted, the salesman suggested the Gmax Universal 3-snap Flip Shield and now Sandy really enjoys wearing her open face helmet and made all the difference getting the big picture vice what you see with the full face.

Knowing now what a properly fitting helmet should feel like, ordered a medium open face to replace my large which I never realized how loose it was.

What an easy pace, take in the sights ride stopping along the way with no rush or timetable. Got to the Crystal Forest part of the park where there is the walking trail we passed over last time and walked it with no problem at all.

Finished up at the main visitor building for a late lunch (good thing we scarfed those bagels from the Hampton Inn that morning to take with us) and got another Christmas card shot. This time set up the tripod, mounted the iPhone and used a remote shutter control I got off Amazon, worked like a charm.

Don’t have definite plans made on trips for next year but plenty of ideas. Will need to wait on that as we pay attention to a new addition to our family who is already criticizing my writing.