My original plan was to skip the 2015 Iron Butt Rally (IBR). Its a big time and money commitment, and I'd just used up my vacation each of the last four years on big multi-day rallies. But when the application process for the 2015 Iron Butt Rally opened up last year, and the start was announced as Albuquerque, NM., I gave in to temptation again.
This time should be a much easier effort. Besides starting and finishing 1500 miles closer to home, The trusty FJR 1300 and I were fully prepped and ready for another adventure. Best laid plans...
In September, everything changed. Shortly after leaving Kernville, CA on Hwy 178, a coyote appeared in my headlights and path. I avoided it, but crashed as a result. Without going into great detail, I survived with a cracked rib, lots of contusions, cracked finger joint, sprained right hand and one tiny road rash. ATTGATT. Big plug for the SPOT personal locator beacon. there was no cell or radio where I crashed. SPOT brought the authorities in 10 minutes! Took an ambulance ride to the ER for a night's stay and a few days off work.
The FJR did not do so well. It looked pretty good, but those precious Yamaha parts add up fast. Yep - totaled.
I stripped off my best farkles a few days later and walked away from 80k miles of incredible riding comfort and performance.
A few weeks later with insurance check in hand, I was looking for a new ride. I'd planned to get a Gold Wing after the IBR, but events pushed up the clock. I found a pristine 2006 Gold Wing at a local dealer, and when I felt up to it, took it out for test ride.
A few haggles later, and the new ride is home. Let the farkling begin. The first challenge - mounting the GPS. The Wing has an on-board GPS, but it's not good for rallying. I added RAM bar mounts to each side and fitted the Zumo 590LM to the left handlebar. Wiring is secured down the left bar, under the shelter to the auxiliary power under the left glove box. Grommeted holes pass audio and USB connectors into the left box. An adapter connects the bikes audio-out into the 590, so I have lots of options for audio.
The right handlebar holds my GPSMAP 478. I don't usually run two GPS, but Want to have the mount ready in case of malfunction.
I added another RAM mount to the dash to support the SPOT and radar detector. I fabricated a support for the detector that bolts between the ram mount and the SPOT holder. My Cockpit is now complete.
After obsessing about driving light options, I remembered a set of Hella FF50s on my parts shelf. These were paired with some PIAA-type under mirror mounts from CA Sport Touring. The lights added a new complexity. Where to put the switch? I needed to mount a SPDT switch somewhere that had center off; on with high beams, on with low beams. I ended up mounting the switch just below the NAVI display, after removing the rectangular Honda badge. Power routed directly from battery through a relay to the lights.
I think these are all the electronics I need to add to the cockpit.
For comfort, grip puppies and Airhawk seat pad were added. The grip puppies make the grips fit my large hands better. The Airhawk offers a little better padding on a long day. For the first time, I don't think I need a custom seat.
Rallying requires a tank bag, and that's a challenge on a Goldwing. There are lots of buttons where the "tank" is. I found a bag designed specifically for the Wing at The Electrical Connection. It gives me a place to store my rally flag & book, snacks, spare gloves, flashlight, etc. the top is a transparent map pocket. This fits my system. I plan and list each leg bonus and stop in order on 3x5 cards. The day's card and notes are shown in the map window.
The Hydration system from the FJR will strap on the Wing, delivering a gallon of cold water on those desert crossings.
The Hydration system from the FJR will strap on the Wing, delivering a gallon of cold water on those desert crossings.
We've also been riding two-up more often, so I picked up a spare rear wheel, mounted with a Yokohama car tire. The handling is very good, and is much better than the MC tire with a full load. It's a run-flat, for added safety.
Tire pressure monitors were added to each wheel. The Zumo 590LM monitors them and warns of low pressure. They make checking pressures much easier too.
A Superbrace was added to the front forks. Seems to be an improvement.
My next item to tackle was the extra fuel tank. I have a 4.8 gallon tank from the FJR, and since the FJR and Wing have the same main tank size, it would still be a legal 11.4g total (11.5 is the max). However, after lots of fabricating and positioning, I can't find a position will allow the trunk to open, Sold the old tank and got a Firecreek Quicktank. Beautiful tank solution - a little $pendy. The tank is now plumbed in, everything is prepped for the big show in June.
That's all for now - Next post in July :)
A Superbrace was added to the front forks. Seems to be an improvement.
My next item to tackle was the extra fuel tank. I have a 4.8 gallon tank from the FJR, and since the FJR and Wing have the same main tank size, it would still be a legal 11.4g total (11.5 is the max). However, after lots of fabricating and positioning, I can't find a position will allow the trunk to open, Sold the old tank and got a Firecreek Quicktank. Beautiful tank solution - a little $pendy. The tank is now plumbed in, everything is prepped for the big show in June.
That's all for now - Next post in July :)
