This evening I did a bit of maintenance on Kiki: check oil, check coolant level, and check battery water level. I also removed some wiring I had added to rig up a Garmin GPS unit that I no longer use.
Then I went for a few laps around my neighborhood testing out different GoPro settings, and I have found that on my GoPro Hero9, Wide with High stabilization seems to be best. This is for the chin-mounted camera position. I want to add a handlebar cam that points back at me, and I have a mount set up for either GoPro or iPhone. I just need to test it out. Maybe later this weekend. 😀
This morning I went on an old-fashioned cruise through the Texas Hill Country. We live close to a popular route for motorcyclists: RM 1431. The best stretch winds from Cedar Park to Marble Falls, filled with long sweepers, and many ups and downs. There are only a couple sharper bends, but nothing I’d call a twisty, and as long as you use the speed warning signs as your cue, you’ll be fine. In fact, I’d say the lowest your speedometer would drop to is maybe 45 mph / 72 kph, and I tend to ride conservatively.
I’ve ridden RM (Ranch-to-Market) 1431 many times, and it’s always really fun. It’s nice to just cruise at a leisurely pace or you can twist the wrist a bit and see what your motorbike can do. There are even several slow-vehicle passing sections too which can be helpful.
I prefer to ride in the early morning when there are barely any cars. On the way to Marble falls at 7:30 am, there were only a handful of other motorists, but on the way home, I saw a lot more cars and motorcycles heading in the other direction. So if you’re like me and prefer the open road, head out early!
Please check out the POV videos I recorded on the ride:
Kiki’s home again, all fixed up! Her fuel pump went kaput and old gas had to be cleaned out, but she’s all better. I also gave her a wash, replaced the brake fluid, and lubed the chain. Next up is an oil change, coolant change, and some battery maintenance. And then she’ll be good as new!
Kiki is going to the repair shop today to get fixed up. Not sure why she won’t start up, but hopefully it won’t cost too much. Of course BMWs are expensive to maintain, but luckily this is the first time for repair. Fingers crossed!
So, I rinsed her off today, which is maybe the third time (in 10 years) that I have done that. Usually it’s the rain that does it… hey, Kiki’s a GS. She’s meant to have a bit of dirt on her, right?
