Monday, December 19, 2011

Tahuya... with Special Guest Star

Swamp Monster and Ghostface KLR rode dirt bikes on Sunday with TDC Special Guest Star Ruthie. She did well. So did the dudes.

Special Guest Star Ruthie had the distinct pleasure of riding the unstoppable TDC XR250R. Ghostface KLR is quoted stating "I was damn impressed with how well she did for her first dirt bike ride ever. We took her down some fairly tough trails and she kept making it over everything. She was pretty exhausted by the end of the day. Never once did she not make it over any nasty roots. It was impressive."

In addition to the usual extremely sick, tight, and twisty single track that is usually ridden on a hardcore TDC Tahuya ride, a dirt road straight section was encountered. Swamp Monster's CRF250X actually hit a GPS-verified 63 mph -- a first for that Honda.

Here are the tracks that got laid.


Download this track (.gpx format)

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Tahuya... More GPS Tracks

On December 4, 2011, Swamp Monster, Ghostface KLR, and MotoBum hit the trails of Tahuya State Forest for more dirt bike riding fun.

Ghostface KLR's Gas Gas EC300 proved once again to have as much power on the trails as a Honda CBR900RR with a pipe, carb mods, and a big-bore kit. His ride was supposedly easier to control with the freshly installed G2 Throttle Cam System 400. It wasn't. MotoBum test rode the bike down Randy's Water Stop. After 30 feet he stopped, handed the machine back, and said "yeah, that's awesome."

Swamp Monster sat out the last bit of the ride after getting a bit banged-up on the leg during a near-crash. He was resting in the truck when The Man (law enforcement official) showed up to issue the $99 fine for not having a Washington State Discovery Pass displayed. He tried to sweet-talk The Man out of issuing the mandatory enforcement fine. It didn't work.

MotoBum almost became Swamp Monster II during the final leg. A piece of lumber floating in a deep, long, puddle washed out the front end of his WR250F, throwing him down to the left. The piece of lumber had been ridden over no less than three times on this ride. Having taken him by surprise, he fell down... but only onto an embankment and not under water. He got up. He backed out of the deep water. He started the thing. He rode.

Here are the GPS tracks from the first leg of this ride.


Download this track (.gpx format)

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Rusty Nipples


Nipple_0747
Originally uploaded by groader

The decision to re-spoke the wheels for the '74 Triumph T100R has been made. I was hoping they wouldn't need it. I removed the 30+ year old tires and tubes to find rust and corrosion (of conformity) all over the spoke nipples and inner rim. Dang.

Other than the extra time and money powder coating the rims and buying new spokes the project is going well.
Pictures of freshly painted parts ready for assembly are in the Flickr set.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

The Newest Addition


Ducati_508
Originally uploaded by groader

Even more motivation to complete the Triumph T100R project.

The next project is waiting in the garage.
A '66 Ducati 250 Scrambler.
The bike is almost completely stock. The bars are aftermarket, but I have the originals that came off it. I think I'll have to add a horn to bring it up to street legal, but that is a small price to pay.

I've got to get the Triumph done so I can get this beauty up and running!

Swamp Monster Gets More Famous

Swamp Monster's photo shot during The Dirty Crew's Arctic Ocean Expedition makes the AltRider November 2011 Newsletter cover!


Saturday, November 12, 2011

Swamp Monster's Medivac

1990 Honda XR250R - $1100 (West Seattle)

Date: 2011-11-11, 2:42PM PST
Reply to: sale-s8x8w-2697634859@craigslist.org


Because one "R" isn't enough!

The Dirty Crew is selling the beloved XR.
This bike has been there for us and seen us through tough times.

Affectionately nicknamed "Medivac" after MotoBum broke his foot on the WR and rode it back to the Tahuya parking lot.
It is gentle enough to ride with broken limbs.

The name changed to SuperTanker after Ghostface KLR ran out of gas riding his TE250 deep in the heart of the Tahuya trails.
A little siphoning and we were all good to go! No, no desert tank, the XR just sips the gas.

Last Minute Ryan used this XR to tow SwampMonster's CRF back to the parking lot after it was submerged in a lake sized puddle.
He also towed E-Rock's WR back from "The Wheelie Area" when the WR's chain broke.
Yeah, it is a reliable beast.

Reliable? Yeah!
SuperStar Wendy rode the Desert 100 Poker Run on it two years back! Last Minute Ryan used it for last years Desert 100 Poker Run AND on race day!

Yeah, she is a runner. Old, but well cared for. Forks were rebuilt two years ago, and yes, the oil is changed regularly.
She has a title and it is in my name.

She's not the prettiest bike on the trails with the zip-tie scar on the front number plate and other scuffs and scrapes, but dang, she'll take you to Hell and back and not bat an eye.

$1100 obo

  • Location: West Seattle
  • it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
image 0
image 1
image 2
PostingID: 2697634859


  • Copyright © 2011 craigslist, inc.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Tahuya... Sunday, Sunday, Sunday...

Swamp Monster, Ghostface KLR, and MotoBum hit the trails of Tahuya on Sunday, November 6, 2011. We all discovered how blazingly fast GFKLR's Gas Gas EC300 is and how easy it is to push-start Swampy's Honda CFR250X after kicking it for half an hour in attempt to light its very cold fuse. It turned out to be a bad fuel screw setting, but we had a good time.



Download this track (.gpx format)

Sunday, November 6, 2011

KLR2 Update

KLR2 is home from the Great White North, but still not running.  Today I had a little time to tinker a bit.  I pulled the battery to check the electrolyte level, only there was none.  Bone dry.  Filled it up with distilled water and now it's charging up.  Also drained the carb just in case some water got up in there.  A fresh gallon of gas is ready to go in.  When that battery is charged up, we'll see what happens.

Friday, October 28, 2011

The Head Has Returned


Head_0344
Originally uploaded by groader

I picked up the Triumph head today. Clean and shiny with new valves and guides. Yes! The project was neglected while riding in Alaska, but I'm back on track now. New parts are showing up, new tools are showing up, and things are progressing!

I can't wait to get the beast running.

More images in the Flickr set.

Saturday, October 22, 2011

The Aliveness & Independence Rig

The Aliveness & Independence rig in Coldfoot, AK.
















This image was taken by Swamp Monster in Coldfoot, Alaska during The Dirty Crew's Arctic Ocean Expedition in August, 2011. A&I.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

The Triumph Project Continues


Frame 0051
Originally uploaded by groader

Finally! The summer is coming to an end, the Arctic Ocean Expedition is past (except the video editing!), and the sun is going down earlier. It is time to pick up where I left off this spring.

It is time to continue the '74 Triumph T100R restoration project.

Last weekend I prepped the frame, sub-frame, swing arm, and kickstand. I painted the parts with black POR-15 and a top coat of semi-gloss Chassis Coat. The parts are looking good. I'm hoping to have some time to snap some images of the painted parts this week. Prepping and painting a handful for small parts this weekend if all goes as planned.

Friday, October 7, 2011

tenor sax Brock

"Hey Jesse, it's while there. It's just after 4 PM on Saturday and I'm just leaving Bellingham and I was thinking that in about and hour and fifteen minutes actually got an hour 30 minutes around 530 swing by your place if and only if you were there and you happen to come across. You've rocks. Hey Kate, mister excitement tenor sax Brock at for is WR 250 X give me a call or text. Let me know."


Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Workin' on our night moves



Motobum, Ghostface KLR and Last Minute Ryan headed out into the night (into not entirely favorable weather) to do some strobist wheelie shots. Here's a few.

Bicy Wheelie Photoshoot #1

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Mt. Sanford + Wheelies

MotoBum gets ADVstunt1 up for Mt. Sanford, AK

Can you guess which road that was?

View Larger Map

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Arctic Ocean Expedition Day 25 - end of adventure

Arctic Ocean Expedition Day 24 video

Arctic Ocean Expedition Day 23 part 2 video

Arctic Ocean Expedition Day 23 part 1 video

Arctic Ocean Expedition Day 22 video

Arctic Ocean Expedition Day 21

Arctic Ocean Expedition Day 20 video

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

back in WA

Well, I flew back to Seattle last night and went back to work today.  Wish I were on the ride back through the Yukon and BC but happy that Last Minute Ryan gets to take part in the last leg of the adventure.  What a memorable trip!  Thanks Swamp Monster, Motobum, Dave, and Mikell!

Monday, August 15, 2011

Arctic Ocean Expedition Day 10 video

Arctic Ocean Expedition Day 9 part 3 video

Arctic Ocean Epedition Day 9 part 2 video

Arctic Ocean Expedition Day 9 part 1 video

Arctic Ocean Expedition Day 8 part 3 video

Arctic Ocean Expedition Day 8 part 2 video

Arctic Ocean Expedition Day 8 part 1 video

Arctic Ocean Expedition Day 7 video

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Totem Poles

In Ketchikan. Four totem poles, traditional to the modern interpretation.

Friday, August 5, 2011

Haines, here we come.

At the ferry terminal in Fairhaven. Marked, labeled and ready to get on the boat. Monday, 9:30am we will land in Haines. Riding every day for the next three weeks! Yes!

Haines, here we come!

At the ferry terminal in Fairhaven. Marked, labeled and ready to get on the boat. Monday, 9:30am we will land in Haines. Riding every day for the next three weeks! Yes!

Thursday, August 4, 2011

ready

Packed up the bike and took a test ride out I-90 to Mercer Island and back.  Gas tank is full.  Odo is reading 13500.00 miles.  Let's ride!

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

MotoBum's KLR650 Upgrades for Arctic Ocean ADV Expedition - Part 1

ADVstunt1 got a few additions over the past few days. In addition to the recently installed adjustable fuel screw and second shim under the carburetor needle, fresh engine oil and filter was in order. With only 2500 miles since the last oil change, I can't figure why the old oil was so black and smelly. The bike runs much smoother now with new oil -- like a dream.

Oil in the sight glass is brown instead of black-hole black.

















Since we'll be camping almost exclusively while in Alaska, the Yukon, and British Columbia, charging the cell phone won't be an option at night in a plush hotel. The solution is this SW-MOTECH cigarette lighter socket and bracket. All I need now is an actual cigarette lighter.

12-volt cigarette lighter looks cool while pulling wheelies.

















And for a choice in riding position, these highway pegs have been installed on the SW-MOTECH engine guard / crash bars (they do crash amazing well). The highway pegs give me a slight chopper feel while ADV Commuting™ on the local Seattle Interstates. I'm still debating on whether to bring a leather biker jacket on our upcoming epic trip for the full highwayman effect.

Highway pegs fold up automatically for ultra-high-speed runs.

















In the next few days, I'll whip on, with lots of threadlocker, a PackRat pannier rack, dual 35L Caribou cases, a fresh set of IRC GP-1 dual sport tires, a SW-MOTECH centerstand, a Wolfman Explorer Lite tank bag, and a Laminar Lip for the windscreen.

Monday, July 18, 2011

TDC Number 1 on Google

Who ranks first on a Google search for "The Dirty Crew?" Us. That's right.

The Dirty Crew is number one.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

DirtWise Academy with Shane Watts

The Dirty Crew was fortunate enough to attend the DirtWise Academy in order to increase our dirt riding skills. We got more than that. It was a great time! Our class was in Tulalip, WA on July 2-3, 2011.
From left to right: Superstar Wendy, E-rock,
Swamp Monster, Wattsy, Ghostface KLR,
MotoBum, Last Minute Ryan

















What did we do? What did we learn? Well... we focused on dirt bike riding fundamentals. Each drill had us working on the same skills, just in different ways. Body position, balance, and use of the controls each deserve their own skills manuals and we could spend a lifetime mastering them. We tested ourselves by applying learns learned doing drag races, riding ruts, pulling wheelies and stoppies, doing log grinds, riding over obstacles, selecting good lines, and having good form for excellent dirt bike control. We learned to become one with motorcycles.

There are so many nuances to riding well that, when combined, make it all really difficult to get right. Especially when years have been spent getting it all wrong. We have much to unlearn. Basically, we got schooled and loved every second of it. It was craaaaaaazy.

DirtWise Dirt

DirtWise TDC Feet

The Dirty Crew is DirtWise (and looks the part)

Saturday, July 2, 2011

En Route

ADVstunt1 + MotoBum will spend the next two days riding dirt bikes with all of The Dirty Crew at this weekend's DirtWise Academy. This photo was shot in Last Minute Ryan's back yard. He's running at the last minute. It's time to ride!

Friday, June 24, 2011

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Jeese's Log Crossing

Jesse "Ghostface KLR" teaches us how to cross downed trees with a motorbike.

Friday, June 17, 2011

The New "Spot Scott!" Page

We're getting close to Our Big Motorcycle Adventure to the Arctic Ocean and Swamp Monster just got his SPOT GPS Messenger device. Track him/us on the Spot Scott! page!!!!!!! We'll update this with live data for the trip.

Update: live data is active now!

Monday, June 13, 2011

Come Together


assembly_cylinder
Originally uploaded by groader

I was able to spend a little time with the Triumph T100R this weekend.
The primary drive/clutch/stater cover is on.
The transmission and cover is on.
The kick starter turns the engine over and springs back, and the shift lever will click through the gears. Nice!

The timing cover goes on as soon as the electronic ignition parts come in. I'm replacing the points. Yes, modern technology, you've gotta love it.

Hopefully the shop will have the head finished this week. New valves were in order.

Silence is Golden



Originally uploaded by groader

I installed the Lexx muffler a few weeks ago. It has been great. The old SuperTrapp IDS2 (no, it didn't have the quiet core, oops) was loud, and falling apart, literally. I've been happy with the Lexx so far. Great sound, quiet, and no noticeable power loss.

KLR Prep for AK


NewShock_02
Originally uploaded by groader

The new Progressive 465 rear shock is in the KLR. The beast rides soooo much better. The stock shock was like a bouncy house. The front fork springs shipped today. Once the forks are rebuilt, and new wheel bearings are installed, KLR1 should handle like a new bike!

Monday, June 6, 2011

Oregon Lava Rocks Bruises

From Superstar Wendy: "One week later and my leg still reflects the rainbow results of riding over lava rocks in OR. You win, Jesse. I'll take slippery tree roots any day!"


Dirt Bikes and Lava Rocks Don't Always Mix Well.

Motorcycle Battery Electrolyte

Page 81 in 2009 KLR650 Owner's Manual
Here's a reminder for you to check your motorcycle battery's electrolyte levels. Last year, I purchased a brand-new Kawasaki KLR650. I've had no problems with the battery, but I did notice that the owner's manual calls for a battery electrolyte level inspect every six months or 3,750 miles, whichever comes first.

Page 133 in 2009 KLR650 Owner's Manual
I've had that bike for a year and a quarter and didn't think to check the levels. Who uses a non-maintenance-free battery any more? Anyway, remember to check your levels every once in a while and throw some distilled water in there if the electrolyte levels are low. All six cells in my KLR battery were at the low mark. Now, there're high.

Sunday, May 29, 2011

MotoBum + Super Hawk = 2003

A secret location near Lake Chelan in the spring of 2003 brought many days of great stand-up power wheelies. Give me a Super Hawk and I will make it talk. The secret is a faux-fur jacket, an open face helmet with flames, and a lit cigar.

2011 Desert 100

Desert 100 Pictures!

California!

Here's a link to some of the pictures from Last Minute Ryan and GhostfaceKLR's trip to California along 101 and highway 1.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

GhostFace_KLR wins a tropy

Triumph Restoration: Clutch


clutch_assembled_01
Originally uploaded by groader

Yes! The clutch and primary drive are in. Stator goes in this weekend and the cover goes on! Hopefully I'll get the oil pump and timing gear cover on the other side too.
POR-15 showed up. I have the paint for the frame, sub-frame, tank, swing arm and other metal bits. I need to finish the prep work and get the parts ready.
I need more time to dedicate toward the Triumph.
The project is not going as fast as I'd like, but progress is being made.

Art for Motorcycles


postcards_02
Originally uploaded by groader

In my "spare time" I decided to do a little linocut print. I hadn't cut a piece of linoleum and printed anything since what, grade 5? So, what did I carve, the T100R of course. I printed 48 postcards. Email a post address and I'll send you one. Very limited supply, like only 48 of them!

Squishy-Bouncy


rear_shock_02
Originally uploaded by groader

The Progressive Suspension 465 rear shock for the KLR showed up. The stock shock has been in need of some attention for at least a year now. It is like Tigger's tail, far too bouncy. No pre-load and no rebound dampening. Hopefully I'll get the new beast in this weekend. I've got new wheel bearings and a doohickey for it too. One thing at a time though.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Hostile Hostel

In a cool hostile in Sea Haven, OR with Last Minute Ryan. About to grab fish tacos and Margaritas. Cold and rain, but sunny now.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Cars-with-a-kitchen

E-rock and I were contemplating just how much all these RVs we see at the Desert 100 typically cost. So, here you go. I'd guessed the big one we were camped next too was at least $100K, but it looks like it might be in the mid-to-upper $100K range for the big ones. Wow.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Still no pipe guard from P3

While there's still the chance that the pipe guard I ordered from Pirie Performance Products could arrive tomorrow before we leave for the Desert 100, I'm not holding my breath. Hopefully I don't need it. Hopefully I don't end up with a dented pipe. Hopefully I can talk to Eric Pirie and hear more B.S. about how "it's getting shipped out tomorrow". It was going to be "shipped out tomorrow" three weeks ago.

I'm a pretty tough customer/product reviewer aren't I? I mean, my god, I actually want the (often expensive) item I ordered to arrive in a timely manner, and I want it to perform properly. How dare I be so demanding!?

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Hard Brake to Hard Break

We'll never forget The 1000 Wheelies Project's Moto Morning Wheelie Session #43. That's the one where MotoBum lost track of time, stayed out for an hour-and-a-half over the usual 15 minute session length, and got so aggressive with the front brake while backing it in that he lost the front and lowsided into oblivion... breaking his collar bone in the process.

Yes. That is what happened. I'll never forget it. It was the silliest thing I'd done all day - that Saturday, March 26, 2011. I picked-up ADVstunt1 from the ground (my KLR 650), looked for damage and found, amazingly, none except for the scratched crash cage, rode home, decided that the right shoulder was a little clanky, and drove myself to the emergency medical clinic. The doctor said I was suffering from a broken collar bone, gave me some "pain killers" (which must have been sugar pills because they didn't do anything), and gave me an arm sling and a referral to another doctor that might be able to patch me up.

The specialist doc says I should be back to hard-core dirt biking and ADV Stunt riding in about 8 weeks. I love to ride motorcycles! I love wheelies! Come on body -- mend! Come on time -- pass!

Here's a few clips from Moto Morning Wheelie Session #43. The crash is near the end.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Magenta Disco Glitter


fender_02w
Originally uploaded by groader

The used fender arrived today. Included was the original Lucas rear tail light. NICE! I started stripping the finish off the frame and gas tank last week. The bike is coming along nicely. I'm still waiting to pick up the head with new valves, guides and springs.

I still have to pull the forks apart and see what needs to be replaced. Once I take inventory I can order the fork related parts.
I'm ordering some POR-15 ( http://www.por15.com/ ) next week. I'm getting the tank sealer, and POR-15, Blackcoat, and Pelucid for the frame, tank exterior, and other black painted parts.
I'll let everyone know how the POR-15 works on the frame.


I'll start assembling the engine next week.
I can't wait to get this beast running!

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Short Enduro Racing Article

Here's a little article I just read about the Sparkplug Enduro that takes place in our stomping grounds.

Sparkplug Enduro

Mikuni Carburetors X 2!


mikuni shot 2
Originally uploaded by groader

The used carburetors arrived yesterday. They are in great shape and (hopefully) jetted for the '74 Triumph T100R. They came off a late 60's T100, so chances are they are good to go.

I've got to get the old paint and a little rust off the frame and a few body parts before painting and reassembly can start. Does anyone have access to sand blasting equipment? I just need the stuff for a day or two.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

"The check is in the mail"


A check for my new 09 Gas Gas ec300 is on its way to Gas Gas USA in Kansas City, MO. Yes! The distributor said he's going to try to get it shipped off this weekend. Shipping should take 3-4 days, and it'll arrive at Forward Air in Kent (near Ikea). With some luck, the 12th might be assembly day. Note: we go on daylight savings time on the 13th. That means the sun sets at 7:30 instead of 6:30. I'm as happy as a reed valve in an intake manifold!

Saturday, February 26, 2011

bare frame


bare frame
Originally uploaded by groader

I spent the day removing the old wiring harness from the bike. It didn't take as long as I thought it would. I ended up stripping most everything off the frame. Now it is time to clean up the frame, figure out what needs replacing, and touch up some rusty spots.

I really hope that I remember how it all fits together when it is time to put it back together!

Friday, February 25, 2011

The new (old) oil tank


oil_tank_24
Originally uploaded by groader

The new (used) oil tank for the '74 Triumph T100R Daytona showed up today. It is in great shape. A little sanding and touch up and it will be ready to go!

I spoke to the shop today. I'll pick up the head with new valves, guides, and springs next Friday. I need the tappet guides switched from the old cylinder to the new one, then the assembly can begin!

Monday, February 21, 2011

On the Bench

DSC2122_wb
DSC2122_wb,
originally uploaded by groader.
The '74 Triumph T100R Daytona is up on the workbench. It is ready for disassembly. Time to start dismantling, cleaning and figuring out what parts are missing or need replacing.

I did purchase an oil tank on Flea-Bay today. I still need to find a wiring harness and Boyer ignition. I need tappet guides before I can start the engine assembly. The valves should be done this week. I can't wait to get this beast running!

Still, so many parts needed, and much work to be done.

Friday, February 18, 2011

TC Bank - Dream Rangers



One of the very best 3-minute videos ever made!

Let's ride motorcycles!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Husvqarna TE610

I'm thinking that if I replace the BMW 1150GS with a lighter, more funnerific dual-sport bike it might be the Husky TE610. This article is a tad out of date (eg, I think there are large tanks available, etc) http://www.twtex.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45410

Monday, February 7, 2011

Just in Time

With two minutes to spare on catching the 10am Seattle -> Bremerton ferry on Sunday's Church of Dirt day of dirt bike riding, Last Minute Ryan's philosophy has begun to rub-off on all of us.

2 Minutes to Spare




































On the way home we got in the truck without a second to spare as we were the first to off-load. Phew!