Thursday 26 April 2012

The XT1200Z Tank Conversion Project is Done!




I filled the Might Mr. T up today  with 27 litres today and so with the  4 come 5 litres already in the tank that gives me a conservative total of 31 Litres (the fuel pump has gobbled up 2litres of fuel space).


Anyway doing the math, at 55 mpg which is what I'm getting regularly I now have a tank range of 374 miles


31 Litres = 6.8 UK Gallons x 55 mpg = 374 Miles BEST    


31 Litres = 6.8 UK Gallons x 50 mpg = 340 Miles AVERAGE   


31 Litres = 6.8 UK Gallons x 45 mpg = 306 Miles WORST  


Either way I'm over the glorious 300 miles per tank range and my goal has been achieved, on paper anyway. The crunch test will come when I take Mr. T out for a decent ride.


I was asked for more pictures of the tank fitted by guys on the Yamaha Super Tenere Forum  and so here are they are, a few more photo's showing the tank from different angels. 


From Top Box


Sat on bike eye-level view


Left


Right


Seated


Looking straight down seated


Right


Left

He is the final “Walk Around Video” in order to show all the “Farkling”I've done to the bike over the last 10 month.




And that folk's is that

Mr. T is DONE!


I've had a great time getting Mr. T ready for all the adventures we're going to have together. Here's hoping you've all enjoyed the XT1200Z Tank Conversion Project but sadly all good thing come to and end and as far as the Project goes this is the end.


Feel free to leave comments and I look forward to hearing from you.


Now it's time to do what I enjoy best............................... "Go ride!" Till the next ride .......


















Wednesday 25 April 2012

The XT1200Z Tank Conversion Project – Part 3



The Might T is Ready!


Switching on the ignition confirmed my thoughts. The tank was still three quarters full from the last time I went out. So there was nothing for it, I just had to go for a ride.

Fully kitted up within 15 minutes I headed out to visit TheAdventure Bike Warehouse located in Agecroft Salford although the actual address is Swinton, Manchester.

 It’s a great little set up with a fully operational service bay and a retail outlet. I had a brew and watched one of the videos taken on a recent Moroccan tour which in all honesty, was the real reason for my visit. Morocco is very high on my “places to visit” list only being piped to the top spot by Nordkapp in Norway and of course the Stelvio Pass located in the Italian Alps. I’ll get there one day you just see if I don’t!

After a nice brew I headed over to the Cat and Fiddle where I left said brew and had another one. The run home was just down through Buxton, where I'd lived and attended Harpur Hill Catering College back in 1979-1981 (how old am I?). Choosing to pass the Rochdale junction on the North M60 circular added 5 miles, passing the M62 added another 5 and finally taking the Ramsbottom junction to cut over “Ow’d Bett’s” added a further 10 miles. Ensuring I arrived back at the ranch well into “reserve”.

So at 5.30pm prompt I started removing the original tank which as per  usual required the removal of the front side panels but as I did not feel like messing with the fog light on the left so I just removed the fasteners and struggled.


Original tank removed and we're ready to go


Original tank safely removed I emptied the last 3-5 litres left inside into a Jerry can using a fuel funnel, liberally dousing my right leg and shoe in fuel. Just as well I was outside as the fumes where overpowering. Thank the lord no one in our house smokes or I’d have gone up in a ball of flames





A direct comparison of the two tanks.

Once the original tank was off I tried the new one on for size, size being the operative word. It looked huge! Mind I only sat it on top of the rear clamp  as opposed to tucked inside where it normally sits.


How BIG!

Original tank 98% empty I removed the filler cap followed by the fuel pump. Now a word of warning here, the fuel pump is BIG! and there is an annoying little tab that the float bowl bar sits on and it just did not want to come out. Using a screw driver I persuaded it’s best cause of action to prevent “terminal injury” was to bend just a little. Advice taken the pump just slid out complete with rubber seal. Finally I removed the tank edging and fitted each piece as removed directly onto the new tank.


Stubborn little fuel pump

Next I fitted the filler cap which went back on very easily followed by the petrol pump. Now not being a mechanic has its down side and on this occasion it manifested its self in the form of not knowing which way round the pump actually went back in! It took me 5 minutes of faffing about until I realised the retainer clamp quite handily has a small plastic locating lug. Now how clever is that of Mr. Yamaha. I still had to line up the retainer clamp on the old tank mind as I just could not figure which way it went back on,  I can be really thick at times.


The locating lug kindly provided by Mr. Yamaha


With all the parts refitted I started to attach the tank and spent another 5 minutes trying to slide the two breather pipes back onto the underside of the tank. In the end I had to remove the tank and said pipes from the bike and went back to the bench where I had to force the pipes on. The new tanks breather outlet pipes are far bigger than the original tanks for some inexplicable reason.

Breather pipes fitted the new tank went on a dream, mind I will have to remember to take the bike in for its service with an almost empty tank and even empty I noticed an increase in weight. With everything fitted, bolts tightened and side panels refitted it was just a case of adding the 3 litres of fuel to ensure there are no leaks.  Job Done! Or was it? I’d just  spotted the Yamaha Tank Protector that I had bought months ago which just had go on.



Can you spot the relocated "Touratech Handelbar Bag"?"





Very tidy indeed




At last an IBA Ready Super Tenere

Like my best mate says
"All it needs now is a BMW Badge!"


7.30pm and the whole process, including taking numerous photos was complete. Rolling the bike to the front of the house to make a “Walk Around Video” the camera switched of in disgust. Battery Dead. OK I can take a hint.

11.30pm just one last peep at the Might T. in the garage before bed. J headed off up and well you know what it’s like I got stuck in and made the tank side protectors out of the Oxford Paint Protector kit that I’d bought on my way home.

1.00am saw me climb into bed and start my latest read, Ewan and Charlie “Long way Down”………

I have no idea what I dreamt about but I can tell you one thing……………….

I really want to go for a BIG RIDE, “Jeannieeeeeee”  …………. “NO you bloody can’t!”


The Mighty T....... is Ready!

 



I would just like to personally thank Jaxon over in the USA for all the hard work and effort he has put into producing what I can only describe as a “Work of Art”.
“Jaxon, You’re the Man”
For more information on how to get your tank converted into whatever size and shape you require contact Jaxon directly at WWW.RIDEONADV.COM or WWW.WILDCARDCUSTOMS.COM

Monday 23 April 2012

The XT1200Z Tank Conversion Project as Landed

Monday 23rd April 1200 hours



What a fantastic Saint George's Day!

Having stirred up a storm on my local radio station, The Revolution 96.2 (how appropriate) with tales of my police force application back in 1996. I then put up the Saint Georges Flag buntting across the front of the house, being the Proud English Man that I am before tucking into my breakfast.


"Did you know"


"Saint George is the Patron Saint of Ethiopia, Russia, Lithuania, Portugal, Greece and even England among others, he still has time to stand up for victims of disease and be one of the Saints that cross innumerable theological boundries to be held in high regard by loads of Christian splintter groups. Not bad for a bloke from Turkey of Palestinian parentage, who did'nt realy travel that much".

No, nor did I untill I'd read Paddy Tyson's fantastic book "The Hunt for Puerto Del Faglioli". Check out Paddy's web sites and his fantastic Overland Magazine site.

Here's my Amazon Book review of "The Hunt for Puerto Dl Faglioli".

I’ve just spent a very enjoyable 5 days reading Paddy’s book as, recommended by Sam (Manicom) at the NEC in November  2011. This has to be the best book I have read since Sam’s quintet.  Paddy has a fantastic way of combining useful local information with a whit that at times had me laughing out loud. I loved it and would highly recommend you download it NOW! You will not be disappointed.  When’s the next one due Paddy?


There I was with my nose in the last couple of pages when the doorbell rang, at last "The Eagle had Landed!"

"I'm sorry but I cannot take a cheque as you are not a business"

"So you want cash?"

"Yes please"

"Just as well we missed the delivery on Friday even though we were in, I'll be right back" amazing UPS will not accept a cheque even though I'm answering my own front door. It's not as if we're about to move, ever!


And so the XT1200Z Tank Conversion Project has arrived, now it's just a case of waiting until the "camera man" gets home from school, so wait I did!


Monday 23rd April 1630 hours


Ben does what he does best, Lights, camera, action.......



The XT1200Z Tank Conversion Project Lands


I cannot wait to see what impact it has on the bike but first here are a few of pictures of the tank, here in England.




The Craftmanship is outstanding




The finish..............




Well what do you think?




Jaxon you've played a blinder,
it's simply "OUTSTANDING!"




The only damage caused in transit
is to the front bracketswhich have bent under.
(problem sorted within 2 minutes in the garage)


So as you heard, Ben thinks the tank is "awesome" and cannot believe how big it is. The red vest fit's Lilie Rose like a glove and the black t-shirt fits me, well it would be a shame to waist it wouldn’t it Jaxon.
The final episode in the XT1200Z Tank Conversion Project - Part 3 "The Fitting".
Until the next time, have a great Saint Georges Day, I know we have.


Monday 23rd April 1800 hours

Not wanting to hack Paddy off I took the precaution of contacting Paddy though his web site http://paddytyson.com/  and asked permission to reproduce the above from his book. I was delighted to receive a personal email from Paddy at 1800 and I would just like to thank you Paddy  for your kind words. I’ll look forward to speaking to you at the Horizons Unlimited weekend  later this year  in Ripley. Best I get stuck in and finish what I’ve started …………….




Thursday 19 April 2012

The XT1200Z Tank Conversion Project - Interim Shipping Update

Time 11:22 hours Thursday 19th April




Simply Amazing


Well I know Jaxon shipped the Super Tank on Friday the 13th whilst I was still in Cyprus but it’s now Thursday the 19th and it’s still not here…………

Tracking details read


Castle Donnington, United Kingdom
19/04/2012
7:44
Shipment pending release from clearance agency / Forwarded to the facility in the destination city
19/04/2012
2:12
Import Scan
Castle Donnington, United Kingdom
18/04/2012
10:11
Shipment pending release from clearance agency
18/04/2012
5:19
Released by clearing agency Now in-transit for delivery
Castle Donnington, United Kingdom
17/04/2012
23:00
Arrival Scan
Stansted, United Kingdom
17/04/2012
22:43
Departure Scan
17/04/2012
21:30
Departure Scan
17/04/2012
19:57
Arrival Scan
Newark, NJ, United States
17/04/2012
8:32
Departure Scan
Newark, NJ, United States
16/04/2012
17:25
Arrival Scan
Louisville, KY, United States
16/04/2012
15:30
Departure Scan
Louisville, KY, United States
15/04/2012
0:12
Arrival Scan
DFW Airport, TX, United States
14/04/2012
9:46
Departure Scan
DFW Airport, TX, United States
13/04/2012
23:18
Arrival Scan
Fort Worth, TX, United States
13/04/2012
22:35
Departure Scan
13/04/2012
19:47
Origin Scan
13/04/2012
17:26
Collection Scan
United States
13/04/2012
19:09
Order Processed: Ready for UPS


Just can' wait to see this fitted
"Now where the hell is it?"


After requesting an update I received this email


Tracking Detail



Your package has experienced an exception.
Tracking Number:
00000000000
Type:
Package

Status:
In Transit

Shipped To:
ROCHDALE LANCASHIRE,LANCA,GB

Shipped/Billed On:
13/04/2012

Service:
UPS Worldwide Expedited®

Special Instructions:
Signature Required

Weight:
23.90 Lb


Shipment Progress

Location
Date
Local Time

Activity
Castle Donnington,
United Kingdom
19/04/2012
 7:44

Shipment pending release from clearance agency / Forwarded to the facility in the destination city
19/04/2012
 2:12

Import Scan
Castle Donnington,
United Kingdom
18/04/2012
 10:11

Shipment pending release from clearance agency
18/04/2012
 5:19

Released by clearing agency Now in-transit for delivery
Castle Donnington,
United Kingdom
17/04/2012
 23:00

Arrival Scan
Stansted,
United Kingdom
17/04/2012
 22:43

Departure Scan
17/04/2012
 21:30

Departure Scan
17/04/2012
 19:57

Arrival Scan
Newark,
NJ, United States
17/04/2012
 8:32

Departure Scan
Newark,
NJ, United States
16/04/2012
 17:25

Arrival Scan
Louisville,
KY, United States
16/04/2012
 15:30

Departure Scan
Louisville,
KY, United States
15/04/2012
 0:12

Arrival Scan
DFW Airport,
TX, United States
14/04/2012
 9:46

Departure Scan
DFW Airport,
TX, United States
13/04/2012
 23:18

Arrival Scan
Fort Worth,
TX, United States
13/04/2012
 22:35

Departure Scan
13/04/2012
 19:47

Origin Scan
13/04/2012
 17:26

Collection Scan
United States
13/04/2012
 19:09

Order Processed: Ready for UPS

Tracking results provided by UPS: 19/04/2012 6:12 Eastern Time












Looking good there Jaxon
Looking Good!



So sadly I'm still non the wiser ………………………………. !!!

I’ll be bald by the time they knock on the door and to make things worse we’re out this afternoon, Aaaaahhhhhggggg!

The suspense is “Killing Me”

Time 16:14 hours Thursday 19th April








How fortuitous, at 13:05 hours I met and had a chat with the UPS delivery guy outside school whilst picking LR for her hospital appointment (resulting in another operation in the morning, Not Happy!).

He had not seen the parcel and he had just finished delivering in Wardle.

So a crap day has just got a whole lot worse…………………..

“Roll on tomorrow!”


Time 10:58 hours Friday 19th April


UPS Attempted delivery at 10:19 hours - Which means they came to the door read sign to leave around back, posted note through door and walked off without even ringing the doorbell !!!

What annoys me the most is Jeannie was in the house at the time.



On top of which LR operation was cancelled as she picked up a temperature this morning.........



What a day!