A regularly updated collection of reports about motorbike rides undertaken by "The Wandering Waltons" including detailed features on how the bikes were setup.
I filled the Might Mr. T up today with 27 litres today and so with the4 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 .......
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 clampas 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 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 November2011. 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 yearin Ripley. Best I get stuck in and finish
what I’ve started …………….
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!
