Kyneton and Bust
I finally got to go on a ride after some months of missed opportunities. What with weather, family and a bit of skiing you wonder who one has to sleep with to get a spare day!
A quick check of the 907IE during the week, battery - good, tyres - yep, chain - oily, left rear indicator working –at least for the moment, charge the helmet Bluetooth – waste of time as I can’t hear it any way, then the big decision as to what layers to wear.
A quick road stage to the Velvet Bar, an espresso, a briefi ng – lots about not getting lost, and off we went. The corner marking was the best I have encountered yet, so it was a successful pep talk from the mighty Captain!
Down the Geelong Rd to Werribee, the mighty Garmin informing us of speed cameras, with one rider being appreciative of my warning hand as we went under the bridge of revenue raising # Nos 192,945. Into Werribee and then further west to go the longest way to Kyneton Frank could find.
He said some roads could be a bit bumpy. Multistrada bumpy or 1098 bumpy? On the 907 it was bumpy enough at times, giving the Wilbers shock something to do. A quick stop for gas at 130km out and then some beautiful roads around I think the area called Barrys Reef.
Into Kyneton by 12.30, ½ hr ahead of schedule, but perfect for stealing the Williamstown MC clubs booking at Pizza Verde. It seems there was some mix up, but all good as that rabble were sent to the courtyard out the back. Even Jock, from Jocks’ Ice-cream was enjoying the fare on offer. Our Pizzas took some time, but were very tasty and after fi nishing those it was off to the servo to fill up. 17lts of BP’s Ultimate for the ultimate machine ☺, 270km equals 6.3lt/100km.
Always good to know for touring as the fuel gauge is not on the same planet as me. Suit up, ear plugs, helmet, gloves, “Contact Biggles!” and nadda, nuthin, zip! Mmmmm try again. Same result, and same again. At least it was consistent.
Soon a group came over to assist, and one member, and I am most sorry I can’t remember their name, had a test light. We had already agreed fuel pump was not running. On a 907 it runs for a few seconds and then goes quiet. Mine was just quiet....We tested the wire into the tank after I had taken off her clothes and it had power to the tank, but still no go. A few bashes to wake it up didn’t work either. So I sent the group on their way after calling International Rescue (the wife). Frank very kindly offered to take me home, but a lift was on its way.
As it turned out a mate with a trailer returned my call for help and he drove up to pick us both up. It was quite amusing to sit there and observe the goings on at a country servo. The coffee was good and the manager was fantastic. I spent most of the time on the iPhone looking at my new mountain bike!!! At 6.30 the cavalry arrived, we hefted up the bike onto the trailer, no ramps, and by 7.45 was home and unloading the not so ultimate machine!
So, what was wrong then? Well last night I stripped the bike down, syphoned off petrol, Ultimate tastes quite good you know, and as I was undoing the in tank fi lter, I notice a wire off. F*## I said, no way, yes way. Connect to the battery with a test lead and one working fuel pump again.
The positive wire connector was a very loose fi t, so it either was nearly off and I bumped it or the fuel pump nozzle took it off. Now that I look at it, it’s a crap design, as its right in the middle of the tank opening. I will be one very careful Nigel in future. As the tank was very full and it was not that bright under the servo roof, when we took the cap off I didn’t really look inside. Not sure if I would have seen the wire off, but I will look next time!
The other wires seem to have some grey coloured glue holding them on; I have squeezed the connector, so it’s now pretty tight.
A really big thank you for the assistance from everyone. I am going to add a test light to the tools I carry. While it’s all undressed it’s time to do some jobs to get ready for The Snowy Ride. Last year I did about 3000km in 5 days with no issues so I am aiming for the same result.
Thanks Frank for running the ride, and Tail End Charlie.
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I am unable to post the few pics as its from a PDF that is not allowing that action.
_________________ Nigel
91 907IE - full restoration 91 907IE Red, Wilbers, Staintune Conti, Corbin, MPL Slipper,Ceramic exhaust Lambretta LI150 S3 87 928S4
http://www.paolopirozzi.com/it/ - around the world on a Multistrada
907, its not a bike , its a cult
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