Repairs and Service

While putting the bike on the center stand in order to inspect the head bearings, I noticed that the top box was moving around. On closer inspection I could see that the sub frame had cracked. I decided that this meant I had to miss the visit to Machu Picchu.

The crack was behind the pillion seat, I initially assumed I'd have to dump the top box and get all my luggage strapped to the pillion seat. I'd then have to cable tie the under-tray so it was supported in front of the crack. Luckily, while in the automotive part of town looking for oil and other parts, we found somewhere that could weld my frame.

Jim quickly stripped the bike down and we took the frame to the welder. He told us to come back in two hours, we returned after 90 mins. As it was not yet ready Phil and I went for lunch. We returned to the 10 mins after the original 2 hours to find the shop locked up. We are under a strict schedule on this trip, not getting the frame back today was a serious problem.

There was a bar opposite the shop, so we popped in to ask when we could expect it to open. The alcohol fumes were over powering, and it quickly became obvious we were not going to get any useful information from the customers. When they became a little boisterous we retired to a cafe round the corner. After a coffee I popped back and was relieved to find the shop had reopened. They had just closed for lunch and my panic was over.

Jim quickly rebuilt the bike. I reattached the plastics, heat shields and top box and Phil changed my oil. After fixing the lights on the trailer Jim also tightened up my steering and we headed out for a pizza and a few beers.