Uh-Oh
Before I get into the serious bike issue we discovered today, let me start with a thanks to our Bunk-a-Biker host, Robert. He and his wife have a beautiful home and are gracious hosts. Robert made the best Sloppy Joes that we’ve had in a long time.
I investigated the tapping sound Beth heard yesterday. It turns out her bike was low on oil. I put in 2 quarts and the tapping sound went away.
Here we are leaving Robert’s home.
We had our morning coffee break and checked the oil – it was lower than when I filled it.
There are always important messages to check.
Lunch selfie and another oil check. The level was lower, so we decided to go to the nearest Harley dealer to have the bike checked.
We went to Roadhouse Harley-Davidson in Mt. Vernon, IL. They partially disassembled the motor before closing time. Oil is definitely getting into the combustion chamber. It may take a few days to a couple of weeks to assemble the parts and finish the repair. The Extended Warranty Plan will cover all but $50 of the repair and most of our meals and lodging. We are staying at a Doubletree with the Roadhouse Harley discount. Yea!
For those who are interested, here’s what the heads and cylinders look like.
We had some craft beer and Southwest chicken salad for dinner at the hotel restaurant. We topped it off with a soak in the hot tub.
Tomorrow we’ll know what needs to be done to fix the bike and how long it might take.
Life is better in a hot tub.
I do have a lot of friends in the area as this was my work place town for 32 years. I retired from General tire in Mt. Vernon. I was raised in Salem which is about 25 miles north of there for over 50 years. Went from 3rd grade and graduated in 1968. Married and raised my daughters there. If you need something please reach out to me. My best friend which you may have met through a Motor Maid lunch. She is a snow bird (and owns 2 acers behind me and also rides). is near there and I am sure would be glad to take you out to eat. Especially if you are going to be there a while.
Tough Break, lucky HD takes care of riders on the road.My experience with HD on the road has always been positive.
Good Luck
Well, a mini vacation within your vacation. One of those times when the ESP actually works out in the owner’s favor. Knock on wood, in the last 20+ years and 4 bikes, I haven’t amassed enough “self insured” repairs to cover the cost of an ESP policy, yet. Good luck, hope it all works out well.
ESP probably costs more than what it has covered over the past 12 years, but there is the peace of mind that we won’t get hit with a big bill while on vacation. We have used it for some pretty unusual repairs.
Just a little…. snag… in the road. Hope you’re back in your journey soon.
Oh no. Certainly hate to hear this. Hoping for the best case scenario. Fingers crossed.
Thanks for your comments and concern. Eventually the bike will be fixed and good as new.
Well .. at least you were able to ride the bike in for repairs! Hope you can quickly get it resolved.
Try to enjoy the break in the action… the hot tub was a good start! Good Luck and may you be back on the road soon!!
Be safe
Enjoy the break, make some new friends in Mt Vernon.
Hope you can get back on the road soon but you guys always make the best of whatever the “road gods” throw at you. Take good care.
Glad your watchful eye (and Beth’s ears) caught it before serious outcome. Having lived years in IL I can vouch for Mt Vernon. Haven’t been to the H-D in decades.