I got legal and started riding Thumper on
October 14th, 2004. Have done about 10,000 miles over the past two years. Overfilled the oil and developed
The Leak the first month. Still have it. Replaced the rear tire soon after getting the bike and it needs replacing again. Front was good, replaced it a few months ago, about the same time I replaced front brake pads. Rear shoes are about gone, will do them when I do the rear tire.
Am suppose to check/adjust valves; haven't. I haven't even looked at the spark plug. Have changed the oil and filter a few times -- at 2500 to 4000 mile intervals. Had a broken clutch cable. Mostly Thumper has been taking me to and from work quite reliably for over two years with pitiful maintenance. I am planning on taking Thumper to the GEEIA reunion next September in OKC, and since I'm that close will be seeing #1 daughter in Jonesboro after. Depending on how I feel after the ride east I may do a BB1500 on the return (Jonesboro to Needles is 1505 miles.)
I am an abusive vehicle owner, Thumper takes it. I couldn't ask for a more reliable motorcycle.
My commute is 4 miles one way, stops, traffic lights. Cruise at 35-45 but average is closer to 15-20 due to waiting for lights. Thumper
likes to get up to speed speed quickly. Yet no matter how I try I can't get the mileage much below 45 mpg. On the few road trips I've taken the mileage is up around 60 -- which still includes a considerable amount to street as well as freeway/highway use. The cruising in the 45-55 mph range has to be 65 mpg+ to give me the 60 mpg average.