Scud

I do like the looks of that R12S. If there were a new LeMans, there would be an interesting comparison. I took a strong look (nearly bought) an MV Augusta Superveloce. The BMW is a "bargain" compared to that.

Picking up on the swingarm bearings... I have replaced two sets of those, and they were sealed bearings. I didn't think they could be opened up, cleaned and re-packed. And these are double-row (extra thick) bearings, so I'd be surprised if you could service both rows. But I'm open to learning if this can be done. If you decide to replace them: Removal... an electric heat gun is useless here. You will need a proper torch and a heavy slide hammer with the swingarm well secured. You can probably borrow/rent a slide hammer from an auto parts store (especially if you buy a pair of bearings from them). And for putting them back in - freeze the bearings (in a zip lock bag to prevent moisture from getting in), heat the swingarm with the aforementioned torch. Grease it all up, and pound them in with a proper bearing installation tool - or just take it to a machine shop and have them pressed in.

The exhaust gaskets compress so much that they appear like a machined ridge. I once thought there were no gaskets on a bike of mine, then was able to remove them. As for rubber bits, like the boot for the rear master cylinder, you might have to find out what other bikes used the same master in order to find a part. There are many documented examples in a thread called "Encyclopedia of Compatible Parts" and if you find something not previously documented, please share for the community.

I suspect Sardarov bought it back for less then he sold it. This often happens with business acquisitions that aren't done well. It's a shame too, because I liked the brands that were coming together under Pierer Group. Someday I might have an MV Agusta. I seriously considered getting a Superveloce S about a year ago. I'll be watching closely...

Leave the silver side plates in place. To remove the swingarm, you first disconnect the shock, then remove the large chrome nuts (30mm IIRC). Then, with the swingarm supported, you can back the pins out with a hex wrench. The spacer looks like the one that goes on the rear axle, between the rear wheel bearing and the drive box. It sometimes falls out unexpectedly when you remove the rear wheel. Totally normal.

Since you're in this deep, it's a good time pull the swingarm, which will make it even easier to install the above bleeder hose. Be sure to carefully inspect the shock mounts. Many of us have found cracks in the lower shock mount. Even if it's not cracked, upgrading that shock will make a big difference in handling - if that's in scope/budget for this project.

I just started watching the TV Series The Blacklist. In the first season, one of the bad guys used mass transit "accidents" for assassinations. The world is crazy enough these days that what used to feel like the "tin foil hat zone" has to at least be considered. This ought to be enough to start a proper thread drift....

Fun times ahead... Is this the red/grey or the champagne LeMans? She looks like a candidate for a thorough clean/inspect process. Although it is low-mileage, since it's been neglected, I'd check every bearing, hose, and electrical connection - replacing things liberally if in doubt. And don't forget to clean those brake calipers and make sure all the pistons move freely.

Being the curious sort, I went to measure. If I measure from the outer tread blocks horizontally, the diameter is only about 32". However, the tread is curved and the center of the tread bulges almost 1/2" per side. I don't have a proper caliper to measure the maximum diameter, but If you were to measure the diameter at the center of the tread, I think the expected 32.8" measurement is realistic.

@GuzziMoto I wasn't aware of the undersize issue, so can't help with your question. I didn't measure the physical tires. I used a tire size calculator and also the advice of technician at Discount Tire store. I went from 275/60R20 to 285/70R17.

I got a set of 3-peak-snowflake rated tires for my F150. The truck had 20 inch wheels with short sidewalls, and I got a set of 17 inch wheels and the BF Goodrich KO3s that were almost same size as stock (10mm wider but same height). They are much better on snow and ice than the stock tires. They are a bit noisier, and probably a tad less fuel-efficient. But they are safer and more versatile, as they are also really good for traction on dry dirt and rocks. I did quite a bit of research on pure snow tires, vs the 3-peak rated all-terrains, vs those simply rated M&S. The snow tires performed best in snow, as you would expect. But the 3-peak were good enough for a conservative driver with 4WD. And the 3-peak significantly outperformed the M&S rated tires. So the 3-peak, at least for my needs, was the clear winner in terms of safety + versatility. They enabled me to have just one set of tires I could confidently use year-round in desert, snow, highway, around-town, etc. Plus they look tougher and more rugged than the stock tires.

I sent a private message. Still have quite a few springs left.

It's really bad in the LA area, and still spreading. 30 years ago, I worked in Pacific Palisades, and the fires have come close to my old office. As for losing stuff... we used to have some boxes of old photos and significant documents that we told ourselves we would grab if there were ever a fire here. But that was when the kids were home and we would all go together in a truck. Now we are actually scanning and digitizing all that. If my house were to burn down, I do have one prized possession that would likely survive it: a 400 pound hunk of petrified wood. It's made it over 250 million years, it wouldn't give a damn about a house fire. Evacuation... I too, would escape on a motorcycle. It would be the Husqvarna 701 for sure. A giant street-legal dirt bike that's good for two people with backpacks for food and water. If I am actually fleeing for my life from a fire, I am not going to be constrained to stay on the road. Several years ago, when there was a big fire in East San Diego county that was headed west, most of San Diego County was placed under evacuation. The potential routes were: East into the fire, South into Mexico (only two border crossings), West into the Pacific Ocean, and North to Orange County (with literally only one road, the I-5 through a military base) to use. I think they lifted the evacuation when they realized there was no realistic way to get everyone out.

My January 1st ride was on my Jones Flagship snowboard at Mammoth Mountain.

I didn't post that, but here's how I see it: Loius Pasteur - the inventor of the process (aka science) of pasteurizing milk to prevent disease... but there is now some interest in raw milk products, thus denying the scientific evidence. So Louis is good example of a person who would be wondering about some widescale rejection of evidence. As a scientist, Louis would probably be just as surprised to learn that his consciousness continued to exist beyond the death of his body. Happy New Year What was this thread about?