TipProgress
From B4rkWiki
The page will be divided into 2 sections, general thoughts and ramblings, and factors by day. The 2 might be linked, but I probably win't mention it. if you want to get a full picture, read the initial planning and then match that up with the notes here.
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Date Notes
18/7/09
Suffered a minor setback. BOTH had a calamity on the XR650R between Port and Mossman, when a bolt point on the clutch centre gave out, and started rubbing on the outer case cover... we picked up on it and pulled over, removed the offending unit, and thus didnt end up with a state as bad as this guy here http://my.opera.com/BryanCox/blog/index.dml/tag/XR650R but it was the same break... there's a couple of other spots on the net that have guys with the same fault, so maybe it's a weakness in the otherwise inscrutable Honda reliability,
19/7/09
Pulled off the offending components again, but had issues removing the clutch centre without the specialty Honda tool... word of advice; either buy the tool, or have a full set of Snap-On gear and a rattle-gun handy! We managed to get it off after snapping 2 other bolt mounts trying to stop it from spinning with the holding nut. Tomorrow we shall go hunting for a new unit, or a good condition second hand device.
29/7/09
Honda reliability my arse!
Having had the NX electrics fail in Cooktown last week(replaced the coil, the lead, the cap, believe it's the CDI as I'm running out of things to remove :p), and ending up ditching it there, we went on using the XR250, which went from suss to unstartable, due to a complete lack of compression. We've ordered new rings and gaskets, and they should get here in a few days, which, fingers crossed, should see it going again. While we were stripping it, we cleaned the carb (filthy, looked like it'd never been done before) and wanted to do the clutch as there's been some light slipping, but the parts place didnt have any to send here. We'll get the rings on, clean the carby again (using carby cleaner instead of just petrol and a brush)and see how the honda reliability shapes up after that...and I have no idea how the NX is going to make it back if the XR doesn't cut it as we're out of space on the back of the ute :p
Nice sunsets in Weipa, but bring repellant, as the sandflies are killers here.
Ramblings
Packing
It's a hard line to tread, between being prepared and being overpacked. More notes later... suffice to say we debated bring a welder, an oxy kit, a 6kva generator, and all sorts of other trinkets. I'll post here how we went for striking the balance as we find out which stuff gets used and what is dead weight.
