PianoMan
Nitrous
Let me start by saying I've never been accused of knowing a lot about motorcycles. I just buy them, ride them and have a few phone numbers handy when something doesn't work right. With that said, here's the story.......
I was at Home Depot and after buying the needed light bulb I walked out to the R3. I had, as I always do, locked the handle bars with the key. Hopped on, unlocked the handle bars, turned the ignition key to on and everything lit up except the speedometer and tachometer.
(This is where a few choice expletive deleted words came into fruition)
Turned the key back off and then on again. Same result (see line in parenthesis above)
Even went back into the locked position and started from scratch. NOTHING!
I called TOMO but only got the answering machine. Left a message and immediately called Pig9r. He had me check the headlights because the bike won't run with only 1 headlight working. They were both on. Also thought it might be a blown fuse. Well, that takes me out of the equation as I was in a fairly dark part of the lot with no flashlight. (I'm going to Walmart this evening and get one)
I broke down ( not mentally....that happened years ago) and called Bros Club Motorcycle Road Service. I took out a policy in July of 2006 for 2 years so it was still valid. Very courteous phone operator and the tow truck arrived within 45 minutes.
Funny Side Note: Probably 35 to 40 people walked by, stopped to say how much they liked the bike or a few were Triumph owners of other models. Not wanting anyone to know it wasn't working, I just kept remarking that if my girlfriend doesn't get out here soon...... I'm going to leave her inside!
Back to the epic. Tow driver got it loaded, strapped down and to the house. As we're pulling up, TOMO called back and said, " You know, you might just try the KILL SWITCH because sometimes people walk by and hit it just for the hell of it. I told him I'd check just as soon as the bike was unloaded.
Of course he had to turn the auto rpm controller up high to operate the hydraulics and also turned on every light he had including the rotating bars on top, bright cab lights that light up the bed and a couple of strobes thrown in at no extra cost. Now I've got every house in the neighborhood opening doors, pulling up shades and a few walking outside to see what all the lights and noise is about. I'll be the brunt of wise ass comments for at least a week.
I signed the form and went to sit on the bike. I reached over and felt the KILL SWITCH sitting in the wrong position. I flipped it toward me, turned the key and Voila..... everything was back to normal except I turned the key back off because I didn't want the driver seeing me pull in the garage under my own power. That would be too embarrassing.
He leaves, I start the bike and drive in. The garage door closes and as I turn it off I look up and there's my 14.5 pound attack poodle sitting by the kitchen door with her head cocked to the side about 45 degrees and a look of wonderment on her face. That just sucks when your dog even knows you're a bloomin' idiot.
Well, if I come away with anything from this adventure it's this:
1. Always check the KILL SWITCH
2. Carry extra fuses with you
3. Carry a flashlight
4. Carry a pen to write down the Bros Club Confirmation Number
5. Carry an extra headlight bulb
6. Have a cover story ready when you're waiting for the tow truck
And this one is most important
7. Try to look calm, cool and collected!
I'm through venting now so here's a special thanks to TOMO and PIG9R.
I was at Home Depot and after buying the needed light bulb I walked out to the R3. I had, as I always do, locked the handle bars with the key. Hopped on, unlocked the handle bars, turned the ignition key to on and everything lit up except the speedometer and tachometer.
(This is where a few choice expletive deleted words came into fruition)
Turned the key back off and then on again. Same result (see line in parenthesis above)
Even went back into the locked position and started from scratch. NOTHING!
I called TOMO but only got the answering machine. Left a message and immediately called Pig9r. He had me check the headlights because the bike won't run with only 1 headlight working. They were both on. Also thought it might be a blown fuse. Well, that takes me out of the equation as I was in a fairly dark part of the lot with no flashlight. (I'm going to Walmart this evening and get one)
I broke down ( not mentally....that happened years ago) and called Bros Club Motorcycle Road Service. I took out a policy in July of 2006 for 2 years so it was still valid. Very courteous phone operator and the tow truck arrived within 45 minutes.
Funny Side Note: Probably 35 to 40 people walked by, stopped to say how much they liked the bike or a few were Triumph owners of other models. Not wanting anyone to know it wasn't working, I just kept remarking that if my girlfriend doesn't get out here soon...... I'm going to leave her inside!
Back to the epic. Tow driver got it loaded, strapped down and to the house. As we're pulling up, TOMO called back and said, " You know, you might just try the KILL SWITCH because sometimes people walk by and hit it just for the hell of it. I told him I'd check just as soon as the bike was unloaded.
Of course he had to turn the auto rpm controller up high to operate the hydraulics and also turned on every light he had including the rotating bars on top, bright cab lights that light up the bed and a couple of strobes thrown in at no extra cost. Now I've got every house in the neighborhood opening doors, pulling up shades and a few walking outside to see what all the lights and noise is about. I'll be the brunt of wise ass comments for at least a week.
I signed the form and went to sit on the bike. I reached over and felt the KILL SWITCH sitting in the wrong position. I flipped it toward me, turned the key and Voila..... everything was back to normal except I turned the key back off because I didn't want the driver seeing me pull in the garage under my own power. That would be too embarrassing.
He leaves, I start the bike and drive in. The garage door closes and as I turn it off I look up and there's my 14.5 pound attack poodle sitting by the kitchen door with her head cocked to the side about 45 degrees and a look of wonderment on her face. That just sucks when your dog even knows you're a bloomin' idiot.
Well, if I come away with anything from this adventure it's this:
1. Always check the KILL SWITCH
2. Carry extra fuses with you
3. Carry a flashlight
4. Carry a pen to write down the Bros Club Confirmation Number
5. Carry an extra headlight bulb
6. Have a cover story ready when you're waiting for the tow truck
And this one is most important
7. Try to look calm, cool and collected!
I'm through venting now so here's a special thanks to TOMO and PIG9R.
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