Originally posted on Touratech-USA’s blog on May 29, 2015
I have been accused, undoubtedly correctly, of lacking mechanical sympathy. This conversation needs a quick preface to set the stage. Iain Glynn, Chief Riding Officer Touratech-USA, leveled the accusation based on more than just my use of motorcycles, but in accounting my intimate mechanical knowledge of said machines. Thrashing a motorcycle, neglect, and demanding 100% or more, is not uncommon for those who simply don’t know any better. I do not count myself among that group. I don’t name my motorcycles, they are tools and they exist solely to perform a task. If I gave my ball-peen hammer a lady’s name I might feel bad bashing it against things. I love my motorcycles for the performance they offer, but they are still machines. Incredible levels of mechanical maintenance (cosmetics are generally not much of a concern), are received until the day of their replacement. It goes beyond just maintenance, it’s a long process of dialing in the machine, making it better-suited for the task at hand. The suspension is tuned, tires are selected for the terrain, weak links replaced with stronger ones. Basically, sharpening the knife until a better knife is found. With my 2005.5 KTM 950 Adventure, I have found the best knife I can buy for my use, and it will be sharpened until it can cut paper from across the room. That sharp edge comes at a price, it must be continually honed. A constant cycle of regular maintenance tasks like oil changes, air filter cleaning, and valve adjustments. As well as the more infrequent tasks of replacing consumables like tires, clutches and brake pads.
Good luck out there, have fun, and Godspeed!
-Eric Archambault
