Devins trip to Springbok Rally 2006
by Devin Corney
Here is the sad tale of the BLEEDING GREEN - put this in the mag if you want
(thanks Devin just a bit too late for publication – hence the website)
Yes, I went down on the 2006 Kawasaki ZX10 - very nice of Graham to organise it for me - I'll have to write a whole new poem now I guess...
The bike is awesome with an unbelievable amount of power and all the modern technology to support it. You have to really concentrate to keep the front wheel on the ground through the revs. Anyhow, the whole trip was going just fine and even Lisa was handling the pillion seat far better than anticipated. Well, we made it all the way as far as Calitzdorp (50km from Outdshoorn), where we pulled over for a quick leg stretch - fortunately too, because Gavin Alexander was riding with us and he noticed white/green liquid all down the side of the bike.
Graham (Alders) and I inspected it and basically, we decided that it may have come from some bike ahead that we passed, as it could not be from the ZX10 radiator (there was no visible hole or leaking at first glance, and the stuff was also all over the front brake callipers and rim - ahead of the radiator and cooling system). This did not make any sense, as coolant does not fly forwards when leaking out of a motorcycle travelling at 200Km/h plus...
Anyhow, we decided to continue on and I would keep an eye on the temperature, etc. Well, she continued like a dream and as soon as I started riding the temperature fell back down to a normal operating range, which only served to solidify my belief that it must have come from another bike and sprayed all over "THE GREEN". We made it to Outdshoorn, stopped at Pick 'n Pay for some coffee and supplies and then off to Saddles for a bite and a few beers before heading up to the campsite. Well, we were there for a good hour or so, so the bike had time to cool down. I checked the coolant level in the reservoir again now before leaving (with the bike now being cold) and it was clear now that the level had fallen. I managed to nurse it up to the campsite with a very close eye on all gauges, lights and any flashing things that may indicate trouble. I got up to de Hoek, but this time the temperature did start to go up a bit - not very high, but higher than before. Once outside our chalet, I immediately dismounted and checked the radiator for leaks - this time (with the bike being hot and the water in the cooling system under pressure), I managed to spot a very fine, but very steady, stream of water squirting out of the top corner of the radiator (forwards - all over the front wheel). Well, at least now we had diagnosed the problem. I parked her at the chalet, let her cool down and then cleaned all the coolant and ant-freeze off with hot water and a cloth I had bought for the job in town.
The next morning, I went down to the main gate and then to the end of the road that leads from the gate so that I would have reception on my cell phone. I called Graham (Johnson) to tell him the news and get a decision on what he wanted to do – it was after all their bike and not mine, so I wanted him to make the call. The options were simple – either we try to patch it up at the rally and I take it back very carefully to Cape Town, or Graham comes down with the Helderberg Kawasaki vehicle and trailer and takes it back. Initially his choice was that we try to get it sorted at the rally, so I later found Mike and Jenny on their way into town in their car. I stopped them and asked if they could look for something in town that I could use to try patch up the radiator with. A couple of hours later, they returned with a bottle of liquid radiator weld type stuff – pour it in, run the motor until hot and it should eventually find the hole and plug it.
Thanks guys for getting it. Graham (Alders) and I administered the poison and it seemed to work.
A few hours later, Graham (Alders) and I were officially on duty at the gate. We had been there a while and were into the second half of our time on guard, and who should arrive - none other than Graham (Johnson) with the Helderberg Kawasaki 4x4, with trailer in tow and my very own ZX7R on the back. Apparently he had spoken to the mechanical know-how (Julian) on their side and he advised against the bike being ridden back, as the system would need to be flushed, etc. Personally, I think Graham was looking for any excuse to come down to the Springbok for the night and have some fun. Anyhow – how is that for Kawasaki roadside assistance? Eat your heart out BMW.
Thanks to Graham Johnson and Helderberg Kawasaki for giving me the use of the bike for the trip – it made the ride more important than the rally – I appreciate it. Now you just have to slip one past my wife if you want me to buy one. Also thanks to Graham (Alders) and the bunch for the help when the trouble struck.
Despite my misfortune, I still had another great Springbok Rally.
Devin
