Sparkplugs (5/29/23 Mon)

Good thing that I didn't need plugs on my Florida trip, becaues those sourced from O'Reilly are not even close to those in the 2020 DL1050xt. My first indication when the spark plug socket sized for the new plugs was loose on the old installed plug. The "replacement" had a 5/8 inch socket size while the bike needed 14mm. The plugs for the 2020 DL1050xt (NGK LMAR8BI-9, Part #: NGK 91909) are thinner and much longer.

While double checking that I asked for the correct number I discovered that Suzuki suggests replacement at 25,000 miles. So at 22,500 miles, and starting a 1.5 month long trip over 10,000 miles, I need plugs. Web searches and part confirmations still don't have my bike, and the correct plug seems scarce. Amazon had only suppliers outside the US with an ETA of 6/5. Not ideal when I need to leave 6/1, to reach Dawson City in time. Luckily NAPA claims that their Rochester store has them ready for pickup Tuesday (since Monday is a holiday). I ordered the four I need immediately, and hope to purchase an extra 4 when I pick them up. Also going to buy a small tube of blue locktite to carry, with hopes of retaining all my nuts and bolts.

While out picking up plugs, I can hopefully retrieve my hammoch from the PO.

Luckily all of my tech testing has worked out. I'm typing this on my new iCleaver BK05 BT keyboard. It has a very standard key layout so I don't need to think to use it. It also supports 3 BT targets and a usb connection. Allowing switching between the four of them with a key combo. It also offers lighted keys for typing around the campsite at night. But honestly with the keys in the correct location hunting for keys is minimal. The keyboard also works via USB to my micro-projector with embedded Android. So anyplace with wifi the projector alone could be used to blog. The projector can become a Samsung DEX screen for my S20 phone, using any of the usb-c to HDMI options I purchased. Lots of options. The website was backed up, followed by upgrades of the OS and Plone containers to the latest software versions. And finally an upgraded backup and a second copy moved off of the cloud server. The only thing remaining to update is the ssl cert, which could already have an untested auto-renew configured.

Update (5/30/23 Tue)

USPS did have my quilt, and I was able to test and then pack it today. It's smaller and does seem like it will work for all tent camping. Not sure about it for colder hammocking. Also setup the wise owl hammock bug net. It seems like it will work out well, and I like that it can be left around the hammock and packed. That allows for a quick deployment and bug sanctuary. Given the importance of doing the bike work, I've also repacked my cases and also tested the inReach check-in and tracking functions.

Where things went wrong is with not acquiring the spark plugs. NAPA assures me the only two locations with them on the east coast will have sent me their pair by tomorrow. Just to cover my bases I returned the bad set to O'Reilly and they too have assured I can pickup the correct four plugs by 0730 tomorrow morning. So as long as one supplier comes through I can get my plugs swapped, reassemble my bike and be ready to leave at dawn on Thursday 6/1.

What could go wrong? Getting a bad plug should get solved quickly if both orders arrive. NAPA is getting a pair from two towns in Maine. O'Reilly is getting all four from a third Maine location. I hope nobody else in Maine needs DL1050 plugs.

Update (5/31/23 Wed)

O'Reilly had a set of four plugs by mid-morning. NAPA didn't have them until 1400. While out I went to many stores looking for Octane Boost. Eventually decided that my Nova Scotia full tank on unleaded was uneventful and past performance predicts future. So I bought a StarTron fuel additive that has an octane raising claim. The Stromtrooper forum sight seemed to concur that it's not a big deal to use normal unleaded if that's all there is.

The plugs aren't easy to reach and took a few hours to install and tests. Then bolt on the radiator, tank, plastics and seat. I sourced gutter guards from Lowes to protect my radiator, and eventually zip tied them on. But I need a quick shower and clothes change before a chiropractor appointment. The bike worked great to the appointment, and to the tax office to pay the tax bill that comes due while I'm gone.

Back in the garage I finished my packing, selected a Northern route through Canada, and installed the radiator guard. I've added some new items to this trip, but condensed and culled even more, so the cases containe a bit more air space. Two heavy items culled are the Chromebook and coffee grinder. The phone proved good enough, and insects and vast distances are expected to make camp life less casual.

Before bed I realized I needed to setup ssh keys to enable my phone to access the cloud server. Last time the Chromebook was setup for that task, but there was no need. It looked like the SSL certs could expire during this trip, so I want to be ready just in case. The logs indicate I did setup auto renewal, but I want to be prepared for a first time failure.