Sierra ride on the Turbo Seca

I have to say I am liking the bike more and more. After going to Bernies a couple of weeks ago. My Girlfriend tells me that she wants to go for a ride. She wants to find out what going for a ride really is about. I ask her if she wants to do a day ride or a weekend ride. She replies with a weekend ride of course. I tell her that she will have a sore butt. She say's that's ok. So I start planning out a ride. I decide that I want to do as few freeways as possible and see as much as possible. We start out by stopping by Chapperal motorsports so I can buy a pair of saddlebags and an intercom. I come out with 5 guys looking at the bike. One of them asks what is it, and I reply a 1982 Yamaha Seca Turbo. One of them mentioned that it didnt have a turbo on it, they couldnt see it. Me being the nice helpfull guy that I am, I show him Then they ask how old is it and I tell him that its 25 years old. Dam I really like this bike So we take out everything that is in the duffel bag and toss everything in the saddlebags and install the intercom. Nice to talk to someone while riding.
I decide that I will take her by Willow Springs raceway and used two freeways to get there. Both were less than a half hour each. After that I take twisty mountain roads to the Lake Isabella. Found out that cow droppings may stick to shoes but does not help out with traction. Just a minor slide. Saw a couple of dead snakes and one rattler coiled up as we blasted by and lots of future steaks and leathers(cows). Finally get to lake isabella via Caliente Bodfish road and spend the night. Woke up from our room and had breakfast in Kernville then headed up the upper Kern river and took various roads to Sequoia National Park. Did a short hike to the General Sherman tree and headed off to Lodgepole. Great place to sit and have lunch before we headed off for King's Canyon to take pictures . Kings canyon was very scenic and one of the two roads that we did twice, but only because they are is no other way out. Took the hwy to Fresno and saw the 41. The GF is starting to complain that her rear is sore. I decide that it's time for plan B. Plan A was to ride for a couple more hours to Salinas and then wake up the next morning and take Hwy 1 back. But with Yosemite ahead and that being plan B I head north to Oakhurst. Find a nice hotel for Judy to plant her sore rear in the jacuzzi and relax and enjoy the moment. Sunday morning comes and me being the cheap SOB that I am decide that it would be faster if we just ate the continental chow err breakfast. Luckily she agrees. After breakfast we are off to Yosemite.
The last time I was there on a motorcycle was for my 17th birthday. Nothing like telling Dad that I am going camping for my 17th bday. He asks where and I tell him Yosemite. He replies" hope you have reservations" I show him mine and off I go. Dam it's still one of the best B-day gifts I have ever given myself.
We are cruising along and really enjoying the morning. It was a bit cold but it was worth it. I see the Glacier point road come up and take the right. As we head up the road I kept looking in the meadows and finally spotted a bear, not only one but a mother with cubs. I quickly turn the bike around and tell Judy about the bear. I guess Momma bear heard us coming back and rounded up the kids and took off. Luckily Judy was able to spot one of the bears. We get to the top and I was in heaven from the view. I really miss going camping there and anyone that wants to do a quick one day ride, go for it. Just one word of caution when in the Valley. Everyone seems to have left there brain back in the tunnels coming into the valley. They will cut in front of you without looking just to get that great parking spot to see the sights. After a snack in the valley we are off to Toulumne Meadows and Yosemite high country. Along the way I notice a few people stopped by the side fo the road and turn around to spot a bear having lunch. I take out the camera and get a nice picture of the bear eating. I forgot how beautiful it was up on the road to Toulumne Meadows. We wound up having a nice picnic lunch next to the river and headed down to hwy 395, the largest dyno on the planet
Took that road and about 100 miles from home Judy was ready to call a cab. Not really from the bike but more from riding in the heat of the owens valley and after that the mojave desert. Nothing to see and no music for her. A quick wet tshirt for her and she was ready to finish up the ride home. Needless to say we had jack in the box for dinner since we were both dead tired.
The only problem we encountered was that my speedo died, yeah that one that I just bought off of ebay quit. But after getting home I found out that the speedo is fine but the drive that is on the front wheel is dead. I took that apart only to find a gear that is severely worn and the stamped steel part with the dogs had bent and needs replacing. So if anyone has an extra front wheel that has the speedo dogs on it let me know. Mine only has one drive dog now
So with summer coming up very soon, the question is where are you going and by all means take the xj !! The stares from others are worth it. If it will make it out for a short ride try a longer ride. She will most likely not let you down. Get out there and Ride!! There are no excuses just ride!!

Sean

 

I'm envious! What a perfect ride! I do have a turbo front rim but will not be parting with it (its earmarked for my Seca at some point down the road). Could you remove what is left of the dog assembly? Do you think it possible to machine a new unit? I'd like to see this assembly, my shop might be able to help.

 

Wow, wish there was scenery like that down here in northern Ohio! Sucks to hear about your Speedo gear though, especially after you got those Canadian gauges! Yea, I'm the guy you were going to sell the extra tach you had from Bernie, but I ended up painting in my faded spots. I thank you again for pointing me to that auction, it was a good deal. It sure is nice not to peg at 85mph anymore!

-Nick

 

Sounds like it was a nice ride Sean, hopefully mine goes smooth too.

-Steve