yermo,

this is why we have a welder in the garage

it will do stainless.

you weld it up you run it till it breaks again

I have old cars they break you fix, you weld

most of them would not be on the road with out that welder.

that's it's job.

Heard from Bob's BMW today. The tech said that the exhaust hangar under the bike had broken. He believes this is why the exhaust cracked this time.

The exhaust has been welded and additional reinforcing has been added. The tech believes that this in combination with a new hangar should resolve the cracking issue.

I did confirm with them that the engine on that bike is solidly mounted to the frame. It's a stressed member without any kind of bushings. This is one of the design decisions on the K100RS that has been much criticized because of the vibration this causes.

I should be able to pick up the bikes Thursday or Friday. Duncan and I are planning to start the real break-in mileage on his bike this weekend.

And they're back. Both bikes look and sound fantastic, with many many small and not so small fixes. The 'S shifts very nicely now with the new clutch and driveline repair, and runs very nicely post tune up.

I'll leave it to Yermo to speak for the K100

Here are some shots of the welded exhaust system.

The weld job certainly looks like it should help.

Glad to hear both bikes are in fine shape after the visit to the shop. Now all you've got to do is ride 'em.

I haven't ridden the 'S yet, but Duncan says it's a much better ride now with the new clutch and final drive issues resolved. I'll be splitting my time between both bikes to make sure both are giving a good shake down run before May.

The K100RS is running and handling very well now. I have to admit, the heated handlegrips Duncan got me for my birthday are a much bigger improvement than I would have expected. We rode back from Bob's in 38degF weather and I didn't have my vest. Just with the grips alone I stayed warm enough to prevent my shoulders from cramping. Massive improvement.

So you ride to Deal's Gap with Bruce and Duncan...

I'm just curious to know if you're going to pack camping gear.

@Ian: LAUGH. Funny you should mention that because at the very time you were posting this I was telling Duncan he needs to pack his camping gear.

<evil laugh> Eggsellent...

Then all will be good.

Why do I detect a boatload of "riding weather karma" headed my way at mach 37?

Seems like whenever I put camping gear on a bike, it's a rain cloud magnet. It'll be interesting to see if my 18 year old tent from the old cross country trip still works after all this time.

My Fieldsheer rain suit from the dirt shop is ancient now too.

Seeing your bikes bedecked with tents, Mother Nature will consider you worthy and shower you with good fortune (and maybe just a little rain, too). Fail to do so and tempt fate!

And some fierce wind, hail and numbing cold ... Duncan has not yet paid his dues and I think I'm overdo for paying some of my own ...

Oh, how I would love to have the opportunity to be "subjected" to such things on a motorcycle trip.

I'll let Duncan borrow the Lawrence of Arabia tent - fits in a WWII duffel bag that should pack nice on the bike.

but once set up you can pull the bike in the screen room as in instant garage.

so did duncan get the trailer hitch yet?