You know how you get used to something, say like your right arm but then all of a sudden, you can't use it anymore. Sure, you can live just fine without it, we're human, we acclimate and make adjustments, but its just NOT the same. Kind of ironic, as I'm not really talking about my arm this time at all, but more along the lines of Teds Red Sled.
Most of you know how I crafted the Teddy-Cam so I could keep an eye on the lil star while we're riding, without having to keep turning around and actually looking at him, adding to the miriads of other distracted drivers out there on the road. The system worked well for the past 2 years, but I (along with Mother Nature) killed the lcd monitor a few months back, leaving me without my constant watchful eye on The Tedster. Ryding without it, after being so use to it, just wasn't the same and my level of apprehension was a little higher, bringing down the enjoyment level just a bit. I mean, we love get'n on it in the twisties, as I'm sure Lamont and MrOrange can attest to after our ryde of The Dragon, HellBender and all the other great roads we did while enjoying Lamonts Bar-B-Q this past year and the year before even.
But without being able to see Teddy, as I said, adds a little concern to the ryde, especially after our first major incident where I thought I had killed the poor lil guy. Some may see a 'Teddy-Cam' as overdoing it, but I see it as doing what I need to do to make sure the lil guy is safe, without adding me as another distracted driver.
So, with all that said, and my buyout check in hand, I was able to find a unit that is actually designed for the outdoor elements, the first on the market, waterproof 7"lcd monitor to replace the one that died. I couldn't believe it when I found it, and they actually warranty it, unlike all other manufacturers . Most that I've seen are NOT for outdoor use, so if it gets wet, your loss. Sure you can try an aqua-box, but even then, its not warrantied, so your still taking your chances. The new one I found is even rated for High Pressure wash downs, like a car wash, tho I had to laugh when I read the claim that the unit was 'EXPLOSION PROOF!!!' Huh??? Yeah right, are we talking like M80, hand granade, dynomite or what??? Til my brother clued me in that in the industry, it means that the unit can be used in volotile conditions like gas filled rooms and the unit will not produce any sparks to 'CAUSE' an explosion. Still gave me a chuckle tho....
So now, having the new unit in hand, Teds Red Sled is now even more apart than in the pictures, as I'm having to rewire the entire bike to add the new 'Teddy-Cam' along with a rear view camera so I can also see behind when we're on road trips and pulling the camper, which is actually a little taller than the Spyder, leaving me guessing when its in tow. I've added a Moto-Lite fuse block to wire everything in and not give Teds Red Sled indigestion by all the power draws, hopefully keeping all its systems nice and happy.
Doc, as soon as I get home from work today, I'm going to take one more reading of the belt tension, and finally get your tensioner back in the mail to you. My heartfelt thanks for all your assistance these past few months and I also apologize for keeping it so long, and for everyone else waiting so long who have been wanting to try it out as well. Its been a long time getting to this point, but dare I say it, we're almost there.
The Good, The Service Manager said he called BRP & they will cover them under Warranty :clap:
