Karl's good to go (I think)

Gone are the days of the shakedown rides and obsessive bike prep before the big tour. I've been trying to figure out why. Here's what I have:

• Too damn hot to ride this summer. Severely cuts down on the miles.
• I've had to sink about about $3000 into Karl since last fall. Everything had damn well better be fine.
• I know this bike so well that I can tell if anything is acting up on it. Last weekend was a 450 miler, and everything felt fine.
• Karl just turned 50k miles. My mind is already starting to wonder what my next bike is going to be. (I'm looking at you, KTM.)
• Despite this bike's issues, it has never left me stranded. 
• The BMW motorcycle network of dealers/shops/riders is good. Really good. They take good care of people if things go sideways while out on the road.

With all that said, here's what can go wrong this year:

• Three final drives replaced since last summer. The latest went in October. This is a 80k mile replacement usually, and I've been three, starting at 36k. I'm not 100% convinced things are completely sorted out yet. Another final drive failure would be a trip ender, but not a complete surprise.
• Something is up with my rear suspension. Maybe it's just due to be rebuilt (it is) but the preload isn't quite right. Won't fail in a way that would end the trip, but it's something to keep an eye on.
• The starter is sticking. I had them clean and lube it at the shop a couple weekends ago, but it's sticking again. It's days are numbered, just not sure what that number is. This is a side effect of storing a bike outside all the time. Having that fail would kill a day of riding (and $300-500), but not end the trip.

Despite the issues, Karl's a trooper, and I think he'll pull through just fine.