Motorcycle-Era |OT| Two are better than four

Fallout-NL · Nov 1, 2017

Microsoft said:
Fallout made it! Nice!

Hey man :D, shall we call you Charlie or is SMN the preferred handle?

Ocho said:
Want to buy my first mechanics tools set. Any recommendations?

You can get fairly complete tool kits for around 100 or 200 dollars. If think you need European / metric tools, not in inches since it's a Japanese bike.

Something like this? https://www.ebay.com/itm/Duralast-7...Tool-Set-SAE-Metric-1-4-3-8-1-2-/391910450316 (though it looks like that's both inches and metric)

This also looks fairly complete, haha https://www.ebay.com/itm/Kobalt-057...620363?hash=item48a426530b:g:8nMAAOSwbw1Z9rvK (but this as well seems to be a mixed tool kit that includes SAE tools (which are tools measured in inches I think?)

I really don't think your bike has anything on it that needs SAE, so it might be better to look for something that has metric only.

Unless you plan to buy Buell somewhere down the line.

Make sure you don't go too cheap though. Stripping a bolt because an inferior tool couldn't get a proper grip on it fucking sucks.

Also, a torque wrench is very nice to have since pretty much every bolt will have a specific torque setting.

blackprophesy · Nov 1, 2017

Ocho said:
Want to buy my first mechanics tools set. Any recommendations?

Depends on budget. After years of buying cheap full sets, I've learned it's better to spend more on specific tools as you need them. So if I need torx wrenches I'll just buy high quality torx set (like a Bahco) cause I know it'll last me forever.

rocket · Nov 1, 2017

Ocho said:
Want to buy my first mechanics tools set. Any recommendations?

Get a good clicker Torque Wrench, something that can be calibrated. That is the only tool I don't cheap out in my tool box.

Microsoft · Nov 1, 2017

Fallout-NL said:
Hey man :D, shall we call you Charlie or is SMN the preferred handle?

I'm not picky so anything that comes natural, that's fine!

Ocho · Nov 1, 2017

Thanks for the recommendations, guys.

I've been trying to switch my riding style to two fingers on the brake lever at all times, however, it feels kinda weird and uncomfortable. Could it be the lever is too far away for my fingers? It could also be because at first I thought my fingers should wrap the break lever at all times but I've switched to "resting" my fingers on the lever until I need to break then I engage.

I think I'll stick with it until it feels natural. I've had some breaking situations were I don't close the throttle completely (still adapting I guess). Seems to be the safest way to control the breaks.

Dougald · Nov 1, 2017

Some nice pictures of the new Triumph factory exhibition from MCN

I haven't been to the factory before as traditionally the tours have only been for pre-authorised groups. Maybe I'll head up there over the winter and take a look, its only a couple hours from here.

Kaze13 · Nov 1, 2017

Hi MotoEra! Two are better than four unless you have a nice little sports car too. I have a 2007 Triumph 675 but it's currently out of commish due to a low side and is in need of repair. She will be worked on and get going again soon I hope. Also, I have a 2004 R6 track bike. Haven't used her in a while though :( What I would like is a Yamaha XSR700 though! Beautiful bikes.

edit: I'll post pics here when I get a chance.

Fonz72 · Nov 1, 2017

Ocho said:
Want to buy my first mechanics tools set. Any recommendations?

Hard to go wrong with Craftsman as a first tool set. If you have a Lowes near by Kobalt is really good for a store brand as well.

Edit: Hello, Fellow motorcycle enthusiasts!

Watevaman · Nov 1, 2017

So I need two new tires. Guess my season is over for now. :(

Microsoft · Nov 1, 2017

The Yamaha 2018 Motorcycles - Show Room JAPAN

Yamaha certainly has some interesting motorcycles... They've got motorcycles, 4 wheelers, scooters and bicycles. I think some of these might be concepts?

Ocho · Nov 2, 2017

I'm starting to hear my brakes shrieking a little too much. Do you guys experience some amount of squeaking/shrieking or should I take a serious look at my brakes? Both front and back.

Watevaman · Nov 2, 2017

Ocho said:
I'm starting to hear my brakes shrieking a little too much. Do you guys experience some amount of squeaking/shrieking or should I take a serious look at my brakes? Both front and back.

Is it getting cold where you are? Brakes can get noisier when cold starts to creep in. Pads are easy enough to check on bikes, just take a peek in each caliper.

Dougald · Nov 2, 2017

Pop your pads out and check if they're in need of replacement. A bit of copper grease on the back never hurt either

Ocho · Nov 2, 2017

Watevaman said:
Is it getting cold where you are? Brakes can get noisier when cold starts to creep in. Pads are easy enough to check on bikes, just take a peek in each caliper.

It has gotten colder. I took a peek and they look fine, but I'm not sure I know what to look for. It is also relatively hard to peek.

Dougald said:
Pop your pads out and check if they're in need of replacement. A bit of copper grease on the back never hurt either

I need to google how to do this lol.

Dougald · Nov 2, 2017

There are some good videos online, but generally just remove your calliper and take a look at the pad surface. If you're removing the pads I find it easier to slacken the retaining pin while the calliper is still attached as it can be very stiff.

It's worth learning to do anyway as you end up with a lot of brake dust and crap in there, so I like to give the callipers a good clean at least once a year.

Microsoft · Nov 2, 2017

I offered someone to ride their Ninja 300 back to their apartment from the dealer for them. He wasn't very comfortable as he had just finished the MSF and to get to the apt's, there was a major highway. So, I rode it back for him from the dealer! I know all about that having to be self taught. Sucks, so I sympathize.

Can't say for sure as my time is limited but, that little Ninja 300 might kick my KLR's butt in a race!

It was a lot of fun though. Fun bike.

I can cross, "ride a sports bike" off the bucket list?

rocket · Nov 3, 2017

My brother's first bike was a EX300, and EX400 is even better.

This class of bikes have seen a major expansion in the racing scene, both regionally and nationally in USA. It is now one of the most popular class in regional and MotoAmerica will be running their own 300 class in 2018 by adopting the FIM 300 rules.

Watevaman · Nov 3, 2017

I'd love to have a little 300 for a track, but if they're anything like the Ninja 250 I rode, I don't want one for the road. Not enough grunt to get me out of the way.

Microsoft · Nov 3, 2017

He'll probably upgrade sooner or later. It was pretty decent though.

Dougald · Nov 3, 2017

Those 300s do seem perennially popular as starter bikes in the US

The new 400 looks pretty awesome, IMO

Fallout-NL · Nov 3, 2017

Have been fooling around with my XB12Scg's suspension setup. I had feared that, given the small amount of travel this bike's suspension has due to it being lowered, I would not be able to get it to behave much better, but I have to say, after tweaking a few things it is much improved. Previously any little bump would go straight into my spine instead of the suspension, now it actually seems to absorb small to medium sized bumps pretty well. First I set things back to the factory default and then just softened the compression setting. Which is what absorbs the bumps if I'm correct. I actually increased the rebound a little in order to straighten out any increased wobble the softer compression setting might cause. No idea if that line of thinking is correct, but it seems to work. Front also seems to be a little less nervous under the immense acceleration this thing is capable of.

rocket · Nov 3, 2017

Fallout-NL said:
. First I set things back to the factory default and then just softened the compression setting. Which is what absorbs the bumps if I'm correct. I actually increased the rebound a little in order to straighten out any increased wobble the softer compression setting might cause.

The spring controls the amount of absorption, as in the unit of the spring rate lbs/in, compression controls "at what rate" or how fast/slow the spring is absorbing it and rebound control "at what rate" or how fast/slow is being returned to its uncompressed state.

Why did you lower the bike? It alters the bike's geometry and decreased suspension travel is never a good thing.

Fallout-NL · Nov 3, 2017

rocket said:
The spring controls the amount of absorption, as in the unit of the spring rate lbs/in, compression controls "at what rate" or how fast/slow the spring is absorbing it and rebound control "at what rate" or how fast/slow is being returned to its uncompressed state.

Sounds about right.

Why did you lower the bike? It alters the bike's geometry and decreased suspension travel is never a good thing.

I didn't, the XB12Scg comes lowered by the factory. It's a bit too short for me, but seeing as how they don't make these bikes anymore, when a mint example Scg came up for sale last year, it was the only way to acquire one with very little miles.

So yeah, trying to compensate for that.

Dougald · Nov 3, 2017

Yeah you can't go modifying a future classic now, even if it does make it ride worse

Fallout-NL · Nov 3, 2017

Right ;)

Though yeah, I think I did a pretty good job with it.

Also sent an email to the local Buell place inquiring about a higher seat. Something called a 'Skyline' seat should be available to give it another couple cm's in seat height at least.

FRANKEINSTEIN · Nov 3, 2017

I got my 1st motorcycle a few months ago. Took a class, which was required to get a mc license, and now am out riding(when it's not raining).

Fallout-NL · Nov 3, 2017

Congrats! What kind of bike is it?

Ocho · Nov 3, 2017

Going on my second ride this Sunday. Roads might be wet. I'll enjoy going 5 mph over the mountains tho.

Microsoft · Nov 3, 2017

Ocho said:
Going on my second ride this Sunday. Roads might be wet. I'll enjoy going 5 mph over the mountains tho.

Take some pics for us!

FRANKEINSTEIN · Nov 3, 2017

Fallout-NL said:
Congrats! What kind of bike is it?

2004 Honda Spirit
Had it break down a couple weeks ago. I'm a dumbass, it was out of gas. I didn't know about reserve tanks or how to switch. I could hear gas. That was a costly learning experience.

Microsoft · Nov 3, 2017

FRANKEINSTEIN said:
2004 Honda Spirit
Had it break down a couple weeks ago. I'm a dumbass, it was out of gas. I didn't know about reserve tanks or how to switch. I could hear gas. That was a costly learning experience.

So what happened?

Dougald · Nov 3, 2017

When I started riding I forgot to turn on the fuel tap several times. The first time I had the phone in my hand ready to call for a tow truck before I realised the fuel was off

Needless to say I don't miss having a fuel tap. Or a choke!

FRANKEINSTEIN · Nov 3, 2017

Microsoft said:
So what happened?

Bike stopped getting gas. I was on the highway. I didn't think it was gas because I could hear it if I shook the bike. Like I mentioned earlier, no clue about the reserve tank or how to access it. Called the wife, she picked me up. Left the bike on the side of the road because it was like 11pm. Called a tow truck the next day. Had it dropped off at the only place in town that does motorcycle repairs. Being the only guy in town meant he didn't get to it till the next week. He ended up tightening the spark plugs, changed the oil, and some other stuff. He showed me how to switch to reserve and what I need to look out for. Ended up being around $150. Nothing earth shattering but still, just an unexpected cost.

FRANKEINSTEIN · Nov 3, 2017

Dougald said:
When I started riding I forgot to turn on the fuel tap several times. The first time I had the phone in my hand ready to call for a tow truck before I realised the fuel was off

Needless to say I don't miss having a fuel tap. Or a choke!

Yeah, I don't know what that is. The fuel tap. I know what the choke is.

Microsoft · Nov 3, 2017

FRANKEINSTEIN said:
Yeah, I don't know what that is. The fuel tap. I know what the choke is.

I think it's the little switch which you can close, open or use the reserve fuel "modes".

FRANKEINSTEIN · Nov 3, 2017

Microsoft said:
I think it's the little switch which you can close, open or use the reserve fuel "modes".

Ok, I know what that is. Dude who worked on my bike told me to keep it on off when I'm not riding. Also suggested a battery tender.

Microsoft · Nov 3, 2017

FRANKEINSTEIN said:
Ok, I know what that is. Dude who worked on my bike told me to keep it on off when I'm not riding. Also suggested a battery tender.

That will make it easy to charge the battery if needed. I have one on mine!

The reason you want to keep the fuel petcock (that's what it is called) off when not riding is so that you don't overfill the carburetor. I know my KLR650 has a safety thing where it will help prevent that. I usually not worry about it unless I'll store the bike for a long time. Like, a few months. Haven't had that happen yet though. Your bike might be different. Not sure if it has that safety thing as well.

Dougald · Nov 4, 2017

Most of the time you don't need to leave the fuel tap/petcock off when not riding, but it's always best practice

When my wife was learning and we had her awful Chinese 125, I once came into the garage to find fuel flowing out of the carbeuretor and onto the floor, so that's what can happen if your bike is shit and you leave the fuel on!

Ocho · Nov 4, 2017

Gritesh said:
I hope a few fellow riders made it over to the new community.

I really enjoyed seeing all the pics of bikes from everyone.

Hope to carry that over here.

Do you think you can add us to this list? https://www.resetera.com/threads/community-spotlights.3558/

Microsoft · Nov 4, 2017

That's a great idea.

Gritesh · Nov 4, 2017

I'll get right on that sorry on holidays at the moment.

rocket · Nov 5, 2017

RRW Article with specs:Ducati Unveils 214-Horsepower, 430-Pounds-Wet Panigale V4 Sportbike

Presser Trailer:

Full Presentation:

Dougald · Nov 6, 2017

http://44teeth.com/ducati-panigale-v4-unveiled/

Just shy of £20k GBP looks like. I think its absolutely fantastic

Fallout-NL · Nov 6, 2017

Is it just me or does it sound very similar the old l-twin engine?

Deleted member 15497 · Nov 6, 2017

That looks amazing

Dougald · Nov 6, 2017

Here's one of the promo pics

Rotkehle · Nov 6, 2017

What a beauty!

Microsoft · Nov 6, 2017

It's an exciting time to be alive!

https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/sport-touring/models/tracer-900-gt

Edit: 2018 Super Tenere Raid edition. Comes with a few extras. Everything you'd need to make long distance adventure touring. I wonder how much it'll weigh. http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle...a-xt1200ze-super-ténéré-raid-edition-unveiled

Dougald · Nov 7, 2017

I do love the Tracer 900. I wonder how much the GT will cost, the standard bike is £9000 here (was £8k, thank you currency markets)

Check out the new Honda CB1000. I complained for years that the old one was a bit pedestrian in the looks department, this certainly looks more unique

blackprophesy · Nov 7, 2017

That Tracer 900 GT is really nice! Looks very comfortable. The new Triumph Tigers have just been announced now. I will definitely be checking those out at my dealers when they're available.
New TFT screens, LED headlights, rider modes. Could well be my next bike. Any brand I end up going with, it'll be of the same ilk, Tracer 900, Tiger 800, BMW GS 800 etc. Mid-size and comfortable with all the creature comforts.

800 XR

Motorcycle-Era |OT| Two are better than four

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