| Motorcycle Safety / General Discussion |
| Would it make sense to?
|
scottrnelson
* Today * 9:11 AM |
It might make sense on a local forum, but other than Houston and parts of Colorado, the members of this forum seem to be rather spread out. |
| Why Motorcyclists Get A Bad Rap
|
tonaloha
* Today * 8:52 AM |
re: On the other hand, I see many other cyclists who are responsible, courteous and safety-minded. You can sometimes tell by the gear being worn what kind of driver he or she will be. I think it makes sense for all of us to make ourselves visible and models of the "other half" of motorcyclists.
YO YO YO. What is that suppose to mean?
|
| Motorcycle Safety / Rider Training Courses - MSF and any others |
| Rider education DEATHS on the rise!
|
anthonysemone
* Today * 8:36 AM |
Thanks for your very thoughtful replies, guys. Truth be told, while confident, I'm giving very careful thought as to whether or not taking on the challenge of riding this bike is in fact doable for me. I also apologize if I came off as sounding arrogant about the BRC course for it has helped me significantly to improve my low speed control of my bike though I've got miles to go before I sleep :) I expect that I'm a bit over enthusiastic about getting as much training as I can in order to be as safe as I can reasonably be.
In that vein, I've gotten a basic membership with Team ProMotion who sponsors track days at Pocono Raceway. they have an all day course in basic track riding skills (I gather from their website) that is required before actually participating in a track day. My only concern is having to drain out the coolant, put in distilled water, take off turn signals and tape over my lights. don't think I want to do all that. Lee Parks is also providing courses over the summer in MD within about 4 hours from where I live, so that might be an additional training option.
any suggestions you all could provide me for additional training, I'd be more than open to getting. I really appreciate you all's concern and support as well as the wealth of expertise here. I expect it'll be quite some time before I'm able to contribute, but I'll share what I can when I can.
ride safe,
tony |
| Motorcycle Safety / General Discussion |
| Why Motorcyclists Get A Bad Rap
|
Texasphotographer
* Today * 8:36 AM |
Wednesday night I had a sleep study and if anyone knows anything about a sleep study you do not get much sleep. However I did ride my bike each way to the study and back so not all was lost. Any way, I got about 3-4 hours sleep Wed night and last night I had to photograph a military ball. When packing my equipment for the ball I forgot my tripod (check list and all)
My wife was asked very sweetly to bring me the tripod. Traffic was intense and as she was getting on the street ramp a motorcycle passes her on the right and immediately cuts in front of her and the next line of traffic on her left so as to get in the far left lane. My wife and the car next to her slam on their brakes or both would have a front bumper addition.
Naturally, she relates this to me while I am photographing without my tripod. I undoubdtedly will hear about forgetting my tripod and that stupid motorcyclist for a while. |
| ABS on Motorcycles
|
amhopf
* Today * 8:27 AM |
I'm sure this has been covered before...
but I thought i would chime in because i ride a VFR with linked ABS brakes.
To me they are completely transparent, i don't notice the linkage and i don't notice the ABS.
I have only set off the ABS once while practicing panic stops in a parking lot, worked great.
Welcome to the forum, would like to see pics of your GTS1000 so post em up!
|
| ABS on Motorcycles
|
Webwanderer
* Today * 8:23 AM |
Thanks for the link Baggsy.
Not sure what's happening here but when I did a search on ABS on the search page for all messages I got a "no matches found" result??? |
| Motorcycle Safety / Sharing of Lessons Learned |
| Piles of mud...on the beltway!
|
Thom Thumb
* Today * 7:54 AM |
quote:
Originally posted by gdickelman
I had to take the same route six days later. To my astonishment, the dirt was still there! It was dried and spread out more, but there had been no attempt to clean up the mess. I think I'll write to the local highway department! How irresponsible!!
You're talking about the D.C. beltway, right? When was the last time someone was slinging mud in Washington, and anybody bothered to clean it up? 
I agree that you should call the highway department. I would give them a gentle reminder that if some motorcyclist were killed on that spot, it would be very expensive for them to settle the negligence claims.
TT |
| Motorcycle Safety / Technical/Maintenance |
| New Bike - - Break In? Or B/S?
|
Gs82Seca650
* Today * 7:40 AM |
quote:
Originally posted by Victory
When this topic comes up I go by the riders that have the mileage on the bike to prove it. Just cause a bike is 26 years old doesn't really give me any info about it's upkeep. Now if it's 26 years old and has 100,000 miles on it I would considered that owners suggestions. Some owners only put 3,000 miles year on so that only equals 78,000 miles not many miles for that age.
The old saying "if mileage doesen't get it, age will" comes to mind. I've owned over 40 cars and motorcycles so far. I have spun wrenches on all of them. I have seen vehicles with 50K miles on them that look like they had 150K and vise versa. The amount of mileage on a vehicle is not the only indicator.
Simply put, I disagree with your statements and will leave it at that. |
| Motorcycle Safety / General Discussion |
| Would it make sense to?
|
alblancher
* Today * 7:35 AM |
Would it make sense to offer a list of experienced safety minded riders that are willing to act as rider coaches for new riders?
I am willing to spend a morning in a small group ride with a new rider to help them with their confidence and act as a sounding board for their questions.
Not pretending to be a trained rider coach just someone who realizes that most new riders need some help.
Al |
| Motorcycle Safety / Technical/Maintenance |
| Fuel injector maintenance?
|
Gs82Seca650
* Today * 7:34 AM |
quote:
Originally posted by Speedmaster07
It's not really an issue with modern gasoline. I've never changed a fuel filter in any of the several cars I've owned since the mid-'80's.
That statement I tend to disagree with. If the manufacturer puts an external fuel-filter on the vehicle, and the service manual calls for it's replacement at specified intervals, then it should be replaced. You don't want too much restriction in a serviceable fuel filter, or it will put undue strain on the fuel pump. |
| Motorcycle Safety / Rider Training Courses - MSF and any others |
| Rider education DEATHS on the rise!
|
alblancher
* Today * 7:29 AM |
I think we all agree that the BRC is not sufficient training to get a new rider on the road. For that matter parking lot practice is a good start but not near enough to handle the roadways.
My wife just graduated from BRC and we have been riding the backroads in rural Louisiana to get her a bit of experience. She had all the basic skills but her decision making is what has to be developed. She mentioned that she tended to follow my line as I went into turns. She could concentrate on shifting and handling the road with me in front.
We came to an intersection where the traffic was turning across my lane. She was easily 6 seconds behind me and I could see a cage getting ready to turn between us. I braked, closing the gap between us and preventing the cage from turning. I guess I did the right thing but I did drill in the point that if she is to far behind me I can't protect her.
|
| Motorcycle Safety / Sharing of Lessons Learned |
| Targeting the Rear
|
dbaskin
* Today * 7:29 AM |
Soon after I started riding I experienced the phenomenon of target fixation. I was going around a curve and as I did I met a couple of cars. Quickly I found that I was moving toward them instead of away from them. I knew then that what I had read about target fixation was real.
Today on the interstate I noticed a car passing me, and it seemed a little too close to the line. As I looked in my left rearview mirror, I got worried that it might enter my lane. I became "glued to the mirror" and soon realized that my bike was moving TOWARD the car. I never realized that target fixation also applied to targets to the rear. Spooky! |
| Motorcycle Safety / General Discussion |
| ABS on Motorcycles
|
scottrnelson
* Today * 6:38 AM |
The "starters" reference is about linked brakes, not ABS brakes.
I would hate to have linked brakes on a motorcycle, but would choose ABS brakes if I had the choice.
On clean, dry pavement, most good riders should be able to stop as well with normal brakes as with ABS brakes. But if the road is wet or dirty, or otherwise has less than normal traction, ABS system can help stop a bike quite a bit sooner than even the best riders can. Plus they're a big help in emergencies for those who can't seem to "squeeze" the brake lever rather than suddenly grabbing a handful. |
| Motorcycle Safety / Polls |
| What age group are you in?
|
dfpd273
* Today * 6:29 AM |
31 and having a great year so far. Started riding about 8 yrs ago after finishing college. |
| Motorcycle Safety / Trip Reports |
| PLANNING TRIP FROM MA. TO LAKE ONTARIO/NIAGARA FALLS
|
SBGLAKESIDE
* Today * 6:26 AM |
I AM PLANNING A 1 WEEK ROAD TRIP FROM MA. TO LAKE ONTARIO . WE WOULD LIKE TO TRAVEL MOSTLY OFF HIGHWAY . WOULD LIKE TO HAVE ANY INPUT ON THIS TRIP .MUST SEE AND DO THINGS, BEST ROUTES,OR ANY HIGHLIGHTS FROM OTHERS TRIPS. WE WANT TO GO FISHING ON THE LAKE, SEE NIAGARA FALLS FROM THE CA. SIDE AND MAYBE STOP IN SARATOGA SPRINGS (THE PONIES)ON THE WAY BACK. LAST SUMMER WE WENT TO LAKE GEORGE AND SARATOGA GREAT TRIP!!PLANNING ON AN AUGUST TRIP |
| Motorcycle Safety / General Discussion |
| ABS on Motorcycles
|
Baggsy
* Today * 6:22 AM |
Try this post for starters.
http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/t...TOPIC_ID=778
|
| Motorcycle Safety / Technical/Maintenance |
| New Bike - - Break In? Or B/S?
|
Victory
* Today * 5:18 AM |
When this topic comes up I go by the riders that have the mileage on the bike to prove it. Just cause a bike is 26 years old doesn't really give me any info about it's upkeep. Now if it's 26 years old and has 100,000 miles on it I would considered that owners suggestions. Some owners only put 3,000 miles year on so that only equals 78,000 miles not many miles for that age.
My style is to go by what the Owner's Manual says so in case there is a problem the manufacturer can't say you did not follow directions. I also take her up to above 85 after the first 500 miles and I make sure I lug the motor a little. Some say it's not needed with today's engines but old habits are hard to break.
'99 Victory 56,000 miles
'03 Victory 40,000 miles
when I sold my '94 S-10 it had 170,000 miles on it and the new owner would take people out to hear how well it ran. |
| Motorcycle Safety / General Discussion |
| leg cramping
|
Victory
* Today * 5:09 AM |
Check out Kuryakyn. They make P-floorboards that fit the Wing and maybe now for other bikes that should be great for this. They have an "L" piece that flips up giving the passenger another position for the legs.
What I was taught to do as the driver is to fill the bike up and then push it away from the pumps. This stretches the legs and does wonders. Maybe the driver will let you push it? :P |
| First bike for a woman
|
rioguy
* Today * 4:58 AM |
"Gee wiz,, apparently he/she values people over immediate $$."
Not surprisingly, he is their top salesman. Which is funny, as he actually heads the service department and isn't in sales. But people request him. (He was in sales before he headed the service department.)
I've bought 4 bikes from him. 2 for me and 2 for my wife. He could have sold a Royal Star to me, but he told me I wasn't ready for it yet. Looking back, he was absolutely correct.
He will also tell you about the differences in maintenance costs. Since I ride a lot of miles that's an important factor to me. A lot of the smaller Yamahas are more expensive to service as they need a valve adjustment on each service.
Not surprisingly, the service department is top notch. They charge $60 an hour and I get a 20% discount since I'm in there about every 6 weeks or so. It takes about a week to get an appointment which is a good thing. I'd hate to take my bike to a place nobody else uses.
Now he is working with Suzuki to find out what service is required on my bike as I've exceeded their service mileage. I'm especially concerned with things concerning steering. He is trying to research what things have gone wrong with high mileage bikes from previous years. I don't mind paying for preventative maintenance if it keeps me from breaking down.
For what it's worth, he really likes the Victories.
|
| First bike for a woman
|
bachman1961
* Today * 3:40 AM |
rioguy;
Buy that salesman a 6 pack of his/her favorite soda or a frosty mug of beer ... that is outstanding to hear of a person who is THAT responsible in this line of business. They are a credit to the shop or store they work at when screening prospective buyers for experience on motorcycles before selling them. Gee wiz,, apparently he/she values people over immediate $$.
Thanks for sharing that side note!
~brian |
| Who waves?
|
bachman1961
* Today * 2:20 AM |
WAVE TRAINING
There must be some sort of club.
As an early teen, I found that the Jeeps waved at other Jeepers.. back in the CJ days. Then dad got a Corvette and the Vettes waved at other Vettes .... what the heck I'm thinking .... dad seems to only drive cars that are in this special club. Now, I've had a Jeep for the past 4 years or so and I've been riding a cycle on/off for about the same ... no prob's with a wave as long as I have no traffic or road condition concerns that trump one handed control for that :02 seconds or so.
~brian |
| Motorcycle Safety / Rider Training Courses - MSF and any others |
| Rider education DEATHS on the rise!
|
radan2
* Today * 1:18 AM |
quote:
Originally posted by gymnast
And Tony, enjoy your new machine and the blessings of a reliable electrical system.
Your post has been forwarded to the Most Holy and Right Reverend Omnius Nox, Hierarch of Night and Supreme High Priest of Lucas, the God of Darkness, who would smite you if He could only see where the "Smite" button is on His celestial computer.  |
| Motorcycle Safety / General Discussion |
| Bike with salvage title, can I get tags?
|
Jorsher
* Today * 12:44 AM |
Hi!
I am about to trade someone a car for a 1994 Suzuki GSX 600 with a salvage title.
The previous owner dropped it and damaged the fairings, so insurance salvaged it. It only has 12,000 miles and rides fine, so I'd really like to get it.
However, I don't know if I'd be able to get a tag. I'm in Alabama if that helps. How could I get one?
Also, if anyone knows title type things, I bought a car a year back, was involved in a car accident, came home from the hospital to find the apartment broken into, keys were stolen for 2 of my vehicles, lease ended a few days later, and the cars were impounded since nobody would tow because I didn't have the keys. The car was never registered in my name since it was not running at the time. Anyone know how I can get one?
Thanks |
| ABS on Motorcycles
|
Webwanderer
* Today * 12:28 AM |
Hello from Oz,
I have just had the pleasure of joining up to become a member of this wonderfully informative and valuable site. The safety tips alone are worth their weight in gold.
I have been unable to find anything in relation to ABS (anti-lock braking system)on bikes. On purchasing my most recent bike (A rare Yamaha GTS1000 with front side swingarm and no forks)the uppermost criteria in my mind was that it have ABS as a feature before I considered purchasing it.
I have read in some postings in other web sites that very good riders in ideal circumstances can outbrake an ABS equipped bike, but for your average road rider with no pretentions of being a racer I believe ABS on bikes is the best thing since sliced bread.
You might be interested in viewing this Youtube clip on the differences in emergency braking between an ABS equiped bike and one without http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Zv3Sacl7JQ
I would really be interested in knowing James R Davis' views on ABS as a safety feature for bikes.
|
| Motorcycle Safety / Rider Training Courses - MSF and any others |
| Rider education DEATHS on the rise!
|
gymnast
05/08/2008 11:20 PM |
ColoRexer. You are absolutely correct, I failed to take into consideration that he was a returning rather than a brand new rider. His previous Brit bike experience should stand him in good stead as he makes his transition to his new equipment. As Homer Simpson would say, "Doh!"
And Tony, enjoy your new machine and the blessings of a reliable electrical system. |
| Motorcycle Safety / General Discussion |
| Who waves?
|
jhebert
05/08/2008 11:16 PM |
I wave to everybody from my v-star 650. In my area, at least 90% wave back or nod, cruiser or sportbike, doesn't seem to matter.
Scooters don't seem to wave back much. Maybe they aren't used to being waved at? |
| Motorcycle Safety / Rider Training Courses - MSF and any others |
| Rider education DEATHS on the rise!
|
ColoRexer
05/08/2008 11:05 PM |
quote:
Originally posted by gymnast
Tony, In all candor the course you are taking is not going to prepare you to deal with the terrific bike your son provided you with. You may be joking about an early inheritance but the reality is nothing to joke about. I would strongly suggest that you park it for a year or so and gain about a year of experience on a 250 to 500cc machine putting in about 5000, or more, miles in all road, weather, and traffic conditions.
As a pilot you would not start out with an F-16 after 8 hours and a solo but the BMW you now own is comparable to an F-16 in the motorcycle world. Your course is preparing you for something more akin to a Cessna 150 and if you were to clock your moving seat time in both range days of your course it would come out to be on the order of 2 and 1/2 hours at an average speed of less than 15 mph with 0 time in traffic. This is far better than nothing, but is nothing like what you need to be prepared to ride that Beemer, in traffic, with a hope in hell of of staying out of an ER.
I don't think its that grim. He is a returning biker after all and evidently has a good grasp of risk management and self control. The power delivery of the beemer is probably quite manageable.
Sweet ride, Tony! Go easy and take baby steps. |
| Motorcycle Safety / General Discussion |
| Who waves?
|
radan2
05/08/2008 10:40 PM |
quote:
Originally posted by BadBob
I've waved at Gold Wings, dual purpose bikes, Triumphs . . .almost everything except BMW's, because those guys never wave first.
You have not been properly introduced. |
| Motorcycle Safety / Rider Training Courses - MSF and any others |
| Rider education DEATHS on the rise!
|
gymnast
05/08/2008 10:09 PM |
Tony, In all candor the course you are taking is not going to prepare you to deal with the terrific bike your son provided you with. You may be joking about an early inheritance but the reality is nothing to joke about. I would strongly suggest that you park it for a year or so and gain about a year of experience on a 250 to 500cc machine putting in about 5000, or more, miles in all road, weather, and traffic conditions.
As a pilot you would not start out with an F-16 after 8 hours and a solo but the BMW you now own is comparable to an F-16 in the motorcycle world. Your course is preparing you for something more akin to a Cessna 150 and if you were to clock your moving seat time in both range days of your course it would come out to be on the order of 2 and 1/2 hours at an average speed of less than 15 mph with 0 time in traffic. This is far better than nothing, but is nothing like what you need to be prepared to ride that Beemer, in traffic, with a hope in hell of of staying out of an ER. |
| Motorcycle Safety / Technical/Maintenance |
| Install forward controls
|
durbin1
05/08/2008 10:03 PM |
also welcome to the group and also hope you have a good safe ride |
| Install forward controls
|
durbin1
05/08/2008 10:01 PM |
my best advice wold be go to the closest bike shop and look at one they have so you can get a mental picture to take home on the proper set-up |
| Motorcycle Safety / General Discussion |
| Geek bike
|
scottrnelson
05/08/2008 9:51 PM |
This bike has GPS, radar detector, CB, extra fuel tanks, and a few other things attached. Nobody's going to confuse it with a geek bike, though. Hopefully it will set a new record for motorcycle travel from New York to Los Angeles before the end of June.
More details here |
| Motorcycle Safety / Technical/Maintenance |
| Looks like my fuel got "varnished"
|
Lockjaw
05/08/2008 9:51 PM |
Haha! SeaFoam strikes again. Glad to hear it! 
(or it could have been the battery), but i like to think there is a magic elixir for motorcycles |
| Motorcycle Safety / General Discussion |
| Who waves?
|
BadBob
05/08/2008 9:37 PM |
I only wave if waved at first. More often than not, cruiser riders wave, even the HD guys (who may not be able to tell I'm ridin' metric until it's too late.) Once in a while, the crotch rocketeer kids will wave, and I'll wave back at them too. I've waved at Gold Wings, dual purpose bikes, Triumphs . . .almost everything except BMW's, because those guys never wave first. |
| Motorcycle Safety / Campfire chat |
| recent helmet study
|
Jim B
05/08/2008 9:34 PM |
It has been posted here before, but still funny. |
| Motorcycle Safety / General Discussion |
| Who waves?
|
hotrod4x5
05/08/2008 9:22 PM |
Usually I only wave if waved at. Maybe I will try initiating next time I ride. |
| Motorcycle Safety / Campfire chat |
| recent helmet study
|
Destinc
05/08/2008 9:21 PM |
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=843iDd4a6Ic |
| Motorcycle Safety / General Discussion |
| Riding gear, what to have at minimum?
|
Speedmaster07
05/08/2008 9:14 PM |
quote:
Originally posted by Geotiggy
Also for the full face helmet comments. Don't think of full face as strictly beneficial in an emergency. I was on the Thruway recently and caught a bug right at the visor seem to the chin bar. I don't know about you guys, but I'm not lookin to know what that would have tasted like. 
A bee flew into my mouth one time on a bicycle ride several years ago. It tasted... "hot." I learned to ride with my mouth closed. 
I've taken a number of bugs to the face on my motorcycle. No biggie. They don't seem to stick to skin as they do goggles, face shields, and everything else. |
| RPM
|
Savage650
05/08/2008 9:14 PM |
Yea about 1200. I own a CBR600F and that's where mine sets. You should check out www.cbrforum.com . It's a pretty decent site for specific information. Tell them "2bikes" sent you. |
| Off Theme - NOT about Motorcycle Safety / Humor ... the lighter side |
| Problem with cars in motorcycle parking spaces?
|
VodkaAndPickles
05/08/2008 9:14 PM |
In Russia, they'd make that Volvo into a hovercraft (no wheels left). |
| Motorcycle Safety / Technical/Maintenance |
| Fuel injector maintenance?
|
Speedmaster07
05/08/2008 8:58 PM |
It's not at all uncommon for fuel-injected vehicles to have non-serviceable fuel filters in completely inaccessible locations. It's not really an issue with modern gasoline. I've never changed a fuel filter in any of the several cars I've owned since the mid-'80's. |
| How To ... / Preventative Maintenance |
| Moto Guzzi Fuel Hose
|
Speedmaster07
05/08/2008 8:52 PM |
quote:
Originally posted by gdickelman
A number of Guzzi owners have asked me if I've had the gas tank fuel hose replaced on my 2007 Califoria Vintage. Apparently the one that comes with the bike is plastic and can crack quickly...one guy said his went at 1,000 mile. I am going to ask the dealer about it, but does anyone have information about this? Why would the bike come with a part that is so vulnerable, especially around the fuel tank?
My guess would be that they didn't mean to, but no design is perfect. If you're concerned, most auto parts stores carry rubber fuel hose in several sizes. It's easy enough to cut yourself a hunk and replace the untrusted factory part. |
| Motorcycle Safety / General Discussion |
| Attacked by geese today
|
Donald1684
05/08/2008 8:45 PM |
Rio,
That was a perfect amusing video for an overall terrible Thursday!!!
Jim from NJ |
| Motorcycle Safety / Rider Training Courses - MSF and any others |
| Rider education DEATHS on the rise!
|
anthonysemone
05/08/2008 8:19 PM |
This will be my first post as a member of this site, though I've lurked for a bit. I have been more than impressed with the quality and depth of the expertise of you all here. Also, FWIW, I'm a returning biker, having not ridden for the larger part of over 35 years, although during my riding days, my backyard mechanic hybrid Triumph/BSA was my principle means of transportation for several years. My post here has as its purpose simply to provide a very current description of my experience in a PA BRC.
In the interest of an early inheritance LOL, my son decided, much to my and my wife's consternation to buy me a BMW K1200S - Yep, I kid you not. Well, never having taken on a challenge in which life or limb has been at stake (I'm a multiple agency certified lethal weapons instructor; as well as a general aviation pilot with Private and Commercial licenses and ME, Instrument and CFI ratings) without having gotten the best possible instruction I could find, I searched about for how to get proficient with my birthday gift.
I live in PA, just outside Philly and straightaway signed up for a MSF BRC course. I completed the written exam (sic) this past Tuesday night and, let me say this about that: I would have to have been brain dead not to have been able to pass it. Indeed, the computerized test I took at DMV to get my permit was more difficult.
I will include in my critique of the course that, while the instructors were clearly very capable, the lock-step presentation of the content upon which the written exam was based was woefully lacking in relevance. E.g., the video presentations that were designed to amplify the content of the handbook were simply cursorily presented when, had that format been fully exploited, they could have provided a far deeper exploration into the subject matter. Second, the procedure of having various groups in the class respond to the questions in the manual by providing page #'s and answers by simply reading them aloud was essentially a waste of time (I passed with a 100% score).
I've so far had only one day at the range, a vocational school parking lot located many meters away from hard buildings, although immediately adjacent to the parked cars of the students. the only instruction we were given about a bike going out of control was "pull in on the clutch lever," no mention of simultaneously pulling in the the front brake. While the bikes, all 250cc, appeared to be in pretty good shape, speaking at least for mine, accurate throttle management was a hope on a far distant horizon. In fairness, it is not the throttle of my BMW, nor is it the seating position, nor obviously does it have the same ergonomic layout. OTOH, we are only going 20MPH so I'm not blaming the bike for my lack of skill, just noting that the contrast effect between the two bikes has an effect.
Our instructors, we had two for the 10 of us in the group, to their credit, provided a detailed explanation of each drill we were to perform, donned helmets, hopped on one of the bikes and showed us how to do the drill. We then lined up and went through the drill one-by-one, 3 to 4 repetitions each, and at the end of each rep, we got immediate feedback from the instructor about what we did that was right and what we did that was wrong.
This coming Saturday is our last day at the range and will include the skills test. Am I ready? Shucks if I know. I do know that I have found it very important to scout out my local territory for a large parking lot - our local school is open on sunday's :) - and by reading about PLP drills, how to set them up and such, I've got a great venue in which to practice whether or not I pass.
tony |
| Motorcycle Safety / Technical/Maintenance |
| Looks like my fuel got "varnished"
|
DaveInNYC
05/08/2008 7:54 PM |
I tried starting it after letting it sit for a day, but I think the battery was too hosed by then to do much. I charged it back up, and tonight it started without a hitch! Not sure if it was the SeaFoam, the extra gallon of gas, or a combination of the two (and/or having a full battery) but I am one happy camper
Thanks everyone for your advice. |
| Power Distribution Box
|
burtsr
05/08/2008 7:44 PM |
Anyone who knows my bike, has seen all the electronic goodies I have on it. Lights, ham radio, camera, microphone, more lights, mp3 player, and more lights. In all the time I have been wiring this stuff, I have NEVER had an electrical issue. Partly because I take my time and properly solder/heat shrink my connections, and partly because I have isolated all this stuff from the bike's electrical system.
In order to isolate things, you need to have a 'switched' fuse panel. After looking at what was on the market, I couldn't find one with the features I liked. So, of course I decided to build one myself.
Features I figured it must have were:
1 Handle at least 30amps continuous current at 12 volts.
2. Have two switched, fused, power outputs directly from the battery for things like trailers and heated clothing.
3. Have an additional four independent, relay isolated, fused outputs of 7 amps to go to switches so I could turn things off and on.
4. All the inputs and outputs must be independently fused so I wouldn't have to look all over the bike for inline fuses.
5. LEDs to show instantly the status of all inputs/outputs. No more testing to see if there was power
6. A capacitor to help eliminate noise.
7. As compact as possible and easy to mount on all bikes.
I was able to come up with what I think is the ultimate power distribution center. It meets all the above criteria with power to spare. It can be mounted on GL1500s and GL1800s in a variety of places, and completely isolates everything from the electronics of the bike.
Since all the relays and fuses are in one place no more hunting for parts buried someplace in a cavity. No more corroded crimped connectors. Best of all the ability to use lighter wiring to and from switches.
I have built a few for members of our chapter and even sold a few. I've never had a complaint yet. Everyone that sees one of these likes them. While I have no intention of going into business selling them, I have made a few extra.
For more information contact me directly. Pictures are at http://gwtailc.org/PowerBox/PowerBox.html
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| Motorcycle Safety / General Discussion |
| Who waves?
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Mutabilis
05/08/2008 7:32 PM |
I used to be one of those helmetless girls on the back of her helmetless boyfriends Harley. We would go out riding all the time and the first time we did, he explained to me very earnestly how he was supposed to wave or nod at all the other bikers. Mostly, though, he nodded at the other Harley riders.
Now that I have my own license and bike, I gear up good and proper and wave at everyone on 2 wheels. |
| Off Theme - NOT about Motorcycle Safety / Humor ... the lighter side |
| Problem with cars in motorcycle parking spaces?
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pimarider
05/08/2008 7:16 PM |
quote:
Originally posted by gdickelman
I know lots of folks from North Jersey who would be happy to remove two of the Volvo's wheels so that it complies with the parking restrictions....
Now that is a great idea!!! Also, you might want to leave a note suggesting he do some parking lot practice before he moves out onto the highways with his newly "adjusted" two wheeler.
Pimarider |
| How To ... / Add-ons / Customization |
| Question for the Camera Experts....
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pimarider
05/08/2008 7:09 PM |
quote:
Originally posted by D R
How good is a 3 Megapixal camera? I know the more megapixals, the more detailed the picture will be when enlarged. Just how good a picture can you get with 3 megapixals?
This is why I ask....
http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US...p-20193.html
...not too pricey and I just might be able to convince my wife it's the perfect anniversary gift (assuming 3 megapixals will generate good quality pictures).
I have both an old Canon G-1 that is a 3.3 megpxl camera and it works great for convenient shooting with a handy sized camera. One of the concerns for a good camera is the optics and Canon is excellent in this area. When I shoot for large format prints (18 x 24 or for the press} then I use my Nikon D-70, which is a 6 megpxl camera and I use NIKKOR lenses which make full use of the sensor. My suggestion is to get the camera that suits your specific picture-taking needs.
(Mike Chitko has excellent info)
Pimarider |
| Off Theme - NOT about Motorcycle Safety / Humor ... the lighter side |
| CCR-Misheard lyrics...funny video!
|
gdickelman
05/08/2008 7:05 PM |
quote:
Originally posted by Warlock622
If you like CCR , you'll love this!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHIop4mhRro&eurl
Oh, yeah? Well..if you have ever been to India and/or enjoy Hindi cinema, check THIS out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtJRNyPK-lc
You will never hear "Thriller" the same way again....
:-)
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