en-us Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:18:44 -0500 ATM@msgroup.org 60 *All Things Motorcycle* http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/ *All Things Motorcycle* for Guest http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/ http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/rss_32.png *All Things Motorcycle* RSS Feed 144 47 General Discussion - A close call tonighthaithabuhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12239&REPLY_ID=117212General Discussion Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:41:53 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12239 Had a sudden flat with a tube tire (rear) back in the 70's. Riding on at any speed was not an option, not even with easy inputs (the bike was providing violent inputs of its own). I steered in the direction of travel as the bike flipped from left to right and back again, but it was very close to the steering lock. I considered myself lucky just to make it to the shoulder in one piece.]]>General Discussion - Dropped my bike tonight! 1st time on Ultracapozzirhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12218&REPLY_ID=117211General Discussion Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:36:57 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12218
quote:
Originally posted by bkikkert

There are very few people, experienced or not, that have not dropped a large touring bike either stopped or during a slow speed maneuver and especially two-up loaded with luggage. Those that say they have never dropped a touring bike are either little white fibbers or olympic weight lifters. [:D]

Well, I ride an GL1800 Goldwing which I guess qualifies as a "large" touring bike. I'm definately not an olympic weight lifter at 5'5" and 125lbs. I don't consider myself a fibber in this reguard either. So far after 1.5 years and 38k miles of ownership and doing mostly 2 up touring fully loaded with a luggage platform on the back, I haven't dropped it (knock on wood).

I have never "dropped" a bike. Had one roll of the kick stand while it was idling in the driveway but I wasn't on it at the time. [B)]

I have wrecked twice, on two different bikes (18 years ago now and one was on a race track). Since then, I've kept it rubber side down. I'll keep eating my wheaties and petting my rabbit's foot. [8D]]]>Board Enhancements or Problems - Multiple bikes in user profilesCash Anthonyhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11103&REPLY_ID=117209Board Enhancements or Problems Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:35:19 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11103 Are you kidding? Between us, I think we just don't know when to stop. [(#)][88][;^)]

In truth, Jim's working assiduously on it, and I've given up editing for now, until the 'final' version of the current section arrives. [8D]



Cash]]>General Discussion - Birthdays and grandkids...twchttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12240&REPLY_ID=117208General Discussion Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:32:50 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12240
quote:
Originally posted by scottrnelson

My own opinion is that you should get a dirt bike too and go ride with him.Look at this as a good opportunity for you to do more riding and to participate in an activity that your son will enjoy too.

I have to admit that I like Scott's suggestion, but...

My first reaction to this post was incredulity that a grandparent would purchase something like this for a grandchild without first speaking to the parents, even if the parents and grandparents are all bikers.

We are all aware that riding motorcycles carries with it some risk, and we each accept that risk as part of motorcycle riding. A child of ten is not yet capable of making an informed decision about those risks; the parent must be part of the process. A grandparent is not a parent and has no right to make that decision on behalf of the parents.

Yes, I am a grandparent.
]]>Campfire chat - Torque vs horsepower vs accelerationJames R. Davishttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12199&REPLY_ID=117202Campfire chat Thu, 02 Sep 2010 07:42:16 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12199 It's curious to me that though you clearly have a mathematical and engineering perspective of physics, you would claim
quote:
Given the weight of the bike(M) and the horsepower(F),
you can integrate F=MA ...

F, as I'm sure you know, stands for Force in that equation.
Torque is a force while Horsepower is not.

Of course you can rearrange and integrate formulas, and if you ignore cause and effect relationships, can conclude that work causes acceleration -- but do you believe it?

My guess is that you believe that force is what causes movement (or acceleration) of mass, and as a result, work.

HP is not a force. It does not CAUSE the movement of mass.
]]>General Discussion - California moves on Loud Pipesrkfirehttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12230&REPLY_ID=117198General Discussion Thu, 02 Sep 2010 06:29:37 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12230 Ray, that was the regulation that I was asking about. It simply requires the EPA stamp on the muffler.

Vance & Hines now has at least one aftermarket exhaust with EPA certification. Maybe laws like the NYC version would create an incentive to the aftermarket companies to make legal mufflers.

Right now, it's a sort of wink wink, this system is made for "offroad racing". I noticed CherryBomb running a TV ad lately that says "disturbing the peace since 1965?".]]>General Discussion - Air bag jacket in MotoGPgymnasthttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10738&REPLY_ID=117180General Discussion Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:46:19 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10738 Gary, searching around the internet yields little in the way of new developments or news pertaining to "motorcycle airbag jackets". Here is a link to a search http://www.google.com/search?q=+mot...nt=firefox-a]]>Humor ... the lighter side - Crashproof Motorcyclegymnasthttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12237&REPLY_ID=117173Humor ... the lighter side Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:41:31 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12237 Check out the safety features on the 2011 Mercedes Benz models. http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/index...des-7760552&
]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - David Houghhaithabuhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12211&REPLY_ID=117172Sharing of Lessons Learned Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:28:52 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12211 That struck me as well. We all use others' brake lights to alert us to slowing vehicles ahead, but we can't afford to rely on that exclusively. Trucks have this in common with motorcycles: that both are able to slow down significantly without touching the brakes.]]>Campfire chat - I'm going to try out ABS for a whilebachman1961http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12233&REPLY_ID=117168Campfire chat Wed, 01 Sep 2010 14:55:08 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12233
Congrats on the new bike ! I went to my first race day at a track north of my home on Sunday. KTM seemed to rule the races on the pavement. Nice looking colors and graphics too.

Sounds like you know better than rushing to spirited riding. Amen.

~brian]]>Motorcycle Accident Reports - WITH COMMENTS - Passenger killed on highway, no witnessesIgorhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12221&REPLY_ID=117158Motorcycle Accident Reports - WITH COMMENTS Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:27:26 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12221 http://www.cbc.ca/canada/toronto/st...tion196.html

Ioana Bocunescu has been ID'd as the victim in this terrible incident. According to what I heard on CBC radio 1 she was 40 years old.

This is the only new information I've found. Obviously the SIU continues its investigation...]]>General Discussion - Co-worker showing signs...Scamperhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12232&REPLY_ID=117154General Discussion Wed, 01 Sep 2010 11:44:45 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12232
quote:
Originally posted by tusome

http://savealifetour.net/motorcycle.htm


That is one brutal video. Very graphic.]]>Humor ... the lighter side - Manliest BikeScamperhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12235&REPLY_ID=117146Humor ... the lighter side Wed, 01 Sep 2010 08:29:00 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12235 I think the bike is still up for sale. If I had any interest in an 1100 and I had the means to get to Utah, I'd buy it just to be funny![88]]]>General Discussion - AMA Lobbying PowerCaptCrashhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12236&REPLY_ID=117136General Discussion Tue, 31 Aug 2010 23:05:53 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12236 AMA position paper:

http://www.amadirectlink.com/legisl...ns/sound.asp

Executive summary: AMA does NOT like loud bikes...but thinks we should solve our own problems.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Confession of a safety idiotIgorhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12220&REPLY_ID=117131Sharing of Lessons Learned Tue, 31 Aug 2010 21:42:57 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12220 Thanks, James... good info. It seems to be a pretty good approximation whether your tire holds 6, 12, or even 24 litres of volume that +10F ~= +1PSI

For the rest of the world, that's about +5.6C. Keep in mind, however, that the rating for your tire maximum pressure is probably a "cold" figure....

Now that leaves us to simply wonder: how many degrees do they assume your tire will climb between cold and fully-warmed-up?

If I start a ride tomorrow morning, my cold tires will be about 20C. If the temp reaches 33C, plus I'm on the superslab which is much hotter, and I'm doing 120km/h which is flexing the entire tire about 1000 times per minute (~17 times per second) then it's probably not unreasonable to assume that the air inside the tire will reach temperatures in excess of 40C, maybe more... that would then equate to an extra ~4PSI...

I should take my food safety IR-thermometer with me tomorrow to get a read on the tires external temp after doing a few kms! I need more data!]]>General Discussion - Once a rider, always a rider?scottrnelsonhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12234&REPLY_ID=117130General Discussion Tue, 31 Aug 2010 21:19:56 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12234 I gave up motorcycles for about nine years while raising my kids. But I missed riding and got back into it and realize that I have to ride regularly. You can always go with dirt bikes and ride with your kids once they're old enough to ride a bicycle without training wheels. Some people put training wheels on the little motorcycles, but I've never thought much of doing that.

Once the kids hit their teens until about when they get a drivers license, you can get them to do a lot of chores and behave themselves for the opportunity to go riding. And it's a lot of fun for everyone. And if they eventually decide that they want to ride on the street, they'll already be very good riders, so you won't have to worry about them being able to control a motorcycle on the street - only controlling themselves.]]>General Discussion - Right foot or left foot on the ground and turning from a stopAlabusahttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12206&REPLY_ID=117121General Discussion Tue, 31 Aug 2010 19:47:54 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12206 Riding solo, left foot only goes down. Riding 2up, I use both feet to a complete stop then right foot back on the peg. Unless the stop is on a hill then the right never leaves the rear brake. When starting from a stop, before the tires make the first revolution both feet are on the pegs.]]>General Discussion - windshieldsMattInFlahttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12223&REPLY_ID=117103General Discussion Tue, 31 Aug 2010 11:59:32 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12223
quote:
Originally posted by James R. Davis


It's not the wind that is dangerous, it's the hard things carried by or through that wind.


As Ron White says - "It isn't *that* the wind is blowin - it's *what* the wind is blowin"....

[:D]]]>Campfire chat - NC Bike Bash 2010Woofhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12222&REPLY_ID=117098Campfire chat Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:42:27 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12222 Thanks for posting these, Jim. The SV needs a chain, I had mowing (baling) to do, and several other excuses for not attending Saturday. It looks like it was successful, so maybe I'll attend next year. I'm glad you clarified that the folks in pic 4 were stunters--I thought it was a drag race gone fairly wrong when I first saw it.]]>Humor ... the lighter side - A Real Estate Attorney we could all loveNight Trainhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12231&REPLY_ID=117089Humor ... the lighter side Tue, 31 Aug 2010 06:37:29 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12231 Whether true or not, it is indeed priceless![88]]]>Campfire chat - Strange, beautiful, and scaryradan2http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12225&REPLY_ID=117081Campfire chat Mon, 30 Aug 2010 23:13:32 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12225 The pictures are absolutely amazing!]]>Motorcycle Accident Reports - WITH COMMENTS - Teen motorcycle racer killed in crash at Indyrayg50http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12229Motorcycle Accident Reports - WITH COMMENTS Mon, 30 Aug 2010 21:37:51 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12229
quote:

During a motorcycle race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, 13-year-old Peter Lenz fell off his bike during a warmup lap and was run over by a trailing motorcycle. A few hours later, Lenz was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital; the cause of death, according to the Marion County coroner's office, was blunt force trauma.

Though he was just 4-foot-11 and 81 pounds, Lenz was already a highly accomplished racer, according to the Associated Press. He earned "expert" designation from the American Federation of Motorcyclists by the time he was 11, and this year, competing in the U.S. Grand Prix Racers Union, he had already amassed four wins and five podium finishes.


http://sports.yahoo.com/nascar/blog...ascar-266149

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100830..._gp_crash_13]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Here's My LessonMystic Redhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12227&REPLY_ID=117076Sharing of Lessons Learned Mon, 30 Aug 2010 20:47:59 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12227
quote:
There are advantages to a frame mounted fairing that may not be immediately obvious to many riders. Do you feel that your fairing helped in protecting you and aided in maintaining control after striking the deer?


Had not thought about that but now that you mention it I didn't have fight the extra weight of a fairing. It all happened SO fast. No time to be panic, just grab brake, which is what I have learned after 32 years of professional driving. Complacently, which is what I fell into, was emphasized that morning! That was the purpose of this post.]]>Technical/Maintenance - Carbs and Idle SpeedScamperhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12162&REPLY_ID=117075Technical/Maintenance Mon, 30 Aug 2010 20:42:49 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12162 Quick update.

I put an entire can of Seafoam into an almost empty tank and then refilled with premium fuel. Rode it around and noticed a significant difference in the way the engine functioned. Much smoother.

I have found someone who will help to take apart my carbs to clean them and teach me how to do it at the same time. Exactly what I want. I'll do the grunt work, I just need the expertise as to how to do it. :)

]]>Technical/Maintenance - Electrical or Carb issuesAlabusahttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12226&REPLY_ID=117064Technical/Maintenance Mon, 30 Aug 2010 16:28:57 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12226 Sounds electrical to me. Since you have replaced the kickstand switch, have you checked the kickstand itself?? I have seen quite a few of this type of problem and as many as not were the kickstand was slightly loose and underway would vibrate down enough for the switch to kill the bike. Just something quick and easy to check if not already done so.

Next I would start checking ground connections and battery connections.]]>Rider Training Courses - Another Training FatalityShadyriderhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12049&REPLY_ID=117047Rider Training Courses Mon, 30 Aug 2010 08:24:07 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12049 I really doubt it was reported. The switch evidently will work just fine until the contacts melt together or whatever it does to fail. The bad thing to me is one wouldn't be used to "thumbing" the switch as habit to kill the engine.]]>Glossary - Trail brakingJames R. Davishttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12224Glossary Mon, 30 Aug 2010 07:31:22 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12224 generally used on the track, where a rider trails off the brakes after the motorcycle enters a turn.

When trail braking, a rider continues to use the brakes well after turn-in while the bike is leaning over and gently trails off the brake pressure until fully releasing the brakes as the bike reaches the apex of the corner.

Trail braking improves front wheel loading and traction, reduces the maximum brake pressure due to the increased length of time the brakes are used and quickens the steering for faster turn in.]]>Motorcycle Accident Reports - WITH COMMENTS - Motorcyclist killed in suburban Will CountyRobushttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12217&REPLY_ID=117028Motorcycle Accident Reports - WITH COMMENTS Sun, 29 Aug 2010 20:00:38 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12217 Rayg, you are correct. Here is the actual intersection where the accident took place.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&sou...9.96,,0,5.42

This morning we heard a knock on our front door. It was the daughter of our next door neighbor who informed us that the young man had been her fiancee, and that there was to be a wake this afternoon. Of course my wife and I attended. It was closed casket as he had been burned over 90% of his body.

Speaking to my neighbor at the wake, she was very unhappy at the quality of the reporting of this accident in the local press. She had visited the scene the evening of the accident and, as Rayg pointed out, there is no four-way stop. East-west traffic on Peotone/Church has a stop sign. North-south traffic on Route 50/Governor's Highway does not.

After the wake I drove out to the scene myself. The signs of the crash are still apparent. Based on my observations, here is what I surmise happened. The cyclist was eastbound on Peotone/Church as reported. A short distance west of the intersection, the road rises over a steep railway embankment and then descends down to the intersection. I believe the embankment obscured the rider's view of the intersection as he approached. Standing in the road and looking toward the intersection at about the eye-level of a motorcyclist, I could just barely make out the top edge of the stop sign. There is a sign warning of the intersection some distance farther back. Perhaps he missed seeing it.

As the motorcycle began to ascend the embankment, the rider caught sight of the intersection. By that point, it was either too late to stop or his braking technique was not up to task. The skid marks begin on the rising slop of the embankment and continue on the descending slope beyond the railway tracks. Somewhere toward the bottom of the slope or within the intersection itself the motorcycle went down and began to slide.

The truck that was northbound on Route 50 had no reason to stop. It was probably traveling at highway speed. There are deep gouges in the pavement where motorcycle slid into or under the truck. From that point there is evidence that the cycle was pushed or dragged about 70 feet to the point where it came to rest on the right hand shoulder of Route 50 northbound. Signs of the fire can be seen at that spot.

What a terrible waste of a young life. The rider had owned the motorcycle less than two weeks at the time he was killed. I am surmising that a combination of rider inexperience, inattentiveness, and perhaps too much speed caused this accident. A helmet probably would not have saved his life, but the fact that he was unhelmeted suggests an attitude toward riding that might have contributed to this tragedy.]]>General Discussion - New type of rear view mirror - I want one.johncrosbyhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11344&REPLY_ID=117019General Discussion Sun, 29 Aug 2010 15:22:53 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11344 Just sold my Reevu - the mirror leaves an image that is 2 stops darker than your normal visor view. This is fine in very bright conditions, but in country lanes with overhanging trees and shadows it's useless. Also in rain or overcast dull conditions you just can't rely on the rear image.

Secondly you'll only see sky unless you ride positioned on the bike with a straight back (dual sport or cruiser). If you ride a sports touring or full sports position then the Reevu is again useless.

This is of course just my humble opinion of having the Reevu since Jan of this year. Sold it for about $100 + postage on eBay to someone in a very sunny part of the US, so they should do fine.

John]]>Technical/Maintenance - hesitation and back firing issue!kacinpahttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12216&REPLY_ID=117013Technical/Maintenance Sun, 29 Aug 2010 07:07:20 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12216 Did you check the function of the choke?

It sounds to me that the choke is stuck partially on and once it warms up the mixture is way too rich and thus the inability to rev freely and the plug fouling.]]>General Discussion - Motorcycle passed me over 100 mphJMartinhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12205&REPLY_ID=117003General Discussion Sat, 28 Aug 2010 21:46:34 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12205
quote:
Originally posted by Alabusa

Please tell me this pass was not made in the same lane as you??

IH was right on all counts. Those types of riders tend to cull themselves from the pool quickly! Good on you for keeping your cool and please take my apologies for their actions. Not all on that type of bike ride that recklessly or with as little respect for others!!

Thanks. They passed on the center "double line" I'm glad I was in the 1/3rd track on the right of the lane or else it could have turned out worse...
]]>Motorcycle Accident Reports - WITH COMMENTS - A friend of mine died this morning around 0200Night Trainhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12192&REPLY_ID=117000Motorcycle Accident Reports - WITH COMMENTS Sat, 28 Aug 2010 19:15:02 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12192 Well said CaptCrash. I personally dislike discussing accident situations when parties close to the victim are party to the discussion. When one is grieving, they don't always want to hear strangers opinions or are not as yet prepared to accept some of the realities of the matter. Emotions can run high and overwhelm rational thought. For those close to a victim, there is a time to rationalize but that is later in the grieving process certainly not before the funeral, and for some, not for a long time after that.

In this particular instance the death of Keith, regardless of cause, was a tragic loss for his family and friends, and two in particular that we are aware of, Staticattic, and Rob Andrews and to both these gentlemen, I extend my sincerest condolences as well as to Keith's other family and friends.]]>General Discussion - One bright color or contrasting colors?staticattichttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12213&REPLY_ID=116998General Discussion Sat, 28 Aug 2010 15:28:24 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12213 Actually, now that I am looking over the pictures again, the Tourmaster jacket combined with the vest would have the most reflective properties of all. The trade off would be mesh vs leather should I ever hit the pavement.]]>General Discussion - Does size matter (cc)FunToRidehttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11692&REPLY_ID=116995General Discussion Sat, 28 Aug 2010 10:16:13 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11692 I want to share with you my experience since I spent a significant amount of time contemplating buying a bigger bike. Since I am one of those who did not ride for more than 25 years. The itch was there but became prominent when my kids made it to college. To cut the story short, I listened to he advice of starting with a 750 bike. Mine was Honda Shadow. I used it for a year and it was an excellent choice since the few mistakes I made while building my skill back again were well tolerated by the 750cc. I had no accidents and did not drop the bile with the exception of one or two stalls and the bike tipped to the side, nothing major. The desire to move into a bigger bike was energized by two things. One is personal, you know the need for more power and acceleration. The other factor was sort of imposed by going in group rides. A shadow or similar bike does not match the other big bikes. I guess it is the need to belong to that group coupled by the sense of superior-inferior relationship. The overriding questions were
1. Do I really need a big bike
2. If I decide to change, then how many steps up. In other words, do I go to 1000cc 1300cc or jump directly to 1800cc
3. Will I be able to handle the new bike the way I managed with the shadow

So I ended buying a Goldwing. I do not regret that move. Actually, I believe I wasted a lot of time contemplating my move. It is a big bike, yes, heaver, yes, but it handles nicely, and it s well balanced.]]>Motorcycle Accident Reports - WITH COMMENTS - Another left turn accidentradan2http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12215Motorcycle Accident Reports - WITH COMMENTS Fri, 27 Aug 2010 22:53:17 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12215
The wreck occurred at Blue Creek Road near Falcon Crest Road at 7:22 p.m. Wednesday night, according to N.C. Highway Patrol dispatchers.

Arturo Martinez, 19, a Marine from Delano, Calif., was driving a 2004 GMC pick up truck west on Blue Creek Road and attempted a left turn into a private driveway when he turned into the path of a motorcyclist, said Trooper M.B. Davis with the Highway Patrol.

http://www.jdnews.com/news/road-819...k-creek.html

I am very familiar with this road. It is two-lane road lined with houses, businesses, and driveway entrances alternating with stretches of fields or woods. Sight distances are often very short. Traffic on it is very heavy at times. It was built as a rural road which has been gradually become congested as the city of Jacksonville has grown. I personally think that the speed limit (45 mph in many stretches) is high, especially during rush hour.

Clearly the driver in this case failed to see and think clearly about the motorcycle approaching him. One thing we need to keep clearly in mind is that it is harder for drivers to judge the speed of objects coming toward them, especially motorcycles. One of the main clues we use, the distance between the headlights, is gone. This is in no way to imply that the biker was at fault. He was apparently traveling in a legal manner when the car simply turned in front of him.

I know several people who live on that road. Some of them want the speed limit lowered, especially given the number of families with young children that live on that road or on subdivisions that feed onto it. Perhaps this accident will encourage the authorities to lower the speed.

This accident is simply a reminder of something that has already repeated been mentioned here: be extremely careful when you are traveling on a road where there is a driveway or road entrance to your right side, where an oncoming vehicle may turn onto it.

It also reminds us that even when we ride as carefully as we can, we can become victims of people that do not pay attention.]]>Physics and the theoretical - A collision dynamics puzzlegreywolfhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12195&REPLY_ID=116978Physics and the theoretical Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:49:47 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12195 I went by the area today. The boat looks untouched and a garage is up and being worked on. The only street marking on Nagle is the center line. There is no parking allowed during rush hour and the street normally has two rows of traffic in each direction then but no markers between the rows. At 6am, there still could have been some parked cars.]]>Campfire chat - Brings back some nice memoriesscottrnelsonhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12212&REPLY_ID=116975Campfire chat Fri, 27 Aug 2010 11:54:27 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12212 While on the subject of memories, here's an interesting video from the 60's showing their version of ATGATT:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQrcgXOky70]]>General Discussion - Side topic from "2 Seconds is not enough"Aisakhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12207&REPLY_ID=116973General Discussion Fri, 27 Aug 2010 10:25:25 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12207 I agree with the second post, when I find myself behind a vehicle I cannot see through I will allow more distance between myself and them and try to position myself to see around them better. If at all possible I look to switch lanes to avoid the situation all together.]]>General Discussion - The Disappearing ManD Rhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12210&REPLY_ID=116971General Discussion Fri, 27 Aug 2010 10:02:43 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12210 Before and after pictures of my helmet with super-black reflective decals. The decals are barely noticable when not reflecting light.



]]>Campfire chat - NHTSA funded motorcycle only check pointsgymnasthttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12158&REPLY_ID=116950Campfire chat Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:37:52 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12158 At the least, these "Motorcycle Check Points" are another example of governments inability to allocate resources effectively. If such checkpoints were indeed productive in reducing crashes, state and local police authorities would employ them through their own initiative rather than their being dependent on Federal Funds and paying officers overtime to man the checkpoints.

The primary objective of such activity seems to be the generation of press releases whereby politicians and bureaucrats attempt to "show activity". Additional, it is a rather overt demonstration of the governmental authority and police power designed more to encourage "submission" rather than voluntary compliance.]]>General Discussion - "Twist the Throttle"gymnasthttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12202&REPLY_ID=116949General Discussion Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:26:29 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12202 The electronics on the MotoGP bikes literally allows the engine tuning mapping to be changed to suit the needs from corner to corner. The electronics have become almost as important as the riders in taming and operating these machines.]]>Contrary Opinions - Tip # 83: ABS not designed to stop you faster??rkfirehttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12203&REPLY_ID=116937Contrary Opinions Thu, 26 Aug 2010 06:50:19 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12203 I've never seen actual test results showing that. Funny how they don't give any actual references to these "extensive testing". They do the same thing with a couple of other "myths, like a "study" showing lane splitters in California actually have are safer than staying in a lane. Did someone really do a study? If so, I am surprised that it's never been mentioned here in any number of lane splitting threads.]]>Technical/Maintenance - A very unpleasant surprise!Guildmanhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12190&REPLY_ID=116931Technical/Maintenance Wed, 25 Aug 2010 18:49:19 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12190 If you need more guidance, check out this site: http://www.650ccnd.com/

They know the 650 really well and might be able to offer additional guidance.]]>Technical/Maintenance - high pitched chirpy squeaky noiserayg50http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12200&REPLY_ID=116915Technical/Maintenance Wed, 25 Aug 2010 13:00:20 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12200 Delphi has a few Shadow forums. They are for the most part similar but somewhat different. The link below is an additional one to the one that skootchNC posted above. I can tell which of the Spirit forums I am in by the background color (white, red, black).

http://forums.delphiforums.com/spirit750/

Note the tabs on this site. There is one labeled Webpage that has some interesting information.

BTW, I have a VT750DCA and have never heard the sound you describe. The only sound I find unusual, in a good way, is that when I drop to first gear I get a whining sound. It is almost like something unwinding. When I hear that sound I know what gear I am in.

]]>Physics and the theoretical - Rear brake lenghtens wheel base?jilphttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12186&REPLY_ID=116914Physics and the theoretical Wed, 25 Aug 2010 12:33:16 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12186 May be, I suggest, it is clearer to say that rear braking shortens the wheelbase less than front braking alone because...

The words tends to lenghten the wheelbase though is correct, could tend to be confusing in concepts.

Regards]]>General Discussion - Driver in MY lanerkfirehttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12204&REPLY_ID=116883General Discussion Tue, 24 Aug 2010 22:16:38 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12204 My brother always takes a wide right turn, in order to "own" the lane. I usually get over to the right, even to the right of the fog line if the shoulder is paved. I just like to give them ample room, if they are going to blow right by me. It's a dilema because I also know it will be taken as an invite by drivers.

In your case, I bet the following driver simply misread the amount of time for your turn, and ended up closing too quickly. He could have, and should have at least swerved a bit into the double yellow, assuming there was no oncoming traffic. He could put a little comfort distance as he passed, just as a curtesy.

On a 65 mph, 2 lane road, I'm going to make my exit from the road quickly, just for this scenario. I'm still going to do it from the right side of the road, or shoulder at the finish of the turn.]]>Motorcycle Accident Reports - WITH COMMENTS - Rider dies two days after he high-sidesJames R. Davishttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12194&REPLY_ID=116874Motorcycle Accident Reports - WITH COMMENTS Tue, 24 Aug 2010 20:51:36 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12194 'Absolving' is not the issue. Instead, I wanted to point out that making assumptions about who was at fault based on a newspaper article is not possible.

I appreciate learning that 'pending charges' does not mean that the police have already decided that a charge would be made, though I expect that reading those words in a newspaper report of an accident leaves the reader thinking that charges will be made. And failing to yield the right-of-way or unsafe lane changes are INFRACTIONS, while 'charges' implies CRIME.

As to who is at fault ...

If a driver changes lanes when he believes it is safe to do so, and if he properly signals his intentions, and if by doing so nobody is FORCED into taking evasive actions to avoid a collision, then if an accident occurs, I would be hard pressed to find the driver at fault.

On the other hand, if another vehicle driver is FORCED into taking evasive actions to avoid a collision, then that lane changing driver is certainly at fault to the extent that he failed to yield the right of way or made an unsafe lance change. That does not mean that he is exclusively at fault, or even that he is primarily at fault. For example, if the accident could have been avoided by actions taken by the other driver, but those actions taken were inappropriate or none existent, then that other driver was also clearly at fault and it would be up to a jury or judge to determine comparative negligence in the matter. Similarly, if the accident could not have been avoided by actions of the other driver, because he was speeding, or he was 'under the influence', for example, then that other driver is also at fault and comparative negligence must be determined.

Nobody is expected to be able to use their brakes 'perfectly'. Everybody, however, is expected to use them properly - that is, with 'normal proficiency'.

Unless you know the facts, not just a simplistic and largely inaccurate newspaper account, you cannot come to any judgment about who was 'at fault' or to what degree.]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Anti-Lock BrakesRobushttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12091&REPLY_ID=116871Sharing of Lessons Learned Tue, 24 Aug 2010 20:07:36 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12091 Thanks Axiom. I haven't yet engaged front ABS yet. With the rear I feel a slight pulsing on the pedal, that's all. I haven't experienced a stoppie despite some pretty aggressive braking practice. I've read of other RT riders who have. What they reported seems undramatic; just a slight lift of the rear tire which then bounces back to earth. No danger of going over the handlebars, it seems (I hope...!) I wouldn't want to try it on a steep downhill though.

All in all, the braking is awesome on this machine. Even without engaging the ABS, the bike comes to a stop right now.]]>Campfire chat - I'm beginning to see a pattern herebachman1961http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12201&REPLY_ID=116869Campfire chat Tue, 24 Aug 2010 18:08:12 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12201
Planning is a big part of safe and secure but I wonder if some spontaneity would keep things from coming up at the last inconvenient moments. At least this also will not cancel the ride.

Probably better the brake pedal toe than the shifter toe with the frequency of use and the push down/nudge up actions.
Enjoy the trip !

~brian]]>Sharing of Lessons Learned - Practice braking and turning at the same timedhalen32http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=12188&REPLY_ID=116859Sharing of Lessons Learned Tue, 24 Aug 2010 12:15:31 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12188
quote:
Originally posted by CaptCrash

quote:
Originally posted by dhalen32


Out on the range their are several exercises where we encourage riders to experiment with using the brakes while cornering as well as upper body positioning in order to learn that it can be safely done and to see how it affects lean angle, suspension compression/extension, effect on ground clearance, etc.



So is this a "you might try trail braking in this exercise" kinda of thing or is there a trail braking exercise of some kind?


Capt Crash:
It is a "we want you to use braking" in one exercise and "we want you to try braking while turning" in another exercise kinda thing. We specifically comment on trail braking as a "track" technique during the classroom discussion on alternate cornering paths of travel. We do this because the slide we use to illustrate a late apex path of travel also has some words and a graphic representaion of trailing off braking pressure.
Dave
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