Hints'n'tips thread

[mike-s]

As suggested by others, i figured i might start a hints & tips thread that we can put together to help the new, new again & old riders with little tidbits that may prove handy at some point.

* Remember to support yourself with your stomach muscles and knee's, your hands shouldn't be gripping too firmly on the bars as that can affect your balance, comfort (engine vibration transferred through the bars to your hands & upper arms can really start hurting if you keep doing it wrong, especially on a crotch rocket of a bike).

* Rain on the road after an extended long dry spell is cause for caution, especially if its light rain or has only been raining for 20-30 minutes or so as the water is likely to have brought the oil to the surface, but hasn't been able to wash it away to expose only bitumen yet.

* It's better to have and not need rather than need and not have (a phrase i live by when on the bike & why i always keep the rackbag on the bike)

[Cath]

* Remember to support yourself with your stomach muscles and knee's, your hands shouldn't be gripping too firmly on the bars as that can affect your balance, comfort (engine vibration transferred through the bars to your hands & upper arms can really start hurting if you keep doing it wrong, especially on a crotch rocket of a bike).

As a follow up: if you're gripping the bars, try wiggling your elbows at regular intervals while riding. It'll loosen up your death grip and remind you to relax your upper body. Just pretend you're a chicken and you'll get the movement right


Good idea mike-s!

[robracer]

* Just remember to lean the Farker... learnt that one from the Hoff

[Strika]

When in doubt....flat out!!!!!


Oh.......and be good to your Mother and don't eat yellow snow!!!!!!

[Smitty]

please oil/lube your chain...when warm at the end of the ride

please oil/lube your cables (throttle/cluctch) at the start of a ride

check tyre pressure/chain tension at the start of a ride

full tanks...empty bladder at the start of a ride




caffeine and nictone overdose at the end of a ride

[Cwidova]

look through corners and look where you want to end up.....your body follows where you are looking!!!
and always ride within your limits on the roads:D

[cateall]

Not sure if this is the right forum category...but here goes...
A newbie question that relates to hot weather commuting on a fairing'd bike...ie my zx-6r just recently.
On a hot day, when bike temp is at the upper upper end and you're in commuter traffic and traffic isn't moving should you:
A) Turn off the bike if you're not moving (I saw a fellow commuter doing this at longer lights on this particular occasion)
B) Just pull over so your bike doesn't melt and give it time to cool down (and leave for work earlier next time!!)
C) Keep the motor on even though the fan doesn't appear to be doing much, and eventually have the bike cut out in commuter traffic and have to walk it to a side street hoping that you don't drop the bike because then you'd really look like a douche-bag.

I don't want to be in this position again, so any helpful tips would be appreciated. And I'm sorry if this is a stupid question.

[6maniac]

G'day Cate....... re: C) was the fan running at all ?

[cateall]

Hi 6maniac,

Fan was running. Probably 30 degree morning, I'd been riding for about 15min prior to hitting the heavy traffic and then it was bumper to bumper for 20 - 30 minutes, thats when the bike forced a rest!

[Smitty]

look through corners and look where you want to end up.....your body follows where you are looking!!!
..

plus
keep your head UP.....look ahead
NOT down

[6maniac]

Hi 6maniac,

Fan was running. Probably 30 degree morning, I'd been riding for about 15min prior to hitting the heavy traffic and then it was bumper to bumper for 20 - 30 minutes, thats when the bike forced a rest!

Is the 2000 ZX-6r carb or FI ?

Just googled my answer...carby. Possible fuel vaporisation ? How long before the bike re-started ?

[Cath]

What temp is the ZX6 getting up to?
I know mine used to run pretty hot in summer commuting traffic, before I was comfortable lane splitting. I pulled off and parked in the shade more than once, scared I was going to kill my baby.

[cateall]

Ended up pulling over and parking in Crows Nest (for those that know Sydney), the bike died right at junction of Military Road and Pacific Hwy so you can imagine the traffic. Left the bike for about 30 minutes and if was fine after that.

[Strika]

A water cooled bike will radiate heat if you turn it off at the lights all the time, potentially heating it up more. However, a water cooled bike should be able to idle in 40c heat while stationery without overheating. If it doesn't, then there is something amiss with your cooling system.

[Six Addict]

ALWAYS HAVE A "DAVE3" ON ANY MOTORCYCLING TRIP U GO ON, HE WILL COME IN HANDY!!!