Fingers crossed this one is good

[Dragon]

Currently waiting on.my uncle to arrive so I can look at the 2002 gsx250 Im considering buying today means I can wear my new helmet :p

glad the weather is good as my qmoto grace leathers wont be here till a week or so away

Im keen for anyrides around paraparaumu coming up as I don't have work till the 14th Im in my older gear so not to keen on anything to exposed

[Grizzo]

Welcome.

Congrats on the ride.

And GO QMOTO!

[Edbear]

Hope it is just what you need. Goodonyer!

[Dragon]

So after looking it over some money changed hands and now I own it :) git it for a good price only issue is it has a very small oil or water leak so I'm trying to work out how to check the levels

have been riding it since about 130 and the first 10mins from dominoes in newtown to the vtnz were scary as hell due to the fact I haven't ridden in about 2yrs but I managed to get back out to pram no problems

think I need to practice more slow speed stuff and maybe put her over more into the corners I'm just being cautious until my new gear shows up

anyone keen for a ride tonight and wants to show me the dip stick location?

[Dragon]

Found the oil level window not 100% sure if it reads full of clean oil or is empty :s haven't had the oil pressure light come on so that's a good thing but I know that when it comes on its to late. will go buy 1L tomorrow and add some of that see if it makes a difference to the reading diners crossed its all good need to get some degreaser as well

going to be a busy day :p is there any rides on?

[speeding_ant]

Best to leave for 30 minutes after a ride, sit completely up straight (does your bike have a center stand), then check the oil levels. If you add more oil than needed you could damage the engine. Though I think those invaders have a huge sump.

Best really to do a full oil change, that way you know for sure that the oil is fresh and at the right level.

[speeding_ant]

Oh, and I'm well up for a ride anytime :)

[Dragon]

Last service was done at 49k and its just about 54now ill check the oil in the morning I am keen to ride tomorrow :p

just realized I'm an idiot for riding bare knuckles as I am sunburnt on my hands up my wrists to where my jacket sleeves start as they ride up alittle when I'm on the bike as the old gloves I had came up.high

Can't wait for the qmoto gear to arrive :) Paula there is amazing

also think ill have to get some better boots to help with my gear changes

I have the bug haven't felt this free and alive since I rode last even my 330kw skyline didn't make feel this good I can enjoy everything at the speed limit ish ;)

[FJRider]

Best to leave for 30 minutes after a ride, sit completely up straight (does your bike have a center stand), then check the oil levels. If you add more oil than needed you could damage the engine. Though I think those invaders have a huge sump.

Best really to do a full oil change, that way you know for sure that the oil is fresh and at the right level.

Never use the main stand to check oil level. The bike will be leaning forward and give a false reading. You could put too much in ... or not enough. (depends where the sight glass is)

The bike should be held (or propped up on the side stand) level. Warm it up for a few minutes ... then you can check it in a few minutes. Oil can be put in when the engine is warm.

Cast into the casing (usually at the fill point) is the amount of oil the engine holds. If you change the oil filter when the oil change is done ... add a bit more to fill the filter. Check again after running for a few minutes after the change.

Low pressure and low oil level are two different things. DON'T count on low pressure coming on to show the level is low (often a different warning light/system) and such a low pressure warning may be TOO LATE to save the engine .. You want to be lazy and not CHECK ... owners risk.

5000 km's since last service ... due for oil and filter change. How much is left on the Chain adjusters .. to set it at the correct amount of play ... ?????

[unstuck]

Found the oil level window not 100% sure if it reads full of clean oil or is empty :s haven't had the oil pressure light come on so that's a good thing but I know that when it comes on its to late. will go buy 1L tomorrow and add some of that see if it makes a difference to the reading diners crossed its all good need to get some degreaser as well

going to be a busy day :p is there any rides on?

Be careful where you are spraying degreaser. Use some kerosene in a plastic spray bottle, much better than a lot of degreasers. That degreaser you get from the whare whare is pure shit.:yes:

[GrayWolf]

Look in the events thread,
Ratti (BRONZ) and crew organise Tuesday rides for slow paced/learners to enjoy. There is always a few experienced riders ther who will help you with things you are not sure about, as well as help yo with riding techniques.... Seems Andrew Templeton (Advanced riding Instructor) has been out with them and gave the rides the 'thumbs up'.
I work shifts, so my free time is all over the shop (monday/tuesday coming) but if you are looking to do a few 'local' or even a longer SLOW paced (100kph or close) and want some company, then give me a PM.

OH sunburn is the LEAST of your worries... Would you lean all your weight on bare hands on a belt sander???? No difference to sliding down the roads in bare hands if you came off :crazy: .... get some gloves :)

[speeding_ant]

Never use the main stand to check oil level. The bike will be leaning forward and give a false reading. You could put too much in ... or not enough. (depends where the sight glass is)


Duly noted!

[bosslady]

Be careful where you are spraying degreaser. Use some kerosene in a plastic spray bottle, much better than a lot of degreasers. That degreaser you get from the whare whare is pure shit.:yes:

why be careful? I was going to get some degreaser today to clean my filthy chain...

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=275650&d=1357365790

[unstuck]

why be careful? I was going to get some degreaser today to clean my filthy chain...

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=275650&d=1357365790

Some degreasers are no good for paint and plasticks and rubbers, so you have to be carefull where you spray it.:yes:

[bosslady]

Some degreasers are no good for paint and plasticks and rubbers, so you have to be carefull where you spray it.:yes:

ohhhh I see, can you recommend a good one? gonna go to supercheap today

[unstuck]

I always use Kerosene for degreasing, Its cheaper, and does a better job. IMO. Do not have a supercheap in Gorrrre, so do not know what products they stock.:2thumbsup

[Dragon]

Have borrowed a set of gloves until my qmoto ones turn up :)

Just rode paekoreki hill glad I did as was a big learning experience need to work on my cornering and keeping a constant speed

had a few oh shit moments like when I pulled over to let a car past

[FJRider]

Do not have a supercheap in Gorrrre, so do not know what products they stock.:2thumbsup

Do they have Eft-pos there yet ... (just kidding) Supercheap is the motoring version of the big red shed ...

[Dragon]

112km today so far might go back out later hands are sore atm

did about 100km yesterday as well so I'm clicking up the kms

[unstuck]

Do they have Eft-pos there yet ... (just kidding) Supercheap is the motoring version of the big red shed ...

Is that that there fancy braking thing they is putting in cars nowadays???:wacko:

Good on ya dragon, small steps.:2thumbsup

[pritch]

why be careful? I was going to get some degreaser today to clean my filthy chain...



As someone else said don't use degreasers on your chain. Get a couple of rags and a wash it clean with kerosene in a 2L ice cream tub or similar. Then get another rag soaked in engine oil and give it a good wipe all over with that. Don't jam your fingers in the sprocket.

Or you could buy a Scott oiler:whistle:

[FJRider]

Is that that there fancy braking thing they is putting in cars nowadays???:wacko:

Good on ya dragon, small steps.:2thumbsup

A bottle of Moonshine cleans EVERYTHING ... even strips paint (and kidneys) ...

[bosslady]

As someone else said don't use degreasers on your chain. Get a couple of rags and a wash it clean with kerosene in a 2L ice cream tub or similar. Then get another rag soaked in engine oil and give it a good wipe all over with that. Don't jam your fingers in the sprocket.

Or you could buy a Scott oiler:whistle:

damnit why can't I use a degreaser on my chain?

[Ocean1]

damnit why can't I use a degreaser on my chain?

'Cause that shit's girls only stuff, you need some hard arsed manly solvents on that fucker.


Oh, wait... as you were.

[bosslady]

'Cause that shit's girls only stuff, you need some hard arsed manly solvents on that fucker.


Oh, wait... as you were.
hehehe
:nya:

[unstuck]

damnit why can't I use a degreaser on my chain?

If it is an O ring chain, you could fuck the O rings. If not It should be ok as long as you are careful where you spray it, I am assuming you plan on leaving the chain on the bike to clean of course. If you are taking the chain off and it is not O ring, go for it, just make sure you rinse it well with clean water afterwards.:Punk::Punk:

[Ocean1]

damnit why can't I use a degreaser on my chain?

Like pritch said, kerosine. Kerosine and a toothbrush. Easy.

Then more oil. Or wax, I like the chain waxes you can get, not as sticky, less mess. Almost as controversial with bikers as tyres, is chain care.

[bosslady]

Sorry for the thread jack OP.
Cleaned with degreaser, no kerosene, no idea if it has o rings but I sprayed, scrubbed and rinsed the whole chain then hosed it down at the end really well, dried it then lubed it up again. Will test ride it when the bikes up and on the road again. Before and after pics in my profile.

[Dragon]

Never had so much issue getting insurance ffs swan don't want to touch me

2 of my driving convictions are bullshit anyway but are there so fucked off

[SNF]

ohhhh I see, can you recommend a good one? gonna go to supercheap today

I used a supercheap degreaser on the inside of my fairings, came up well.

Back to topic - hope your bikes a good one that keeps on trucking! Trust me nothing worse than a nice day but you can't go out because you know its running like shit.

[Dragon]

Just rang kiwibike insurance broker am now insured with star insurance

3k cover for the bike
2.5k for gear
1k excess

am happy :)

[Bald Eagle]

Slow paced ride tommorrow, meet car park sth entrance to Aotea Lagoon down from the Police College. Meet from 6pm ride @ 6.30 Look forward to seeing you there.

[bosslady]

Just rang kiwibike insurance broker am now insured with star insurance

3k cover for the bike
2.5k for gear
1k excess

am happy :)

I'm insured with them (kiwibike) also and star aswell, I think. Same cover for my bike, no idea what my gear is though????? $500 excess, but no convictions or demerits.

[FJRider]

$500 excess, but no convictions or demerits.

Being over 25 helps ... A LOT ... ;)

[Dragon]

Yeah I'm 23 at the end of august so that's against me to

went for a ride to the dairy and back was bad and didn't wear boots just my skate shoes (I made them tight however) gear shifts where better but I got cold feet :s

need to work on my turning circle as slow speed as well

also need to angle myself better getting out of driveways and not rush first gear

been pretty good with starting off but had two brief stages of bunny hopping think its because I'm feeling alittle rushed need to take more time

[FJRider]

Yeah I'm 23 at the end of august so that's against me to



Look at getting insurance made out in your parents name. With you a nominated rider. With some companies ... it works out cheaper.

[Dragon]

Look at getting insurance made out in your parents name. With you a nominated rider. With some companies ... it works out cheaper.

Only my stepdad has a bike licence and he's in dunedin

[FJRider]

Only my stepdad has a bike licence and he's in dunedin

Owning does not mean you HAVE to ride it. It is perfectly legal to own one and not have a license (just not legal to ride with no license).

[bosslady]

Being over 25 helps ... A LOT ... ;)

oh yea... $500 is still a lot though, cause I'm a learner? oh well..

[FJRider]

oh yea... $500 is still a lot though, cause I'm a learner? oh well..

Don't crash and you'll be fine ...

[Dragon]

I'm more worried about people hitting me then.me crashing

[FJRider]

I'm more worried about people hitting me then.me crashing

You should worry more about not hitting THEM ...

But ... on the bright side. If you do ... you are insured.

But if the excess is $1000 ... hit them hard and get your moneys worth ...

[Dragon]

You should worry more about not hitting THEM ...

But ... on the bright side. If you do ... you are insured.

But if the excess is $1000 ... hit them hard and get your moneys worth ...

I ride/drive very defensively and assume people won't see me or leave me room etc

Tbh id rather not hit them or be hit I try and leave myself heaps of space and be super visable

[FJRider]

... I try and leave myself heaps of space and be super visable

Continue that thinking ... it may save your life.

[GrayWolf]

Being over 25 helps ... A LOT ... ;)


oh yea... $500 is still a lot though, cause I'm a learner? oh well..

I only pay $250 Excess, being an old bastard helps :yes::yes::yes:

and I'll give kiwibike/protecta a big thumbs up here..... I insured with them for the 1st time (last year) with the MT and they just had to fork out 8.5k for my wee 25kph mishap late last year, they have'nt hammered me anywhere nearly as much as I expected on my renewal premium.

[Dragon]

Broke the Fucking front brake lever just before the bronze ride tonight so.had to ride from poirua to paraparaumu with just a rear brake :s worst ride ive had was a big learning experience I can.now say I know what to do if I lose my front brakes

so.now on the hunt for a new one :(

[bosslady]

Broke the Fucking front brake lever just before the bronze ride tonight so.had to ride from poirua to paraparaumu with just a rear brake :s worst ride ive had was a big learning experience I can.now say I know what to do if I lose my front brakes

so.now on the hunt for a new one :(

sorry to hear that

[unstuck]

Bike shop should be able to sell you a new lever easy enough. How did you break it, fall over, too strong????

[FJRider]

Bike shop should be able to sell you a new lever easy enough. How did you break it, fall over, too strong????

Any suzuki shop should have one. I doubt if the lever is specific for that model alone.

[Dragon]

Bike shop should be able to sell you a new lever easy enough. How did you break it, fall over, too strong????

I brought the bike knowing the previous owner had dropped it in the wet

there must have been a crack in the lever that I didnt notice and when I pulled it in guess I was to strong because it broke off :(

[unstuck]

I brought the bike knowing the previous owner had dropped it in the wet

there must have been a crack in the lever that I didnt notice and when I pulled it in guess I was to strong because it broke off :(

Well it,s a bloody good job it did not snap in an emergency situation.:2thumbsup

[Dragon]

Well it,s a bloody good job it did not snap in an emergency situation.:2thumbsup


Yeah still annoying though means I have to head into town to pick one up or get it posted out sigh pita

[FJRider]

Yeah still annoying though means I have to head into town to pick one up or get it posted out sigh pita

Any suzuki dealers in Levin. ...???

[unstuck]

Yeah still annoying though means I have to head into town to pick one up or get it posted out sigh pita

AH well, at least your not plastered all over the back of some poor buggers truck.:2thumbsup

[Dragon]

Had a nce silver lever delivered today cost me a whole $39 did 144km today was good also discovered my speed is 5km out which explains why people get shitty when I sit on the speed limit so now I'm sitting at 10km over so should.be right getting used to covering at the speed limit again and chucking it over into the corners.
Lots of progress :) start commuting to work as of Monday can't wait till.next Friday for my qmoto gear to hopefully arrive rode in some heavy wind tonight and seriously want something heavier to wear atm bikes used just under1/2 a tank so.I should.get about 300km a tank which isn't bad considering I'm alittle heavy on the throttle when. Itake off

[Dragon]

Forgot how bad it is to ride in the rain

When I was younger I used to ride from Roseneath near Port Chalmers in Dunedin to Kaikorai valley, I have ridden in rain/sleet and snow/ice.

Wearing the same gear minus my new helmet this morning I got wetter then I ever have in my life

Pretty much only my head was dry when I got into work

So glad I can shower etc at work and I brought a spare set of clothes

Should have my new Qrace gear tomorrow so hopefully that keeps me alittle drier with my camo water proof suit over the top

This morning I only had the over trou on as I had left the top half at work (not a smart move)

I left home at 622 and got to work around 730 so was about an hour ride :( blah

The road works at Paekoriki hill really slowed me down and was a pita :'(

Oh yeah also had a few cars cut in front of me and slam on there brakes so had a few fun emergency quick stops in the wet :S

having the rear end fishtail as I try to gear down and not fly over the handle bars with the bike staying upright is very interesting

I must admit my balance is amazing at low speed now

1-2 gear in grid lock doing under 5km with feet off up on the pegs so pretty proud

[Dragon]

Had to get a new tyre yesterday :s

Old one was at 1.2mm and had a slow leak

Didnt realize it was 1.6mm at the wof a month ago

$196.5 later for a new tyre, inner tube and fitting etc and I was good to go

Cornering/braking is so much better

[arcane12]

Good to hear it's improving. :niceone:

From everything I have been told you should not be trying to gear down in an emergency (or semi-emergency) braking scenario. It should go something like gas off, load up the front brake, clutch off, front brake, rear brake. (I think).

More basic order could be gas, clutch, both brakes. The importance of a little bit of front brake (loading up) before going full hog is to allow the weight to shift to the front of the bike (which happens as you start to slow) to allow better traction under heavy braking.

My usual method of doing this is just to progressively apply the front brake as I gas off and use clutch, and then start to use back. But that is the technique that works for me, YMMV. My method could go wrong in a panic situation if I jam on the front before I get the clutch in.

[Dragon]

Im certainly starting to remember everything again

Yeah I tend to hit both brakes when I need to stop fast and im slamming the gears down fast with the clutch only coming out breifly to let the gear catch.

In saying that Im generally ok because I give myself alot of following distance (within reason) and generally im half expecting someone to run out etc so travelling with my hand on the brake and clutch lever

With the new leathers im alot happier riding and my confidence is back up as if I fk up ill have more protection then I previously did.

Im starting to want something bigger as the wind is really shoving me around and the few times ive had people try to change lanes into me I just havent had the power to get out of it as fast as I would like.

I really have to rev the hell out of the 250 to get anywhere but I am glad I didnt jump straight back onto a 600 and tbh I should probably sort out the correct licence before I get something bigger

Not that its stopped me before but fines are not something I want these days and I like having insurance

Got something stupid like 20months left on my licence until I can sit my full as my previous driving stuff doesnt count etc

hopefully they bring out a riding course so I can knock 6months off

Wish I had done it properly years ago

Anyone think I could pass off a newer 600 as a 250 ;)

[Dragon]

Did about 600kms over sunday and monday due to the long weekend.

Went on the group ride from Rimutex upto masterton and back clocked up 335km by the time I got home was a long day.

Been taking the bike into the higher rev range alot more and have switched back to 95 today as I hard kind of a tinkling at around 10k starting to think it could be detonation rather then something rattling on the bike but will run a tank of 95 and see if it goes away.

Realized ive done about 2000km since I got the bike on the 5th

Will be getting the bike serviced at the end of the month as its due for a 10000km service soon as was last done at 49k and its at 56k atm

Did an oil change about 1000km ago as it was due running 15w40 Castrol stuff that I got from repco pram beleive the guy is on here as well its the oil specific for bikes :)

Been lubing the chain every few days or at least once a week due to the kms im doing

Will wash the bike again this weekend and go over everything again

Have started to look at 600's on TM more im getting a new work role over the next few months so if I get it might buy myself something bigger (will keep the 250 as well)

Thinking I might pop into motorad next month and test ride the Ninja 250 and 300 just to see what there like as the bump upto one of them might be okish

Made a spreedsheet to give me an idea on power increase

Bike kw weight rider kw per ton kw per ton with me

Suzuki Gsx250 20 169 90 77 82
Kawasaki Ninja 250R 24 152 90 99 106
Kawasaki Ninja 300 29 152 90 120 128
Honda CBR600RR 2007 78 154.7 90 319 340
Triumph Daytona 675 92 185 90 335 354
Kawasaki ZX-6R 97 191 90 345 365
Mv Augusta 675 94 173 90 357 379


Really liking the thought of an 07 CBR600RR atm :p