Hot tips

[GazzaH]

How about we share some hot tips - those little things you wish you'd found out years ago?

I'm talking about biking (mostly!). Odds-n-sods we've picked up (sometimes here on KB) that make things easier/better/safer/more fun/more thrilling/cheaper/whatever.

One topic at a time though please to give the assembled brains trust the chance to consider and respond, maybe elaborate or suggest alternatives.

I'll kick off with one: the side stand has an uncanny ability to sink through apparently firm ground like a red hot poker through butter. So, be extra careful about positioning the bike on damp ground like a farm track, or on sticky driveway tarmac in hot weather (lessons learned!). Look for level ground or a slight slope down to the right so the bike ends up close to vertical when parked rather than leaning hard over onto the stand.

[Murray]

How about we share some hot tips - those little things you wish you'd found out years ago?

I'm talking about biking (mostly!). Odds-n-sods we've picked up (sometimes here on KB) that make things easier/better/safer/more fun/more thrilling/cheaper/whatever.

One topic at a time though please to give the assembled brains trust the chance to consider and respond, maybe elaborate or suggest alternatives.

I'll kick off with one: the side stand has an uncanny ability to sink through apparently firm ground like a red hot poker through butter. So, be extra careful about positioning the bike on damp ground like a farm track, or on sticky driveway tarmac in hot weather (lessons learned!). Look for level ground or a slight slope down to the right so the bike ends up close to vertical when parked rather than leaning hard over onto the stand.

How about read this thread.

Its a good one

https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/141792-Good-ideas-and-handy-hints

[Akzle]

Always wipe front to back. And never kiss a whore on the mouth.

[GazzaH]

How about read this thread.

Its a good one

https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/141792-Good-ideas-and-handy-hints

True. Thanks. I like it.

[Coldrider]

Yep, nothing like wearing the cost and shame of a problem thats already been solved.

[Coldrider]

Always wipe front to back. And never kiss a whore on the mouth.30 seconds, spray and walk away.

[GazzaH]

Errr, maybe.

The previous thread/s, while interesting, seem to be mostly tips about what to take with you on the bike. Fairy nuff ... but leaving that aside, I'm sure there are plenty more sharable bikey tips in the KB collective.

Aren't there?

Or have I simply failed to search hard enough to find them?

[Flip]

Heated handlebars are worth their weight in gold.
My old bellstaffs works just as well as any modern cordura suit.
Everbodies boots leak
Waterproof gloves are only so for the first hour.
Not all jap bike riders are wankers.
Pick the riders you ride with carefully, you will need them to help when you fall off or break down and vice versa.
The fastest riders in any group are ususlly the ones with the least skill, they usually just have the fastest bike.
Moneyspent on rider skill training is worth every cent.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Fuck sake I read that as "hot lips" :(

[HenryDorsetCase]

30 seconds, spray and walk away.

clearly we patronise the same whorehouses... though I am known as "Mr Spray and walk away" at my local...

[AllanB]

Does a $4 can of flyspray after the event not work anymore?


Motorcycle tip: Don't revive your seat with full shine armorall.

[Oakie]

Leaves on the road are slippery
Heated hand grips ... best thing to put on a bike if you are a winter rider.
You can put a strip of insulation tape around the bottom of your visor to guard against sunstrike ... if you don't mind riding with the visor open.
Clean your bike. That's how you find missing or loose items.

[GazzaH]

Heated grips: bloody luxury! Actually I think they're more of a safety feature. Way before the fingers freeze solid, the pain is distracting and the grip gets weak. Movement slows, so reaction time and breaking distance extends - as if it's not bad enough already on wet/icy roads.

I'm a big fan of the Scottoiler too, a good investment that pays off through less oil and less chain wear, less faffing around with spray loob, bits of cardboard to screen the wheel rim and brake disks and rags to mop up the mess, and less worry - well none really. It just works. And if you ever need it, their customer service is legendary.

[husaberg]

Use widow cleaner to apply stickers/decals that way you can actually not get bubbles and move them as needed.

When a carb float sticks just give it a tap with a rubber mallet/screwdriver

[Honest Andy]

Motorcycle tip: Don't revive your seat with full shine armorall.

+1

especially if you quite like your pillion, otherwise... :bye:

[Oakie]

Heated grips: bloody luxury! Actually I think they're more of a safety feature. Way before the fingers freeze solid, the pain is distracting and the grip gets weak. Movement slows, so reaction time and breaking distance extends - Exactly right. No fun trying to indicate if you can't feel the button due to a numb thumb.

[OddDuck]

Tips:

Heated grips don't make sense until you've got them and then you wonder why you didn't earlier

An on-bike toolkit with puncture repair goodies also doesn't make sense until it's needed

Good tyres permit good riding and are much cheaper than crash repairs and insurance premium increases

DIY cleaning and basic servicing means you notice problems with your bike early

Cleaning and oiling a chain? NEVER start the engine, sprockets just love to grab rags, fingers, hands etc

Track days will show you just how much your bike can do

Training makes your riding more fun, not less

Paper maps rule in back country NZ

Find good riding mates and keep them

There are fast riders, drunk riders, and old riders... it's not often you see fast drunk old riders

[HenryDorsetCase]

There are fast riders, drunk riders, and old riders... it's not often you see fast drunk old riders

HOLD MY BEER while I demonstrate..... hic*

[rastuscat]

HOLD MY BEER while I demonstrate..... hic*

Chortle.

Here's a tip. "Keep medicines in a high cabinet away from children."

I used to say that when people asked for a warning, instead of the ticket I was writing them. Might be time to revive it.

[merv]

Maybe you guys have been doing this with a kit for years, but seeing I've been around a long time I'd always bled my brakes (bike and car) by getting my darling wife to take care of the pumping the brake lever/pedal while I operated the undoing and doing up of the bleed nipple at each cycle. I happened to notice a cheap One Man Brake Bleeding Kit in Supercheap Auto last time I was there so bought one. Didn't know they existed until then but thought the service shops did this with some flash bit of gear.

This week I've used it to bleed all the brakes on my VFR750F. I flushed new fluid through both front disc and the back disc bleeder nipples.

The thing works a treat and it does it all with gravity but you can pump the lever to hurry things along. Just watch and keep topping up the master cylinder.

So a helpful hot tip, if you don't have one of these or have never used one, get one, they save a lot of time and effort. Less than $15 too.

http://<wbr>www.supercheapauto.co.nz/<wbr>Product/<wbr>SCA-Brake-Clutch-Bleeder-On<wbr>e-Man/291149 (http://www.supercheapauto.co.nz/Product/SCA-Brake-Clutch-Bleeder-One-Man/291149)

[Oakie]

Oh ... yeah. Puncture repair kit in a can. 'Tyre Pando'. Inflates the tyre and seals the hole at the same time. A tad messy for the poor chap who eventually changes the tyre but it will get you home.
https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/172186-Tyre-pando-or-road-side-repair-kits.

[husaberg]

Maybe you guys have been doing this with a kit for years, but seeing I've been around a long time I'd always bled my brakes (bike and car) by getting my darling wife to take care of the pumping the brake lever/pedal while I operated the undoing and doing up of the bleed nipple at each cycle. I happened to notice a cheap One Man Brake Bleeding Kit in Supercheap Auto last time I was there so bought one. Didn't know they existed until then but thought the service shops did this with some flash bit of gear.

This week I've used it to bleed all the brakes on my VFR750F. I flushed new fluid through both front disc and the back disc bleeder nipples.

The thing works a treat and it does it all with gravity but you can pump the lever to hurry things along. Just watch and keep topping up the master cylinder.

So a helpful hot tip, if you don't have one of these or have never used one, get one, they save a lot of time and effort. Less than $15 too.

http://<wbr>www.supercheapauto.co.nz/<wbr>Product/<wbr>SCA-Brake-Clutch-Bleeder-On<wbr>e-Man/291149 (http://www.supercheapauto.co.nz/Product/SCA-Brake-Clutch-Bleeder-One-Man/291149)



I just back bleed ie push air where it wants to go (which is up) using a syringe
Husabergs and KTMs come with them std except they have a hose and screw in nipple as well.
if you have a KTM 50 or a MTB the syringe is about the only way of doing it as they don't normaly have bleed nipples.
http://www.motoxparts.co.nz/media/brake-bleeder-m9547289.jpg.jpg (https://www.google.co.nz/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwix9ava8PzZAhVN5rwKHf8UBYkQjRx6BAgAEAU&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.motoxparts.co.nz%2Fp%2Fbrake-clutch-bleeding-tool-nac-tools&psig=AOvVaw2Sm308KQKNLtUk5mfvpENY&ust=1521703305955204)
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/tfoAAOSwTtFZ1Kra/s-l300.jpg (https://www.google.co.nz/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjy2Zbc9PzZAhVIW7wKHTX9BlQQjRx6BAgAEAU&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fitm%2FKTM-CLUTCH-BLEEDING-TOOL-WITH-SYRINGE-FITTING-M8-X-1-5-FOR-CLUTCH-MAGURA-%2F391998217360&psig=AOvVaw2Sm308KQKNLtUk5mfvpENY&ust=1521703305955204)
https://slavensracing.com/wp-content/uploads/Magura-bleeder-kit.jpg (https://www.google.co.nz/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiDi8D28PzZAhWLVLwKHdXFDREQjRx6BAgAEAU&url=https%3A%2F%2Fslavensracing.com%2Fshop%2Fhydra ulic-clutch-bleeder-kit-for-ktmhusaberg-by-magura%2F&psig=AOvVaw2Sm308KQKNLtUk5mfvpENY&ust=1521703305955204)
Vets also hage huge syringes ie over 100ml and are great for premix as well as fork oil etc, Cheap as well

[T.W.R]

Oh ... yeah. Puncture repair kit in a can. 'Tyre Pando'. Inflates the tyre and seals the hole at the same time. A tad messy for the poor chap who eventually changes the tyre but it will get you home.
https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/172186-Tyre-pando-or-road-side-repair-kits.

Outdated now....this is the stuff to treat your tires too ;) and doesn't make a shit mess like Tire Slime either

Ride-On TPS

http://www.ride-on.com/

[Moi]

Leaves on the road are slippery...

Not just leaves...

all those little twiggy bits that come off trees after a bit of a blow make for an unsure footing.

[GazzaH]

Never try to clean your visor dry. You'll smear the bug brains and leave microscopic scratches on the surface of the plastic that catch the sun, turning it into a kaleidoscope and eventually going cloudy. Even going gentle with a clean rag or tissue is best avoided except as a last resort in dire emergencies.

Clean water and ordinary bathroom soap applied with bare fingers works wonders. Wash your hands first to be sure you're not gritty. You'll feel any bug lumps: take your time, the water will soften and loosen them. The soap should dissolve any oil or light grease, and lubricate the cleaning action.

And be real careful drying it - a few light pats with a towel maybe, or just air dry if the water is soft.

Oh and don't forget to clean the inside too, just as carefully.

[Black Knight]

Outdated now....this is the stuff to treat your tires too ;) and doesn't make a shit mess like Tire Slime either

Ride-On TPS

http://www.ride-on.com/

Do any of these type of products work on tubed tyres (in an emergency)

[T.W.R]

Do any of these type of products work on tubed tyres (in an emergency)

Back in the 80s I was running Tyre Slime in bikes with tubed tyres though it was always put in when new tyres were fitted. It can be added anytime during the life of a tire but as a an emergency fix on the side of the road it'd be like closing the gate after the horse has bolted.
Once applied to a tire it's there in a fluid state until a puncture happens, the tire looses a bit of pressure until the fluid solidifies but it alleviates the need to carry puncture repair kits or tyre pandas.
The Ride-on TPS has the highest speed rating of all the brands like OKO & Tyre Slime and because it's a different composition too doesn't get anywhere as messy and I know for a fact Tyre Slime & OKO make a shit of a mess on tubeless rims and on tubed wheels you do a tire & tube at replacement time.

[Honest Andy]

Tyre Slime & OKO make a shit of a mess at replacement time.

Sure do, my tyre guy was a bit grumpy when I forgot to tell him one time. I knew he was grumpy 'cos there was no discount that day for being a good customer...

[T.W.R]

Sure do, my tyre guy was a bit grumpy when I forgot to tell him one time. I knew he was grumpy 'cos there was no discount that day for being a good customer...

Yeah it's bastard stuff....worst thing is you're running against the clock soon as the tire comes off the rim because it starts to solidify and it gets everywhere :facepalm:

[Daffyd]

Heated grips are more efficient if you add off road style hand guards. Prevents the palm being hot while the finger tips are still cold.

[Oakie]

Outdated now....this is the stuff to treat your tires too ;) and doesn't make a shit mess like Tire Slime either Ride-On TPS http://www.ride-on.com/ Different product though huh? This one is a preventer, Pando is for after the event.


Do any of these type of products work on tubed tyres (in an emergency) Yep. I used Pando in tubeless tyres back in the 80s.


Heated grips are more efficient if you add off road style hand guards. Prevents the palm being hot while the finger tips are still cold. True. And I was convinced for a while that my left heated hand grip wasn't working properly as my right hand was noticably warmer than my left. Then I realised it through the clutch being used more than the front brake, consequently left hand off the grip more often.

[pritch]

I'll kick off with one: the side stand has an uncanny ability to sink through apparently firm ground like a red hot poker through butter.

Carry a puck. They can be a manufactured, but inexpensive item, or a simple square of plywood.

[T.W.R]

Different product though huh? This one is a preventer, Pando is for after the event.

Prevention is better than a cure :bleh: bit like preventive maintenance is better than repairing damage :msn-wink:
and for relatively the same cost personally I'd rather have peace of mind rather than dealing with a oh fuck event :niceone:

[T.W.R]

Carry a puck. They can be a manufactured, but inexpensive item, or a simple square of plywood.

Masonry bolt washer works well too

[Daffyd]

Carry a puck. They can be a manufactured, but inexpensive item, or a simple square of plywood.

I made one from a 5"x 3" block of wood with a half circle at each end. Drilled a 8-10mm hole in the middle and a 5mm hole through one of the half circles into the centre hole. Then threaded a cord through and knotted it . Then pulled it back until the knot was in the hole and applied a spot of glue to hold it in place. I cut it off at about 1.5 metres, tied a loop at the loose end to hook over the left grip, Being a bright yellow cord it was hard to ride off without the puck. The idea of the half circles was so I could wrap the cord around it.

[GazzaH]

A stone might work if you forget the pad or washer or whatever ... or last resort is a glove (an idea spotted here on KB a while back).

[Daffyd]

A lot of guys use a crushed beer can... Only catch is you have to drink the contents first before you get off the bike.

[rastuscat]

Heated grips are more efficient if you add off road style hand guards. Prevents the palm being hot while the finger tips are still cold.

I wouldn't put heated grips on a bike now. I'd buy heated gloves.

Battery technology means they are dead practical. And when you sell your bike, you've still got your gloves.

[husaberg]

I wouldn't put heated grips on a bike now. I'd buy heated gloves.

Battery technology means they are dead practical. And when you sell your bike, you've still got your gloves.
You keep your std issue ones Rasta?
335855

[Laava]

If you are in the situation where you are having to reverse down a steep, particularly metal driveway, select first gear and kill the engine, that way you effectively have two handbrakes. Tricky bit is that they work in opposite fashion to each other in that you squeeze the right hand for brakes and release the left.
Probably preaching to the choir but someone may learn something...

[Voltaire]

How about read this thread.

Its a good one

https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/141792-Good-ideas-and-handy-hints

Wow... has time moved on since 2007.
Film canisters and using newspapers for insulation.:laugh:

Always carry a tyre pump, spare tubes, levers, that way its unlikely you will have a flat tyre.

I have AA+, was rather good when I broke down in the middle of nowhere ( Timaru) and they put me up in motel and shipped my bike back to civilisation 1233 kms away.:bleh:

[ellipsis]

...giving it more herbs is not always the right option to get yourself out of the shit...

...group rides are not dangerous if you don't do them...

...listening to stuff on here is not always the best option...

...everything following 'but', is bullshit...

...dont say,'I'll get another 1000 k out of this tyre', when you know you won't...

...if you talk shit it will eventually catch up with you, no matter how fast you move...

[Black Knight]

Back in the 80s I was running Tyre Slime in bikes with tubed tyres though it was always put in when new tyres were fitted. It can be added anytime during the life of a tire but as a an emergency fix on the side of the road it'd be like closing the gate after the horse has bolted.
Once applied to a tire it's there in a fluid state until a puncture happens, the tire looses a bit of pressure until the fluid solidifies but it alleviates the need to carry puncture repair kits or tyre pandas.
The Ride-on TPS has the highest speed rating of all the brands like OKO & Tyre Slime and because it's a different composition too doesn't get anywhere as messy and I know for a fact Tyre Slime & OKO make a shit of a mess on tubeless rims and on tubed wheels you do a tire & tube at replacement time.

Anyone know where to buy Ride-On TPS in Unzud or do I have to go through Amazon?-Thanks

[T.W.R]

Anyone know where to buy Ride-On TPS in Unzud or do I have to go through Amazon?-Thanks

LSM Technologies Ltd Australia

http://www.lsmtechnologies.com.au/item.cfm?category_id=2987&site_id=15&product_id=7

Or through Gone Touring Motorcycle Adventures

http://gonetouring.com.au/Home.aspx

[Black Knight]

LSM Technologies Ltd Australia

http://www.lsmtechnologies.com.au/item.cfm?category_id=2987&site_id=15&product_id=7

Or through Gone Touring Motorcycle Adventures

http://gonetouring.com.au/Home.aspx

Thanks mate.

[MarkH]

Do any of these type of products work on tubed tyres (in an emergency)

Why not carry a spare tube instead of one of these products?

[MarkH]

I wouldn't put heated grips on a bike now. I'd buy heated gloves.

Battery technology means they are dead practical. And when you sell your bike, you've still got your gloves.

I have heated gloves, I'd recommend heated grips instead - way better IMO.
If riding in warmer weather and it gets cold at night, you can just turn on the grips to make your thin gloves OK.
I have multiple pairs of gloves, heated grips work with all of them.

Also: When you sell your bike and buy a new bike - the new bike will either have heated grips or you can add them and they don't even cost much.

[GazzaH]

Aside from hot grips or hot gloves, what about the other end? What can the KB Kollective suggest to make the average bike seat comfier, ideally comfy enough for a long hard day or three in the saddle?

Alternatively, what's the best way to deal with chafing and callouses? Mrs H is less than enthusiastic about the cures I've suggested thus far.

[ellipsis]

Aside from hot grips or hot gloves, what about the other end? What can the KB Kollective suggest to make the average bike seat comfier, ideally comfy enough for a long hard day or three in the saddle?

Alternatively, what's the best way to deal with chafing and callouses? Mrs H is less than enthusiastic about the cures I've suggested thus far.

...I've seen lot of real thick wool pelts on bikes that do a lot of miles with hard cunt riders sitting on them...?...

( usually loose fitting)

[GazzaH]

That's a thought, Ellipsis, except all our pelts are fully employed at the moment. On sheeps. I'll sieze my chance to relieve one of its woolly seat cover at the next opportunity.

[FJRider]

That's a thought, Ellipsis, except all our pelts are fully employed at the moment. On sheeps. I'll sieze my chance to relieve one of its woolly seat cover at the next opportunity.

I have one on my FJ1200 ... held on the seats with wide elastic strips. The "Pelt" was a sheepskin mat that I liberated from an Op' shop. Any outfit that manufacture's things from sheepskin will be happy for you to get an off-cut ... cheaply/free usually.

I've completed six Chatto Creek 1000 mile rallys ... four with the sheepskin ... worked a treat. They do raise your bum a bit higher off the seat though.

[GazzaH]

If I fit straps to its legs, the sheep will certainly increase the ride height.

[ellipsis]

If I fit straps to its legs, the sheep will certainly increase the ride height.


...and after ten thousand k's would be very tender...souvlakis?...

[Honest Andy]

Yep, even the flaps'd taste orrite!

[Berries]

I've completed six Chatto Creek 1000 mile rallys ... four with the sheepskin ... worked a treat. They do raise your bum a bit higher off the seat though.
Is there an elephant in the room here?

I am sure a sheepskin is comfy but, you know, shut that door.

[PistonBlown]

Aside from hot grips or hot gloves, what about the other end? What can the KB Kollective suggest to make the average bike seat comfier, ideally comfy enough for a long hard day or three in the saddle?

Alternatively, what's the best way to deal with chafing and callouses? Mrs H is less than enthusiastic about the cures I've suggested thus far.

I got one of those gel inserts for mine (they also do seat heaters but never had that issue), means performing a bit of surgery on your seat but they work:

http://www.motorcycledave.com/custom-seats-heaters/instructions-for-motorcycle-daves-conformax-gel-foam-seat-kit/

After fitting mine I wasn't walking like a cowboy after this years TT2000, unlike other years:-)

[Daffyd]

I used an 'Air Hawk'. Was very good. They sell different shapes so you could prolly get one for the pillion. The secret is not to put too much air in them.

[Viking01]

I got one of those gel inserts for mine (they also do seat heaters but never had that issue), means performing a bit of surgery on your seat but they work:

http://www.motorcycledave.com/custom-seats-heaters/instructions-for-motorcycle-daves-conformax-gel-foam-seat-kit/

After fitting mine I wasn't walking like a cowboy after this years TT2000, unlike other years:-)


Morning.

Good to hear that those gel inserts within the seat work well.

But just a word to the wise about fitting a "strap-on" gel seat on
top of your motorcycle saddle. They can get VERY hot when they
are exposed to the sun (while you're inside the cafe having an
extended coffee stop). And they have a very high heat capacity.

So much, that when you do straddle your seat, about 10 seconds
later, you suddenly become aware of this ever increasing warming
between your thighs. To the point where it becomes obvious that
to sit there longer risks doing some serious damage to "the boys".

And after having rapidly dismounted, you put your hand on the gel
seat to realise that given a couple of eggs, you could have had a
fry-up as well.

And after having answered the question ("what is the problem?")
from your mates, they show no sympathy for your dilemma and
then promptly pi$$ themselves laughing.

Fortunately, using an old tea towel and a bottle of water from the
topbox, it was possible to draw enough heat out of the gel seat,
to the point where the seat could be comfortably sat on again.
In hindsight, I should probably have tipped the rest of the water
bottle contents down the inside front of my riding trousers at the
same time.

Probably the reason why the strap-on gel seat got swiftly ditched
and then replaced with an AirHawk. Ah bliss !

[george formby]

Morning.

Good to hear that those gel inserts within the seat work well.

But just a word to the wise about fitting a "strap-on" gel seat on
top of your motorcycle saddle. They can get VERY hot when they
are exposed to the sun (while you're inside the cafe having an
extended coffee stop). And they have a very high heat capacity.

So much, that when you do straddle your seat, about 10 seconds
later, you suddenly become aware of this ever increasing warming
between your thighs. To the point where it becomes obvious that
to sit there longer risks doing some serious damage to "the boys".

And after having rapidly dismounted, you put your hand on the gel
seat to realise that given a couple of eggs, you could have had a
fry-up as well.

And after having answered the question ("what is the problem?")
from your mates, they show no sympathy for your dilemma and
then promptly pi$$ themselves laughing.

Fortunately, using an old tea towel and a bottle of water from the
topbox, it was possible to draw enough heat out of the gel seat,
to the point where the seat could be comfortably sat on again.
In hindsight, I should probably have tipped the rest of the water
bottle contents down the inside front of my riding trousers at the
same time.

Probably the reason why the strap-on gel seat got swiftly ditched
and then replaced with an AirHawk. Ah bliss !

I guess the moral of the story is... When riding in your "Harley" chaps, do not go commando.

Unpleasantry may ensue.

[Black Knight]

Why not carry a spare tube instead of one of these products?

I do along with levers etc-but-on cold dark rainey nights in the middle of nowhere I would chose the easy option-With the Ride-On stuff you put it in new tubes which theoreticly seals against future punctures,and that is pretty appealing.

[Ocean1]

What can the KB Kollective suggest to make the average bike seat comfier, ideally comfy enough for a long hard day or three in the saddle?

Alternatively, what's the best way to deal with chafing and callouses? Mrs H is less than enthusiastic about the cures I've suggested thus far.

Practice.

And practice.

[george formby]

If you are in the situation where you are having to reverse down a steep, particularly metal driveway, select first gear and kill the engine, that way you effectively have two handbrakes. Tricky bit is that they work in opposite fashion to each other in that you squeeze the right hand for brakes and release the left.
Probably preaching to the choir but someone may learn something...

Yup, good technique.

I started doing this when I began seriously Enduro riding.

Saved me taking the big step and performing cartwheels a few times now.

Rideforever used to hand out cool side stand pucks. Bright yellow.

Since getting a flat a few years ago I always carry a large can of Holts tire weld / seal / puncture fix goo. Got me home once before.

Always put your keys in the ignition before you put your gloves on.

[Oakie]

When your bike 'breaks down', check the kill switch first.

[george formby]

When your bike 'breaks down', check the kill switch first.

When bike no starty check fuel tap..


Summit I found out recently with a moto batt battery, the bright yellow ones, they stop working with very little warning.

T'was fine one day, knackered the next.

[Moi]

... Always put your keys in the ignition before you put your gloves on.

And when you think you've lost your keys or "which bloody pocket did I put them in?" or dropped them... look in the key lock for the panniers... :facepalm:

[T.W.R]

If I fit straps to its legs, the sheep will certainly increase the ride height.

335878


The backrest panel out of a sheepskin car seat cover is almost perfect in shape for using on a motorcycle....got one that's done 25yrs service on a few different bikes. And realistically how many car seat covers get tossed when the restraints fail or the seat section gets worn and generally the back panel is still in bloody good condition and they're usually been treated properly during manufacture so the lanolin content is low so no chance of the office workers shiny arse effect of your gear ;)

[george formby]

And when you think you've lost your keys or "which bloody pocket did I put them in?" or dropped them... look in the key lock for the panniers... :facepalm:

Next to the EFTPoS machine or pie warmer.

[Oakie]

And when you think you've lost your keys or "which bloody pocket did I put them in?" or dropped them... look in the key lock for the panniers... :facepalm:

Or look in the ignition. More than once I've got my spares keys out just to find the original key still in the ignition from last night. It's the first place I look now when the keys aren't in my helmet.

[tigertim20]

Dont get carried away with super sticky racey type super grippy tyres. the fucking suck ass in the wet. racing tyres are for racing bikes. I was reminded of this very recently and scared the fuck out of myself when I was caught in a torrential downpour.

Cleaning your bike - to get the dried, and caked on bus etc off the front of the bike, fill the bucket with water mixed with your chosen cleaning agent. Get an old towel, and soak it in the bucket, then drape the soaking towel over the front of the bike. Now drink a beer while you wait ten minutes to commence the actual clean. The soaked towel draped over the bike seems to re-hydrate all the baked on bugs etc on the bike, and the wipe right off with a damp cloth, and zero elbow grease required.

group rides are fine - as long as you know all the other people participating.

[GazzaH]

When your bike 'breaks down', check the kill switch first.

Same thing on a farm bike. Don't bother heaving it dejectedly onto the trailer and trundling it down to the dealer in town until you've checked the kill switch and fuel.

Oh and the best time to get a spare key cut is before you lose the only one you have left. "Take extra care of the last remaining key".

[Oakie]

Same thing on a farm bike. Don't bother heaving it dejectedly onto the trailer and trundling it down to the dealer in town until you've checked the kill switch and fuel.

Oh and the best time to get a spare key cut is before you lose the only one you have left. "Take extra care of the last remaining key".

My spare lives in my jacket on the principal that there's a 50/50 chance I won't be at home when I lose my main key.