Anyone wanna help the MD out?

[MadDuck]

OK so the story goes when I was very very very young I had a Honda 50 which (yes a step through) which I decided to put under a bus just for the hell of it. Then got a Yamy 175 for commuting to Tech in all sorts of weather and rode my brothers bikes whatever they were at the time.

I have refound my love of bikes but have to say I am struggling with the SV after the VTR 250. Zapf and Frosty have been a great help with getting the set up right for me but if anyone out there would be willing to help me one on one that would just rock. At my age I feel a tad silly rocking along to bike schools.

All responsibilty for damage would be mine. I am looking for some constructive help/cristicism about my riding and the set up of the bike. Bearing in mind I am never gonna need knee sliders. Well give me time anyways :2thumbsup

[FROSTY]

ill be happy to help ya out -hmmm methinks a bit of taupo time :2thumbsup

[MadDuck]

nooooo Frosty settle! its is so not race track ready and you know it :Pokey:

[Riff Raff]

I haven't seen your riding so I can't comment, but the only way to improve is to ride, ride and ride some more. I had a long break in my riding, and started again end of 2003. For the first six months I didn't know any other riders, so all my riding was done on my own. As soon as I started meeting other bikers and going for rides with them I started noticing an improvement. KB rides are the best for improving your riding so get out on as many as you can! :ride:

[MadDuck]

yeah me trying Riff but I just cant keep up with them. I avoid rides were TS and KK going cos I wont learn anything as they gone like rockets

[sels1]

I haven't seen your riding so I can't comment, but the only way to improve is to ride, ride and ride some more. I had a long break in my riding, and started again end of 2003. For the first six months I didn't know any other riders, so all my riding was done on my own. As soon as I started meeting other bikers and going for rides with them I started noticing an improvement. KB rides are the best for improving your riding so get out on as many as you can! :ride:

Agree. Spending time in the saddle helps you feel more comfortable and confident with your bike. And following other riders around allows you to look and learn - follow the line they take into a corner etc. Leastways thats what I found when returning to riding after a 20something year gap.

[Riff Raff]

yeah me trying Riff but I just cant keep up with them. I avoid rides were TS and KK going cos I wont learn anything as they gone like rockets
Well hopefully won't be too long before I'm back on a bike - I'm always at the back, so you can stick with me and we can critique each other!

[Hitcher]

I agree with Riff Raff. Kilometres are your greatest teacher. Make yourself ride the hard stuff -- like tight, windy roads; in the wind and rain; in the dark; in the cold. If you feel uneasy, stop. Always ride at your pace, not somebody else's. Plan ahead. Stop often -- at 150km or one-and-a-half-hour intervals, max.

If you are going to practice anything in an empty carpark or quiet stretch of road, practice your braking. Start slowly and brake hard. Getting a feel for how your brakes load-up the bike and stopping hard without locking them up is always good to practice.

Something else that's fun to practice on a quiet stretch of road is weaving white lines. Don't touch the lines with the wheels of your bike. Start at about 20kmh and pick up the speed as your confidence improves. An SV650 should be able to weave comfortably at about 80kmh once you get it sorted.

Above everything else, have fun!

[crashe]

Well since I have been overtaken by you on many occassions on the last couple of rides.... and I have seen you going round the corners... in my humble opinion... you are doing great...

Are you thinking that you have gone up a bike cc rating too much too fast..?
ie: going from a 250 to a 650

[MadDuck]

Yes Zapf will attest that I ride to my current abilities BUT I am so not comfortable with the extra power the SV has and being not mechanically minded I dont understand the bike as well as I should.

Dangerous and Frosty have given me advise on the set up but I am not keen to try tweeking the bike without someone that knows what they are doing. Ok there we have it the difference between girl bikers and boy bikers :P

[MadDuck]

Well since I have been overtaken by you on many occassions on the last couple of rides.... and I have seen you going round the corners... in my humble opinion... you are doing great...

Are you thinking that you have gone up a bike cc rating too much too fast..?
ie: going from a 250 to a 650


just a mind thingy happending crashe ...sure you get it DUDE :P

[2_SL0]

Im the king of slow, I have no advice but I would say just keep going out riding and go at your own pace. Thats what I do. The rest of the bastards can wait, they shouldnt be so quick then they wouldnt have to wait so long. :scooter:

[MadDuck]

Ta Judderbar but I dont think in my case its about going fast or slow. Just at the moment I have a bike that can do way more than I can give it. Seems such a waste.

I want to do it justice and am not afraid to do so but I just need some help. Cos given a chance I will ride that thing like it was made for.....ummmmm one day

[StoneChucker]

Ta Judderbar but I dont think in my case its about going fast or slow. Just at the moment I have a bike that can do way more than I can give it. Seems such a waste.

I want to do it justice and am not afraid to do so but I just need some help. Cos given a chance I will ride that thing like it was made for.....ummmmm one day

Having a bike that far exceeds your riding abilities, is in my opinion, not at all a bad thing, dare I say good? The reason I have what I do now is, I wanted something I could grow into, and never reach it's limits. Personally, I'm not sure I could ever reach the limits of todays 600cc sports bikes either. Like everyone's said, take it slow, ride often and with people where possible and only ride as fast as your comfortable with. Most of the people I ride with leave me behind on the corners, but slowly you improve until you're riding with them.

Regarding the bike setup, thats quite tricky from what I hear (on mine anyway, there are half a dozen or more adjustments you can make). Like you've already said, make sure whoever changes them knows what they're doing. I actually need to set my bike up, as I think it's set for a 60kg Japanese person, and not the typical "jolly" south african I am. (It feels very unsettled and bumpy in the corners).

Just give it time, and don't give up and you'll be surprised how fast you improve :scooter:

Dave.

[MadDuck]

yeah Dave I hear ya

I have so way improved but when i go on a KB ride I feel like I have gone back 3 steps with this bike. You guys say you love to have as gals along on rides but shite if we cant ride em proper then I kinda think you lot get fed up pretty quick and I dont blame you.

The whole idea of the thread was to say ...I woulld love to have some help to learn to ride the thing proper without having to go back to bike school

[ajturbo]

right thats it..

i will be around tomorrow.....
or the next day. to show you everything i know...
it should only take 1-5 minutes....
so i wont boar you.. :confused2

andy

[Wonko]

Mad Duck, first off relax, noone minds wait for slower riders. Gives some of them time to strech out after being hunched over the tank :blah:

As above; the best/ easiest way to imporve is to ride, be it with the group or by yourself. Don't push yourself too hard if you don't want to.

Spend 30 (20, 10 whatever) minutes riding a gear or two lower than you usally ride, with the revs around the 7000-8000 rpm (10,000 redline) this way you can play with the different power output's, and get a feel for it but still have your speed manageable.

[StoneChucker]

I don't think anyone can come over and show you something, which will instantly improve your riding. But, I know what you're getting at, and tips will help so take the kind offers from people up your way.

But the only way to improve is practice, and group rides. I promise you, for me anyway, I never get impatient when riding with slower people. I sometimes prefer it, as it lets me take it easy, and not worry about playing catch up. Ofcourse I don't suggest you make a habbit of going on rides with yourself, Death, Moto and TS, that might be a tad silly :eek: It's the average group ride I'm talking about.

Oh, when you start practicing wheelies, do THAT on your own until you've got it sorted :headbang:
I had a great book (I say HAD, since I lent it to JasBug5 who has gone awol) which had some good tips on riding. I think it was called the Bikers Bible, or something similar. Had a good section on picking the right lines, which is very important...

[dangerous]

Ok guys...... I think that you... we need to think like a women here, some how I dont think MD is hering what she wants.
Im thinking that MD is wanting someone to ride with that she can get to give constructive critasisem to her so as she can learn to ride better.
I also think that a rider training day would be of great help, but prehaps someone can go along to that aswell to help out.
Prehaps a group KB ride is a bit daunting and fast with next to no benifits.

[MadDuck]

Mr D..nail on the head.


I am wanting someone to ride along with me and tell me what I am doing wrong or rigt. I am so keen to learn and improve.....TS offered but I guess he busy these days :P

[Yamahamaman]

MadDuck, you pick the adventure and I am happy to tag along.

Not everything is about 'bike setup' you may not have the bike that is most suited to you. Took me a while to find Yamaha and now I am extremely happy.

[Ms Piggy]

MD needs 1 of your fine young men (or even 2 of you old bastards) to take some time out of your busy schedule to take the loverly (and single) MD under your wing and give her some honest yet helpful feedback on her riding, specifically her riding. Not riding in general but MD's riding.

Ok? Got it? Any questions? :Playnice:

[WINJA]

WHAT ARE YOUR SPECIFIC PROBLEMS?

[StoneChucker]

nail on the head
That would hinder your riding, if anything...

Ahh, I see, I hope the "theory" people have offered helps somewhat too. I know you'll have heaps of offers, it's just getting one nearish to you :doh:

[Yamahamaman]

Ok? Got it? Any questions? :Playnice:
Not a question, but I definately fit into the 'old' category LOL.

[MadDuck]

EWWW thank you CSL. But I feel they all have lives and wifes and lets see. I am going with a hoon with MD would not sit right.

Cheers see yaas out here

[toads]

I sort of know how you feel MD, but like Crashe, I have seen you whizz past, looking mighty fine from where I sit.
But each bike is different and I know my bike will not accelerate quickly nor has the stopping power that sports bikes have, so there's absolutely no way , no matter how improved my riding ability becomes that I can ever be competitive on a kb ride.
That said, I really don't think it should come down to being competitive, and if it does I'd rather not go on a ride that is geared that way.
For me it's about enjoying the ride, the freedom and the comparative peace and quiet I get away from the kids when riding.
I also know that being vertically challenged, it's easy for me to feel as though a bike is too big to cope with, I'm not sure if the sv feels too heavy, or tall, or it's just the power difference, but I'm sure if you ride enough you will become more and more confident as time goes on. I reckon each bike has a personality, and some you just simply don't get along with. cheers L

[Lucyloo]

EWWW thank you CSL. But I feel they all have lives and wifes and lets see. I am going with a hoon with MD would not sit right.

Cheers see yaas out here

MadDuck, are you a member of WIMA?

[toads]

I don't think anyone can come over and show you something, which will instantly improve your riding. But, I know what you're getting at, and tips will help so take the kind offers from people up your way.

But the only way to improve is practice, and group rides. I promise you, for me anyway, I never get impatient when riding with slower people. I sometimes prefer it, as it lets me take it easy, and not worry about playing catch up. Ofcourse I don't suggest you make a habbit of going on rides with yourself, Death, Moto and TS, that might be a tad silly :eek: It's the average group ride I'm talking about.

Oh, when you start practicing wheelies, do THAT on your own until you've got it sorted :headbang:
I had a great book (I say HAD, since I lent it to JasBug5 who has gone awol) which had some good tips on riding. I think it was called the Bikers Bible, or something similar. Had a good section on picking the right lines, which is very important...

I think I might try to get a hold of a copy of that, ( bikers bible), there have been some great articles in bike rider magazine in the past 3 issues relating ot cornering etc too, and safety stuff, but really it comes down to experience, for me trying to de-program my brain from instinctive cage driving techniques is the hardest thing, I've had a few close calls lately which makes me a lot more aware of just how important it is to ride often to keep your skills honed.

[FROSTY]

Guys n gals -I disagree in THIS particular case -I know the bike having riden it and I know this rider.
Maduck you stepped off of a bike that you were getting qucker and quicker on but by your own admission you haddn't found the limits of.
That bike the vtr was well set up and worked well
Unfortunately the SV isn't the same
Before doubting your riding ability you MUST get the bike set up right for you.
Most bikes of this size are good enough for a beginner as stock.The SV isn't one of them. Im certain that your confidence will improve heaps once its sorted out.


1) you NEED to get your seat cut down so you are more comfortable at very low speeds and the bike will fit you better.
2) have a look at SVS.com re suspension.
3) basicly your bike is bloody hard to ride for a learner/relearner rider.
it puts out a HEAP of low down grunt and has fantastic brakes but has a soggy front end, that in turn accentuates the over hard rear end setup. Net result for you will be heaps of fork dive under brakes-even just winding the throttle off.and youre gonna get whacked in the bum on the slightest bump
Not good for the confidence.
Given your comments directly after I reset your bike a bit I would make contact with SVS on the forum and do exactly what he's done to his road SV -Its cheap to do but I think will make the bike a shit load more ridable for you. Once you've done that Then reassess the situation.
I'm prepared to bet you a bottle of our respective tipple (jamacan rum)
that you'll be a shit load happier riding .
Im happy to follow ya round once the ol arms working again-Im gonna need some easy riding to get it back in condition.
Now not kidding here- I want you to think about coming to Taupo with us next PMCC series. -Well put the bike in my van with mella yella and you can do the two sessions in between races.
its only gonna be about an hours riding but Im certain your confidence will improve heaps. I'll get you to follow me around then Ill follow you.
its not racing but its all about corners and brakes n stuff.
I know in the past you've said no but its going to teach you a heck of a lot in a safe enviroment.
(just don't go too fast so I can't keep up)

[FROSTY]

ohh and an idea for ya --take a gs500 and a gpz500 out for a ride -not to buy but as a comparison handling and confidence wise -then come back and blame your riding.-bet ya wont :headbang:

[manuboy]

MD, agree with Frosty, the thou front ends are the same. Far to soggy and undersprung with standard settings. I've experimented with the help of D and we actually went a little too far and had to bring it back.

However what are you actually worried about? Is it a confidence thing or are you more worried about the technical aspects of your riding?

I've improved in two months just from following - well... let's face it, the bastard himself (dangerous). If you want have to improve you have to dedicate most of your time out on the road to picking up the little things from those you've been around the block and are reasonably quick/confident riders. Not a group ride, just another pal.

You'll eventually develop your own style around the bike (twins are ridden slightly differently imho), but you can still use the guy in front. How i found it helped was the ability to let them raise your confidence by showing you how fast you can enter corners, when/where to brake, position on the road, body position on the bike, head position (REALLY IMPORTANT) e.t.c

All you need is somebody to follow round in the twisties until your happy with the bike first, your riding second. You'll find that indeed the 650 is capable of much more than you ever thought.

Or you might decide cruising along is more your bag baby....

[FROSTY]

Madduck --Ive had a word to Craig Brown -Hes the suspension man at colemans
I've got you an appointment with him. He will spend 10-20 minutes with you
and your bike.He'll set it up for you to suit YOU He suggested that first he'll do that then if you're still not happy then he can fit better front springs and better oil and that will make the bike 100% better.
Ohh and the good news --its FREE -gratus -no charge .
gimme a yell 021544251

[dangerous]

Madduck --Ive had a word to Craig Brown -Hes the suspension man at colemans
well that just has to forking well rock......................... go Frosty

[toads]

Madduck --Ive had a word to Craig Brown -Hes the suspension man at colemans
I've got you an appointment with him. He will spend 10-20 minutes with you
and your bike.He'll set it up for you to suit YOU He suggested that first he'll do that then if you're still not happy then he can fit better front springs and better oil and that will make the bike 100% better.
Ohh and the good news --its FREE -gratus -no charge .
gimme a yell 021544251

Frosty you rock! Good stuff

[MadDuck]

Geez mate you just ROCK! Thanks a damn bunch.

I am off away for the next week on holiday so cant do anything till I get back. Shall give you a bell on my return. If this works well I may just take the offer of going to Taupo and maybe (just maybe) you can take the SV for a spin round the track as well

Thanks again
MD

[James Deuce]

OK so the story goes when I was very very very young I had a Honda 50 which (yes a step through) which I decided to put under a bus just for the hell of it. Then got a Yamy 175 for commuting to Tech in all sorts of weather and rode my brothers bikes whatever they were at the time.

I have refound my love of bikes but have to say I am struggling with the SV after the VTR 250. Zapf and Frosty have been a great help with getting the set up right for me but if anyone out there would be willing to help me one on one that would just rock. At my age I feel a tad silly rocking along to bike schools.

All responsibilty for damage would be mine. I am looking for some constructive help/cristicism about my riding and the set up of the bike. Bearing in mind I am never gonna need knee sliders. Well give me time anyways :2thumbsup

You feel silly at bike schools?

Well the last training day I went to (8 months ago) the average age had to have been somewhere between 50 and 55. I felt positively young. Never let excuses stand between you and a learning experience, particularly where motorcycles are involved. Always listen with an open mind and use the things that work for you when you practice them.

Go to a training day as well as riding with KBers. Some of the older guys on the course I went to who'd been riding for years had some shocking habits, such as not looking where they want to go, and stopping with the only rear brake, because the front one will put you over the 'bars lad.

Go to school - it doesn't hurt, honest.

[jrandom]

Schools are great. Why be embarrassed? I'm going to do some extra rider training this year, sometime, somehow.

I found when I (finally) went for bit of a ride before Xmas that following Firefight, Milky and PT (until they pissed off into the distance, at which point I got to enjoy just pootling along at a 'whatever' pace) was great. My main problem is a complete paranoia about blind corners. Someone else going around in front of me makes it all better.

You see, I'm having trouble figuring out where the right level of paranoia is. When I'm on my own, I ride at about 60% all the time, because I can't get my mind past imaginings of possible white vans broken down sideways just after the apex behind that tree, cages cutting the corner when I'm going around a left-hand bend fast enough that I can't tighten up, etc, etc...

I think I need some track time.

[MadDuck]

MadDuck, you pick the adventure and I am happy to tag along.

Not everything is about 'bike setup' you may not have the bike that is most suited to you. Took me a while to find Yamaha and now I am extremely happy.

Thanks so much Yamahaman.....I will take up Frostys offer and see where I end up... :ride:


MadDuck, are you a member of WIMA?

yes sure am but they dont ride often enough and I have met some awesome KBers to ride with in between.

[ajturbo]

hey MD..
it was great to finally get to met you and your bike!!!
yes i am jealous.. you have a great bike!!!!!

you are doing a great job on the house!

hope you get really wet on your dive week! (for those of you who don't know .. MD has a dry suit!)


andy

[MadDuck]

sssshhh dont tell everyone I am a poofy dry suit diver...

Great to meet you too but looking at my bike going "ohhh I like it" was not the kinda advise I was after :laugh:

Lovely doggies too :spudwave:

[FROSTY]

Geez mate you just ROCK! Thanks a damn bunch.

I am off away for the next week on holiday so cant do anything till I get back. Shall give you a bell on my return. If this works well I may just take the offer of going to Taupo and maybe (just maybe) you can take the SV for a spin round the track as well

Thanks again
MD
um er um er --cool nannas -but um er that wont meen youll be wanting a ride on MY sv does it??

[ajturbo]

sssshhh dont tell everyone I am a poofy dry suit diver...

Great to meet you too but looking at my bike going "ohhh I like it" was not the kinda advise I was after :laugh:

Lovely doggies too :spudwave:

:brick: um sorry , but i don't know much about setting up a bike.... if it has petrol, some oil, air in the tyres (don't ask me how much!!),
to me it is set up! :whistle:

have a great week matey!

[Riff Raff]

sssshhh dont tell everyone I am a poofy dry suit diver...
:
You wimp! And it's summer too. Dry suits are fine until one of the seals splits!