https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/blog.php/6169-klingon-s-Blog Kiwi Biker - New Zealand motorcycle community en Sun, 03 May 2026 11:37:14 GMT vBulletin 20 https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/images/BP-Brown/misc/rss.jpg https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/blog.php/6169-klingon-s-Blog https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/966-How-to-get-optimum-tyre-pressure Sat, 11 Jul 2009 02:50:18 GMT Bumped into MarkW at the Avondale shops yesterday. Was a perfect day for a long ride, but both of us were just running errands. :rolleyes:

I asked Mark to remind me how to determine the optimum tyre pressure for my bike. Here's the formula (so I always know where to find it):

• Fill tyres up when cold
• Go for a long ride to warm tyres (at least 20 - 30 mins at motorway speeds)
• Re-check the pressure when the tyres are hot (using the same gauge)
• The difference should be between 2 & 4 lbs

If the difference between hot & cold is more than 4 lbs, you should increase the pressure.

If the difference is less than 2 lbs, you should decrease the pressure.

As Mark explained, an under-inflated tyre flexes more and it's the flexing that generates the heat. Perfectly logical when you think about it. ]]> klingon https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/966-How-to-get-optimum-tyre-pressure https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/876-Update-to-the-V-Strom-incident Mon, 01 Jun 2009 01:36:58 GMT On 10 April I wrote about breaking a friend's lovely V-Strom. He just got it back from the repairers and the damage to the bike cost $8,500. The damage to the car we landed on (a late model VW Golf) will probably be at least a couple of thousand more.

So the young guy who knocked us off (I think he's about 18 years old) will have a $10,000 debt before he really even gets started in his life. Plus the fines for not having a warrant or rego on his car. Plus whatever he still owes to the finance company (he was still paying the car off). :doh:

Stupid, stupid boy!

But no matter how stupid he is, I do feel sorry for him. He seemed like a nice kid. Gave us all his correct details at the scene and apologised. He seemed genuine and honest. I wonder what effect a financial blow like this will have on his life?

Stupid boy! :spanking: ]]> klingon https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/876-Update-to-the-V-Strom-incident https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/770-Another-offering-to-the-gods Fri, 10 Apr 2009 10:38:59 GMT Borrowed a friend's cherished V-Strom for the weekend. Had a marvellous day whizzing around North and West, stopped in Helensville for a cuppa, then down Souf to see The Rider's Mum for another cuppa. :niceone:

Riding home through Avondale and a young guy opened his car door into us! One minute we're pootling (slowly) along, next minute we're on the ground! :gob:

Coincidenally there was a completely unrelated crash at a nearby intersection within moments of ours. The police were called to that one and got another unit to come to our one. Quite a relief because we weren't sure if our guy had given us accurate info and contact details. It turned out he had, but it was reassuring having the police there to document the whole thing.

The Strom has gone from being absolutely immaculate to covered in grazes and scratches all down the right hand side. :(

The Rider and I are both bruised but really really glad we were wearing proper gear. My right hand was very sore straight after the crash and his hand is quite bruised - hate to think what would have happened if we hadn't been wearing gloves.

Also I somehow must have landed heavily on both elbows. I have bruising around the edge of the armour but my elbows themselves are fine. Right sleeve of jacket shows some minor abrasion which would have been very painful abrasion if it had happened to my skin.

We took out a car on our right on our way down (I think we would have landed more heavily if the car hadn't broken our fall). The Rider seems to have broken their wing mirror with his helmet and they have various other dents and scratches.

Just as well the car was stationary at the time. I ended up sprawled on the road partly under it... could have been very nasty if their rear wheel had gone over my arm.

All in all a minor incident considering how much worse it could have been. Last time The Rider came off a bike was 20 years ago. He's hoping he's paid his dues now for the next 20.

Of course the young guy was not unsured. We'll have to work it all out with our insurance companies and let them try to get it back from him.

sigh.

Annoying end to what had been a lovely day. ]]> klingon https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/770-Another-offering-to-the-gods https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/688-Offerings-to-the-Gods-of-Stationary Wed, 04 Mar 2009 08:13:03 GMT Turns out I only break my bike when it's stopped.

1) Hit from behind by a car when I stopped at a stop sign (bike written off... entire rear end and left hand side were squished... not to mention my fractured ribs, bruising and concussion)

2) Bolt sheared off from starter clutch and got flung around inside engine. Ended up replacing the whole engine.

3) Even the tyre developed a slow leak and deflated while the bike was parked at work.

Moral of the story: Never stop. Under any circumstances.

JUST KEEP RIDING. :headbang: ]]> klingon https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/688-Offerings-to-the-Gods-of-Stationary https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/634-How-to-embarrass-yourself-in-front-of-a-truck-driver Tue, 17 Feb 2009 08:11:10 GMT I was filtering between two lanes of stationary traffic today, at a red light. There was a light truck in the right lane, positioned all the way to the left of his lane. As I got closer I realised there was no way I was going to be able to get my mirror past his mirror, so I was going to be stuck... I was filtering between two lanes of stationary traffic today, at a red light. There was a light truck in the right lane, positioned all the way to the left of his lane. As I got closer I realised there was no way I was going to be able to get my mirror past his mirror, so I was going to be stuck between lanes when the lights changed. :(

But as I came up beside the truck, the driver saw the problem. Next thing I know his mirror was making a whirring sound and folding forward out of my way. At this point I may or may not have squealed with surprise. :o

Seeing my surprise, the driver started laughing, which gave me the giggles. We were both sitting there laughing away (with his passenger looking from one to the other of us with no idea what was going on) when the lights changed.

Thanks for your courtesy, Mr Truck Driver. And thank goodness for tinted visors and a quick getaway. ]]> klingon https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/634-How-to-embarrass-yourself-in-front-of-a-truck-driver https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/615-I-think-my-Volty-has-had-a-seizure-(1-December-08) Thu, 12 Feb 2009 21:39:28 GMT Rode to Clevedon with some friends on Saturday. Volty ran perfectly well with no sign of trouble. Went to leave the Clevedon Cafe after stopping for coffee and Volty just went "clunk!" when I tried to start her up. :(

We first thought it might be the battery so tried starting her with the battery from another bike, with the same result.

My friend thought maybe the starter had seized, so we removed the starter motor and tried to push-start her. As soon as he let the clutch out, everything just locked up. Engine didn't turn over at all.

Poor wee Volty had to be trailered back to town. She's just gone to Holeshot for them to take a look.

The funny thing is she showed no signs of trouble while I was riding. I would have thought that an engine that was about to seize would have shown some signs of being super-heated... but I didn't see, hear, feel or smell anything unusual.

I know she's only a little thumper but she's my Best Bike Ever. I hope she pulls through. :weep: ]]> klingon https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/615-I-think-my-Volty-has-had-a-seizure-(1-December-08) https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/614-Thanks-Mr-White-Van-Man-(29-Jan-09) Thu, 12 Feb 2009 21:36:19 GMT Yesterday I left work early to go to a job interview. When I went out to my bike the back tyre was flat. :( I rode carefully to the nearest petrol station (in Wairau Road, Glenfield) but as soon as I put air in I could hear it hissing out again! :blink: I went inside the station to use the phone... Yesterday I left work early to go to a job interview. When I went out to my bike the back tyre was flat. :( I rode carefully to the nearest petrol station (in Wairau Road, Glenfield) but as soon as I put air in I could hear it hissing out again! :blink: I went inside the station to use the phone book so I could call and explain to the interviewer why I couldn't get there (interview was downtown.) By now I was feeling a bit hot & flustered and not sure what to do next.

There were two customers waiting at the counter in the petrol station, one of whom asked me if I'd managed to pump up my tyre ok. I explained about the puncture. The lovely man then offered to deliver me and my bike to Cycle Treads! He was a biker, but he was in his work van. By the time I had finished making my phone call, he had already loaded my bike into his van and was tying it down! :sunny:

What a wonderful outcome. Instead of being stranded with a flat tyre, I enjoyed the company of a very pleasant and helpful man, and was delivered right to the door. He even pushed the bike up the ramp for me! :D

Ladies please note: chivalry is alive and well and driving a white van in Glenfield! ]]> klingon https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/614-Thanks-Mr-White-Van-Man-(29-Jan-09) https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/613-Motor-cycle-club-fined Thu, 12 Feb 2009 21:34:47 GMT An unusual case of Sunday trading affecting many sports bodies came before Mr S. L. Paterson, SM, in Hamilton yesterday, when the Hamilton Motor-Cycle Club (Inc.) (Mr N. I. Smith), admitted a charge of keeping open for transacting business on a Sunday. Sub-inspector W. G. Bennett said that on... An unusual case of Sunday trading affecting many sports bodies came before Mr S. L. Paterson, SM, in Hamilton yesterday, when the Hamilton Motor-Cycle Club (Inc.) (Mr N. I. Smith), admitted a charge of keeping open for transacting business on a Sunday.

Sub-inspector W. G. Bennett said that on Sunday, November 12, the club conducted a sports meeting at its stadium at Whatawhata and collected an entrance fee at the gates and sold programmes.

Mr Smith said the object of the club was to promote road safety and in 12 years none of its members had been prosecuted for speeding or had been involved in a collision. The club was not conducting for private gain, the proceeds going to the provision of trophies. The officers were associated with the Road Safety Council, and the club worked in co-operation with that body.

A fine of £5 was imposed.

- NZ Herald, 15 December 1950 ]]> klingon https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/613-Motor-cycle-club-fined https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/612-Motor-scooters-are-popular Thu, 12 Feb 2009 21:33:19 GMT Motor scooters are catching on. A few years ago, most New Zealanders looked on them as an expensive toy. Now as traffic congestion and parking problems grow, motor scooters are appearing in ever-increasing numbers. Recently the Herald’s motoring correspondent had the chance of trying three... Motor scooters are catching on. A few years ago, most New Zealanders looked on them as an expensive toy. Now as traffic congestion and parking problems grow, motor scooters are appearing in ever-increasing numbers.

Recently the Herald’s motoring correspondent had the chance of trying three makes of scooter – the Lambretta LD, Douglas Vespa and Zundapp Bella.

The Lambretta and Vespa have 125cc engines; the Zundapp is supplied with either a 150cc or 200cc unit.

There is not a loafer among the three. Their tiny engines are gluttons for hard work. They are quite powerful enough for a pillion passenger to be carried at moderate speeds. Whether their motors are hot or cold, all are easy starters.

- New Zealand Herald, 10 March 1955 ]]> klingon https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/612-Motor-scooters-are-popular https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/596-Update-Feb-09 Sun, 08 Feb 2009 04:06:01 GMT Heh. Almost forgot I had a blog. The new site arrangement makes it easier to see and to post, so maybe I'll post a bit more often.

It's quite funny reading back on your own blogs, especially one you started when you were on an L-plate. I'm now on my 6F and have ridden the Volty to Cape Reinga and back, as well as riding to work virtually every day.

Seems such a long time ago that riding to Papatoetoe was worth writing about. :baby: ]]> klingon https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/596-Update-Feb-09 https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/276-Gear-list Wed, 19 Sep 2007 23:32:40 GMT I'm working in a new office with a door that doesn't lock. :( Makes me nervous about leaving my gear here when I go out for lunch-meetings-whatever.

Here's a description of the gear I usually wear to work in case the worst happens and it goes walkabout...

Helmet: HJC CS-12, black with tinted visor
Gloves: Spool size 8, black leather
Trousers: Dririder Nordic 4, black
Jacket: Spidi On Track, navy blue with silver/black winter liner
Boots: Sidi lei "Rose" black ]]> klingon https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/276-Gear-list https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/275-Belated-update Wed, 19 Sep 2007 23:23:28 GMT I'm not very good at this blogging thing. All kinds of momentous stuff has happened since my last entry and I haven't bothered to blog it. Things like:

• Got hit by a car in May, I had concussion and a fractured rib. Volty was written off by the insurance company! I bought her back, fixed her up and she's back on the road again with few clues to her adventure.

• In July I did my 6R test and passed - no more L plate! Since then I've been allowed to do more than 70kph so I've been riding on motorways and rural roads. A whole set of new skills to learn.

]]> kASPer58 https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/275-Belated-update https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/54-klingblog Fri, 23 Mar 2007 07:09:14 GMT Happy birthday to my learner license. It is 4 months old. Can't wait for it to reach 6 months old so I can GET RID OF IT! :angry:

The L plate is all cracked and it vibrates and makes a terrible noise. Sounds like the bike's falling apart at certain revs. ]]> Lissa https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/54-klingblog https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/48-klingblog Thu, 22 Mar 2007 06:43:19 GMT It's finally getting cool enough to wear my protective gear without melting. I wish it could stay March all year round. ]]> Toaster https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/48-klingblog https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/33-klingblog Mon, 12 Mar 2007 17:53:23 GMT Some of those roadworks people need to be re-trained. Leaving their great big signs in the bus/bike lane so buses have to swerve out of the lane to get around them. Ok for me on the bike unless I get caught behind a bus. The Pasifika people have left the big water-filled barriers just sitting... Some of those roadworks people need to be re-trained. Leaving their great big signs in the bus/bike lane so buses have to swerve out of the lane to get around them. Ok for me on the bike unless I get caught behind a bus.

The Pasifika people have left the big water-filled barriers just sitting in the bus lane, narrowing it by a long way. Wonder how long before they bother collecting them again?

grumble grumble ]]> boostin https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/33-klingblog