A few newbie questions (and a video of a bad Rimutaka climb)

**Bowlch** · 22nd April 2011, 17:10

Hi Chaps,

quick introduction here:

I'm a 23 year old guy who recently moved to Wellington from Nottingham, UK. After seeing part of the South Island on a road trip I finally decided to get a bike licence and see the country on 2 wheels.

Got my first bike last week, a Honda 2010 VTR 250 which I adore.

Anyway, I had a few questions I was hoping some of you more experienced riders may be able to help with...

1.) Several bikers coming the other way seem to wave at me, but I'm not quite sure what the appropriate method for a wave back should be. 2 fingers off to the side, a frantic flap of the hand or a nod? I presume all are OK, but don't want to look like a plum...

2.) If I were to get a hard top box attached to the bike, would it significantly affect the handling? Due to be being so new I don't want to over complicate things etc etc...

3.) Having contacted several bike shops in the area I've been informed frame sliders for a 2010 VTR 250 don't exist. Is anyone aware of any other products that could be used to help protect the bike in a fall (excluding my calf muscles please ;-))

Anyway, hope to hear back from you soon! Thanks in advance!

P.S.

I recorded a video going over the Rimutakas this morning. Apologies in advance for the awful driving, I promise I'm trying to get better!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DG48...=youtu.be&hd=1

**MSTRS:Me** · 22nd April 2011, 17:27

A nod is fine. Or lift a hand up like at 2.50 in your clip. Or ignore...
Top boxes can make the bike a little top heavy, but not too bad. Main thing is they are extra 'panelling' to catch a strong side wind.
If it's a worry to you, you may need to design something yourself and have it made at an engineering shop. Some sort of crank casing protection?

**ducatilover** · 22nd April 2011, 17:44

You could get some crash knobs made?
Nice little bike too mate, keep it shiny side up and ride safe.

**DrunkenMistake** · 22nd April 2011, 21:43

Welcome to the site boss,
I rode from Dunedin to Magpie madness on my CBR250 with it stacked to the top with gear, didnt notice to much of a difference, besides the extra drag. But a top box wouldnt be much of a hassle, for that sized bike it would suit a helmet and not much more, if your concerned about it buy a Ventura pack rack and just strap your backpack to it,

As for the wave thing, I usually give a half ass salute or a raise of the hand, depends if im within the speed limit or not...

,

And as for the frame sliders, they are used to preserve the fairings in a crash, on a naked bike like yours I wouldnt be concerned too much, they either attach to your frame or your motor, either case you will most likely cause more damage to your bike than you would if you didnt have them on, the frames between faired sports bikes and naked bikes etc are made different, I dont know if im talking dribble ill be honest, but the full faired sports bikes are usualy a thick strong double box aluminium frame so it takes a fair bit of impact to bend or twist it, as for your bike I think its steel round tubed frame? and anything round with a bit of pressure turns flat.

On a side note, so I dont get flamed ..

IN MY OPINION.

**hayd3n** · 22nd April 2011, 22:04

frame sliders
http://www.orientexpress.com/Honda/S...ine+Mount.html
get a pack rack youll use it far more and you can fit a grab bar when ur not using the pack

**Hurrie** · 23rd April 2011, 02:02

a little bit off topic but what camera are you using?

**Bowlch** · 23rd April 2011, 07:34

GoPro HD with suction mount on the fuel tank.

Another video of the return journey here:

http://youtu.be/DGVdBPjVFXg?hd=1

**varminter** · 26th April 2011, 20:37

I've only got dial up, can you draw me a picture

**varminter** · 26th April 2011, 20:38

I've only got dial up, can you draw me a picture

**The End** · 29th April 2011, 00:34

Wow that's awesome quality. I do a bit of Vlogging myself and it's nice to see that others do too! At the moment I just mount my 4th gen iPod touch inside my helmet, quality comes out surprisingly well.

**GPXchick** · 29th April 2011, 00:48

Originally Posted by The End

Wow that's awesome quality. I do a bit of Vlogging myself and it's nice to see that others do too! At the moment I just mount my 4th gen iPod touch inside my helmet, quality comes out surprisingly well.

How do yo mount your ipod and in what brand of helmet.