First proper ride!

[Mom]

Well today was the first opportunity I have had to take the trusty steed out for a proper spin. Fantastic weather, good company.

This was the 3rd time I have ridden the blue lovely, and the first real test of how she handles, along with how I ride!

Left Warkworth sometime after 10 heading out on the Maha meander. Plans changed (as they do), we met roadworks that stopped us forever, well at least, helmets off, ciggy break sort of time. Decided to do the Paparoa/Oakleigh road while we got to the first planned turnoff, to avoid the rest of the road works ahead.

Coming into Maungaturoto there were signs that indicated road works, nothing to see though so keep going, suddenly come up on a subsidence on the road.........dip down, 5m later back up again, my bike did not like that at all! To prove it she shook her head!!!! It was a bit like Yeeeha! this is what I remember about riding, no drama.

Started the the Paparoa Road, all is going well, until I get to a corner that I am approaching a bit fast, down change quickly and the front dipped and shook again. Hmmm, ok I may have approached a bit fast, but the head shake thing seems wrong.

Now I slow down a bit and decide to test the reasons why I am getting this reaction. The bike loves driving out of corners, the rear sits well on the road, in fact it can invoke the WEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!! sound from me. Apparently real bikers dont say weeeeeeee but come on guys you know the UGGG UGGG feeling!

Spent a bit of time finding what gear to use to take what sort of corner, yep that works! But this front end thing is still bothering me. I get the distinct feeling that it will tuck its nose under if I push too hard.

The bike has a WOF safe tyre on the front, but shows notable wear on the right side (as I am sitting on the bike) of the front tyre. Obviously this needs to be replaced. Is this the reason that the front end feels so unstable?

Next question. Why does this tyre show this kind of wear?

So, I continue with the feeling that I dont trust the front end of my bike. Got to hate that feeling........LOL. Still, I have had a blast today, not pushing to the "oh shit" feeling for this little bike, or me for that matter.

I have issues with directions apparently.. but we all found each other eventually today!

Fantastic day out, looking forward to getting the handling things sorted on the bike.......watch this space!

[quickbuck]

Next question. Why does this tyre show this kind of wear?

Nice report, glad you enjoyed your ride.

Now to answer your question:
The front tyre on a motorcycle will always wear like this in countries that ride on the left.
It is all to do with the camber on a straight road.
See the bike is perpendicular to the force of gravity, but the road is sloped to allow the water to run off into the drainage ditches.

I have had people try to tell me that my bike is bent.
Or, I ride differently around right handers... and all sorts of other poppy stuff.

It all comes down to the road.
It does mean you may have to change your tyre before it looks due, but remember both tyres do a VERY important job, so don't hesitate in flicking it if it isn't giving you any confidence.

I found out the expensive way on that one many years ago.

[Trudes]

Nice one Mom!!

[Mom]

The front tyre on a motorcycle will always wear like this in countries that ride on the left.

Thank you for your comment. In all the years I have been out on 2 wheels this is the first time I have heard that theory. But it seems reasonable (and one I would like to grab hold of to avoid expensive repairs above a new tyre), this bike just passed a WOF check, there is tread left to measure, just it is obviously more worn on one side of the tyre than the other.

Of course it could also be that I am a panic artist and over braked with engine as well as hands/and foot...

[boomer]

Woohoo.. nice write up Mum!

and yep.. we all goo Weeeeeeeee... it's just that some weeee more than others

I cant help ya regarding the front but your right.. it needs checking out. Plus the forks need some tweaking if they're diving.. apparantly poos is good with suspension set up !!!



ENJOY !!!!

[Mom]

Woohoo.. nice write up Mum!

and yep.. we all goo Weeeeeeeee... it's just that some weeee more than others

I cant help ya regarding the front but your right.. it needs checking out. Plus the forks need some tweaking if they're diving.. apparantly poos is good with suspension set up !!!



ENJOY !!!!

Hmmmm Poos, do you have any idea what he likes to eat? Dont be rude either! I provide delectable yummy treats for mechanically helpful folk, me feels a pm in the making

Have to remember this baby is 16 years old tho, and is being ridden by someone that has no desire to win the Moto GP, just want it to be safe and I want to heft mere mmmmmmmmmmm!

[Mom]

Interesting comment this........obviously does not know me very well.


"you shouldnt be biking if you spend so much time online that you dont think about whats going on with your bike and road at all times. how do you expect to stay upright?"

What can I say?

[Trudes]

Hmmmm Poos, do you have any idea what he likes to eat?

I can vouch for Mr. Poos being quite fond of caramel slice......