Tank-slapper on a Hyobag 250

[hmurphy]

G'day! Today while riding over the Rimutakas, I went around a corner and my rear wheel came out from underneath me! I didn't come off or anything but the bike bit back real hard in an attempt to high side me. I pulled over to find that my rear wheel was SOAKED in oil!! Dad and I then noticed that there was oil leaking from something that looked like a big fat overflow tube. Does that make sense!!? I don't think bikes are designed to have an overflow tube infront of the rear wheel! Oh, and the gearbox oil was not over filled.

We then stopped at the top of the takas to take another look (we were heading north). We decided to carry on cautiously to get the oil to ware off my tire. As we were heading down the other side (still heading north) I got on to a straight where I was cruising at 100km/h. Nothing stupid, it was a straight where you could go a lot faster than I was going! The handle bars bounced then started to thrash like crazy, smashing my hands in to the tank on both sides. I just rode it out, keeping the bike straight and no acceleration or brakes. The bike stopped having a fit at me then I pulled over again. I decided to ride home slowly which ruined my ride.

What the heck is wrong with my bike!? It is a 2008 Hyosung GT250R (a couple of months old) with 9,900 kms on the clock. Any advice?

Would a bike that has suspension for racing or something be better? Would I be better off on a ZXR250 or CBR250RR or something? See below. Would this bike make sure I don't get bounced around on reasonably quick runs over the takas?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-173828533.htm

The ONLY thing holding me back from owning an r6 is my damn restricted licence. I do nearly 1000kms a week of riding. I ride my dads CBR1000F as well so I have had experience on bigger bikes, as well as a lot of dirt biking.

Thanks guys (sorry, this is a bit of a novel)

[CookMySock]

Warranty? Take it back to the shop and tell them what you just told us. Something is really wrong there.

I have only managed to provoke a headshake on my 650 once - cornering, I leaned it well over at about 140 clicks, and there was a rise in the middle of the corner.. I came over the rise and down quite firm and she did about four good sized headshakes and never did it again.

For it to slap you like that, I would say that near highside had pinched or tweaked the frame or steering out of shape.

Bloody good save btw. Glad you are ok. Would have thrown many learners. BTW, if you have that much experience, try for an exemption.

Steve

[Ixion]

You say that you ride a CBR1000, and that the "ONLY thing holding me back from owning an r6 is my damn restricted licence". And you are asking these sort of questions?

Ever wonder what that experience might have been like at R6 speeds?

Give up Mr Katman, it's an impossible task. leave it to Mr Darwin, and Gene-O-Klene (in the giant economy size - evolution you can see)

[RantyDave]

Oh, hey man - I was on the Triumph that stopped. Glad to hear you got home OK.

First off, you didn't go home that slowly IMHO you may want to consider laying off the Rossi for a while, particularly if the bike is being a bit of an arse - nobody actually enjoys reading "rider down" threads mmmkay. Also, try using more countersteering and less movement. And when you do move, I'd say the idea is to move your centre of gravity over rather than just your shoulders - i.e. move your butt. That being said, if you really want to know how to ride well you shouldn't be asking me.

Now, the Hyobag. Is it now outside it's warranty period? It certainly felt like your rear shock has gone, and the earlier Hyo's (at least) had a reputation for failing in exactly the same way. BTW, I've also seen one (possibly overfilled) dumping oil all over the rear wheel. And, much as though we love them, that bike had also just been for a service at TSS. However, in your case, I'm pretty sure it's the shock. The suspension was *way* spongy IMHO. Hopefully it's still under warranty - take it back to the shop and look more pleading and less annoyed.

You have every right to be annoyed, BTW.

Best of luck,
Dave

[Headbanger]

Pity, I was looking forward to Mr Ixions informed thoughts on the issue at hand.


edit.

My bad, Looks like Ixion read the situation pretty damn well, Crazy. I'm going back to my corner.

[CB ARGH]

To be honest, I don't know much about bikes. But I am sure that it isn't normal for a bike to have an overflow tube for oil to pour into the tracks of the wheels - that's insane.

Good on you for saving the slapper too, good work there man. I seriously reccommend that you take it back under warranty, however you may be waiting for some time to get it fixed if there are any problems.

EDIT: Just remembered that you were looking into other bikes. I would say to stay with the Hyosung and spend the money on a bigger bike when you can. However if you really want a different bike, the CBR250RR goes very well, even though it is the first road bike I have EVER rode, I feel like it was built just for me.

[hmurphy]

Cheers for the escort! I was kind of hoping the bike would kick again to be honest haha.
I went at a reasonable pace to get the bike to kick again to 100% prove something was wrong. The pace was quicker than most cars over the takas but was controlled. I was hoping it would shimmer again in the front or have the rear wheel do something funny. The bike rode home fine however. Perfectly normal. Too much ass off seat means you ride twisted too and that means that your pelvic line is not parrellel to the bikes centre line resulting in the bike leaning over just as far as it was in the first place. Often it is best to get your head out around the mirrors and drop your shoulder around corner and relax arms. This keeps the bike more upright around a corner. These are all tips that I have been taught by a motorcylce expert for road riding. I forget his name, sorry. From Lower Hutt.

The rear suspension is very soft, I agree with you there. But this seems to be how they are designed. It is no softer than when I first bought it! These Hyobags are often described as "bouncy castles" or "trampolines" and these descriptions are not far from the truth at all!! I have been bounced around plenty on it.

Yeah I applied for an exemption but they are only removing the restriction on hours I can ride.
An r6 is a crazy fast bike! I have seen every single r6 video on youtube and a hell of a lot of other bike videos on youtube too. What really appeals to me about the bike though is the handling. My handlebars wont lash out and bounce around on a quality bike like an r6.

Thanks for all your help guys, keep the comments coming if you have any. Cheers

[CookMySock]

The rear suspension is very soft, I agree with you there. But this seems to be how they are designed. It is no softer than when I first bought it!

We got two of them, and they are hard as a rock. I reckon your one is rewted.

Steve

[johan]

Have you checked tyre pressures?

[hmurphy]

Really!? I have read on a bunch of forums that the Hyobag GT250R has soft as hell suspension so it is more comfortable for the learner riders who only use the bike for commuting.

But with what you have said, I will talk to TSS tomorrow and ask them about my suspension. But it is always good I have found to talk to other riders who aren't mechanics but have possibly had experience with these sorts of things. So far kiwibiker members have been a great help with the many problems my damn frickin hyobag has given me.

Cheers

[carver]

its a hyo-shit.
ask for your money back under the consumer gurantees act

[hmurphy]

Have you checked tyre pressures?

Absolutely!! I take care of my bike quite damn well, but it seems to not give a shit about me! I keep the chain tensioned correctly ALWAYS and I use correct non fling chain lube.

Cheers!

[FJRider]

G'day! Today while riding over the Rimutakas, I went around a corner and my rear wheel came out from underneath me! I didn't come off or anything but the bike bit back real hard in an attempt to high side me. I pulled over to find that my rear wheel was SOAKED in oil!!...

Not one or both seals gone, in one, or both, rear shocks... would explain "fluids" on the rear wheel ...???

[CookMySock]

Really!? I have read on a bunch of forums that the Hyobag GT250R has soft as hell suspension so it is more comfortable for the learner riders who only use the bike for commuting.

The front is quite soft with not enough spring rate. The rear is way too hard with way too much spring rate, unless you are two-up. I have seen the rear wheel airborne on straight smooth road. The suspension is the biggest let down of the hyos I reckon.

[...] many problems my damn frickin hyobag has given me.

Ah yeah they have their issues. Two of our hyos we have never touched. The other one had quite a few things. They are great to learn to corner on though ay..

Steve

[Mom]

I pulled over to find that my rear wheel was SOAKED in oil!! .... We decided to carry on cautiously to get the oil to ware off my tire. ....I was cruising at 100km/h. ......The handle bars bounced then started to thrash like crazy, smashing my hands in to the tank on both sides. ..... I decided to ride home slowly which ruined my ride.

Well done on keeping yourself upright today despite the mess that is your bike and the way you ride. Frankly mate, having a rear tyre SOAKED in oil and cautiously cruising at 100kmph leading to a tank slaping good time ride leads me to believe you actually need your head examined. You finally decide to ride home slowly, and that ruined your ride after slip sliding and tank slapping????

Get your bike to a shop first opportunity and get it sorted!

First off, you didn't go home that slowly IMHO you may want to consider laying off the Rossi for a while, particularly if the bike is being a bit of an arse - nobody actually enjoys reading "rider down" threads mmmkay.

Sorry to pick bits of your post, I actually liked what you said after this as well, but this suits my Mom stance better