What do you do when both your ADV bikes are in bits?

**CrazyFrog** · 19th April 2009, 15:31

Okay picture this..... I'm sitting at home this morn with severe cabin fever after looking after my new baby and partner for the last 3 weeks, spending most of my time inside, just being a new Dad and helping out where I can.
And then she says......."Hey, why don't you go out on the bike this morn", OMG, music to my ears! Uhhh, ok then, why not, I say.
The plot thickens.....I've been so preoccupied doing the new Dad thing, that I haven't had time in my man-cave to tinker with either one of my bikes, which are both in bits. No time to muck around putting bikes back together, I have a 2 hour window of opportunity, not to be wasted.........
So, I drag out the trusty scoot, my fave little city blaster, the Gilera Runner 180 2-smoker, kick it over and I'm off!
Waaaaa - F..kin- Hoooooo!

So I'm heading down the highway, yep she's all good for highway riding, it'll cruise happily at 120kmph, and max's out around 140 clicks, I'm rolling happier than a pig in shit.......

**CrazyFrog** · 19th April 2009, 15:34

But I feel I need something else......... time to take that dang scoot ADV'ing!!
I turn off the highway and head up a nearby forestry road, lay down some mean rear wheel drift marks and head for the top, the mighty scoot taking it all in it's stride.
Could have done with some 12" knobblies, and some more front end travel, but the rear end was great with the new Bitubo shock I installed a couple of months back. I dunno how I'd get on doing river crossings, but gravel roads were a doddle, I just gotta watch them pot-holes. Seemed to ride nicely on the gravel between 50-70kmph, even on those wee 12" wheels.
Bloody good fun, but a do miss the DRZ!

**junkmanjoe** · 19th April 2009, 16:28

what a blast, must have looked so out off place, scooter up in the forest....ya just need to tast bugs aye mate.
i not had my bike for nearly 2 weeks, im going nutty

**Waihou Thumper** · 19th April 2009, 16:41

On your new addition!
Is that 640A back together yet?

**NordieBoy** · 19th April 2009, 17:41

Go the Gilera!

**buggsubique** · 19th April 2009, 17:50

If I had a trophy or a medal I would give it to you! That's awesome!

PS you freak me out!

**MyGSXF:Me** · 19th April 2009, 17:58

classic!!! GO that man!!!

congrats on the little one!!

**Box'a'bits** · 19th April 2009, 19:16

We seem to have similar taste in bikes.

I also have a 640a, and a Gilera 180 Runner (same colour & year). The Gilera has been on a number of Kiwi's (from Wellington) & blitz's the gravel road into the site. Very comfortable of long trips if you put your feet back onto the pillon pegs..........

Where did you get the biturbo shock & how much (if you don't mind my asking)? This is currently on our shopping list here. The Gilera seems to have lost damping in the rear, especially if we take a pillion.

Whats up with the KTM?

Cheers

Steve

**CrazyFrog** · 19th April 2009, 21:04

Originally Posted by BMWRSNUT

We seem to have similar taste in bikes.

I also have a 640a, and a Gilera 180 Runner (same colour & year). The Gilera has been on a number of Kiwi's (from Wellington) & bitz's the gravel road into the site. Very comfortable of long trips if you put your feet back onto the pillon pegs..........

Where did you get the bitubo shock & how much (if you don't mind my asking)? This is currently on our shoping list here. The Gilera seems to have lost damping in the rear, especially if we take a pillion.

Whats up with the KTM?

Steve

Hey Steve,
I upgraded the shock after my stock standard spring broke?!! The rest of the shock was okay, but original springs were a bit crap. The Bitubo shock I bought was from UK (www.pmtuning.co.uk) and they ship to NZ no problem. It cost 73. 00 GB Pounds, shipping was an extra 20 GBP, so worked out to be NZ $245 at the time with the exchange rate, but this still worked out way cheaper than buying one thru Scootling or Scooter eMotion in Aucks for around $500.
It's improved the stability no end, but now I wish I could do something with the front forks, they bottom out occasionally (esp off-roading!!! LOL)
I've also upgraded the engine pivot bushes which has taken the slop out of the rear end making the handling much more responsive.
I love this scoot, it's got so much herb for a little'un, and it's fantastic in the tight winding stuff. I've had it out on some decent roadies too, mostly around the top of the south, Yeah, it's pretty comfy on the highway and cruising speed is not an issue. My mate and I (sames bikes) occasionally embarrassed bigger bikes in the Buller Gorge and the Takaka Hill, but we'd never win the straight line war.

The KTM has an issue with starter solenoid or something in wiring between solenoid and starter motor....niggly bloody electrics basically.
I just need some time to source the problem really, need to get my hands on a multimeter, shouldn't be a biggie.
Cheers.

**blackballs** · 19th April 2009, 21:22

**CrazyFrog** · 19th April 2009, 21:30

Originally Posted by blackballs

Scoots RULE!!!!!!!!
I know no shame..........

**bart** · 19th April 2009, 21:51

Awesome man

**topo** · 19th April 2009, 22:33

GO the mighty scoot

**Box'a'bits** · 19th April 2009, 22:44

Originally Posted by CrazyFrog

Hey Steve,
The Bitubo shock I bought was from UK (www.pmtuning.co.uk) and they ship to NZ no problem.
It's improved the stability no end, but now I wish I could do something with the front forks, they bottom out occasionally (esp off-roading!!! LOL)
I've also upgraded the engine pivot bushes which has taken the slop out of the rear end making the handling much more responsive.
I love this scoot, it's got so much herb for a little'un, and it's fantastic in the tight winding stuff.
Cheers.

Just now placed an order with PM Tuning for the Biturbo shock, pivot & swingarm repair kits.

See what you've started!! The handling has been getting sloppy, and I figured that these were the culprits (quite aside from the shock)...

Need to put some time (& money) into servicing the Gilera. Mandy uses it all the time - I'm not allowed nr it mostly (.....except if there is a problem).

Ours is not as tidy as yours - Mandy's dropped it on one side (not badly, but in hindsight we should have claimed insurance), & the exhaust is getting pretty scruffy. Lives outside under a carport, cause Mandy doesn't like to struggle with the garage door

.

Got issues with MY 640a starter, as well. Getting used to kick start. E-start works if the bikes warm, mostly. Battery's reputed to be new, but its a Koyo, & I have my doubts. Electrical & starter issues seem to come with the territory with these bikes..

**warewolf** · 20th April 2009, 11:35

Well done that man! Go the scooter

Originally Posted by BMWRSNUT

Got issues with MY 640a starter, as well. Getting used to kick start. E-start works if the bikes warm, mostly. Battery's reputed to be new, but its a Koyo, & I have my doubts. Electrical & starter issues seem to come with the territory with these bikes..

That's a bit harsh, they don't seem to have any more or less electrical issues than any other bike. The only regular failure seems to be the ignition wires at the connection to the key switch - as happens on many other bikes.

What's wrong with your e-start? There is an issue with the starter clutches on the later bikes. If you catch it early you might be able to save it with a $10 fix.