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

[NordieBoy]

My bike will only if the bike is in neutral. This is a pain on any difficult trail. Pulling in the clutch makes no difference, hence the interest in removing that lockout.

Maybe before I start down this track I should see why that is....

Steve

Sounds like your clutch switch is broked.

[Woodman]

To be honest, I don't know why you would want to start the bike in gear with the sidestand down.

It is handy for oiling the chain while propped on the sidestand with the back wheel spinning in gear. Can't do that with the sidestand lockout.

[warewolf]

My bike will only start if the bike is in neutral. This is a pain on any difficult trail. Pulling in the clutch makes no difference, hence the interest in removing that lockout.

Maybe before I start down this track I should see why that is....

Good plan. That is one thing that has been broken on several used bikes I've acquired. The DPOs had the same complaints you have. It's usually the first thing I fix!! Can't stand riding a bike that won't start on the run, esp. a new one that you are prone to stalling.

[warewolf]

It is handy for oiling the chain while propped on the sidestand with the back wheel spinning in gear. Can't do that with the sidestand lockout.

Maybe we should compile a list. 101 reasons to bypass the sidestand lockout

[Woodman]

Maybe we should compile a list. 101 reasons to bypass the sidestand lockout

Bike needs to be able to be started in any gear with stand up or down and clutch in or out.

[Box'a'bits]

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.

Cheers.

Got the shock, swingarm pivot kit, & engine pivot kit for the Gilera 2 weeks ago. Wasn't quite as cost effective as Crazy Frog Experienced. Freight was GBP 64!! and GBP prices have increased somewhat for both kits & the shock.

Attempted installation last Sunday afternoon. The swingarm kit & shock were an easy install.

The engine pivot bushes were another matter. Should have been a press out job, but the bushes were well glued in. Heat, pressure, & pounding won't shift. Had to drop the engine & transmission out of the frame, which was a major. Eventually tore the inner bush getting them out, ground back some of the residual rubber, welded a bead on the inside of the metal portion of the bush (to shrink it). Then the outer dropped out piece of cake. The new bushes are all metal affairs, so will be solid (no movement aside from the pivot plane).

Now have the bike back on the road (which has pleased Mandy, & Katherine given that the bike is their sole form of transport). The refurb has tightened the whole bike up, to the extent that the weak point is now the front end.

I have dropped some preload on the rear shock, to restore some of the rake, to stop the front pushing. But (like Crazy Frog) I suspect now I'll need to play with the front damping & preload to even things out. The fork seals are due for attention anyway.

Doing a service has also shown a number of areas needing further attention, but has overall improved the bike's pick up (amazing what a clean air filter will do for you). Just won't be passing sports bike on the inside quite yet...

Cheers

Steve