HellforLeather
Member
Did those pics leak or is the bike revealed already?
Leak, the full reveal isnt supposed to happen till November. They did just officially reveal the engine though.
Did those pics leak or is the bike revealed already?
The newb is back.
Couple of questions (images incoming):
Found this under the seat. It's connected to the battery so I guess it's for a trickler charger. Any in particular or whichever works?
Are these H4 bulbs? For my no high beams issue, I'm looking to replace them. I want to verify if the fuse is broken though, but I couldn't pry it out haha. I also wanted to verify the manual to see if I needed to disconnect something before testing it out. Pending.
Is this just random stuff beneath the seat? There's a bell.
I assume these pads are custom. Not sure how I feel about them. Should I remove if I don't like? What would be the best way to do it?
I just cant figure out if there's oil there. I tried and I can't lol. It looks like it might be over full? This was in the kick stand, do I need to vertically stand and take a picture?
Random question: So the bike is dirty everywhere. Should I mind? Like the space below the seat is dusty, and the cables behind the fairings etc. I wonder if there's a spot I can pay to thoroughly wash the bike.
I haven't ridden the RS yet, got both lined up for next week. Looking forward to it, it does look lovely in person. So does the Multistrada... and the Africa Twin
The Ducati place told me they won't allow test rides if it rains, which is fair enough... but September in England means there's probably a 50/50 chance of me having to reschedule
Hehe, I get it, but it would be kind of weird not letting you try a damn adventure bike if it rained
Found this under the seat. It's connected to the battery so I guess it's for a trickler charger. Any in particular or whichever works?
I just cant figure out if there's oil there. I tried and I can't lol. It looks like it might be over full? This was in the kick stand, do I need to vertically stand and take a picture?
My two eurocents: protective equipment with integrated-anything is either a dumb gimmick or a showroom conversation starter. Once you suspect the helmet is compromised after a crash, you don't really want anything - costly features included - trying to convince you not to dump it for a brand new one.
My two eurocents: protective equipment with integrated-anything is either a dumb gimmick or a showroom conversation starter. Once you suspect the helmet is compromised after a crash, you don't really want anything - costly features included - trying to convince you not to dump it for a brand new one.
Ok, thanks for the responses guys. I'll check oil later today, makes sense. Found a detailing place for my bike kinda nearby, but it might be too far for my first weeks riding the bike.
Get a battery tender jr for that stat. They are awesome.
(you can also use it as a jump point to start your motorcycle, but only ever jump a motorcycle with another motorcycle, cars output too much current and will blow fuses and other electrical parts)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CITK8S/?tag=neogaf0e-20
Also, I've hard that progressive is the best motorcycle insurance in the states. Just from word of mouth. I personally use Geico though and I think they're also great.
Should I install the Pinlock that came with my helmet?
I put it on once in a cold winter day and basically forgot about it. It is only a bit of a pain to remove it once in a while to clean both the pinlock and the visor beneath.Should I install the Pinlock that came with my helmet?
About to sell my KTM 390 since I don't ride at all anymore and will be moving to an apartment that doesn't have secure off street parking. Thinking about doing this on craigslist. Anyone have any experiencing selling bikes? Appreciate any input.
Get a battery tender jr for that stat. They are awesome.
(you can also use it as a jump point to start your motorcycle, but only ever jump a motorcycle with another motorcycle, cars output too much current and will blow fuses and other electrical parts)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CITK8S/?tag=neogaf0e-20
Do you just plug one of these on a motorcycle straight into the other, or does that run the risk of blowing shit up?
I couldn't pick the bike up myself (luckily there was a man nearby that came to help).
Understanding why you dropped it can help you rebuild that confidence again. You'll most likely learn from it and not do it again. Do you know what you did wrong?Ok guys, so it happened. I dropped the bike. I was leaving a parking lot two blocks from my apartment and I fucked up and dropped it almost at a complete stop. I busted my front left turn signal (still works tho, is this still legal to ride?). Crash bar got scratched, and grip protector (whatever it is called) go cracked, but other than that, nothing.
So this experience really made me feel uneasy. I couldn't pick the bike up myself (luckily there was a man nearby that came to help).
Tbh I felt like I could learn quickly but this event has me down, I haven't even gone to real streets yet. Definitely felt a confidence hit.
I've also had had some trouble controlling the bike so far, and I haven't exceeded 0-20 mph speeds. Don't even get me started with turn signals and looking at my rear view mirrors. I feel a little overwhelmed. Maybe I went with a bike that's too big for first bike... Maybe this isn't for me? Maybe I need more practice?
Thanks for all the words of encouragement. Got home today, youtube'd how to pick up a bike after a drop, and went for a drive. I was able to "fix" the turnlight with some scotch tape. At least it's properly positioned now, and still functioning. Will probably keep it like this for a while until I'm confident no drops will happen (and stay out of the rain I guess, but that was already planned).
Decided to run loops through the neighborhood streets, 25 mph tops, tried 3rd gear on this bike for the first time, 0 accidents. Used turn signals, checked my mirros constantly, used precaution on all crossroads. Felt great, feeling much better.
The only issue I had was stalling in the middle of a crossroad three times in a row because I panicked (luckily only one car was behind me, guy was kind enough to ask if everything was alright). I moved out of the way embarrassed when I finally got it running.
So, questions about riding position (vstrom 2007): I feel like I'm pushed waaay to the front by the seat, my legs are quite long and my feet rest by the heels on the pegs. I have to constantly arch my feet up not to hit the brake or clutch. Using the clutch requires some active move of my foot (go back -> under -> push top). I know all bikes have different seats/riding position etc but wondering what you guys thought about this. Should I look for more info on how to seat properly?
Hey Fallout, what do you think of the drive belt on my Firebolt?
Last MOT they gave an advisory saying its starting to split- as far as I know, it is the original belt so will be 12 years old, but has only done 10000 miles which is half of its life according to the manual.
Will probably change it over the winter.
Do I need to change the sprockets as well like a regular chain driven bike?
Ignore the white paint blob, I was counting the teeth.
First off: invest in some lessons! Seriously, ask around in your area or google for something. For us Europeans it's hard to believe they let Americans ride around with little to no instruction on machines that require quite a bit of finesse to pilot comfortably and safely.
I did take the safety course available in California. There's an intermediate course, but I need around 6~ months of riding experience according to them. I do have the option of having extra ride time some weekends and get feedback by the trainers there. Unfortunately they only do parking lot drills, at least for basic and extra ride time.
I felt more confident yesterday with the bike, good to know about the seating position. I've googled more myself and I'll adjust accordingly.
Wait, you don't have to take a test to ride a motorcycle in the US?
Twin Motorcycles sometimes post pictures of belts with comments on how much life they think they have left in them. Apparently cracks and tiny tears are what you should look for.
But yeah, it's a hard call to make. 10.000 miles is nothing. Some of those belts have been known to last ten times that... But then again, 12 years is a pretty long time.
You could replace it and keep the old one around as a spare (though it doesn't fit under a Firebolt seat).
You could also just keep riding till it snaps if that scenario doesn't bother you too much. Saves you from having to replace an expensive item prematurely. (An item that could easily do another 10 or 20.000 kms.)
Personally I haven't pre-emptively replaced any of my belts. But I have the luxury of a bike trailer I can use to pick up a stranded bike if it comes to that.
As for the sprockets: probably not, only if the teeth are visibly sharpening and with those low miles, I don't think that can be the case.
I always imagine US motorcycle testing in some states to be like when my dad did his test in the 60s in England. The examiner walked down the road and he had to ride towards him and stop the bike when the examiner raised his hand. My Dad stalled the bike repeatedly but because the examiner couldn't see him he passed. Now you can get a superbike!
I've been at Bahnstormer BMW this morning testing the R1200RS... finally!
I wasn't too enamoured with it at first as it felt gutless albeit very smooth, but once I switched the engine mode from "Road" to "Dynamic" it transformed the bike. No problem getting past slow traffic on country roads, or rolling-on the throttle on the motorway.
- Very comfortable despite the "sporty" style bars and the fairly long reach for someone of my height
- Butter smooth engine with more than enough performance for me (the guy suggested I try the S1000XR as I'm looking at a Multistrada, but I'd never need the extra power)
- I felt the ESA suspension on the demo model was a bit gimmicky. It had two settings which might as well have been "too soft" and "too hard" - I'd just go with regular suspension
- It's two weakest points for me are the two strongest points of my Monster 1200 - tight cornering/filtering and chucking it into the corners. But a Tourer is never going to be as nimble as a naked bike.
All in all a really great bike which is just a really nice place to sit, I have to say I'm very tempted. I'm testing the Multistrada 950 (and possibly the 1200) on Wednesday, but I could definitely see myself going up to the highlands or down to the Alps on one.
I've been at Bahnstormer BMW this morning testing the R1200RS... finally!
- It's two weakest points for me are the two strongest points of my Monster 1200 - tight cornering/filtering and chucking it into the corners. But a Tourer is never going to be as nimble as a naked bike.
Just to get a sense of where you're at - how many hours of training did you have up to this point?
Wait, you don't have to take a test to ride a motorcycle in the US?
I always imagine US motorcycle testing in some states to be like when my dad did his test in the 60s in England. The examiner walked down the road and he had to ride towards him and stop the bike when the examiner raised his hand. My Dad stalled the bike repeatedly but because the examiner couldn't see him he passed. Now you can get a superbike!
Here's the list of things we did that I can remember:
- Learn how a motorcycle turns on, where the clutch is etc.
- Walk the bike using the friction zone.
- Actually use the bike in first gear, go around a cone, come back.
- Do loops, go fast, then go slow, fast, slow, etc.
- How to brake using front/back, smoothly, etc.
- Clutch control, gear up, gear down before curve, etc.
- Curves, different types, slow down before curves. Apex, when to throttle, etc.
- Emergency break in a straight line.
- How to emergency break when in a curve (aka straighten up, then brake).
- Slow maneuvers like zigzag, 90 degree turns.
- Swerving out of the way.
- Change lanes, use blinkers, etc.
- There was a really small simulation of driving in traffic.
Great feedback.
10 hours of training in two days.
- Learn how a motorcycle turns on, where the clutch is etc.
- Walk the bike using the friction zone.
- Actually use the bike in first gear, go around a cone, come back.
- Do loops, go fast, then go slow, fast, slow, etc.
- How to brake using front/back, smoothly, etc.
- Clutch control, gear up, gear down before curve, etc.
- Curves, different types, slow down before curves. Apex, when to throttle, etc.
- Emergency break in a straight line.
- How to emergency break when in a curve (aka straighten up, then brake).
- Slow maneuvers like zigzag, 90 degree turns.
- Swerving out of the way.
- Change lanes, use blinkers, etc.
- There was a really small simulation of driving in traffic.
10 hours of training in two days.