Random thoughts on bikes and riding

[Gary856]

iOS acceleration app?

Is there a good iPhone app that measures acceleration like 0-60 and 1/4 mile time? I was surprised to not find any newer and popular one. Doesn't have to be race quality, just something to compare bike to bike performance differences 'cause butt dyno is so inaccurate. Some bikes feel fasters than others but I'd like to be able to get numbers on my own to compare against perceptions.

I was trying to think thru the effect of acceleration on a fast revving vs. a slow revving engine if they make the same power and torque, with the same weight and gearing. What makes one engine rev faster (freer, not higher) than the other? I think I knew this before but forgot. Found this interesting article:

https://www.w8ji.com/rotating_mass_acceleration.htm

She was at first startled, said nothing, and then flicked her cigarette at me....:facepalm

Cool story. :laughing

 

[Johndicezx9]

I debated whether or not share it.... :dunno :laughing

 

[Brentoast]

Maybe the parents just wanna give the gift of asthma to their kid. :|

 

[Gary856]

Cruisers are fun

I finally rode a proper cruiser, a 2015 Road King, for 400 miles last Sat. Here’re my impressions as a non-cruiser rider:

• All the cruisers I’ve ridden (before this, an Indian Scout Bobber and a Harley Fat Boy) feels surprisingly well balanced at walking speed. Cruisers’ balance feels like standing on a Razor scooter with all the weight close to the ground, compared to standard bikes with weight up high which feels like standing on a bicycle.

• With mid-control and floor board, the seating position / height is similar to a cross-over SUV. The vision/view feels more wide open with the sit up position, compared to bikes that require a forward leaning riding posture.

• A standard bike feels like a big, heavy, motorized bicycle. A cruiser feels like a powerful, tiny car, with no roof or doors, but leans.

• I love the Road King’s big tank (6 gallons, ~200 miles range if not pushed too hard), torquey engine, and tall gearing. When I upshifted at 65-70 mph, I often found there’s another gear to go up still! I love that long legged-ness!

• The ground clearance limits hard leans, of course, but it’s surprising easy to flow in and out of tight turns smoothly.

• When I pushed the pace on Hwy 1, the “cruiser” faded into the background. It was as fun and invigorating as riding any other motorcycle, yet a distinctively different riding experience.

 

[Brentoast]

When you road the bike how did the weight feel to you. Did it feel like a big change from what you were used to or was it pretty easy to adjust to?

 

[Enchanter]

And of course, I have been hassled more than once by CHP motor cops for wearing ear plugs and not being able to hear their commands clearly, catch 22.

CVC 27400 allows us to use ear plugs. The only requirement is that you can hear a siren or horn.

 

[Gary856]

When you road the bike how did the weight feel to you. Did it feel like a big change from what you were used to or was it pretty easy to adjust to?

Like they say once the bikes move you don't really feel the weight. Weight is only apparent in very rapid transitions but you don't ride a cruiser that way.

With mid-control the car-like riding position of the Road King was instantly familiar the first moment I took my foot off the ground as the bike got moving. I even liked the car-like foot brake pedal a lot. On bikes with forward control it takes more conscious effort to find the forward mounted foot pegs for the first 5 minutes if you're not used to it.

The low ground clearance made it harder to ride off the edge of pavement onto uneven shoulders and park. With the extra weight I had to think about how to park off pavement (not on a down slope) so I could get going again easily.

After riding the Road King 400 miles and immediately got back on my KTM 950SM, the KTM's grips felt incredibly thin (felt like pencils), the bike felt like it was on stilts, and my right foot couldn't find the brake lever.

 

[GAJ]

Rode my sole remaining moto for the first time in 18 months.

Felt like "normal," no sense of strangeness or rust, no blown lines or weird over braking events.

As I've been bicycling all that time using many of the same riding techniques in terms of traffic awareness even that seemed "natural."

It was a lot easier going up hill though! :laughing

I was hoping for that thrill I used to get riding all those decades, even on my 1972 CB50 back in the day or that I still get driving my 1994 MX5.

Sadly, no.

 

[N4teTheGreat]

I was hoping for that thrill I used to get riding all those decades, even on my 1972 CB50 back in the day or that I still get driving my 1994 MX5.

Sadly, no.

Funny, I am in the opposite camp, for now. I grew up cycling and mountain biking was my addiction for years. I'd find myself day dreaming about it frequently and any time hoping on the bike was a joy even if it was just a training ride.

Now it's the opposite. I spend my week thinking about riding my motorcycle on the weekend and no matter how far I ride or how tired I am, the moment the bike is parked I'm wanting to hop back on and ride further.

The bicycle on the other hand has become a chore, the mountain bike is in disrepair and I'm not motivated to fix it given what a pain it is to get to good trails from SF and the road bike is a chore that I put in 20ish miles on each Friday as part of my workout routine.

Who know's maybe I'll eventually burn myself out on motorcycles and rekindle my love for cycling sometime in the future.

 

[GAJ]

Now it's the opposite. I spend my week thinking about riding my motorcycle on the weekend and no matter how far I ride or how tired I am, the moment the bike is parked I'm wanting to hop back on and ride further.

Well, I felt like you for 40 years and I'm bummed the "thrill is gone" to some degree and it's not the bike as I gave my DRZ400SM to a friend this time last year.

When I first got that bike my other bikes were barely ridden.

But at least my car is in the garage for the first time since 1989 or so.

 

[Gary856]

Well, I felt like you for 40 years and I'm bummed the "thrill is gone" to some degree and it's not the bike as I gave my DRZ400SM to a friend this time last year.

When I first got that bike my other bikes were barely ridden.

Maybe you need to try different bike, and/or find new roads to ride, for new experiences? I get bored fairly easily so I'm always trying to find new road, or ride different bikes on the same roads. (Not sure if there are new roads near by after riding for 40 years, though.)

Who know's maybe I'll eventually burn myself out on motorcycles and rekindle my love for cycling sometime in the future.

I loved mountain biking before I learned to ride motorcycle. By the time I was in my late 40s mountain biking became too physically demanding and getting to the trails became a hassle, so motorcycling took over. When Covid hit I started cycling around San Jose and found it very enjoyable, allowing me to explore many interesting hidden corners that I wouldn't see on a motorized vehicle.

 

[GAJ]

Maybe you need to try different bike, and/or find new roads to ride, for new experiences? I get bored fairly easily so I'm always trying to find new road, or ride different bikes on the same roads. (Not sure if there are new roads near by after riding for 40 years, though.)

When I bought the F800ST I had three other bikes that I also enjoyed riding, and all four were different in their focus but all were a lot of fun.

All but the DRZ400SM had upgraded suspension, the TL1000S at both ends, the Nighthawk 750 as well and the F800ST just the forks.

Hopefully it's just a phase but I well endeavor to ride the moto more this year.

 

[SVsick50]

When I bought the F800ST I had three other bikes that I also enjoyed riding, and all four were different in their focus but all were a lot of fun.

All but the DRZ400SM had upgraded suspension, the TL1000S at both ends, the Nighthawk 750 as well and the F800ST just the forks.

Hopefully it's just a phase but I well endeavor to ride the moto more this year.

This happened to me, but it happens to me with all the things I love to do and I go through my fade-away’s every 5 years with stuff. I try not to go through this so I try not to put too much energy around it all. I’m experiencing this with my BMX riding currently. I’ve realized that the things I love are physical and as I get older I have more potential issues doing them, so I look at these things as finite endeavors which makes me want to do them. Like, I love boxing and the martial arts, yet I’m 46. How long do I get to enjoy punching people in the face? Not long, I’m guessing. At my age, able to keep up with young studs in the ring, I feel so blessed and thankful as to not take it for granted.

I saw my dad give motorcycles one last chance and watched him give it up because he didn’t trust his reflexes after a few close calls. I don’t want to be forced to quit something, so I cherish the time I get to do it.

 

[GAJ]

The more I think about it, something like a CB175 might be a ton of fun.

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

 

[Gary856]

The rabbit hole of weight reduction

I haven't been too weight conscious and think people who get titanium bolt kits are nuts, but I don't mind taking off unnecessary bolt-on stuff that came with my used bike. Axle-sliders, for example; useless weight. I don't tend to carry stuff so panniers and top boxes get taken off (and take up shelf space.)

On my Ulysses, the square tubed black rack with some rust on it looks kind of cool, adding a rugged touring look to the bike, so it took me a few days to make up my mind to remove it. (In the process of removing the rack I found one of the mounting point on the bike was broken - things you find out gradually on an old used bike...) While I was at it I decided to remove the rear pegs as well since I'll never carry a passenger. Altogether about 8 lbs came off the rear end - not a lot, but it's 1.6% of the bike's wet weight, 3.1% weight off the rear wheel, so that's something. Maybe I should remove the tool kit that I never use either.

My buddy who just bought an Africa Twin DCT is going in the other direction. He already added a center stands, a rear rack/top box, a taller windscreen, and is looking for crash bars and panniers. When he came by I saw (a little astonished to see) he had a cooler in the top box filled with ice and 5-6 bottles/cans/boxes of different beverages. :laughing

 

[ST Guy]

I haven't been too weight conscious and think people who get titanium bolt kits are nuts, but I don't mind taking off unnecessary bolt-on stuff that came with my used bike. Axle-sliders, for example; useless weight. I don't tend to carry stuff so panniers and top boxes get taken off (and take up shelf space.)

On my Ulysses, the square tubed black rack with some rust on it looks kind of cool, adding a rugged touring look to the bike, so it took me a few days to make up my mind to remove it. (In the process of removing the rack I found one of the mounting point on the bike was broken - things you find out gradually on an old used bike...) While I was at it I decided to remove the rear pegs as well since I'll never carry a passenger. Altogether about 8 lbs came off the rear end - not a lot, but it's 1.6% of the bike's wet weight, 3.1% weight off the rear wheel, so that's something. Maybe I should remove the tool kit that I never use either.

My buddy who just bought an Africa Twin DCT is going in the other direction. He already added a center stands, a rear rack/top box, a taller windscreen, and is looking for crash bars and panniers. When he came by I saw (a little astonished to see) he had a cooler in the top box filled with ice and 5-6 bottles/cans/boxes of different beverages. :laughing

The Honda Pacific Coast had an excellent built-in ice chest.

But keep the tool kit, or even expand it with decent tools. The day you leave it at home is the day you'll need it.

 

[Gary856]

About carrying a tool kit - in 12 years of riding I've had 3 breakdowns that required a tow - dropped a valve, a long screw thru the side wall, and a bad alternator (or might've been just a bad ground wire) resulting in a dead battery. None was easily repairable on the road side with a simple tool kit.

Other than fixing a flat, what sort of road side repairs have you needed to do? What tools were needed? Could they be avoided with regular maintenance?

 

[ScottRNelson]

Other than fixing a flat, what sort of road side repairs have you needed to do? What tools were needed? Could they be avoided with regular maintenance?

I needed to get towed 15 miles on Foresthill Road back down to the town of Foresthill where I could get cell phone reception. Good thing I had a rope with me and a riding companion willing to drag me back there. Checking the oil properly would have saved me from that (lesson learned).

 

[Pushrod]

Tool kit? Yeah carry a good one to make the Moto-gods smile.. That insures you never need it. I stopped getting flats when I started carrying a patch kit and spare tube (old days) or a plug kit these days. At least carry a Swiss Army or Leatherman tool.

With the tool kit in my Air Head Bimmer I bailed out many friends but never needed it for my bike.

Of course I have just cursed myself.

 

[ST Guy]

About carrying a tool kit - in 12 years of riding I've had 3 breakdowns that required a tow - dropped a valve, a long screw thru the side wall, and a bad alternator (or might've been just a bad ground wire) resulting in a dead battery. None was easily repairable on the road side with a simple tool kit.

Other than fixing a flat, what sort of road side repairs have you needed to do? What tools were needed? Could they be avoided with regular maintenance?

What comes to my mind was having a coolant hose blow out in the middle of nowhere in Oregon, 40 miles north of Bend. I first removed enough plastic to see why I was getting sprayed with coolant. I then called for a tow and put the plastic back on. After a few hours, I got into Bend and proceeded to pull the plastic again at a hotel and then the carbs and finally the hoses. Next morning I walked across the street to an auto supply store where they let me behind the counter to sort through their collection of heater hose. I cut down the hoses, installed them, topped off the coolant to check for leaks, put the plastic back on, and headed out back on the road by noon.

Doing this required an extensive kit of aftermarket tools, which I had with me as an addition to the stock kit. The actual story is much longer and more complex, but I was very glad I carried the tools with me. Otherwise I'd be at the mercy of the dealership which didn't even open until Monday and they didn't have the hoses anyway.