MyBB Motorcycle Owners Thread

[copacetic]

I see my chain is a bit rusted - I've been advised to lubricate it. What do I use, and how do I do this?

 

[SauRoNZA]

Interesting - it has successfully tempted many a R1200GS/GSA rider to make the switch.

I think that might be where the love comes from. Guys not used to proper superbikes now basically have a GS with superbike power and don't see the other non-superbike problems with it.

Personally it just feels very confused to me.

I bet the 1200RS was a great ride.... the LC Boxer is plenty powerful and it delivers torque from low revs all the way through to the red... If it has the same box as the GS (no quick shift assist), then it could be a wee bit clunky, but I'm sure great fun.

Just go clutchless? I didn't specifically try it on the RS but the RnineT was quite happy with clutchless changes.

Do you ever get used to that sideways twist of the boxer motor? It was pretty crazy on the RnineT.

So non-chain drive is nothing new to you then... It's my main concern with the BMW. Never ridden a shaft driven bike. Glad to hear it has grunt at low speeds. Somehow I imagine that it only comes into it's own on log straight highway rides. I know that's probably nonsense/ignorance.

Nah quite the opposite, I'm very very aware of any chain drive because of having gone without one for many years. On my Triumph it's not so apparent but I think on more torque-biased bikes it's very noticeable.

If anything I would say a chain is more the one to lose out on due to the stretch making it "lag" if you will. Only real benefit to a chain is cost and easy changing of gearing which is a non-concern for most.

 

[SirFooK'nG]

I see my chain is a bit rusted - I've been advised to lubricate it. What do I use, and how do I do this?

You can get decent chain lube at a hardware store or Midas, never use a pressure cleaner on your chain. The o-rings will lose their lube, dry out and rust. Clean your chain with paraffin and a brush, wipe it clean with a cloth, let it dry, spray lube. Dont get the lube on your tyres / rims / mags... crap to clean off.. There are some decent youtube vids on cleaning chains.

NB ... NEVER ever run the engine while cleaning your chain. NEVER.

 

[SauRoNZA]

I see my chain is a bit rusted - I've been advised to lubricate it. What do I use, and how do I do this?

Buy some chain wax.

Then you either get a friend to hold the bike on the stand lifting the rear wheel and you spray it on as you spin it (on the inside).

Or you walk the bike meter by meter and spray the section between the two sprockets.

I cut up a old toilet roll holder and hold it underneath to stop it from dripping. Those kitchen towel ones that are longer work even better.

This is exactly why I want to buy a non-chain drive bike again.


You should wax it every 1500km or so. But this will cause endless arguments because some people will say you never need to do anything, others will say you need to clean it then wax it etc. Others like me just wax it every so often.

Best to do it when the chain is warm after getting home as it melts in then. Doing it cold it flings off when you ride again.

 

[SauRoNZA]

NB ... NEVER ever run the engine while cleaning your chain. NEVER.

And here I thought you put it on the stand and have your 5-year old rev the **** out of it first gear while you spray.

 

[SauRoNZA]

I don't feel any difference between chain drive and shaft drive... Nice not to have to lube a chain though

You must have some extra padding in them buttocks adding some suspension.

Go jump on that XR...the vibration through your ass and foot pegs is from the chain.

 

[Archer]

I think that might be where the love comes from. Guys not used to proper superbikes now basically have a GS with superbike power and don't see the other non-superbike problems with it.

Personally it just feels very confused to me.

Do you ever get used to that sideways twist of the boxer motor? It was pretty crazy on the RnineT.

I've only ever ridden two bikes, so what do I know Just though after all the excellent comments on the S1000XR everyone would like it. But yes, those people are very much non superbike guys.

Sideways twist? I'm trying to think if I've ever experienced this, but I'm lost

 

[SirFooK'nG]

I've only ever ridden two bikes, so what do I know Just though after all the excellent comments on the S1000XR everyone would like it. But yes, those people are very much non superbike guys.

Sideways twist? I'm trying to think if I've ever experienced this, but I'm lost

The torque twist you get on the engine? Rev a little while stationary and the bike kinda rocks...

 

[SauRoNZA]

I've only ever ridden two bikes, so what do I know Just though after all the excellent comments on the S1000XR everyone would like it. But yes, those people are very much non superbike guys.

Sideways twist? I'm trying to think if I've ever experienced this, but I'm lost

When you start that Boxer or rev it the bike "pulls" sideways.

It's a general boxer thing, but don't ask me what the science behind it is but it was just much more pronounced on the RnineT.

It's basically just a torque pull. On my Buell it would walk backwards when you rev it, on the BMW boxer it pulls sideways.

If you sit on the RnineT while you start it you almost need to put a foot down. Probably unconscious to you guys who ride them every day.

 

[Archer]

The torque twist you get on the engine? Rev a little while stationary and the bike kinda rocks...

For a moment, and only a little bit.

I just couldn't picture how a bike twists sideways

 

[SlinkyMike]

Going to head up and over the hills in Tokai, and then around the back to Simon's Town...

The road between Simons Town and Cape Point is in poor condition. Lots of roots and potholes. It is tempting to wind it through there when thee are not other cars but just beware.

 

[copacetic]

The road between Simons Town and Cape Point is in poor condition. Lots of roots and potholes. It is tempting to wind it through there when thee are not other cars but just beware.

I shall be very careful indeed, thanks.

 

[SlinkyMike]

When you start that Boxer or rev it the bike "pulls" sideways.

It's a general boxer thing, but don't ask me what the science behind it is but it was just much more pronounced on the RnineT.

It's basically just a torque pull. On my Buell it would walk backwards when you rev it, on the BMW boxer it pulls sideways.

If you sit on the RnineT while you start it you almost need to put a foot down. Probably unconscious to you guys who ride them every day.

The old Guzzis had a similar format and people claimed that the effect you describe was useful when powering out of a corner.

Never made sense to me but I grew up with my older brother and his mates and their bikes and the *** they'd talk after a few beers so really take that from whence it comes.

 

[SykomantiS]

NB ... NEVER ever run the engine while cleaning your chain. NEVER.

This is how you lose stuff... Like thumbs, for instance. Guy who was at school with me- the son of one of my dads co-workers- lost his thumb like this.

 

[SauRoNZA]

The old Guzzis had a similar format and people claimed that the effect you describe was useful when powering out of a corner.

Never made sense to me but I grew up with my older brother and his mates and their bikes and the *** they'd talk after a few beers so really take that from whence it comes.

Yeah I could swear when pulling away at first it pushed itself ever so slightly upright...or was it down...can't remember.

 

[copacetic]

Hills and pulling away!

I thought those sorts of nightmares were all left behind in my learning to drive cars stage.

I survived my drive, but there was way more traffic than I was anticipating.

Drove a little faster than I should have at one point, it's quite, erm, windy.

 

[Archer]

On the way home I tried to find this "twist"
Nope nothing nada, no matter what I did to the throttle no adverse reactions. At a stop though of course, slight lean to the right. Nothing on the start either. Really odd, I wonder why the RnineT is so different.

Hills and pulling away!

Welcome young padawan

 

[SauRoNZA]

On the way home I tried to find this "twist"
Nope nothing nada, no matter what I did to the throttle no adverse reactions. At a stop though of course, slight lean to the right. Nothing on the start either. Really odd, I wonder why the RnineT is so different.



Welcome young padawan

Look here when he starts it and revs it.

http://youtu.be/AmKTyXqNu-8

Pulls to the side quite hecticly.

Something to do with how it's balanced.

 

[memphis32]

Hills and pulling away!

I thought those sorts of nightmares were all left behind in my learning to drive cars stage.

I survived my drive, but there was way more traffic than I was anticipating.

Drove a little faster than I should have at one point, it's quite, erm, windy.

I'm in the same boat as you, I also got myself a CBR250R about a month ago, also my first bike. Same colour as well. I will admit, it's a huge shock to the system being on 2 wheels in traffic, if you're used to being in a car. The wind, as you mention, is something to get used to. I too was worried about wind when I first went on the highway, thinking I was going to blow off the bike and stuff.

It really is a great bike, and will reward you greatly when you get used to it. The power is there, just feel confident to use it safely. Also remember that it is a city bike, it's not going to break any speed records. You can easily keep up with highway speeds, but don't rush to get to those speeds yet. I'm perfectly happy with mine, I think it's one of the best starter bikes, and a good stepping stone to bigger bikes. It gives you that supersport kinda feel, but still remains light and will allow you to make mistakes.

When you start really riding in peak hour traffic, just be extra cautious. Don't try and keep up with the bigger bikes as they have way more experience than we do. I just let them pass, then carry on my way. Remember, the brakes aren't the best out there, so give yourself enough space to react to any changing situation. And always remember, if you have doubt when on the bike, don't do it. Be it lane splitting, taking a gap, riding too close to other cars... Trust your gut, it'll save you plenty.

 

[SauRoNZA]

Hills and pulling away!

I thought those sorts of nightmares were all left behind in my learning to drive cars stage.

I survived my drive, but there was way more traffic than I was anticipating.

Drove a little faster than I should have at one point, it's quite, erm, windy.

The correct K53 way is holding the bike in place with the foot brake and pulling away cleanly.

When you have your license you can cheat like the rest of us and roll on the throttle while releasing brake.