Forum Replies Created
Honda Scooters
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Scoot Cruiser prototype,
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/prototype-spy-concept/Suzuki-Gstrider.jpg
Sorry guys I just couldn’t resist the urge to entertain you some more
Besides, this thing has the coolest rear view mirrors I have ever seen on Any motorcycle, …rear-facing cameras display video to the “mirrors”. http://images.gizmag.com/gallery_lrg/2303_04.jpg
AND it’s only ever been ridden by a Japanese supermodel !I’ll just drop a pearl of wisdom for any belt primary drive vehicle owners, before Munch kicks us off this Cruiser thread 😮
Just like the Salsbury clutch on a snowmobile, 100% of the force is on the sides of a V drive belt, the rubberized nylon belt wears and friction burns rubber material away, until the hardened steel clutch cones are spinning against burnt rubber and expose nylon (or kevlar) thread material. This is why you should never roll on the throttle slowly with a CVT clutch, get on that throttle harder at first, so the clutch positively engages then back off on the gas to moderate your speed. Applying the throttle slowly before the clutch engages, equates to slipping a dry clutch on a standard transmission vehicle. Replacing the belt should make the grundle go away, and consequently, it will restore the original speed ratio that your bike had when it was new. On a seriously worn Salsbury clutch, the steel cone faces can have ‘chatter’ marks worn right into the metal and only replacement will cure that problem.Did you know; Leonardo DaVinci sketched the first CVT in 1490 making your scooter’ clutch design more than 520 years old ! … maybe Leonardo worked with Piaggio
But I should clarify the items in question.
On the subject of automatics, I’m the last guy you want to listen to, I have a hate for them (on anything other than a limo, hearse or tractor) for maybe all the wrong reasons: I service my own vehicles, everything from my 55cc. chainsaw right up to my 6.4 liter twin turbo Diesel sees my wrenches, consequently all my cars and trucks have standards because they are way easier for me to service. I know my way around simple hydraulics but zero about torque converters & auto car trannys. 2) I learned to drive standard, VW beetle to be exact (the thing was so old, it had the split rear windows and a wooden stick under the hood, that you dipped into the gas tank to see how much fuel you had) 3) We had a Husky 444 snowmobile and Ski-doo’s with the Salsbury clutch drives, they were dirty to work on and ate belts like candy. Even before that, a dual engine Jigger equipped with an evil belt drive system and if you know what those rigs were like, you will have a better idea why I dislike rubber belt drive anything. (‘Jigger’ was the six wheel drive predecessor to the Argo, I’ll post a picture some day, just for a laugh.) The second bike I owned was a Honda 90 step-thru (semi-automatic with 3 gears plus neutral) a real blast to ride and actually very fast in the small gravel pit, once I fitted it with full knobby tires. (almost impossible to blow up! I never rode that on the road (legally)On the visibility thing; that’s a hard one to nail down; I was either very conscious that I couldn’t flee, or had a feeling the car drivers had no respect for my presence. …could be that’s how it is all the time and I just never noticed before.
On the road hazard thing; happens on my ride following the Bergman lady to her house, there was a series of asphalt speed bumps and they really slowed me down a lot more than her in her car. My built in reaction is to brake in advance of a an unavoidable bump (with obvious care not to get rear-ended) then off-load the front front forks (cease braking) and slightly transfer my weight to the pegs (rearward) for impact. On that scoot, everything I tried felt unnatural and I was plowing those bumps. Thankfully road hazards are not normally tall enough to require a ‘Zap’ although I think I could Zap a curb or concrete block on my Ascot. Swerving only works if you have somewhere to go and not carrying way too much speed.
I agree with all Eon’s points stated and agree the bikes weight is not a factor, I’m totally used to riding a heavy motorcycle, just not the one’s with little wheels.
You can ride with me any day Eon, you lead;) …unless we happen to swap bikes for a try.
A co-worker bought a Burgman 400 w/ABS the other day and asked me to ride it home from the dealership for her, so of course I jumped at a chance to try one of these beasts (something I would personally never consider buying myself) and I just wanted to pass along a few observations from this experience. Lets dwell on positives first; It has 2 wheels, the body work offers good protection similar or superior to a full fairing motorcycle, the riding position is perfect for typing, if you are actually striving for perfect office seating posture when riding. You could wear a skirt and high heels riding this thing, (too bad I’m a guy or that one might actually work for me;) ummm …it’s quiet, did I mention it has 2 wheels?
OK, now I’m really struggling here and I think you get the point, this is without a doubt the least exciting motorcycle I have ever ridden, I know scoots are popular and want to stay positive here, but damn! riding that thing I never felt so totally invisible and vulnerable in traffic. Automatic Yuck! Sorry but it did Not make for easy riding for me, I had to anticipate needing to accelerate and grab a wrist full of throttle well in advance of anything happening. The throttle response and suspension felt far more like a 250cc single cylinder snowmobile than a motorcycle. It does have excellent engine braking and that’s another plus, right ?:i I rode the entire time with one finger on each brake lever, (mostly to remind myself not to clutch) and discovered that by applying both brakes equally, felt like I would never want more brake force than one finger on each lever provided, the engine braking was so good in fact, I only needed the brakes for about the last yard on stopping, (or to activate the brake light so I didn’t get rear ended). A faster throttle might be a nice upgrade, and I guess some people might think it’s a good thing you could not pop a wheelie if your life depended on it, let’s hope you don’t come across any road debris or pot holes, because your only option would be to brace yourself and plow into it.
Other than being uninspiring and automatic, here are my 2 biggest complaints about the behemoth Burgman; The handle bars are so far back and close to your body that the bar mounted mirrors are near useless, you need to turn your head to view the vibrating mirrors and it would be far superior if they were mounted low and forward on the fairing. The flat foot forward leg stance made it impossible to lift your butt off the seat and the most comfortable place for my feet was right where the floor boards are cut away to put your feet on the ground.
For a fraction of the cost i’d go with a CBR125, a Ninjette or an S40 (Owlie’s ride) and feel safer for it, but if you do wear a skirt and absolutely need that trunk space, the Bergman would still be way more enjoyable to park & ride than a smart car. …just trash the mirrors, ride flat out and the heck with the guy behind you :iWhat! you still have the center stand on ?:o …that’s like about 20lbs. right there
+1 on the make friends with other racers and you might need to remind yourself occasionally, you are there to have fun and meet new people, only the Pros and Track Officials are there to make a living. One of the great things about racing is, seeing how you and your bike stack up. You might be way better than most at handling your bike and not even know it, or maybe a lesser rider on an equal but far better prepared bike will blow away the competition in straights and on acceleration, the Race Track is the ultimate place to discover these things. Being a beginner Novice does not assert you will perform badly, so prepare extremely well and approach it with a desire to do well and you will have a far better experience. In retrospect, my passion for amateur Trials competition is likely a result of doing so well at my first modern event. My bike was mint and I tried so damn hard not to place last, I ended up taking second place in a 2 day National event, may you do as well and become similarly addicted to Go Fast racing;)
Jeff and Eternal gave a pretty good check list, so just to expatiate on a few items; Things that might be slightly worn or operate less than perfect may get by on the road, but fail miserably under the stress of racing. I think I’d be installing a new chain if the original is the least bit stretched and inspect the countershaft sprocket teeth while you are at it. Maybe see if you can buy different sized counter-shaft sprockets and with some advance research, you might gain an advantage by going up or down one tooth size depending on the speed of the track. New brake pads are in order, but wear them in before the race. Make sure your handlebar grips are perfect too, you don’t want the left one spinning loose in the middle of a heat. When was the last time you changed your front fork oil, I’m guessing never ? New spark plugs for sure and I don’t know anyone that does this, but my bike manual actually recommends replacing the spark plug cap after every 3 races
New air filter might be in order and a carb cleaning at the start of the season, under constant full throttle your bike may not perform 100% and that might never become apparent on the road. +1 on removing mirrors, passenger pegs, signals, reflectors or anything else that might save ounces or catch on things. Clean your bike! …Jeff said it and I reiterate that one, get out your old tooth brush and go over every square inch with an eye for detail.New helmet visor and maybe even visor tear-offs are a great idea, spare gloves and socks too, you know it just might rain, speaking of which, how do you feel about riding very fast on wet pavement ?
If you need an AMA or whatever competition license, acquire it at the start of the year, don’t wait until you arrive for the first event, you don’t need that extra stress and your bike might need to wear a big number on a special colored background ! Ear plugs or not, be very deliberate with your shifting, lots of guys miss a shift in the heat of the moment and that is hard on your engine and your lap times, in a race you will hear everyone else’s bike, not your own.Start early in the season because as the season advances, so does the level of competition. This is very much the case in Trials where the sections become progressively harder. Hydrate ! …your body will need water far more than usual and leg cramps, arm pump and headache are symptoms of de-hydration. Stick with food that is easy to digest before and during Race day.
Shade;) …you need the pretty girl with a big sponsors umbrella, for when you are waiting on the start grid.
…that’s why I passed it along:)
Trust me, I’m a mere mortal and know exactly what it feels like to crash on big concrete blocks in front of tons of people and for that matter Tony Bou even more so, he’s had some wicked crashes on video. Seriously though, I was hurt just as bad getting chucked off a horse, those damn things don’t have brakes, pegs or barsWatching these videos (particularly one of this quality) really does help, the lesson to be learned is; ride smooth and in control, it looks effortless when everything comes together and the bike does all the work. It’s all about position, timing, balance, control and using just the right amount of clutch, brake and throttle, just as on the street. It’s when you try to muscle it and rag doll that things can go terribly wrong.
Maybe one of these days one of you guys (or girls) are going to make me proud and get inspired to try it. It’s sooo nice outside right now, I’m goin riding
Say you find yourself riding along and suddenly you are confronted with a chunk of 4×4 lumber directly in your path, would you know how to maybe get over it ? … I wood
Check out this article: (sure hope this link works :i
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/761/5233/Motorcycle-Article/MotoVentures-Trials-Rider-Training.aspx
and note “the bike-handling skills gained from trials riding are transferrable to any form of two-wheeled sport, so anyone can benefit from it.”The internet is chock full of Trials cross training in practice; Superbike, Canadian #1 Champ Jordan Szoke, …Trials rider. In extreme Enduro events like Erzberg’ the Iron Giant and Italy’ Hell’s Gate, Taddy Blazusiak, Dougie Lampkin, Graham Garvis and Taichi Tanaka dominate the podium, … all world class Trials riders.
When movie makers need a skilled motorcycle stunt performer they call in a Trials rider, and no; blue screen special effects like Mission Improbable don’t count :p
Want to be a Hill-Climber or one of those guys that do nose wheelies and tail stands on a massive street bike, better get some hang time on a 170 lb. Trials bike first.
Try it, you’ll like it and find yourself being a better street rider for it, guaranteed.The thing that set’s me off riding in winter is road salt, we had a heavy frost 2 days ago and MOT already felt compelled to sand and salt our roadways. I just can’t bring myself to exposing my motorcycles to the same brine that ravages our cars with rust and corrosion in as little as 5 years, so my beemer won’t see pavement now until the insanity ceases and a heavy spring shower washes away MOT’s toxic mess. Trials is another story, when the snow crusts up solid enough to support the bike, I’ll ride any time. Push the bike into the house so it warms up enough to start, then I ride the snowbanks and exposed rock faces
riding that thing I never felt so totally invisible and vulnerable in traffic. Automatic Yuck! Sorry but it did Not make for easy riding for me, I had to anticipate needing to accelerate and grab a wrist full of throttle well in advance of anything happening. The throttle response and suspension felt far more like a 250cc single cylinder snowmobile than a motorcycle. It does have excellent engine braking and that’s another plus, right ?:i I rode the entire time with one finger on each brake lever, (mostly to remind myself not to clutch) and discovered that by applying both brakes equally, felt like I would never want more brake force than one finger on each lever provided, the engine braking was so good in fact, I only needed the brakes for about the last yard on stopping, (or to activate the brake light so I didn’t get rear ended). A faster throttle might be a nice upgrade, and I guess some people might think it’s a good thing you could not pop a wheelie if your life depended on it, let’s hope you don’t come across any road debris or pot holes, because your only option would be to brace yourself and plow into it.
