Let's talk about bikes

[JPT]

time to learn! It doesn't seem to hard I'm doing mine really soon.

The ZX12r does not have a frame under the engine. The engine is supported by the frame (doubles as the air box) above it. You actually have to lower the engine just a bit to get in there. And the shims are VERY expensive. It is easier to have a shop, that has lots of shims sitting around do the job. It is not an easy job on this bike.

[somebody5788]

So, I need the SMH10 bluetooth kit, one of these http://mykeyport.com/, and hopefully a lighter weight helmet for my neck.

[AudiA4_20T]

I'm just not sure. I believe you need shims to do it and I don't exactly have a bunch of shims laying around lol.

Mine too. I'm gonna see what the suzuki dealer has. I plan on doing

1. New Carb Boots and O-rings (to hopefully fix my 5000rpm idle when hot )
2. Valve Adjustment
3. Carb Sync

this weekend

The ZX12r does not have a frame under the engine. The engine is supported by the frame (doubles as the air box) above it. You actually have to lower the engine just a bit to get in there. And the shims are VERY expensive. It is easier to have a shop, that has lots of shims sitting around do the job. It is not an easy job on this bike.

The ZX12R sounds like a whole other beast. I was reading about it and how it actually was faster than the busa till they de-tuned it. That thing must be downright scary

So, I need the SMH10 bluetooth kit, one of these http://mykeyport.com/, and hopefully a lighter weight helmet for my neck.

Your helmet is that heavy? Just picked one up on Craigslist for $70 and it's apparently a very good helmet

[somebody5788]

Mine too. I'm gonna see what the suzuki dealer has. The ZX12R sounds like a whole other beast. I was reading about it and how it actually was faster than the busa till they de-tuned it. That thing must be downright scary



Your helmet is that heavy? Just picked one up on Craigslist for $70 and it's apparently a very good helmet

Mine is a hand me down that didn't fit my dad lol. It was probably like $30 but is just cheap feeling. IDK how it passed the safety standards. But it strains my neck after some time.

[AudiA4_20T]

LOL I have one of those too. My dad also had a leather jacket with a big bald eagle on the back and streamers on the arms. Obviously that's my go-to jacket every time I ride....

[veggiemonster]

once i get a bike i'm using my sledding helmet. it also has a communicator i can hook to my phone already. so i'm set.


i love wearing it at the track in cars. the stands of spectators always point like "dude, wtf is that a pilot helmet?"

[Craigo]

Shoei X-12 or the Rf-1100 are very comfortable and solid helmets....

[JPT]

once i get a bike i'm using my sledding helmet. it also has a communicator i can hook to my phone already. so i'm set.

i love wearing it at the track in cars. the stands of spectators always point like "dude, wtf is that a pilot helmet?"

Dude... that helmet is going to be SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO effing hot in the summer on a bike. It is designed to keep you warm, you want a helmet that is designed to keep you cool. When it is 90* out, it will feel closer to 110* when you aren't moving. You will be rethinking this very quickly.

[AudiA4_20T]

Dude... that helmet is going to be SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO effing hot in the summer on a bike. It is designed to keep you warm, you want a helmet that is designed to keep you cool. When it is 90* out, it will feel closer to 110* when you aren't moving. You will be rethinking this very quickly.

Truth, I even open my mask up when I'm at a light for awhile just to get some air in.

JPT, what day/time are we doing the cruise this weekend? Another AZer, "Pufftrees" is a buddy of mine who has a CBR600 (I think) and he said he's in as long as it fits in his time zone.

[JPT]

The ZX12R sounds like a whole other beast. I was reading about it and how it actually was faster than the busa till they de-tuned it. That thing must be downright scary

Don't let anyone fool you. The 12 is faster then the busa of the same year. The last US year of the 12 was 2005 (2006 overseas, but it's exactly the same as the 2005). The newer busa's are of newer technology, so they are faster.

Also, remember that the 1000's (liter bikes) are faster then the ZX12R, busa, and the ZX14. They are so light weight, that these big bikes will be playing catchup until about 150 mph, then the bigger bikes will out accelerate them, but at that point, it is too late.

Yes, the 12R is not a bike for everyone, I've seen people pull up wheels on these while they are already going over 100 mph.

[JPT]

JPT, what day/time are we doing the cruise this weekend? Another AZer, "Pufftrees" is a buddy of mine who has a CBR600 (I think) and he said he's in as long as it fits in his time zone.

I have to check with the chick, but I am planning on riding this Sunday, I like to ride early in the morning (starting like 7 am) when it is cooler out. If that doesn't fit your schedule, let me know. Hopefully the rain will hold off.

[somebody5788]

Wonder if I can get the specs for the valves from my owners manual. Then I can at least just check them and do the rest myself (chain adjust, and oil/filter change). If they need adjust then I can go have them do it.

[VAG_4ever]

i just had to come in here to say that every time i see this thread in the top of the page - i think of that "lets talk about sex baby" song and then it gets stuck in my head.

thats is all. good bye.

[Craigo]

Truth, I even open my mask up when I'm at a light for awhile just to get some air in.

JPT, what day/time are we doing the cruise this weekend? Another AZer, "Pufftrees" is a buddy of mine who has a CBR600 (I think) and he said he's in as long as it fits in his time zone.

Pufftrees has a CBR1000.... I'm down to ride along also, as long as no one in our group rides like a knucklehead.

[AudiA4_20T]

Wonder if I can get the specs for the valves from my owners manual. Then I can at least just check them and do the rest myself (chain adjust, and oil/filter change). If they need adjust then I can go have them do it.

Yea you should be able to find it on the CBR forums possibly. I'm jealous that your bike is fuel injected btw, Carbs are so quirky. I'll snap some pics tomorrow when I do the adjustment. I have a small time window since the dealer closes at 6 and I probably won't get home until 3.

i just had to come in here to say that every time i see this thread in the top of the page - i think of that "lets talk about sex baby" song and then it gets stuck in my head.

thats is all. good bye.

Great input Mer

Pufftrees has a CBR1000.... I'm down to ride along also, as long as no one in our group rides like a knucklehead.

Jesus he got a 1000? That crazy Mofo. I'm gonna make him let me ride it lol. I just like cruising my bike isn't too fast. Maybe when I get the maintenance done

I have to check with the chick, but I am planning on riding this Sunday, I like to ride early in the morning (starting like 7 am) when it is cooler out. If that doesn't fit your schedule, let me know. Hopefully the rain will hold off.

Sounds good I get up at 5:30 for work every day so my internal clock will be going by then.

[Craigo]

Jesus he got a 1000? That crazy Mofo. I'm gonna make him let me ride it lol. I just like cruising my bike isn't too fast. Maybe when I get the maintenance done

Yess sir-reeee, keep me posted about riding this weekend. I'm about to ride right now!! chyeahhhh

[JPT]

Yess sir-reeee, keep me posted about riding this weekend. I'm about to ride right now!! chyeahhhh

Yeah... I have a fast bike, but I baby it. I do get high in the RPM's but don't really speed, and dont do wheelies/stoppies. I love my bike too much to do that to it.

[Craigo]

Yeah... I have a fast bike, but I baby it. I do get high in the RPM's but don't really speed, and dont do wheelies/stoppies. I love my bike too much to do that to it.

knee dragging is cool.... stunting is whatever.... i'll probably just be riding with a summer jacket, boots and helmet.... no full piece leather tooo hot for that right now

[veggiemonster]

Dude... that helmet is going to be SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO effing hot in the summer on a bike. It is designed to keep you warm, you want a helmet that is designed to keep you cool. When it is 90* out, it will feel closer to 110* when you aren't moving. You will be rethinking this very quickly.

thought about that as well, but i wanted to ride at night only in the beginning and thought that would make a difference. i also have a few open faces to use. i just get stingy at times, and since that helmet is very good quality, it would at least be safe. and the communicator is sweet.

ya know?

/dreamland

[somebody5788]

Yea you should be able to find it on the CBR forums possibly. I'm jealous that your bike is fuel injected btw, Carbs are so quirky. I'll snap some pics tomorrow when I do the adjustment. I have a small time window since the dealer closes at 6 and I probably won't get home until 3.

The problem is that everyone on the 250 forums are morons. Entry level bike means people that have never had a bike before....

Supposedly it's got a wideband o2! And everyones saying that it will go lean with an exhaust and this "airbox mod" well... fuel injection is adaptable... lol. A carb'd bike would go lean but I don't see FI going lean from small stuff like that.

I don't see how these valves are adjustable

[JPT]

thought about that as well, but i wanted to ride at night only in the beginning and thought that would make a difference. i also have a few open faces to use. i just get stingy at times, and since that helmet is very good quality, it would at least be safe. and the communicator is sweet.

ya know?

/dreamland

Riding at night is more dangerous then during the day... Stick to the day time, during off peak hours while you start out. Like Saturdays and Sundays at 7 am. Roads are more wide open, and you can see people better, and they can see you better as well.

[veggiemonster]

Yeah... I have a fast bike, but I baby it. I do get high in the RPM's but don't really speed, and dont do wheelies/stoppies. I love my bike too much to do that to it.

for being a sane person

[somebody5788]

Riding at night is more dangerous then during the day... Stick to the day time, during off peak hours while you start out. Like Saturdays and Sundays at 7 am. Roads are more wide open, and you can see people better, and they can see you better as well.

Ya that's what I did for most of the first month. Or stuck to the less busy roads.

[AudiA4_20T]

Here's a good read about adjusting valves. This was written for my bike.

http://members.dslextreme.com/users/...lve_adjust.pdf

And you are correct if there is an 02 sensor the bike should be able to adjust fueling. And I'm confused also about the shim deal unless they are under the rollers?

[somebody5788]

Why can't they just go to the good ol' Honda way they had for so long

[veggiemonster]

Riding at night is more dangerous then during the day... Stick to the day time, during off peak hours while you start out. Like Saturdays and Sundays at 7 am. Roads are more wide open, and you can see people better, and they can see you better as well.

good to know. i'm glad you can offer advice to someone like me, since most bike guys skip little details like such

i live next to Nebraska style nothingness, so in all truth, i could avoid any sort of "traffic" pretty much anytime during the day.

the night comment is just because i personally have always felt more comfortable driving/sledding at night on twisty roads/trails, since the lights can usually warn me of an oncoming vehicle.

[JPT]

good to know. i'm glad you can offer advice to someone like me, since most bike guys skip little details like such

i live next to Nebraska style nothingness, so in all truth, i could avoid any sort of "traffic" pretty much anytime during the day.

the night comment is just because i personally have always felt more comfortable driving/sledding at night on twisty roads/trails, since the lights can usually warn me of an oncoming vehicle.

Really the worst part of riding at night, is not being able to see the road itself... If there are potholes, or road trash, it could be too late for you to avoid. While you are learning, even if you ride for years and are on a new bike, you lack the ability to do hazard swerves. During a clear day, you will have plenty of time to switch lanes without having to swerve. This is very important, because you are on 2 wheels, if one goes (bent wheel), you will likely slow down on you side...

[veggiemonster]

i see were you are heading with this. i hadn't thought of that. all i had in mind was looking for deer, coons, and possums.

mostly possums because i've hit 6 of them so far in 3 years with my car....

[somebody5788]

Really the worst part of riding at night, is not being able to see the road itself... If there are potholes, or road trash, it could be too late for you to avoid. While you are learning, even if you ride for years and are on a new bike, you lack the ability to do hazard swerves. During a clear day, you will have plenty of time to switch lanes without having to swerve. This is very important, because you are on 2 wheels, if one goes (bent wheel), you will likely slow down on you side...

Plus wildlife....

[Emilgevor]

Today is a very exciting day for me.
I am finally getting bike registered after a month of waiting. Finally will be able to take it out on the road for once instead of my apartment parking lot )
Will post some pictures once its one the road.
One question tho: How do you wash a bike? Can you spray it like a car? My rear wheel is all dusty and needs a decreaser and engine could use a little spray.
Should I cover anything up or its pretty much waterproof?

[somebody5788]

I've personally been using windex and microfibers. Then follow up with some wax.

[Craigo]

I've personally been using windex and microfibers. Then follow up with some wax.

+1, Even use on a rag to wipe the wheels down...

[buck]

Today is a very exciting day for me.
I am finally getting bike registered after a month of waiting. Finally will be able to take it out on the road for once instead of my apartment parking lot )
Will post some pictures once its one the road.
One question tho: How do you wash a bike? Can you spray it like a car? My rear wheel is all dusty and needs a decreaser and engine could use a little spray.
Should I cover anything up or its pretty much waterproof?

I just hand wash mine with a bucket of car soap/water & mitt. When rinsing, use a mist or light stream. I try to avoid spraying water directly on switches & electricals (kill, ignitinion, etc.). Don't use high pressure on the chain either. You don't want water getting past your o-rings.

Keep your chain clean and lubed also. You'll get much better life out of it. I'm getting 30+K. I put the bike up on a rear stand & use a soft brush & kerosene. Kerosene is safe on the o-rings. Rinse off & dry, then apply lube of preference.

[somebody5788]

Top Ten Reasons Why Harley Riders Don't Wave Back

10. Afraid it will invalidate warranty.
9. Leather and studs make it too heavy to raise arm.
8. Refuse to wave to anyone whose bike is already paid for.
7. Afraid to let go of handlebars because they might vibrate off.
6. Rushing wind would blow scabs off the new tattoos.
5. Angry because just took out second mortgage to pay luxury tax on new Harley.
4. Just discovered the fine print in owner's manual and realized H-D is partially owned by Honda.
3. Can't tell if other riders are waving or just reaching to cover their ears like everyone else.
2. Remembers the last time a Harley rider waved back, he impaled his hand on spiked helmet.
1. They're too tired from spending hours polishing all that chrome to lift their arms.

Top Ten Reasons Why Gold Wing Riders Riders Don't Wave Back

10. Wasn't sure whether other rider was waving or making an obscene gesture.
9. Afraid might get frostbite if hand is removed from heated grip.
8. Has arthritis and the past 400 miles have made it difficult to raise arm.
7. Reflection from etched windshield momentarily blinded him.
6. The espresso machine just finished.
5. Was actually asleep when other rider waved.
4. Was in a three-way conference call with stockbroker and accessories dealer.
3. Was distracted by odd shaped blip on radar screen.
2. Was simultaneously adjusting the air suspension, seat height, programmable CD player, seat temperature, and satellite navigation system.
1. Couldn't find the "auto wave back" button on dashboard.

Top Ten Reasons Why Sportbikers Riders Riders Don't Wave Back

10. They have not been riding long enough to know they're supposed to.
9. They're going too fast to have time enough to register the movement and respond.
8. You weren't wearing bright enough gear.
7. If they stick their arm out going that fast they'll rip it out of the socket.
6. They're too occupied with trying to get rid of their chicken strips.
5. They look way too cool with both hands on the bars or they don't want to
unbalance themselves while standing on the tank.
4. Their skin tight-kevlar-ballistic-nylon-carbon fiber-kangaroo-leather suits prevent any position other than fetal.
3. Raising an arm allows bugs into the armholes of their tank tops.
2. It's too hard to do one-handed stoppies.
1. They were too busy slipping their flip-flop back on.

Top Ten Reasons Why BMW Riders Riders Don't Wave Back

10. New Aerostich suit too stiff to raise arm.
9. Removing a hand from the bars is considered "bad form."
8. Your bike isn't weird enough looking to justify acknowledgment.
7. Too sore from an 800-mile day on a stock "comfort" seat.
6. Too busy programming the GPS, monitoring radar, listening to ipod, XM, and talking on the cell phone.
5. He's an Iron Butt rider and you're not!
4. Wires from Gerbings is too short.
3. You're not riding the "right kind" of BMW.
2. You haven't been properly introduced.
1. Afraid it will be misinterpreted as a friendly gesture.

[Emilgevor]

4. Their skin tight-kevlar-ballistic-nylon-carbon fiber-kangaroo-leather suits prevent any position other than fetal.

\

LMFAO

[buck]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4ZfaDjxDBs

[AudiA4_20T]

Really the worst part of riding at night, is not being able to see the road itself... If there are potholes, or road trash, it could be too late for you to avoid. While you are learning, even if you ride for years and are on a new bike, you lack the ability to do hazard swerves. During a clear day, you will have plenty of time to switch lanes without having to swerve. This is very important, because you are on 2 wheels, if one goes (bent wheel), you will likely slow down on you side...

I wonder how soon it is before they have a gyro connected to the bikes headlight to follow the road

[Emilgevor]

I wonder how soon it is before they have a gyro connected to the bikes headlight to follow the road

That would be one kick ass idea.
That is the only thing i worry about is riding at night. I am OCD when it comes to light. Car has 55w HID and HID fogs. Its got to the point that I dont want to drive my wifes corolla at night when we go somewhere because simply i cant see shit lol.
I promised her that on the next shipment I will install a set of 35w 5000k into her corolla :)
I surprised her with LED interior and she loved it.

[somebody5788]

That would be one kick ass idea.
That is the only thing i worry about is riding at night. I am OCD when it comes to light. Car has 55w HID and HID fogs. Its got to the point that I dont want to drive my wifes corolla at night when we go somewhere because simply i cant see shit lol.
I promised her that on the next shipment I will install a set of 35w 5000k into her corolla :)
I surprised her with LED interior and she loved it.

I was worried about not being able to see. My 250's light is fucking epic. For just being a halogen.

[JPT]

I have 55w HID's on my 12... I should have gotten 35w. Since I have 2 beams, it is bright as day. But night is always worse then the day.

I wash my bike with a hose and a sprayer, I don't directly hose down the engine or chain, then I use my leaf blower to dry it (WAY faster then my 40 gallon shop compressor). Then I use Honda polish (yeah, I know, I have a Kawasaki). I clean my chain with WD-40 and a chain brush, then wipe white lithium grease on it with a shop rag. A lot of people only use WD-40, just more frequently, with great success, the lithium, just sticks better to the surface.

O-ring chains you are only lubricating the outside to prevent rust... the actual chain has lifetime lube behind the o-rings.