Author Topic: What have you done with your bike today? (Read 241393 times)

crump · « **Reply #2600 on:** May 26, 2022, 13:38:50 »

The little Strom has been taking up all my time for nearly a month so thought I'd better give the big Yam an outing as I've got some bits from the Strom at the powder coaters.
Only a little 60-70 mile jaunt but a lot of fun.
It's only been a few weeks since I rode it but even so the difference startled me at first.
Obviously it's a big beast but the main thing I noticed is the weight on the front end, the Strom feels like a push bike in comparison.

The Doctor 46 · « **Reply #2601 on:** May 26, 2022, 15:13:07 »

You said you haven't used the Yamaha for a few weeks crump, you didn't have too little air in the front tyre did you?
I know you know how important it is and that you know your bikes better than I do but, I just thought in the excitement of cocking your leg over the big girl you might have forgotten. Just a thought.

crump · « **Reply #2602 on:** May 26, 2022, 16:00:03 »

It's a reasonable point, it's going for a longer run Sunday so I'll be checking it before that. to be honest it's always been heavy on the front end, it's just I got used to it over 65000 miles and only noticed it today after riding the 650 Vstrom.
The FJR is the only bike I've owned in 45 years motorcycling that wears its front and rear tyre at the same rate.

Upt North · « **Reply #2603 on:** May 26, 2022, 16:12:14 »

Likewise with the Pan, Mr Crump.
It feels blummin heavy all of a sudden.
The Pan also wears the tyres at pretty much the same rate, I put it down to physics, it's always physics.
The Pan does about 6000 miles on T31's, 32's etc. It's currently on Avon ST's because of supply issues but will go onto 32's in July.
Upt'North.

Upt North · « **Reply #2604 on:** May 26, 2022, 16:13:26 »

As an aside, those who need tyres, get them ordered if you can, they're getting blummin expensive.

Brockett · « **Reply #2605 on:** May 26, 2022, 22:30:21 »

Spent the afternnon faffing with the VX's petrol pump. Just to recap... the pump is driven by vacuum from the front carb. The 32 year old pump stopped working some years ago and new ones are no longer available. A replacement was sourced from a catologue and it although it looks like a pump from a Yamaha TDM I think it is made for a petrol lawnmower. Anyhow, it does not fit in the original pump's location. So today I have relocated the pump from under the battery to the upper frame on the right hand side and concealed inside the bodywork. Nice!. Then I refurbished an old Bigpie relay power distribution gizmo and connected my hot grips and satnav to it, The main power feed it via a connector that plugs into the optimate battery tender lead which, of course, is unused when the bike is on the go. I also fitted a volt meter and fed that from the other fused outlet on the bigpie unit. No photos yet as I need to tidy up the wiring so it looks pretty enough to be seen in public. . Four weeks of mostly sitting with my leg up to encourage my leg to heal is tedious in the extreme.

Asmith61 · « **Reply #2606 on:** May 27, 2022, 07:04:48 »

Excellent faffing Brockett
And I know exactly what you mean about sitting with your leg up

I have been siting with mine up since march and probably 3 more months to go

Brockett · « **Reply #2607 on:** May 27, 2022, 17:20:53 »

Yes indeed Mr Smith I was thinking of you and feeling somewhat a sham compared to your situation. I hope your recovery is progressing well.

Brockett · « **Reply #2608 on:** May 27, 2022, 17:37:22 »

I am sure all reg rectifiers work like this, but I feel the need to share. On the VX800 :- When the engine rpm is low, current from the alternater is fed directly from the rectifier into the battery and only when the alternater is spinning enough to generate a higher voltage does the current pass from the rectifier into the regulator and then the battery. Tests today show the tickover speed of 850 rpm delivers 14.2 volt to the battery. as RPM rises to 2000 rpm the voltage drops to 13.3 and from 2200 onwards it returns to 14.2 volts. It is one of the enduring facinations for me that mechanical things just keep doing what they were made to do, even when left idle for months and years alone in a dark shed.

Asmith61 · « **Reply #2609 on:** May 27, 2022, 17:46:38 »

Hi Brockett
It’s a long healing process this and I was not helped with me having a fall last week I was standing with the Zimmer frame and I lost my balance but luckily I didn’t hurt my bad leg I managed to get my self with my back against something and waited for my wife to come home and with help from a friend they got me up.
I am doing the exercises that the physio has given me and I have an appointment with them again next week and an Appointment with the surgeon the week after, I think it’s going to be another 3 months before I am walking normal again thank you for asking.

How are you getting on now ?

Brockett · « **Reply #2610 on:** May 27, 2022, 19:34:51 »

Once a week the GP nurse changes the dressing and checks that I have been doing the same daily and keeping up with the cleaning and dressing routine. We are now trying some steroid cream and drinking four litres of water per day. I can go for a walk or sit with my leg up above my heart although that does cause aches my hips. I've bundled up a few duvets and put them under the foot end of the mattress to raised my legs as I sleep. Feels very odd. What I should not do is stand or sit still so motorcycle riding is not yet allowed. Bahhhh! A few short trips are essential for my well being seeing as how TV is so dire these days.

StromGeeza · « **Reply #2611 on:** May 27, 2022, 21:51:35 »

Good news. Got a new MOT.
Not so good news. Broke down on way back from MOT place!

2112 · « **Reply #2612 on:** May 28, 2022, 20:57:05 »

Today I had a nice little 200 mile trundle about trying out my modified, gel pad installed seat. It's a thing of great comfort and looks completely standard. A round of applause to Les at Saddle Craft uo in South Shields

Upt North · « **Reply #2613 on:** May 29, 2022, 16:44:38 »

I mentioned Saddle Craft on here recently.
Great service and their gel pads are great.
The Strom seat will have to be done if it's a keeper.
It is really night and day the difference it makes.
Glad your derriere is comfy.
Upt'North.

crump · « **Reply #2614 on:** May 29, 2022, 18:22:47 »

Went for a run on the FJR (FJ club run) to Peak Disrict. Started and finished at Ashbourne. Weather behaved itself, nice mix of roads, stopped in Tideswell for dinner.
Very quiet for a Sunday in the Peak District on a nice day.... wonder if everyone is saving themselves for the bank holiday?

2112 · « **Reply #2615 on:** May 29, 2022, 21:05:47 »

I hope not, I'm staying in Glossop on Thursday night and I'm expecting it to be deserted...

endintears · « **Reply #2616 on:** May 31, 2022, 19:48:56 »

Both wheels out and off having new boots fitted.
Dave [ http://hellodaveautocare.co.uk/ ] assures me he is familiar with the KTM spoke seals and the tyre pressure sensors so

TLPower · « **Reply #2617 on:** May 31, 2022, 20:10:29 »

What did you go for in the end?

endintears · « **Reply #2618 on:** May 31, 2022, 20:22:49 »

Avon Trailriders.
Liked them on the Vstrom and M&P had a bit of a deal for a pair so giving them a go again.

TLPower · « **Reply #2619 on:** May 31, 2022, 20:31:27 »