Was out for a ride on Sunday (25/3). Seems half the motorcycle population had pulled their bikes out of garages, sheds, lounge rooms, and hallways. There was everything from Learner 125s through to Harleys. Conflicting that, though, was that every Sunday driver hit the roads also, making it very easy to not exceed the speed limit.
I know what you mean Nigel, as a commuter this has to be the worst time of my year as all the shiny superbikes that don’t see the light of day for half a year tend to start coming out and get in the way as they wobble down the road not looking in there mirrors or not wanting to be overtaken lol
I took the bike out for a quick 30 miler yesterday and I'm feeling it today. A combination of age, fitness, rock hard suspension and shitty roads have left me feeling like I've wrestled a gorilla. I think I spent most of the 30 out of my seat trying to avoid road surfaces you could lose Chilean miners in. Bike's definitely going in for a suspension setup when I get the time.
Yes there were a lot out around my neck of the woods too, I even saw a large bunch of 'scallys' on motocross bikes, some without helmets and mostly on the back wheel the full length of the road.........a skilful bunch but also complete bell ends!!! It was my intention to get out on the bike around 5pm after we'd been out shopping for wedding outfits for the kids (2 girls and a boy) for my future brother in laws wedding in two weeks, when my thoughtful Mrs told me we were going for Sunday Lunch in the pub. This obviously kiboshed my plans for a spring evening blast but the roast and large Merlot was sublime! So looks like I'm going out tonight while she's at work late if it stays like it is today!!
You'll surely notice the difference. Was playing around with my 'dashboard' setup this morning on the new bike. You mentioned 'engine braking' the other day. Quite a difference between 1 and 3. Left mine on 3 - the weakest effect. I don't think anyone wants to be backing off slightly and then find an 'overbraking effect' mid-corner. (Ok, we shouldn't be backing off mid-corner, but there are times)
Having grown up on 2 strokes I prefer engine braking to be minimal, so I've got my user modes set to P1, T2, E3. More or less the same as Mode 1 but with the engine braking as low as poss. That'll do me for now, until I've got some more miles under the belt.
I've gone P2 (which is the same as your P1 because of my BIGGER VALVES) T1 (so I learn the bike without electronic interference) and settled on E3 after the others were too drastic. You're probably aware that I've got the suspension modes also. Still investigating, but I prefer the firm 'windy roads' setting. The other advantage for me, of course, are the HRC stickers (5 bhp gain) - reinforced by my HRC number plate.
Ah, but I'm just over 10st, which is the equivalent of 15bhp over an average rider. On most liter bikes I look like a Marmoset riding an Irish Wolfhound.
I've got a total of 6 HRC stickers on my bike now, and one on my helmet! I think I've over done it a bit though and thinking of removing a couple......you know, just to slow things down a bit as it's really really fast at the moment!
I feel blessed I dont have to ride at the weekends, its a different experience compared to days out in the week.
Last hour of sun! Having missed out on yesterday's sun I couldn't wait to get out tonight, got full one piece leathers on, new boots, new gloves and my bargain fleece from the bike show.......must have looked a right tit but I don't care as I had fun! The new road linking the Trafford centre to Irlam is like a mini race track and very little traffic on it.......had to stop for a selfie on the new bridge!!
Missed getting out yesterday as had other stuff to do. Shedloads of bikes out though, and more than a few rusty riders who seem to have forgotten they ain't Rossi.
I went out today too, was my first of the season. Still plenty of salt around though so gave it a good wash when I got back.
Out today for the 1st time. Decided I needed to reduce waistline (leathers have clearly shrunk over the winter). Tonight my better half served up sticky toffee pudding & custard not the best start...
