The 'oldies share their wisdom' thread

If you're about to enter the wonderful world of motorcycling or you've recently passed your test, get advice and tips here. No question too daft!
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Ben
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The 'oldies share their wisdom' thread

#1 Post by Ben » Fri Jan 03, 2020 11:30 am

I thought it would be a good idea to start a thread where anyone can share a bit of knowledge which might help new riders learn things they would have otherwise taken years to figure out.

Whether it's something that you learned as the result of an accident, a little tip you picked up years ago or something you do that you think has set you up well.

Then anyone who's new to biking can scan through this thread and pick up some great tips.

I'll start:

If I'm leaving the bike for any period of time and it's going to be out of my sight, I always fit a disc lock.

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mangocrazy
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Re: The 'oldies share their wisdom' thread

#2 Post by mangocrazy » Fri Jan 03, 2020 4:34 pm

If (like me) you no longer ride the bike(s) in winter, add fuel stabiliser to the tank before laying it up and (on older bikes) drain the carbs if possible. Before the first ride of the year ALWAYS check tyre pressures and reinflate as needed.

And never eat the yellow snow.

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Re: The 'oldies share their wisdom' thread

#3 Post by fatboy » Fri Jan 03, 2020 7:21 pm

If he bike is going to be laid up for a long time then reduce the tyre pressures to mid single figures in PSI or raise the wheels off the floor.
This reduces the risk of creating flat spots on the tyres, then chuck a bit of engine oil down the plug holes.
When ou eventually get to re starting don't hit the leccy starter but put the bike in gear and gently rock back and forth,oil will slowly dribble down the bore.
And disconnect the bloody battery at time of parking up
Cleverly disguised as an adult !

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Re: The 'oldies share their wisdom' thread

#4 Post by RiceBurner » Sat Jan 04, 2020 1:01 pm

Slow in, fast out.

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katie1
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Re: The 'oldies share their wisdom' thread

#5 Post by katie1 » Sat Jan 04, 2020 9:19 pm

Do not, repeat, do not, take any single piece of the bike off before you own an telescopic magnet. You WILL need it to find that bolt you've just dropped somewhere inside the frame... :smt002
Remember, when you are dead, you do not know you are dead. It is only painful for others.
The same applies when you are stupid.

Ben
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Re: The 'oldies share their wisdom' thread

#6 Post by Ben » Mon Jan 06, 2020 1:18 pm

There's no silver bullet for staying safe on the road and I appreciate my riding can be a little questionable at times but the one rule I try and stick to is: Never overtake around junctions; there's just too much potential for something to happen that's beyond your control.

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Re: The 'oldies share their wisdom' thread

#7 Post by RiceBurner » Mon Jan 06, 2020 7:19 pm

There's a reason good tyres are (generally speaking) expensive.

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Re: The 'oldies share their wisdom' thread

#8 Post by Wally » Mon Jan 06, 2020 11:57 pm

If there is a car stationary at a side road junction, watch the wheels, you will notice the wheel rotate quicker than seeing the vehicle move.

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Steering

#9 Post by Korky1 » Thu Jan 09, 2020 7:58 pm

When travelling in a straight line and wanting to turn left, very gently pull on the right hand bar.... this will lean the bike over according to how hard you pull and you will make a nice smooth turn to the left, all due to a thing called ‘ gyroscopic precession’, lovely!

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Re: Lines

#10 Post by Korky1 » Thu Jan 09, 2020 8:01 pm

Travelling down a road try riding in the track of cars right hand wheels. You will find a much better and cleaner surface than in between the tracks where cars drop oil and rubber and gravel collects. As an added bonus you can see further down the road.

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Turning

#11 Post by Fatshak » Thu Jan 09, 2020 9:50 pm

Especially for newbies. I know this sounds silly but when you’re turning it really helps if you look where your going. Told you it sounded silly. To be more specific, I don’t just mean with your eyes, turn your head in the direction you want to go. You’ll find a small thing like this will make a huge difference to your position and balance.

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Re: The 'oldies share their wisdom' thread

#12 Post by mini munchkin » Thu Jan 09, 2020 10:16 pm

Check whether you have your disk lock on before you ride away

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Learn how to pick up your bike

#13 Post by mini munchkin » Thu Jan 09, 2020 10:25 pm

It is quite possible to pick up pretty much any bike on your own. Here's how:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_cont ... e=emb_logo

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Re: The 'oldies share their wisdom' thread

#14 Post by Mrecho » Fri Jan 10, 2020 11:03 am

3 tips for happy riding -

1- ALWAYS err on the side of caution, if there's any doubt that you can't make that overtake/ get through that gap etc then DON'T
2-when splitting lanes go around 20mph or less, some car drivers don't use the bloody mirror if turning.
3-if parking on the road/ driveway overnight get yourself at least 3 GOOD security devices and a rain cover

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Re: The 'oldies share their wisdom' thread

#15 Post by fatboy » Fri Jan 10, 2020 5:50 pm

It is safe to assume that everybody else out there is deaf,dumb and blind and wants to kill you
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