Wednesday 23 December 2015

The Night Brawler: Episode 2

Sitting at home on a warm summer night, bored, restless.

In the garage, locked away, the 'Night Brawler' seduces. Tick, tock...

I have limited time tonight for a quick session of social disobedience - notwithstanding the silly season and the increased VicPol presence, the draw of the MT-09 is too great.

Lid. Gloves. Keys: Gone.

Light is fading, the last sliver of sunlight has already retreated over the horizon - setting off on the night side of dusk I skip the coastal road and head directly for the docks of Melbourne.


Well, more or less directly. Making way, the MT demands to be toyed with. Braarrp here, wheelie there.

I had put the word out to a few riding buddies before heading out, mischief likes company after all.


 Unfortunately tonight, time is not on my side. Fortunately I had laid eyes on some interesting places and had wet the appetite for the final installment in the 'Night Brawler' series. 

"See 'ya later brother - next time" we peel off and head our separate ways. 

There is an innate camaraderie to motorcycling, it connects people like no other activity or pursuit I have ever been a part of. Perhaps it is due to the commitment it requires? The diligence? The obsession? 

Or, maybe it's just the braaaarping......

\BitSar
Lid. Gloves. Keys: Gone.

Thursday 12 November 2015

The Night Brawler: Episode 1

I needed some release, some catharsis.

SOLUTION:
  • Grab keys
  • Stuff head into lid
  • Throw a leg over

Time to head out for some antics on the 'Night Brawler'

Leaving the 'burbs and pointing the MT09 towards the coast, I make light work of the remaining stragglers on the evening commute. Splitting cagers like a mobile slalom course as they make disappointing progress home. Those poor bastards.


It's the middle of Spring and the evening is glorious.

No wind, high clouds - comfortable air temperature.

I arrive overlooking Port Phillip Bay just before Sunset - a nice display of the final diffused rays of Sun for today.



Across the Bay, the CBD is transitioning into night - bridges and buildings are lighting up, beckoning the MT into the Metropolis.

Following the coast, people and traffic are becoming less frequent, providing an easy excuse to unleash the Akrapovic cannon.

Any tunnel or overpass delivers aural delight.
Braaaaarping ahead into the City.

Entering the bowls of Melbourne CBD, the air changes from cool and refreshing into a muggy malevolence. Heavy.



The 'Night Brawler' gets petulant, making the quietening streets her playground.

I busy myself getting to places you shouldn't get to - taking opportunity without discrimination.





After further reconnaissance for a pending 'Night Brawler: Episode 2' the hum and buzz of the Metro begins to itch - I make my escape.

It's getting late now. Cold and late. I head in the direction of home - back to the suburbs - in a roundabout way. I'm not done yet.



En route, on the outskirts of the city, fortune presents itself.

A blacked-out scene, hard, cold, and industrial. At home aboard the urban assault vehicle of the MT09.





Riding at night is the epitome of motorcycle therapy. Your thoughts are safe in your helmet - like a sanctuary.

\BitSar
..........stay tuned for Episode 2

Saturday 17 October 2015

The 5, 4, 3 - MT: Living with a hooligan

5,000+ kms
4 months of ownership
3 Cylinders of fun

I now feel qualified to give a 'living with' account of the MT-09.
For objectivity, this will be broken into three components.
  1. Commuting
  2. Blatting
  3. Hooligan-ing
Commuting:
In all honesty, I really don't know how you'd find a better bike to commute on. Seriously. 

It's cheap to buy, cheap to run- and - it's a Yamaha.  Dealer support, Japanese manufacturing, piece of mind - work horse. 

Additional to the mundane 'will it start?' question - the MT is a weapon commuter. Upright position, forward stance, minimal rake - she'll tip in and change direction from her nose making her dance in traffic. 

Her triple-pot does not lug, chug, stutter or falter. Slow speed work is a breeze with a light clutch, manageable 1st and 2nd gears, and exceptionally strong rear brake.

"Traffic".....pffft - what traffic?

Done and done. 

Blatting:
Okay - the spirited weekend ride demands more attention and requires more finesse. This is true.
As per my Comparo piece, the MT will catch you out more readily than the Aprilia would have. 

But, hey - that's fine. It's supposed to. 
The MT-09 is not a bike for the uninitiated. Sure, you can buy one as a greenie-squid, but if you push her, she's going to bite your head off.

Plain. And. Simple. 

The suspension is an issue when getting on it - this is not news, not a secret - I am done talking about it. It can - and will - be fixed. 

Other than that. The MT is deceptively fast and fiercely responsive with an instant throttle action.
It's a good thing. 

Blatting with the best of them. 

Hooligan-ing:
Well....um - yeah. It's a hooligan. That's the point. 

Today's antics: Photo-roll






Warming up before hitting the Hills

Oh yeah - I'm still killing these Dunlops.....
Removed some commuter shame today....

\BitSar
Just getting on - MT-ing.....
If everyone did Wheelies, there would be no War

Thursday 13 August 2015

Comparo: Yamaha MT09 – Vs – Aprilia Shiver

Let me preface this with.........

I am not a professional motorcyclist, journalist or human-being. 

I am a daily commuter, weekend scratcher, sometimes tourer, ride with the hammer down,  and take my riding seriously.

I'm no track star. But have completed advanced training.

Over time motorcycling has deeply embedded into my life and identity.  
I love my Wife, my Dogs and Bikes – people can piss off. 

Let's begin.............

….....Soooo, I've been asked - “How does the Yam stack up compared to the Ape?”

Here goes. 

Motor/Throttle/Clutch
It's no secret the MT09 has a stonking triple banger. It was the power-plant offered by the Yamaha which made me seriously reconsider the MT09.

The 2015 bike has the updated ECU map straight out of the crate and delivers very predicable throttle application. Yes, there is still hesitation on small throttle openings from fully closed – however it is nowhere near as snatchy as the 2013 I tested a couple of years back.  

Snap the throttle open in first or second and the front will play ball. There is immediacy and torque everywhere and once you ecplipse 5-6K RPM, the Tri-Pot comes over all excited and gets going like a stabbed-rat with vengence. 

It'll pull without hesitation and keep on going. License preservation is an issue. 

Off the line the front is hard to keep on the deck. Luckily smiles are free, otherwise this bike would cost you more than just tickets from the constabulary. 


That said, the Aprilia is no slouch – it's just not intense. The 750 offers an engine character which can only be found in the guise of an Italian V-Twin - visceral, emotive. Strangely, unlike other V's - the Ape likes to be revved - and it needs to be.

Unfortunately it runs out of puff pretty quickly. You can't be as lazy with this motor, it demands to be ridden, in the correct gear, to realise its potential. I like that. Makes you work for the reward. 

Off the bottom, the Ape is lurchy and can surge and hunt the Tacho for stability. This can be remedied somewhat through the addition of a 15T counter-shaft sprocket and an A/F adjuster such as the FatDuc. It cannot be eliminated all together. 


Each bike offers 3 throttle modes which can be switched on the fly. After a while you'll just end up using the most aggressive mode on either bike. It's a nice feature, albeit somewhat unnecessary.

Both bikes have great clutch action and feel with low friction points and minimal travel. 

The Yammy uses a cabled clutch with a non-adjustable lever – the reach is a little far for me and the lever length is quite long. I'm a two finger clutch guy so the stock levers are likely to be swapped out. 

Conversely, the Ape uses a hydraulic clutch – a very nice one – with a light action. The stock levers are adjustable, however the lever thickness (vertical-aspect) is ridiculous – I soon swapped these for Pazzo's and never looked back. 

Results
Yamaha = 9/10 
Aprilia = 6/10

Handling/Brakes/Suspension
We'll get the easy one out of the way first – brakes. 

Both bikes are equipped with non-switchable ABS. Both implementations are good. 

As a commuter ABS is nice to have, especially on those cold, wet and traffic clogged mornings when cagers are particularly unpredictable and moronic. 

Not something to rely on. Not Ever. But nice to have. 

Out in the hills, the ABS does not dilute braking power or performance. 
No problem with the brakes on either bike. If you want or need to stop, you will – no doubt. 
These bikes can and do stop much harder than you'll be prepared for. 

The suspension and handling characteristics is where the Yamaha and Aprilia differ the most. 

Firstly, the Yamaha's suspension is comedy. It's like having pipe-cleaners up front and a pogo-stick in the rear. 

I've dialed it in as much as possible on the stock boingers and for the daily grind, popping wheelies and the urban environment, it's fine, OK, manageable, acceptable? 
Hmmm....up to maybe 8/10 pace and commitment. then it gets a bit wild. 

I've had to adjust the way I ride somewhat and recalibrate my expectations – that's not entirely a bad thing as it required me to learn how to get on with the bike. 

The MT09 will tip in on a knife-edge and can change direction via thought alone, it just demands more work and finesse to keep it compliant. 

Trail-braking is key to get weight over the front when pushing harder. Brake application and release must be deliberate in order to load and unload the suspension as progressively as possible – being severely under-damped this is quite a chore. 

When on pace it gets a little shabby – if you intend on taking this bike to the track you'll need suspension work. For sure. 

The chassis is compact and taught. the seat height is low – you are very much a part of the bike – this is a good thing.


On the contrary, the non-adjustable front end on the Aprilia is pretty damn good for what it is, the rear is planted and when coupled with a longer chassis the Ape is stable when pitched over. 

The Ape takes more effort to tip in and change direction due to its higher centre of gravity and footprint; however once pitched over, it is less squirrely and more predictable. She does push wide getting on the throttle when cornering, requiring you to tuck her in with more inner bar pressure. Trusting she'll stay put. She will. 


I feel I am quicker on the MT09 than I was on the Shiver – however the MT requires me to work harder and demands more technique. 

Getting the Yam to dance is more difficult than the Ape – not a bike for a Greenie/Squid. 

Once I get the suspension sorted – this rating will change (I suspect) dramatically. 

Results 
Yamaha = 6/10
Aprilia = 8/10

Seat/Comfort
I'm not a big guy. 
Not tall, not all that heavy. 
~174 cm @ 68-70kgs




I can easily flat foot either bike – more easily the MT09 as the Shiver has a wider saddle. 

The MT09 seat is on the firm side, however even after a couple of hours on the bike it does not cause me trouble. The Shiver might be slightly more comfortable, but I'd be splitting hairs to call a clear winner on comfort. 

Both bikes have wide bars with a natural reach – no shoulder or wrist pressure. 
All. Very. Comfortable. 

Foot position is slightly more rear-set on the Shiver, the MT09 is very Motard in the configuration of its controls. 

No clear stand-out for this component, both bikes offer a great naked-bike experience. 

Results
Yamaha = Aprilia = 8/10

Dash/Switchgear 
The Yamaha delivers a somewhat Spartan dash and instrument cluster. 
For the most part – it's not bad at all. 

It's a monochrome, black on white affair, with clear indications and read-out. Gear position, speed and RPM are all there and are updated promptly. It's easy to read and doesn't suffer sunlight washout or night dazzle. 

A fuel gauge is included, but you'll need to scroll for temperature – both intake (air) and coolant (engine) which is annoying. 

The real prize though is the ability to alter cylinder mixture using the on-board calibration. Yup, you can update the ECU closed loop setting straight off the bike – damn, that's good. 

The MT09 switchgear and blocks are clearly budget, albeit functional. They don't give the impression they are not up to the job or that they are about to fail, they're just not “considered.”




On the other hand, the Aprilia has a much more sophisticated dash – which is both good and bad. 

The good – constant air and engine temperature readouts, gear position, speed and large analogue Tacho.

The bad – speed and gear position indicators suffer latency between reality and readout. 
The cluster is temperamental, the slightest miss-use in terms of start-up or shut-down sequence will cause it to have conniptions. 
There is no fuel gauge – just a light.
It can fog.

In the Aprilia's defence, the switch-gear and blocks are superior and the tactile experience is more welcoming with better feedback. 




Results
Yamaha = 7/10
Aprilia = 6/10

Presence
Visually, the MT09 is much more minimal than the Shiver. More Skeletal. 
This bike is almost like an “Urban Scrambler” - lean, taught and ready for it. Get some. 
I'm running an Akrapovic raceline system (not shown in this picture), straight through, no catalyser, no baffle and yet she's more Hornet than Howitzer. 


In contrast, the Shiver is muscular, robust – a real looker. More bark than bite. 
She's statuesque, yet diminutive, simultaneously. A moving piece of Art.
The Akrapovic cat-back slip-on is a V-Twin symphony which is a Messerchmitt, not a Mouse. 





Results 
Yamaha 7/10
Aprilia 9/10

Belief/Trust
The mundane daily test must be applied. 
Which one would I trust? 
Which bike do I believe will start on a cold morning and not cost me the price of my first born to maintain?

'Nough said

Results
Yamaha = 9
Aprilia = 6

Totals 
Yamaha = 46
Aprilia = 43 

I must stress I have remained as objective as possible and am not surprised these bikes came out so closely. 

In many ways they are similar in their approach to being motorcycles; in other ways not so similar.

It just so happens the constraints where they are dissimilar they are also somewhat polarised. Opposite.

Thus when it's all said and done – both bikes offer a great package and riding experience. 

/BitSar

…............My brain hurts......so does my heart........

Monday 3 August 2015

Now with added Akrapovic

Not a lot more to say really.

Akrapovic full system - header pipes straight through, no catalyzer,
Carbon canister. 3 - into - 1. No baffle

All of the above = braaaaaaaaaaarp.





As with all these types of clips - I apply the caveat "doesn't do it justice" - hard surfaces all around, banging compression waves, not a true representation. 

My little buddy Milo was intrigued by all the braaaarping.....Good Dog.  :))

I've had the pipe for a couple of weeks - the bottom end is a more responsive with less hesitation. 
She seems to run cooler and breath better.
Damn - I love this bike.

/BitSar
.....push me? Braaaaarp you....

**Comparo Ape vs. Yam coming soon. 

Sunday 21 June 2015

Blue Rhino

After the day in the Hills yesterday I thought it wise to keep Coastal today.

A couple of mates joined for a cruise Bayside.
It's the middle of Winter.
The sky was bright and Blue.

Not a breath of wind.

No better way to spend Sunday.









As with any bike - I don't really name them. 
The Ape was called 'Ape' due to being an Aprilia. 

The 'Kawasaki' was 'Kawa' or 'Kwaka'....
The Yamaha is 'Yammy' or 'Yam'....

One of my riding mates clocked my state registered number plate and coined the new Girl "Rhino"



Well.......she is Matte Grey and a little full on....

Hmmmm.....that might stick. 

Always a pleasure Gentleman. 

\BitSar
..........Blue and Grey.......avoiding ivory poachers. 

Saturday 20 June 2015

A Matte Grey - kind of day

'There be Fog in those there hills.....'

I am a proponent of riding in all conditions, to the conditions.
You never know when you'll get caught out in bad weather or when you'll need to change modes and settle in to get the distance covered.

It's important to learn these skills.
It's better to learn on your own terms.

I knew the Hills would be cold, foggy and somewhat dodgy this morning - great opportunity to put the MT09 through its paces and see how she dances when things aren't quite right.

I head in the general direction of Emerald, the fog is hanging in the distance - the dash reads 8 degrees Celsius.

Heated grips on. 100 percent. Check.

The temperature continues to drop, eventually bottoming out at 4 degrees as I pass over Mount Burnett in a roundabout way to Gembrook. I'm getting on with the bike - beginning to to understand her a little more.......BANG! The rear lets go instantaneously, the bars dip violently - I've just hit some black-ice.

Settle down - settle in. All is well - you 'saved' it.

I continue calmly allowing the adrenaline to subside before pulling over to take a break.

Matte Grey MT on a Matte Grey day



Time to push on. I take a detour to Nar Nar Goon (north) - some small roads out this way which will allow me to come off pace entirely and enjoy the scenery. The fog is persistent, however there are moments of clarity, both in mind and environment.

The Sun desperately peeking through


As I'm backing up to take the photo above I almost literally fall into a Wombat borrow. The little fella is probably keeping warm inside. 


Detour over - back on track towards Gembrook. 
The fog is lifting somewhat and I'm in good spirits. 
Fleeting patches of Sun break through and the MT is behaving herself - more or less.


I am mindful of the kilometres already travelled and the odometer reading. I'm kissing 900kms and my 1,000km service isn't booked for a couple more days.

I point her nose home and look forward to defrosting. 
All in all, an educative ride with the new girl. 
The suspension still needs some work, possibly even a rebuild.
But at the heart, the motor is sublime and she has good bones - a light chassis, great ergonomics and a willingness to dance. 

\BitSar
........Hey Mr. Wombat......anyone Home?

Wednesday 17 June 2015

Kriega tailbag: Setup

I've been using my Kriega US-30 for well over 5 years now.

In that time it's seen daily commuting, overnighters, running errands and everything in between.
It's seen torrential rain and extreme heat.
It's 100% waterproof, rugged as hell, and relatively lightweight.
It has never let me down.


The US-30 provides enough room for a large laptop to lay flat for commuting to the office.

I can easily store my wets and basic tools and still fit extra clothes, shoes and whatever else I need for touring.

Off the bike it has a shoulder strap so you can lug it around easily.

All. Very. Versatile.

So - by way of the new MT09, it was time to again setup the Kriega.


Step 1
Remove the seat to access the sub-frame - you'll need to locate some spot to thread the mounting straps. 

For the rear straps I used the last set of frame tags which hold the rear faring on


Step 2
Use two of the four straps supplied and thread one through on each side



Step 3
Repeat Step 2 for the forward mounting straps. 
I used the gap between the sub-frame and the seat-lock. 


Step 4
Tidy up all the dangling straps and make things neat. 


Step 5
Attach bag.
Done and done



In the past I've used cumbersome Ventura packs and their associated (and required) frames which attach to the bike - this type of luggage is good, however it is not transferable from bike to bike. 

On the other hand, the Kriega gear can be used on any bike, it does not detract from the aesthetics, and when removed, leaves all but no trace of ever having been there - no frame, no brackets. 
Just - gone. 

\BitSar
The packhorse. 
-----more like, donkey....

Sunday 7 June 2015

Setup & Shakedown: Solo suspension & Tyres

Time to get busy setting up the Yammy.

It's no secret the stock suspension on the MT09 leaves most riders wanting, however it is adjustable - both front and back - so before a final assessment can be made, some tweaking is required.

As always, the first step is to record the default setup.
As per my previous post Setup: Solo Suspension my shorthand is as such:

R - Rings visible on suspension crown for preload
C - Clicks closed from fully open on rebound.

For the uninitiated, here is a very simplistic explanation of preload and rebound:

Preload
The suspension spring is statically compressed to increase preload tension, thereby requiring more force to further dynamically compress the spring. End result - stiffer suspension.

Rebound
Suspension rebound refers to the rate at which the suspension oil returns to 'rest'
The rebound adjustment manipulates a valve aperture which increases or reduces the rate at which the suspension oil can flow.

Open the aperture and you reduce rebound damping, thereby providing less resistance to oscillation.
Close the aperture and you increase rebound damping, thereby proving more resistance to oscillation.

The stock MT09 front-end settings were:
R = 6.5
C = 7


There is no doubt in my mind that I need to add preload and increase rebound damping.

After some adjusting, measuring and static tests I arrive at the following settings.
R = 4
C = 13

14mm Spanner - Preload adjustment (required evenly on both fork legs)

Flathead screwdriver - Rebound adjustment

Time to dial in the rear. Again first step is to record stock settings:

The rear shock has stepped notches ranging from 1 - 7 and a rebound screw without clicked internals. As such, my shorthand is as follows:

N = Notches from setting 1 preload
T = One full revolution of the screw head from fully closed

The stock MT09 rear-end settings were:
N = 4
T = 4.5



Again, after some fettling I arrived at:
N = 6
T = 1.5

Using the supplied C-Spanner to add preload

The rebound screw can be accessed via the left side of the bike through the frame

Finally I checked the tyre pressure - oh dear!
(F/R) - (38/40) psi

That won't do - especially if I'm going to kill these Dunlops. 

I reduce the cold pressure to:
(F/R) - (30/31) psi

After completing my setup and rechecking my work to ensure everything was cinched down I set off for a shakedown. Let the fun begin.

Day 2 - photo roll.



I stopped mid way through the ride to readjust the rear-end. She was chattering about.
I reduced preload and rebound to the following:

N = 5
T = 3.5

I think there is still room for improvement. I will let things bed down for a week or so of daily use and adjust as necessary. 

That said, the chassis is much more compliant after these changes. She is still a little misbehaved in the Hills, however in the Urban environment the adjustments have improved stability dramatically. 

\BitSar
Preloading the Yam whilst on the Rebound from the Ape......