A riders' guide

Here it is.

1 – Think before you ride.

Every single morning before the commute, and for that matter any weekend blat too, I employ a process of getting myself and the bike ready. 

It is the same ritual every time and it centres me – I engage with what I am about to do.

This is a common training technique which shifts focus and consciousness to the task at hand.

2 – Take command

You are riding a motorcycle – you are exposed, you are at risk. Be proactive and choose your risk as much as possible. 

Don't be complacent and let the risk choose you.

3 – Have “brain space”

If you set off and identify that you are not riding well, not seeing things play out like usual or think there is something “not right with the bike”......chances are something is not right with you.

The bike is very likely to be behaving exactly the same as yesterday – but if it feels different today then something is different – that something is more than likely you.

Learn to identify these “yips” and counter them accordingly. This may mean stopping.

NB** baring mental "yips" check the basics like tyre pressure, chain tension, throttle and clutch lines/cables. 

4- Radar and intuition

To be proficient you need to be able NOT to think about what the bike is doing and how you are controlling it.

The bike should be controlled via telepathy. You think, the bike does.

Believe me after years of MTB and Road race cycling – the bike is an extension of the body.

Control leads to having ample capacity to scan the environment for cagers, pedestrians, cyclists and other riders alike. 

Being in control of your bike is relatively easy.

Contemplating the actions of others and reacting appropriately is a skill unto its' own.

5 – Don't

Don't be timid.

Don't allow yourself to hesitate – indecision takes time, when you need to make a choice time is not always on your side.

Most of all – don't be a victim.

6 – Everything else

Filtering, splitting, cagers and traffic.

Weekend blats, touring, overnighters and tomfoolery.

Everything else is the reason to ride all the time – do it safely.

Be engaged in the process and enjoy.

Footnote:

If you are not a target – you will less likely become a victim.

This does not mean be aggressive – it means be in control – as much as possible.

\BitSar
--getting on with it and "riding" it out

Slack........again

Life has been busy of late......

Other than commuting and weekend errands I've had no time for real weekend blats......it is getting to me.

I do have a post about the Kriega gear in the pipes.....I've had a tailbag for over 4 years and it's still going strong. 

I need to get out for a decent ride soon.......I can tell..........I'm riding everywhere like my head is on fire....

\BitSar

--needs release........

To clutch or not to clutch

I've been meaning to post about clutchless shifting - both in general and on the Ape.

Firstly - I am a big advocate of clutchless shifting, especially when you've got the hammer down and really want to crack on some power and speed. Clutchless shifting under this scenario does not upset the power train as much as using the clutch would - hence, smoother and faster acceleration. Game on.

Secondly - clutchless shifting, especially on the Ape (I have found) also hones your clutched shifting technique giving seamless clutched changes without issue. I've found the "throw" between gears on the Ape is a little longer than other bikes, using a clutchless "type" technique, even when using the clutch makes clutched shifting very smooth indeed.

So. What is the clutchless shifting technique? It is all very simple.

Firstly - load the gear shifter with your toe.


Do this while in gear and when you still have power on - you will feel resistance through the shifter.


Keep this positive pressure applied on the lever.











Next - give the throttle a momentary close.


You will not need to fully close the throttle - nowhere near it infact. Just a roll-off.


Make sure to keep the same amount of positive pressure on the shift lever throughout this throttle action - bang - the shift happens smoothly and cleanly.....done!


What is actually occurring in the transmission is that the clutch "dogs" which are engaged via torque and hold the gear position are momentarily released when you back off power, this allows the sequential gear box to slide into the next gear. Simple!


So do you clutch or no-clutch?

\BitSar

Toy Run - 2012

Each year the MRA in association with the Salvos organise a Toy Run charity ride..................
Each year I ride and bring a Toy donation for needy kids and their families..........a good excuse for a ride eh?

***

The guys met at my place for a Man's breakfast whilst we got the bikes ready and strapped on the tail-bags full with our gifts.....................almost like Ye'old St.Nick with his sleigh and sack...........although, I think our rides have just a little more horsepower...........

We headed to the official meet point in Port Melbourne where hundreds of bikes were congregating......all manner of decorations and costumes........riders really do have big hearts.....

As the Port meet point is an official start location it attracts a large amount of riders making travelling in convoy quite difficult...............VicPol get involved and help to get the bikes out to Calder park safely.................they even let us through against Red lights....shepherd us onto the Tulla Freeway without having to wait........and.......turn a blind eye to some of our Mods...........thanks boys!

We arrived at Calder park Raceway.........

Once at Calder park we give our Toys......talk to vendors and see the displays.......

Each year there are Stunt and Trials riders who amaze the crowd...........but that's not the reason why we do it......this ride is for the kids........but hey.....a little rider-entertainment can't hurt eh?

Thanks for the ride fellas......

\BitSar

Hero Shot

I needed to blow of some steam last night..............a little Motorcycle therapy was in order........

It was just after 7pm - the traffic was thinning out and the Sun was still bright..........throw a leg over and have a blat for an hour eh.......

One of the things I enjoy most about solo riding is being able to stop wherever you choose to take time out..........or......to take some Hero Shots........

The Ape is a seriously fun bike to ride.....she is nimble, torquey and has attitude and presence.......I really love this bike more and more with time spent......

What a beautiful night..............a beautiful backdrop..........and a beautiful bike........

There's something about this nostalgic/poster type effect which gives the Ape an old classic look......a real couple of Hero Shots.....

\BitSar

First

I'm new to this - I don't know if I'll like it.......................

FIRST
The first post - this is Genesis 

printf("Hello world \n");

...........only kidding........

HISTORY:
First rode a MOTO at age of 6, it was a PW50 - it was amazing
Cycling for > 15 years - MTB and Road - still ride road to this day

BIKES:

Learner = Honda VTR250

Teacher = Kawasaki Er6n Factory Full

Current = Aprilia Shiver 750

INF:

I am a commuter, weekend scratcher and try to complete a multi-day tour at least once per year. 

I ride minimum 6 days per week - rain or shine.........I wouldn't have it any other way.

As a commuter I am greatly dependant on my bike - treat her right and she treats me right - I love my Ape.

BLOG:

Herein you shall find my rants at Cagers, day to day riding observations, thoughts on roadcraft, the plod and inconsiderate road usage etc....

However - my key is to record (mostly for my own indulgence) the rides that make me smile...........the ones that you relive a day later sipping on a beer while you recount that set of twisties which opened up to fast sweepers just when the tires were nice and sticky......

That is riding - and that is why I love it......

\BitSar

My Ape:

Previous Bikes: