Lessons Learned the Hard Way

Mr Lefty · 11-21-2009, 12:45 PM

What have you learned the hard way about riding... I'm talking about things like, not oiling the chain with the bike in gear, remembering to put the drain plug back in BEFORE you add the new oil... ect.

I'll start

I learned no matter how much of a bad ass you think you are for riding 4000 miles in 18 days... the trip isn't over, and one complacent moment can end your trip 800 miles short of it's destination. (let the clutch slip out of my fingers from a light and looped the bike, shattering the case cover, and leaking all my oil out)

I learned that no matter what that "qualified" mechanic at the corner shop tells ya... SLIME is not a PERMANENT fix (hey, I'd never heard of the stuff!) and will come out doing 90... 100 miles south of Anchorage,AK with very little cell coverage.

also learned that when the above happens, it takes 47 tries to get enough info through to AAA to dispatch a truck

I learned when the slime does fail, and you've got AAA on the way, and a good simaritan stops in and offers to plug and inflate your tires... that you check to make sure that the bike is on it's stand... and not balanced on the rear rim. cause when it DOES inflate the tire... the exhaust is ALWAYS on the opposite side of the side stand and weighs 100x more. and you'll end up needing AAA anyways as you'll have a broken brake lever, and right rear set.

I've learned that when riding your motorcycle up a ramp into the bed of your truck to make sure that you've got it anchored so it won't slide back and off the truck (drop 1)

I learned that after doing the above, and you use the edge of your garage cement floor to stop the ramp from sliding back, you need to make sure that there is clearance for you sitting on the bike with the top of the garage door. (drop 2)

and I learned that when you realize that there isn't enough clearance that you'll quickly realize why they make specific ramps for motorcycles and ATVS... as your leg will get caught in one of the giant holes on an ATV ramp and the bike will pin it in place.

Also learned that it's nice to wait that extra hour for your room mate to come home... so you're not pinned for an hour hanging with the bike laying on you.

though that does give you fair amount of time to contemplate a darwin award.

sadly... this is not all I've learned... but wanna give ya'll a chance to share your new found, and hard found wisdom!

Rangerscott · 11-21-2009, 12:53 PM

I've done the oil drain before. I've sat the oil cap back on but didnt tighten it, then riding off. That was a slippery mess.

Leaning too far while riding. Done that. Also leaning too far while both feet on the ground. Luckly the bike went down only half way thanks to my vehicle.

Seeing if the bike has spark. That's always a winner's moment there. "Aw shit that hurt!"

BobTheBiker · 11-21-2009, 01:03 PM

putting your feet down when you stop is important(yes I actually forgot to put my feet down)
The kickstand exists for a reason, and one should use it (dont ask me HOW THE HELL I forgot to use it)
those are the good ones off the top of my head.

Tmall · 11-21-2009, 01:06 PM

Loose shoe laces get caught on foot pegs, and then stop you from putting your foot down. Broken laces beat dropped bikes.

Primary chain covers hold the oil in when the bike is on the side stand.

Cutty72 · 11-21-2009, 01:29 PM

The easiest time to fail is while showing off to a female.

askmrjesus · 11-21-2009, 04:26 PM

I learned that while warming up your bike on the center stand, it's a good idea to make sure you're in neutral before you drop it down, (and then subsequently knock your buddies garage door off of it's hinges.)

JC

Rangerscott · 11-21-2009, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by askmrjesus

I learned that while warming up your bike on the center stand, it's a good idea to make sure you're in neutral before you drop it down, (and then subsequently knock your buddies garage door off of it's hinges.)

JC

Where's the Durr medal award?

Particle Man · 11-21-2009, 05:05 PM

I learned (accidentally) that SV's will wheelie very easily in 1st

askmrjesus · 11-21-2009, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rangerscott

Where's the Durr medal award?

Hanging in my shop.

JC

BobTheBiker · 11-21-2009, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by askmrjesus

Hanging in my shop.

JC

thats right next to the cross isnt it?

11-21-2009, 12:45 PM	#1
Mr Lefty TWFix Legend Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Denver CO Moto: 01 BMW F650GS Dakar Posts: 15,677	Lessons Learned the Hard Way What have you learned the hard way about riding... I'm talking about things like, not oiling the chain with the bike in gear, remembering to put the drain plug back in BEFORE you add the new oil... ect. I'll start I learned no matter how much of a bad ass you think you are for riding 4000 miles in 18 days... the trip isn't over, and one complacent moment can end your trip 800 miles short of it's destination. (let the clutch slip out of my fingers from a light and looped the bike, shattering the case cover, and leaking all my oil out) I learned that no matter what that "qualified" mechanic at the corner shop tells ya... SLIME is not a PERMANENT fix (hey, I'd never heard of the stuff!) and will come out doing 90... 100 miles south of Anchorage,AK with very little cell coverage. also learned that when the above happens, it takes 47 tries to get enough info through to AAA to dispatch a truck I learned when the slime does fail, and you've got AAA on the way, and a good simaritan stops in and offers to plug and inflate your tires... that you check to make sure that the bike is on it's stand... and not balanced on the rear rim. cause when it DOES inflate the tire... the exhaust is ALWAYS on the opposite side of the side stand and weighs 100x more. and you'll end up needing AAA anyways as you'll have a broken brake lever, and right rear set. I've learned that when riding your motorcycle up a ramp into the bed of your truck to make sure that you've got it anchored so it won't slide back and off the truck (drop 1) I learned that after doing the above, and you use the edge of your garage cement floor to stop the ramp from sliding back, you need to make sure that there is clearance for you sitting on the bike with the top of the garage door. (drop 2) and I learned that when you realize that there isn't enough clearance that you'll quickly realize why they make specific ramps for motorcycles and ATVS... as your leg will get caught in one of the giant holes on an ATV ramp and the bike will pin it in place. Also learned that it's nice to wait that extra hour for your room mate to come home... so you're not pinned for an hour hanging with the bike laying on you. though that does give you fair amount of time to contemplate a darwin award. sadly... this is not all I've learned... but wanna give ya'll a chance to share your new found, and hard found wisdom!

11-21-2009, 12:53 PM	#2
Rangerscott Viff6N Mutated Warrior Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Texas Moto: '01 Honda VFR 800 & '09 ER-6N Posts: 8,704	I've done the oil drain before. I've sat the oil cap back on but didnt tighten it, then riding off. That was a slippery mess. Leaning too far while riding. Done that. Also leaning too far while both feet on the ground. Luckly the bike went down only half way thanks to my vehicle. Seeing if the bike has spark. That's always a winner's moment there. "Aw shit that hurt!" Last edited by Rangerscott; 11-21-2009 at 01:59 PM..

11-21-2009, 04:26 PM	#6
askmrjesus Soul Man Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Everywhere, all the time. Moto: '0000 Custom Turbo Cross (with jet kit). Posts: 6,481	I learned that while warming up your bike on the center stand, it's a good idea to make sure you're in neutral before you drop it down, (and then subsequently knock your buddies garage door off of it's hinges.) JC __________________ The way things are going, they're gonna crucify me.

11-21-2009, 05:05 PM	#8
Particle Man Custom User Title Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Central NY Moto: 2003 SV650S Posts: 14,959	I learned (accidentally) that SV's will wheelie very easily in 1st __________________ I'm not "fat." I'm "Enlarged to show texture." Handle every stressful situation like a DOG: If you can't eat it or hump it, pi$$ on it & walk away.

11-21-2009, 01:03 PM	#3
BobTheBiker too much time on my hands Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: the northern district of god damn Moto: 01 ZX6R, looking for more now. Posts: 1,802	putting your feet down when you stop is important(yes I actually forgot to put my feet down) The kickstand exists for a reason, and one should use it (dont ask me HOW THE HELL I forgot to use it) those are the good ones off the top of my head.

11-21-2009, 01:06 PM	#4
Tmall Aspiring Rapper Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Halifax, NS Moto: '12 CB1000R Posts: 3,569	Loose shoe laces get caught on foot pegs, and then stop you from putting your foot down. Broken laces beat dropped bikes. Primary chain covers hold the oil in when the bike is on the side stand.