The friendly "dumb" bike questions thread

[Krikkit]

Biker 1 said:

I rotate the rear wheel by hand - not risking that one!

Agreed, brutal consequence for a tiny advantage, if any. I don't think you get a good coating doing it while running anyway, just whack it on a stand and do it manually, takes the same time

[Biker 1]

KTMsm said:

I've seen someone lose a finger when someone else rotated the rear wheel by hand... and the same on the front wheel when helping someone out of a ditch !

Everyone has their own level, I'm happy using angle grinders, circular saws, chain saws etc riding motorcycles is probably the most dangerous thing I do

I too often use angle grinders, timber thicknesser machine, telehandlers, chain saws & so on, but I do tend to wear appropriate gloves, eye protection, ear defenders etc. Still wouldn't oil my bike chain like that though!

[Zarco]

RazerSauber said:

Sycamore said:

How do I know when my chain is sufficiently oiled? Taste?

I have a feeling I'd put too little or too much on.

I use some snazzy brand of chain wax in a spray can. I think there's a picture of a gorilla on it. Clean it off with some degreaser and one of those chain brushes I got conned into buying, flush with water then a medium speed push round of the rear wheel while I spray the chain does me. Once the chain has done a full lap, I call it good. I'll check the inside and outside of the chain to make sure it's all covered, quick check for any binding links and straight back into the garage because it'll probably be raining.

What I do with the the WD40 range.

[Speed addicted]

tvrolet said:

The old maxim of never stick your finger anywhere where you wouldn't dare stick your cock remains good advice.

Sometimes that’s exactly why you use the finger though?

[airsafari87]

tvrolet said:

The old maxim of never stick your finger anywhere where you wouldn't dare stick your cock remains good advice.

You f*ck the insides of your gloves?

[NNH]

airsafari87 said:

tvrolet said:

The old maxim of never stick your finger anywhere where you wouldn't dare stick your cock remains good advice.

You f*ck the insides of your gloves?

You don't??

[PT1984]

I need to fit a new rear shock to my Ducati scrambler. It has the shock offset to the left with no requirement to remove bodywork.

I want to do this myself as for the cost of paying someone to fit it, I can invest in tools.

I have all the hand tools including torque wrench. I have. A rear paddock stand but that’s no use this time. I have a jack I can use to lower and raise the rear wheel.

What else do I need to safely execute? I’m thinking a front paddock stand, or probably a front wheel chock? And a manual platform to raise the bike up under the engine (exhaust will be removed).

Cheers!

Edited by PT1984 on Tuesday 14th May 15:03

[xeny]

NNH said:

airsafari87 said:

tvrolet said:

The old maxim of never stick your finger anywhere where you wouldn't dare stick your cock remains good advice.

You f*ck the insides of your gloves?

You don't??

Which leads on nicely to - does anyone have a recommendation for cleaning the insides of a pair of gloves?

They have a notionally breathable waterproof membrane, but they feel kind of "slimy" if I wear them for any length of time and make my hands stink.

I would discard them but they are very comfortable and a good spring/autumn insulation compromise.

[tvrolet]

PT1984 said:

I need to fit a new rear shock to my Ducati scrambler. It has the shock offset to the left with no requirement to remove bodywork.

I want to do this myself as for the cost of paying someone to fit it, I can invest in tools.

I have all the hand tools including torque wrench. I have. A rear paddock stand but that’s no use this time. I have a jack I can use to lower and raise the rear wheel.

What else do I need to safely execute? I’m thinking a front paddock stand, or probably a front wheel chock? And a manual platform to raise the bike up under the engine (exhaust will be removed).

Cheers!

Edited by PT1984 on Tuesday 14th May 15:03

You’ll be wanting something like this then Tyre change day…and with the big valanced mudguards you have to lift the bike and disconnect the mono-shock to drop the swing arm down low enough to get the axle out and wheel out.



This is just a Clarke/Machine Mart lift, and no problems even with the lardy Chief.

[KTMsm]

PT1984 said:

I need to fit a new rear shock to my Ducati scrambler. It has the shock offset to the left with no requirement to remove bodywork.

I want to do this myself as for the cost of paying someone to fit it, I can invest in tools.

I have all the hand tools including torque wrench. I have. A rear paddock stand but that’s no use this time. I have a jack I can use to lower and raise the rear wheel.

What else do I need to safely execute? I’m thinking a front paddock stand, or probably a front wheel chock? And a manual platform to raise the bike up under the engine (exhaust will be removed).

Cheers!

Whilst you can use a jack / stands, I prefer a big ratchet strap around a roof truss or similar - I've seen bikes fall off all manner of stands