The friendly "dumb" bike questions thread
Discussion
xeny said:
I'm new here, but I get the impression you prefer riding in decent weather (fair enough!) - what I've found causes chain wear is riding in bad weather, especially something like a long motorway run in heavy rain so you've no hope of keeping any lubricant in place.
The guy is riding a very low powered fairly new bike amd going on a 600 mile trip and he’s worried that he needs space for all his tools to continually adjust the chain. He doesn’t need all that. He just needs to ride and enjoy the views. I've been noticing that my bike makes a popping sound every so often. Like I'll notice it four or five times over a twenty mile ride. Usually when traveling between 30 and 40mph. Maybe it happens more but I don't hear it at higher speed. I've read this could be to do with emissions standards and bikes running 'lean' i.e. More oxygen. However, mine is a 2011 bike so not sure if this would apply to mine. Long story short, is this a problem? I wouldn't call it a bang, but I have felt it a couple of times through the bike when one of these pops has happened.
Also, does anybody know what the brake pedal is made from on an xj6 - steel or alloy? Cannot find the answer anywhere online or in the manual. I've bent it slightly and would like to know whether I'll get away with whacking it back into shape.
Also, does anybody know what the brake pedal is made from on an xj6 - steel or alloy? Cannot find the answer anywhere online or in the manual. I've bent it slightly and would like to know whether I'll get away with whacking it back into shape.
Gavia said:
The guy is riding a very low powered fairly new bike amd going on a 600 mile trip and he’s worried that he needs space for all his tools to continually adjust the chain. He doesn’t need all that. He just needs to ride and enjoy the views.
More like a 2000 mile trip actually, and I've read in the manual, and been told by a bike salesman, that it should be checked every 600 miles. This led me to wonder whether it would be sensible to carry appropriate equipment on a longer trip. If so, how do I know what type or wrench to get?Thanks for all the responses to this question btw. Didn't have chance to respond before.
Berty3000 said:
More like a 2000 mile trip actually, and I've read in the manual, and been told by a bike salesman, that it should be checked every 600 miles. This led me to wonder whether it would be sensible to carry appropriate equipment on a longer trip. If so, how do I know what type or wrench to get?
Thanks for all the responses to this question btw. Didn't have chance to respond before.
A wrench that fits the spindle nut would be a good start. Thanks for all the responses to this question btw. Didn't have chance to respond before.
Then one to fit whatever type adjuster you have for chain tension. And it’s locknut. Whatever you do, adjust each side exactly the same amount.
You need to either relax and enjoy the ride, or just give up. You seem to be worrying about every little thing as if it’s the end of the world.
Bikes make popping noises. Live with it.
Chains don’t need adjusting every 600 Miles. Just keep it lubed and it’ll be fine.
Before you ask, it’s normal for tyres to wear and not be shiny any more. It isn’t a problem.
The throttle might snap back to closed if you release it from fully on. That’s a good thing. It isn’t going to break it.
And so on.
Bikes make popping noises. Live with it.
Chains don’t need adjusting every 600 Miles. Just keep it lubed and it’ll be fine.
Before you ask, it’s normal for tyres to wear and not be shiny any more. It isn’t a problem.
The throttle might snap back to closed if you release it from fully on. That’s a good thing. It isn’t going to break it.
And so on.
Every time they wear out, reaply them with the correct marker pen that can be bought from the tyre supplier that are fitted to your motorcycle.
Top tip (viz)
When the strips are reapplied hold a hacksaw or really really sharp knife to each edge of the painted line and get someone to stick the bike in 2nd gear and rev it to 6.5k revs. When you get down to the strands, stop and then pell out the rubber strip.
You will now be free to paint inside the cut outs and never have to reaply the painted strips until you have worn the tyre out and need a replacement.
Top tip (viz)
When the strips are reapplied hold a hacksaw or really really sharp knife to each edge of the painted line and get someone to stick the bike in 2nd gear and rev it to 6.5k revs. When you get down to the strands, stop and then pell out the rubber strip.
You will now be free to paint inside the cut outs and never have to reaply the painted strips until you have worn the tyre out and need a replacement.
Berty3000 said:
I've been noticing that my bike makes a popping sound every so often. Like I'll notice it four or five times over a twenty mile ride. Usually when traveling between 30 and 40mph. Maybe it happens more but I don't hear it at higher speed. I've read this could be to do with emissions standards and bikes running 'lean' i.e. More oxygen. However, mine is a 2011 bike so not sure if this would apply to mine. Long story short, is this a problem? I wouldn't call it a bang, but I have felt it a couple of times through the bike when one of these pops has happened.
I'm not sure about running lean, but if you shut off the throttle, or even during deceleration in general, it's not uncommon to have a "pop". The unburnt fuel is simply igniting on the hot exhaust, causing the sound. It is very common. BMW S1000R/XRs are mapped intentionally to do it to the point it's actually quite tedious, so unless it's coming with other symptoms I wouldn't worry personally.If you're still concerned take out the spark plugs and eye ball them, there's lots of useful pictures online (and in Haynes manuals) that show you what a plug looks like from an engine which is running lean or rich.
Gavia said:
You need to either relax and enjoy the ride, or just give up. You seem to be worrying about every little thing as if it’s the end of the world.
Bikes make popping noises. Live with it.
Chains don’t need adjusting every 600 Miles. Just keep it lubed and it’ll be fine.
Before you ask, it’s normal for tyres to wear and not be shiny any more. It isn’t a problem.
The throttle might snap back to closed if you release it from fully on. That’s a good thing. It isn’t going to break it.
And so on.
That is your interpretation. I'm not worried about anything, just asking questions about things I do not understand yet, and enjoying learning about it all. I appreciate that it might be a bit tedious for one such as yourself, who has been around the block a few times and knows more than I do, but it is a dumb questions thread and others seem happy to get involved. Others, more shy than I am, might find the responses useful. Bikes make popping noises. Live with it.
Chains don’t need adjusting every 600 Miles. Just keep it lubed and it’ll be fine.
Before you ask, it’s normal for tyres to wear and not be shiny any more. It isn’t a problem.
The throttle might snap back to closed if you release it from fully on. That’s a good thing. It isn’t going to break it.
And so on.
The other information you've provided is helpful, thank you. Thanks also to the other chaps who've responded.
Berty3000 said:
That is your interpretation. I'm not worried about anything, just asking questions about things I do not understand yet, and enjoying learning about it all. I appreciate that it might be a bit tedious for one such as yourself, who has been around the block a few times and knows more than I do, but it is a dumb questions thread and others seem happy to get involved. Others, more shy than I am, might find the responses useful.
The other information you've provided is helpful, thank you. Thanks also to the other chaps who've responded.
I am a completely useless mechanic. I have no idea at all how to make a bike work, but I also know that they’re not the leaky, oily, temperamental pieces of sThe other information you've provided is helpful, thank you. Thanks also to the other chaps who've responded.
t that they were in the 60s. Modern bikes are well built and unlikely to break, unless they’re Italian. Your posts reek of fear and panic and it’s as if you’re looking for problems where none exist. Take a look back over your posts on this thread and you’ll see what I mean. I don’t think there’s apart of the bike that you haven’t asked a question or worried about unnecessarily. Even when the advice comes in, you tend to ignore it, unless it’s supporting your point of view.
Gavia said:
I am a completely useless mechanic. I have no idea at all how to make a bike work, but I also know that they’re not the leaky, oily, temperamental pieces of st that they were in the 60s. Modern bikes are well built and unlikely to break, unless they’re Italian. Your posts reek of fear and panic and it’s as if you’re looking for problems where none exist. Take a look back over your posts on this thread and you’ll see what I mean. I don’t think there’s apart of the bike that you haven’t asked a question or worried about unnecessarily.
Even when the advice comes in, you tend to ignore it, unless it’s supporting your point of view.
The first part of your post is interesting, but your subsequent attempt at psychoanalysis is laughable. How does it "reek of fear" to be interested in learning about the bike and riding it? I haven't been off the bike since I got it, come rain or shine, and am loving it. Unlike you, who is afraid to go out in the wet. Perhaps if you did go out for a ride more often, you'd be less cooped up and grizzly all the time. To suggest that I tend to ignore the advice given is equally deranged. How could you know? No doubt you'll take this as an invitation to dig up old posts and apply your amateur psychology to them, but I can tell you it'd be a waste of time and you'd be better off getting on your bike and enjoying the dry weather.t that they were in the 60s. Modern bikes are well built and unlikely to break, unless they’re Italian. Your posts reek of fear and panic and it’s as if you’re looking for problems where none exist. Take a look back over your posts on this thread and you’ll see what I mean. I don’t think there’s apart of the bike that you haven’t asked a question or worried about unnecessarily. Even when the advice comes in, you tend to ignore it, unless it’s supporting your point of view.
Your basic point about bikes being pretty robust and not needing to be overly worried about them is fair enough, but to some extent, that comes with time and understanding, and also luck. For a beginner there is much that is new and unclear. And lots of nonsense on the internet that implies something minor is really a blown head gasket.
I have found these forums a really excellent way to learn and grow into this new adventure.
See you on the road soon, flower (once the weather isn't too much for you
Berty3000 said:
The first part of your post is interesting, but your subsequent attempt at psychoanalysis is laughable. How does it "reek of fear" to be interested in learning about the bike and riding it? I haven't been off the bike since I got it, come rain or shine, and am loving it. Unlike you, who is afraid to go out in the wet. Perhaps if you did go out for a ride more often, you'd be less cooped up and grizzly all the time. To suggest that I tend to ignore the advice given is equally deranged. How could you know? No doubt you'll take this as an invitation to dig up old posts and apply your amateur psychology to them, but I can tell you it'd be a waste of time and you'd be better off getting on your bike and enjoying the dry weather.
Your basic point about bikes being pretty robust and not needing to be overly worried about them is fair enough, but to some extent, that comes with time and understanding, and also luck. For a beginner there is much that is new and unclear. And lots of nonsense on the internet that implies something minor is really a blown head gasket.
I have found these forums a really excellent way to learn and grow into this new adventure.
See you on the road soon, flower (once the weather isn't too much for you
Sorry, that you’re taking offence at this and maybe I’m being too harsh, so in the spirit of peace, love and understanding I apologise. Damn right I won’t ride in crap weather, I ride for fun and it’s not fun. I don’t even bother going out on trackdays if it rains anymore and even dodge qualifying if the race is likely to be dry. Your basic point about bikes being pretty robust and not needing to be overly worried about them is fair enough, but to some extent, that comes with time and understanding, and also luck. For a beginner there is much that is new and unclear. And lots of nonsense on the internet that implies something minor is really a blown head gasket.
I have found these forums a really excellent way to learn and grow into this new adventure.
See you on the road soon, flower (once the weather isn't too much for you
Bikes are very robust, sportsbikes are a bit stressed and potentially fragile, but you’ve bought a bike that’s not stressed at all and will probably outlive both of us. You don’t have to do half the stuff that people tell you to do. An annual service will suffice for most of us.
I won’t go back and dig stuff out, but to give you an idea. I’ve got a bike that’s lived for 7 years on track, it’s been ridden reasonably fast in Advanced group and races all that time. It’s never missed a beat, apart from the gearbox, which is a known quantity and was after 15000 track / race miles. I’ve crashed it at least 6 times too.
My roadbikes have never needed a new chain and one of them is 5 years old this year. I don’t particularly look after any of them mechanically, other than an annual service. These are highly stressed sportsbikes too, so there is a lesson in there. If I altered the chain every 600 miles then I’d be doing it every couple of weeks!
Gavia said:
My roadbikes have never needed a new chain and one of them is 5 years old this year. I don’t particularly look after any of them mechanically, other than an annual service. These are highly stressed sportsbikes too, so there is a lesson in there. If I altered the chain every 600 miles then I’d be doing it every couple of weeks!
I'm not surprised they aren't worn out, you are st slow and can't pull wheelies.
Berty3000 said:
Yeah, mine is 45-55mm high to low when on that centre stand. Guess I'll just keep checking then. I'll be chuffed if adjustments are as infrequent as you guys are saying.
Checked every 500 miles, as in grab a ruler, push the middle of the chain up for a second doesn't seem unreasonable, but I'd be amazed if you found it was out of sorts and needing adjustment every time you did it.Any ideas what this noise is?
It sounds and feels like my side stand is down and it's scraping the floor. I can feel the vibration through the left foot peg and it only last for a brief second. I've mostly heard it shortly after starting, today I heard it whilst slowing down, so it seems only at slow speeds in first gear. I'm baffled, there's nothing obvious dangling off the bottom so I can only assume it's something within the engine doing it.
It sounds and feels like my side stand is down and it's scraping the floor. I can feel the vibration through the left foot peg and it only last for a brief second. I've mostly heard it shortly after starting, today I heard it whilst slowing down, so it seems only at slow speeds in first gear. I'm baffled, there's nothing obvious dangling off the bottom so I can only assume it's something within the engine doing it.
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