The friendly "dumb" bike questions thread

[BigGingerBob]

Northernboy said:

One thing to try for the grip is to ride with your little finger off the end, so you aren't gripping with that one.

The bars shouldn't be how you are "holdig on" to the bike, that should be your knees and thighs, the bars are only there for control.

I know, just a difficult habit to break!

[horsemeatscandal]

Anyone ever carried a big rucksack on a bike, like those ~70l walking ones? And if so, how awkward or uncomfortable was it?

I'm going to do it regardless but want to know what to expect. Can't be arsed going for a test run just yet.

[Northernboy]

horsemeatscandal said:

Anyone ever carried a big rucksack on a bike, like those ~70l walking ones? And if so, how awkward or uncomfortable was it?

I'm going to do it regardless but want to know what to expect. Can't be arsed going for a test run just yet.

You mean that you are planning to wear it on your back?

Why?

Something like that you should strap on the seat behind you.

[DuckSauce]

horsemeatscandal said:

Anyone ever carried a big rucksack on a bike, like those ~70l walking ones? And if so, how awkward or uncomfortable was it?

I'm going to do it regardless but want to know what to expect. Can't be arsed going for a test run just yet.

Yes I have done it and also had something on the back strapped down.

It was ok to be honest and it was only a 30 minute journey, I wouldn't do it regularly, but I had to get a lot of kit to work

[Krikkit]

Northernboy said:

The bars shouldn't be how you are "holdig on" to the bike, that should be your knees and thighs, the bars are only there for control.

Very much this. You need the right positioning and practice practice practice.

Balls of your feet on the pegs, grip with your thighs when braking. Also set yourself up centrally by getting up to 30+ then letting go of the bars, whichever way the bike turns is where your weight is biased - get it as central as you can, and again practice loads.

Highly recommend MC1 with i2i as this is all covered and practiced off road.

[Zarco]

SpeckledJim said:

Glove too tight at the wrist? Exacerbated by a cocked wrist when you're holding the bars?

It could be this. I have a pair of gloves that give me slight pins and needles sometimes, usually hot weather. Expected it to go away once the gloves had broken in a bit; don't think thats going to happen judging by how long I've had them now!

[horsemeatscandal]

DuckSauce said:

Yes I have done it and also had something on the back strapped down.

It was ok to be honest and it was only a 30 minute journey, I wouldn't do it regularly, but I had to get a lot of kit to work

Thanks a lot, that's reassuring. I have a fair bit of stuff to carry but my bike is awkward for luggage. I have a tank bag and tail bag, only 5l and 8l, and the only pannier available is the official Husqvarna one which is also small and expensive. I'll do a test run this week some time.

[DrEMa]

Another thing to maybe check for the tingling fingers (if the other suggestions don't help first) is tightness through shoulders and upper back - easy to impinge nerves a little (thoracic outlet syndrome etc). My upper traps and rhomboids are often tight and sore from training and I notice issues in my hands from this. Doing some muscle release with a tennis ball really helps. If you think this may be the issue, feel free to message me and I'll send a couple of youtube videos showing simple release techniques that may help.

[talksthetorque]

horsemeatscandal said:

Thanks a lot, that's reassuring. I have a fair bit of stuff to carry but my bike is awkward for luggage. I have a tank bag and tail bag, only 5l and 8l, and the only pannier available is the official Husqvarna one which is also small and expensive. I'll do a test run this week some time.

Think I saw you on the test run today HMS, but noticed you used the scoot and not the husq

[horsemeatscandal]

talksthetorque said:

Think I saw you on the test run today HMS, but noticed you used the scoot and not the husq

You wouldn't catch me dead wearing those sandals.

Strangely though, those ducks give me confidence.

[Biker 1]

horsemeatscandal said:

Strangely though, those ducks give me confidence.

Poor fkers - animal cruelty ain't right

[SteelerSE]

horsemeatscandal said:

Anyone ever carried a big rucksack on a bike, like those ~70l walking ones? And if so, how awkward or uncomfortable was it?

I'm going to do it regardless but want to know what to expect. Can't be arsed going for a test run just yet.

Closest I've had was a big roll bag with my american football kit in it. That was quite light but was not comfortable. With proper rucksack straps you'll probably be OK but you will notice limited head movement as the rucksack interferes with your helmet.

If it's full of heavy stuff then you may find it a lot harder on the wrists depending on how long you're riding for.

I wouldn't choose to do it now but if it's a bit of a one off then it's up to you.

[ReverendCounter]

SteelerSE said:

horsemeatscandal said:

Anyone ever carried a big rucksack on a bike, like those ~70l walking ones? And if so, how awkward or uncomfortable was it?

I'm going to do it regardless but want to know what to expect. Can't be arsed going for a test run just yet.

Closest I've had was a big roll bag with my american football kit in it. That was quite light but was not comfortable. With proper rucksack straps you'll probably be OK but you will notice limited head movement as the rucksack interferes with your helmet.

If it's full of heavy stuff then you may find it a lot harder on the wrists depending on how long you're riding for.

I wouldn't choose to do it now but if it's a bit of a one off then it's up to you.

I would have thought it will be a bit like riding with a pillion, as long as you can adjust the straps so the base of the bag sits on the seat. Never ridden with a pillion personally and obviously the pack won't lean like one.

[TommyBuoy]

Afternoon All,

Related to a previous post, but I'm little confused.

Over the last 60 or so miles of riding my newish bike (done nearly a 1000 on it now) I've been getting a strong ache / cramp at the base of my thumb and palm.

I've got tank grips and concentrated on keeping as much weight off the bars as well as my grip being loose, but the pain seems to stay / start after 10 minutes or so whatever I do.

I've not experienced it on previous bikes or on this one till recently.

Question is, my ixon gloves are getting on and while they aren't visible worn would a new pair help / is it to do with gloves or anyone experienced it before?

[Rod200SX]

Quick Q for folk, has anyone had dealings with 'The Superbike Factory'?

They seem to have a fair amount of fairly decent looking stock. Would be buying on condition and history obviously but they've got lots of what I like, just at the other end of the country!

[TommyBuoy]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Good point! Thinking about it, the last couple of rides have been around local villages and town; not my usual blasts- could well be that I've been on / covering the brakes more so possible my wrist has been cocked up for longer and now I'm noticing it.

Will have a sit on it tonight and adjust if necessary. Annoying as I usually deal with the controls and lever span straightaway but only remember setting the lever adjusters not controls themselves!

Thanks!

[the cueball]

Rod200SX said:

Quick Q for folk, has anyone had dealings with 'The Superbike Factory'?

They seem to have a fair amount of fairly decent looking stock. Would be buying on condition and history obviously but they've got lots of what I like, just at the other end of the country!

I sold my old Harley to them... it was priced, picked up and money was in my bank before I completed the online V5 transfer.

Found them very easy to deal with.

Not used them for a purchase though...

[Krikkit]

Rod200SX said:

Quick Q for folk, has anyone had dealings with 'The Superbike Factory'?

They seem to have a fair amount of fairly decent looking stock. Would be buying on condition and history obviously but they've got lots of what I like, just at the other end of the country!

A mate of mine has just bought a 1299 Panigale from them - he's in Lincolnshire, so couldn't travel to see it at any point. The only minor snag was the service/belts etc took a while as they had to order parts and fit it into their busy workshop.

Otherwise he's as happy as a pig in st - the bike is minty, aside from some anodised tat the previous owner fitted, and they were very good to deal with apparently.

I had a poor experience with them in their old premises, but they've moved and seemed to have upped their game now. If you've found something you like don't hesitate imho.

[Rod200SX]

Much obliged!

They've got a few GSXR 750, daytona 675 and ZX6Rs in stock. Now the tricky decision making begins

[SteelerSE]

ReverendCounter said:

I would have thought it will be a bit like riding with a pillion, as long as you can adjust the straps so the base of the bag sits on the seat. Never ridden with a pillion personally and obviously the pack won't lean like one.

Sort of - a very clingy pillion!

The difference is those big backpacks are so tall. You can sit it on the pillion but it will be banging against the rider's helmet most of the time. Also if it's really heavy then under braking you'll really notice the extra weight.