So since I'm new to riding, how fast do you guys go around turns with paint on it for the cross walk or where there's a little dip for a gutter/drain system? I get very paranoid about those and about low siding, so I go SUPER slow.

Also, what bike do you ride, if that makes a difference?

Also, are you able to start your bike when it's in gear with the kick stand up and the clutch pulled in? Reason I ask is because my bike won't start (when I stalled ) that way.

 

Both the bikes i've owned will start with the kick stand up, in gear, and the clutch pulled in. If you're bike is having problems, you might have a kick stand sensor issue.

As for going through corners.Paranoia is good, it'll keep you safe. I've ridden with general paranoia since i started, but as i've ridden more and more i've gained more confidence and comfort over time. Just the other day i going through a fast left hander, probably about 60-70 mph, and right at the apex my rear stepped out when i touched the yellow paint of a turn lane. It wasn't expected, but i didn't freak out or anything. I went back later on foot and felt the paint with my hand, very slippery.
But if i'm just around town going the speed limit i never really worry about paint. I think it's when you start going faster and faster and the centrifugal starts building that something like paint could make your tire slip. Stay away from man-hole covers and sewer grates as well, but don't get so focused on them that they're going to make you freak out. Just keep riding and the confidence will come.

 

I attribute it to falling off my bicycle or slipping on a bicycle when riding over paint. There's A LOT less margin of error and harder to correct on a 400lb beast rather than a 25lb bike. I do cruise around the speed limit and around turns but it's to the point at where when I'm turning, I slow down to first gear and have to hold the clutch in when going around a turn with paint so I don't stall.


As for the kick stand sensor, I'm pretty sure it's not it. It'll shut off when in gear with the kick stand down, but with it up in gear, and the clutch in, it won't start. I wonder if it's a safety "feature".

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by SHystrdyGSRtdy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I attribute it to falling off my bicycle or slipping on a bicycle when riding over paint. There's A LOT less margin of error and harder to correct on a 400lb beast rather than a 25lb bike. I do cruise around the speed limit and around turns but it's to the point at where when I'm turning, I slow down to first gear and have to hold the clutch in when going around a turn with paint so I don't stall.


As for the kick stand sensor, I'm pretty sure it's not it. It'll shut off when in gear with the kick stand down, but with it up in gear, and the clutch in, it won't start. I wonder if it's a safety "feature".</TD></TR></TABLE>

My bike will not start in gear with the stand down. my previous bike would not either.


edit: oh oops, reading pwns meee

 

Check the clutch position. After a friend cannabalized my clutch lever for his bike, we reinstalled the clutch lever assembly only to find that I could not start the bike in gear (it had to be in neutral) with the kickstand up. The problem was the clutch was not fully disengaging (or is that engaging...?).

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by marmaladeboy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Check the clutch position. After a friend cannabalized my clutch lever for his bike, we reinstalled the clutch lever assembly only to find that I could not start the bike in gear (it had to be in neutral) with the kickstand up. The problem was the clutch was not fully disengaging (or is that engaging...?).</TD></TR></TABLE>

Clutch is fully engaged when trying to start.

Edit: just tried it again, and it works after adjusting the slack in the clutch cable. Thanks for your help.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by SHystrdyGSRtdy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I attribute it to falling off my bicycle or slipping on a bicycle when riding over paint. There's A LOT less margin of error and harder to correct on a 400lb beast rather than a 25lb bike. I do cruise around the speed limit and around turns but it's to the point at where when I'm turning, I slow down to first gear and have to hold the clutch in when going around a turn with paint so I don't stall.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Alright, sounds like you got alot of paranoia going on. I've ridden bicycles since i was 4, heck, i road my bicycle to where i'm at now. I've never once slipped out on paint. The only time i've ever come close to low-siding on a bicycle was when my inside pedal caught the ground, lifted the rear wheel off the ground, and i ended up fish-tailing a little, but regaining control.

I really think you're probably being over cautious. You really don't need to get in to first gear for these corners. Post some pictures of your rear tire.

 

When going over painted lines, just remember one thing - be smooth. Don't jerk the bars, don't grab the brakes, don't slam open the throttle. Even if you are just neutral/maintenance throttle, you'll make it through just fine.

Good to know you've fixed your clutch problem.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by marmaladeboy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">When going over painted lines, just remember one thing - be smooth. Don't jerk the bars, don't grab the brakes, don't slam open the throttle. Even if you are just neutral/maintenance throttle, you'll make it through just fine.

Good to know you've fixed your clutch problem.</TD></TR></TABLE>

yea, i appreciate the advice/help.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by slvrblckrdRC51 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Alright, sounds like you got alot of paranoia going on. I've ridden bicycles since i was 4, heck, i road my bicycle to where i'm at now. I've never once slipped out on paint. The only time i've ever come close to low-siding on a bicycle was when my inside pedal caught the ground, lifted the rear wheel off the ground, and i ended up fish-tailing a little, but regaining control.

I really think you're probably being over cautious. You really don't need to get in to first gear for these corners. Post some pictures of your rear tire.</TD></TR></TABLE>


i'll post pics, but it won't show chicken strips. The guy i bought it from was a middle aged filipino man that loved the curves:









don't worry, i'll be wearing in the middle very nicely, thank you very much.

 

Middle-aged filipino? He rides around in the canyons with one arm, right? Usually wears a bandana?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by marmaladeboy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Middle-aged filipino? He rides around in the canyons with one arm, right? Usually wears a bandana?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Are you being serious? Well I don't think he rides with one arm, and I'm not sure about the bandana part, but I know he has an arai helmet (it was dark out, so i couldn't even tell what color it was but i know the helmet was light). the closest canyons to him is angeles crest. he's a real nice guy. he rides a scooter now.

 

Yeah, I was serious. There is one Filipino rider I see all the time in the canyons and even at a trackday once in awhile, and he seems to fit that description. Shot in the dark but you never know...

 

But yea, I gave my best description about him, so maybe he's not your guy?

Where in cali you from?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by SHystrdyGSRtdy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">But yea, I gave my best description about him, so maybe he's not your guy?

Where in cali you from?</TD></TR></TABLE>
I live about 7 miles from the Crest, so I've seen him once in awhile.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by marmaladeboy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I live about 7 miles from the Crest, so I've seen him once in awhile.</TD></TR></TABLE>

ahh.. yea, he lives in winnetka (never even heard of the place until i picked up the bike). i guess you guys have probably seen each other.